Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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I acknowledge that I have raised this issue with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport previously but I am looking for an update on the proposed Limerick-Shannon metropolitan area transport link. Limerick is the third largest city in the country and is expanding at an significant rate. Many companies have shown interest not only in Limerick but in the region. It is all about Limerick being the driver of the region. To do that, a proper transport system and connectivity between our airport and the city is needed. We have the second largest port in the country in Shannon Foynes Port so we need connectivity. While strategies for Dublin and Cork have been announced, there is no update about what is happening with Limerick.

On the previous occasion we had this debate, the Minister referred to the cycling strategy. This also needs to be included in the strategy. With Shannon Airport on our doorstep, it is important that we have proper connectivity between the city and outlying areas in the county because we are all part of one local authority with a population of approximately 200,000 and the city is growing at a significant rate. I hope the Minister has some good news for us because a public consultation was due to take place earlier in the year but there has been nothing to date. It is frustrating to see the amount that has been spent on BusConnects in Dublin, with developments relating to Cork to be announced, but yet there is no update regarding Limerick so I look forward to hearing what he has to say.

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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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.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister. It is good news that this will happen before the end of the year. Many companies are considering investment or expansion in Limerick and the greater mid-west region. We need a proper transport system put in place as quickly as possible. I believe the Minister understands the importance of that, but it is also important to get it right. We need to be a counterbalance to Dublin, which is outgrowing its capacity. In view of expansion in the region, the Limerick-Shannon metropolitan link is most welcome. I would like the Minister to keep the pressure on to make it happen sooner rather than later. It needs to be announced as soon as possible and plans put in place to develop it in a proper manner that will benefit not only Limerick but the region.

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I understand and sympathise with the Senator's obvious impatience, which is perfectly natural in this situation. We need to go through several processes.

I could give her an update on what is happening with active transport projects. I do not intend to read it all into the record. I have a list here which, with the permission of the Cathaoirleach, I will give to the Senator and she can use as she feels is useful. It covers things like: the Dublin Road bus corridor; Parnell Street-Davis Street phase 1, which is active travel obviously; the Catherine Street-Roches Street junction improvements; Parnell Street, Davis Street to Roches Street; the Grove Island roundabout improvement works; Raheen roundabout to Quinn's Cross and Fr. Russell Road; the O'Connell Street upgrade; and the Castletroy greenway.

We can also give her an update on the M20 from Cork to Limerick. I will hand this to the Senator because it would take too much time to read out all the detail. It might be of help to her.I thank her for the contribution she has made to advancing these projects.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister.