Mr. Gerry Murphy:

A number of private operators raised serious concerns about bus rapid transit. However, they were based on the misunderstanding that somehow they would be frozen out of the bus lanes. In fact, we will confirm in the next round of consultation that these are bus lanes for those who are legally entitled to be in bus lanes. We are trying to design the lanes and the stops so that the general bus movement will be there, but bus rapid transit will be able to operate at a higher frequency with fewer stops, thereby passing by buses which are pulled in at existing stops. The concern that has been raised is not a real one, therefore. I hope we will be able to get that across to them.

On the €65 million out to 2018, as with any construction project, one will have a tail payment - that is, the final release of payments on satisfaction with the project. That is what the allocation is solely due to.

On the point about investment, I note that the one programme I did not cover was the rail safety and maintenance programme, which covers the whole rail network across the State. The budget for that is approximately €100 million per annum, or €500 million over the relevant five-year period. One must look at the total transport sector and infrastructure taking account of that. We would like the regional cities programme to grow. The local authorities are particularly motivated to consider the options now, including bus, cycling and walking. We will be able to make a strong case to the Government that we should increase the programme. A key thing for rural Ireland is the subsidy for services. That is what keeps lightly used services on the ground and available to people. It is almost more important than infrastructure, in fact, and it is one programme we want to protect. The reconfiguration of rural transport and making it as efficient as possible is part of serving rural Ireland as best we can.