Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

It is appropriate to report on what has been already done. The ESRI report is broadly positive about what the plan has achieved. There are some comments about overruns and price increases that cause concern. This gave rise to some Ministers expressing their concerns as they have their own bailiwicks to protect.

Some of the reasons for the overruns must be taken into account. However, there are genuine reasons in many cases. Construction cost increases have been a factor. The ESIOP projected deflators of 6% per annum for the period 2000 to 2002 are 19% cumulative. Serious inflation of construction costs have been a factor. There was also some initial underestimation specifically identified in the Fitzpatrick road evaluation where the 1999 estimated costs were based on a plus 10% update of the 1996 roads needs survey. There was a 10% underestimation of the true costs increase between 1996 and 1999.