Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

As the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in respect of public transport. Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority, NTA, on December 2009, the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the greater Dublin area, such as metro north, the DART underground, a DART link to the airport and Luas BXD, fall under the remit of the NTA.

Regarding Government policy on public transport investment, the comprehensive review of capital expenditure is under way. This review is being overseen by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and takes place against a background of new funding realities. It is examining capital programmes and projects, taking account of their overall economic impact and job creation potential. The level of funding available for public transport investment from 2012 to 2016 will depend on the outcome of this review. A major consideration for transport investment during the next five years will be the need to prioritise funding to protect investment made to date and to maintain high safety standards.

Regarding large public transport projects in the Dublin area, the availability of funding, both from the Exchequer and private sources, will be a key consideration in the capital review, as will the contribution to transport objectives, including the potential to add value to existing services and create employment. The outcome of the review should be available in the next few weeks.

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