Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy should listen until I conclude my contribution. I will put him right on a number of matters.

I have endeavoured to continue the planning for all the public transport projects in Transport 21 and bring them to tender stage. None of them that was due to start next year is being postponed. The projects will continue to be planned and designed, and public consultation will continue to take place. They will be brought to tender stage as quickly as possible. I wish to ensure that the five major inter-urban routes are on target for completion by 2010. The €1.27 billion provision this year for public transport will maintain the momentum of our investment programme to date.

In addition, a number of important projects in public transport will be completed next year. Construction of the Luas extension from Connolly Station to Docklands will finish towards the end of the year. Phase one of the western rail corridor from Ennis to Athenry will be completed, allowing for the introduction of an inter-city service from Limerick to Galway and a commuter service from Athenry to Galway and the Cork-Midleton line will reopen, leading to a major extension of commuter rail services in Cork.

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