Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:63. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide a light rail service to Cork city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29958/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 28 June 2017
Ceisteanna (63)
Freagraí scríofa
There are currently no plans to develop a light rail system in Cork. The focus of the €3.6 billion investment in the Public Transport Capital Programme over the 7-year period of the Capital Plan, particularly in the early years, is on achieving essential steady state maintenance of our public transport network to ensure that it remains safe and fit for purpose.
Funding is provided under the Capital Plan for public transport projects and accessibility programmes in the Regional Cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. These programmes are administered by the National Transport Authority and fund projects such as bus lanes, green routes, cycle lanes, safety measures for pedestrians/cyclists and to upgrade public transport infrastructure and facilities to help improve transport accessibility. Over €70m has been allocated over the period of the Capital Plan for projects under the Regional Cities and Accessibility programmes.
The public transport needs of Cork will be kept under review in the context of on-going public transport planning and available funding. The Deputy will be aware that a mid-term review of the Capital Plan is currently underway. I will be seeking to significantly improve the funding available for public transport over the remaining years of the Plan in order to meet increasing demand, tackle congestion in our cities in particular and to help deliver on meeting our climate obligations by reducing emissions from the transport sector.