Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 87 together.

The launch of Transport 21 was a major boost to the future of rural Ireland. The investment of €34.4 billion will transform this country's transport network within a ten year financial framework and will deliver better and more balanced regional development. This will be achieved through improved road and rail services throughout the State and the expansion of the rural transport initiative, putting it on a permanent basis. The benefits include improved access, faster travel times, safer roads and better public transport. Transport 21 is essential because existing infrastructure requires improvement across the State. As I stated in a press release on 1 November 2005, these works will now provide the necessary major infrastructure for the west to reach its potential.

See this speech in context