Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this issue again. She is second to none in raising transport issues in the Limerick area in this House and possibly in the other House. I do not want to offend anybody by saying that but her persistence is commendable and is certainly noted in my Department.

As she will be aware, work is ongoing to develop a Limerick-Shannon metropolitan area transport strategy. The NTA is working in partnership with both local authorities in developing the strategy. This model has worked well in Galway and Cork. The Limerick-Shannon metropolitan area transport strategy will provide the strategic framework within which public transport will be improved in the area in the years ahead. This is in line with the objectives of Project Ireland 2040 and the need to plan for a sustainable future. If we are going to expand our cities, we need this sort of strategic transport planning.Project Ireland 2040 sets out both the planned spatial development and investment framework for the coming years. At a regional level, it will be supported through the development of regional spatial and economic strategies by each of the three regional assemblies and through metropolitan area transport strategies for the cities.

Investment plans under Project Ireland 2040 will be guided by these transport strategies including the Limerick-Shannon metropolitan area transport strategy. They will also be guided by wider Government policies to promote balanced regional development and social inclusion objectives. The Limerick-Shannon transport strategy will consider all transport modes and will consider what investment in infrastructure and services is required over the short, medium and long term to promote and encourage sustainable transport use. It will be aligned with existing investment plans under Project Ireland 2040 which already contains funding for projects in Limerick over the period to 2027.

Project Ireland 2040 commits to improving public transport across the country. In line with this commitment, the Limerick-Shannon metropolitan area transport strategy will evaluate the potential for a BusConnects-type investment programme for Limerick. Limerick will also benefit from other investments such as traffic management, bus priority and other smarter travel projects which will complement improved bus services as they are rolled out.

Project Ireland 2040 recognises that development of a strategic cycling network in Limerick is a key growth enabler for the city and the increasing levels of funding now available will support improved active travel infrastructure in the city. This investment will complement and support infrastructure developments already delivered in Limerick over the years 2012 to 2016 through the smarter travel areas programme.

The interurban rail network plays an important role in enhancing regional connectivity between our cities. Increased funding has already been secured for the heavy rail network over the period 2019 to 2023 which will see just over €1 billion invested in the maintenance and renewal of the network. That means we have reached the annual steady state level of funding which represents considerable progress on years gone by. This level of funding allows for expanded track relaying and ballast cleaning programmes which in turn lead to better journey times. Limerick will benefit from this investment. Next year we will also commence an evaluation of the economic benefits and value for money of high-speed rail on a number of interurban rail lines, including Dublin to Limerick Junction, against improvements to existing and planned line speeds along the line.

Turning back to the development of the strategy itself, I understand, as I believe the Senator does, that a public consultation will take place later this year and it is hoped that the strategy will be completed by the end of the year. As I have outlined, the strategy will form the strategic backdrop to future investment in Limerick’s transport over the next two decades and will be an important input into the mid-term review of the funding element of Project Ireland 2040. It is important to have that strategic backdrop as we consider future public investment. Infrastructure requires long-term planning and this is what the Limerick-Shannon metropolitan area transport strategy will seek to do. I look forward to its finalisation and adoption by the local authorities.