Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

There is a great deal going into the north west as the Deputy knows. Under Transport 21, the total spend on the national roads development programme in 2007 will be €1.543 billion. This, together with private sector funding of some €540 million will maintain the high level of investment in this major infrastructural programme.

The level of funding being provided will allow the pace and momentum of the programme to be maintained during 2007. Several roads projects will be completed next year, including the N1 Border to Dundalk, the N6 Kinnegad-Tyrellspass-Kilbeggan and the bypasses of Castleblayney and Gorey. Six projects, with a combined total length of more than 200 km will begin construction during the year. These are the public private partnerships, the N3 Clonee-Kells, phase 2 of the M50 upgrade, the N7-N8 Portlaoise-Cullahill bypass, the N9 Knocktopher to Waterford, and the N6 Galway-East Ballinasloe. The N4 Leixlip-M50 junction will also begin next year. A further 12 projects will continue in construction including the N6 Kilbeggan-Athlone, the N8 Cashel-Mitchelstown and bypasses of Charlestown, Carlow and Waterford City.

The 2007 Estimates will continue to provide for regional airports, aviation consultancies, air accident investigation insurance and payments to the Irish Aviation Authority. Regional airports provide a significant level of access to their catchment areas for tourist and business traffic and thereby contribute to balanced regional development. During 2007, my Department will contribute €15 million to support public service obligation flights between Dublin and the regional airports to underpin this role.

An important development during 2006 was the launch of a capital expenditure grant scheme for these airports. The proposals received under the scheme from the regional airports are being assessed and I hope to announce the allocations to the individual airports by the end of the month. A sum of €11 million is being provided in 2007.

I also envisage that at the same time, I will be in a position to announce the allocation available under a separate scheme, which I launched this year to provide for annual subvention of the operational expenditure incurred by these airports in providing core airport services.

In 2006, funding associated with the Department's marine sector ensured the continuation of vital work related to the Irish Coastguard and maritime safety generally. Almost €45 million in 2007 will be allocated to the marine sector to enhance these functions. The Irish Coast Guard has responsibility for search and rescue in addition to marine pollution and salvage response. The 2007 capital allocation of over €2.8 million provides for continued investment in this building programme in addition to providing for the upgrading and expansion of the Irish Coast Guard's radio communications network. The total funding provision for the Irish Coast Guard in 2007 is almost €33 million.

One of the key aspects of the maritime safety function is accident prevention through an appropriate combination of regulation, heightening of safety awareness and enforcement. The 2007 Estimates will provide for a grant to the Commissioners of Irish Lights and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. It also provides for funding towards the new aids to navigation vessel, The Granuaile, the national network of marine data buoys and the redevelopment of the headquarters of the Commissioners of Irish Lights in Dún Laoghaire.

For over two years, the Department has also been funding works to protect the fabric of our regional harbours. The resources available have been concentrated on essential remedial works pending the transfer of the harbours to local control. In 2006, funding was allocated to harbour works at Sligo, Westport, River Moy, Tralee and Fenit. The funding of €4.2 million for 2007 will ensure the continuation of a similar programme of works.

An increase of 21% in the capital investment in transport is a major commitment by the Government to bringing Transport 21 to life, upscaling and taking a quantum leap into the future.

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