The introduction of significant private sector funding has ensured earlier delivery of important national roads schemes which would not be possible through reliance on Exchequer funding alone. By increasing private investment in this sector, we will be able to further improve the rail system and, therefore, alleviate growing congestion, reverse growing car dependency, achieve balanced regional development and, above all, maintain our economic competitiveness. It will also help to roll out planned developments in the rail network earlier than might ordinarily be allowed if it was solely dependent on Exchequer funding.