Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)

I thank the Deputy. The information she requested is available from the Department and I would be happy to provide it to her. The competition was delivered with independent assessment and was run in a very fair manner. The assessments were based on what was put forward by each local authority. Given the economic circumstances there was a restricted budget of only €23 million.

I am aware of the two applications to which the Deputy referred. The authorities concerned were very disappointed. I have had correspondence with various people in that regard across a wide political spectrum and beyond. What we have told people is that in regard to some of the funding the National Transport Authority has over the coming five years for Dublin city, it would look at the elements of the two bids they found most progressive and would try to ensure they were progressed.

In the instance of Drimnagh, the NTA has already provided an allocation of €150,000 to develop and deliver specific elements of its smarter travel bid. The precise elements to be supported under this grant will be worked out in conjunction with Dublin City Council. However, these are likely to include certain junctional configuration as well as other works that support pedestrian and cycle areas in the vicinity.

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