Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 April 2022
115. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an overview of national strategic outcome 2 of the National Development Plan 2021-30; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20754/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra131. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way that the revised National Development Plan will enhance regional accessibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20755/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 131 together.
The National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-30 is underpinned by 10 National Strategic Outcomes. National Strategic Outcome 2, enhanced regional connectivity, seeks to enhance intra-regional accessibility through improving transport links between key urban centres of population and their respective regions, as well as improving transport links between the regions themselves.
The Government is firmly committed to encouraging the use of walking, cycling and other active travel methods, and this has been signalled by the recent increase in the active travel budget, for example, through the continued rollout of the successful and popular Greenways programme throughout the country.
The Department of Transport launched the National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland (NIFTI) in late 2021 which sets out the prioritisation for future investment in the land transport network to support the delivery of the National Planning Framework (NPF). The NDP and NDF combine to form Project Ireland 2040.
Investment in the regional and commuter bus fleet will continue with the purchase of up to 400 new vehicles. A Strategic Rail Review was launched in late 2021, which will examine all aspects of the inter-urban and inter-regional rail network including decarbonising the railway, and the feasibility of higher speeds and increased capacity.
Under the NDP, the National Roads programme will continue to provide for improved connectivity across the years 2021-2030. Accordingly, there will be significant investment in the national road network across the next 10 years.
A total of 31 specific national road projects were identified as priorities in the NDP 2021-30. This is not an exhaustive list and these projects will progress through the relevant approval processes at different speeds depending on the particular nature of the projects. Funding from within the available budget will then be provided as necessary.
The completion of the new N4 Upgrade to Sligo provides an example of the kind of road investment being delivered under Project Ireland 2040.
