Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

There were five key projects due for completion by the end of 2008 under Transport 21. The spend will reach almost €8 billion. The projects are the joining of the Tallaght and Sandyford Luas lines in the city centre; the Luas extension from Connolly Station to the Docklands; the Luas extension from Tallaght to Citywest, which is subject to developer contributions; the Cork commuter rail service to Midleton; and the Ennis-Athenry rail line. None of these will be completed, as was envisaged, by the end of 2008. The Department of Transport has said it is prioritising various schemes, which means it is pushing back other projects which have not reached contract stage. Given that Ireland has dropped from 55th place in 2007 to 64th place in 2008 out of 134 countries in the global competitiveness report dealing with the quality of overall infrastructure, is the Taoiseach concerned this startling fact alone damages the business environment and business attractiveness of Ireland?

I refer to the cross-departmental team on housing, infrastructure and public private partnerships. What are the implications for Transport 21, which had a definitive end date of 2015? Is it the view of the Taoiseach and the team that the completion date can still be met, or will many of the projects never see the light of day? What will happen projects involving contracts which are not yet signed? Is it envisaged these will be delayed forever and a day? Does the Taoiseach see all proposals in Transport 21 reaching contract stage?

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