Gerard Murphy (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 16: To ask the Minister for Transport the way in which his anticipated ten year transport infrastructure plan will interface with the existing programme of work outlined under the NDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15501/05]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 48: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress of the Government's consideration of the ten year transport investment programme; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15552/05]

Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 50: To ask the Minister for Transport the elements of future transport infrastructure he views as a priority in relation to his anticipated ten year transport infrastructure strategy; the advice he is receiving on the aspects of this strategy which should be prioritised; if any one body is ensuring that the forthcoming strategy will be fully integrated; his views on any possible conflicts of interest between possible road and rail infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15497/05]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Transport when he expects to announce his new ten year transport plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15773/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 48, 50 and 133 together.

The transport investment framework will build on the work already completed under the transport element of the NDP. It will also take account of the work already done on investment priorities under the current capital envelope to end 2009 and of the various strategic studies already completed by my Department and its agencies, including A Platform for Change, the Strategic Rail Review and the National Road Needs Study. More specifically, my Department has engaged with Córas Iompair Éireann, the Railway Procurement Agency, the National Roads Authority and the Dublin Transportation Office in order to identify the broad direction and priorities under the investment framework.

It is a fundamental requirement that in so doing we propose an integrated solution to the transport challenges facing us and not merely a sectoral response.

An outline of the draft investment framework is currently under active consideration by the Cabinet committee on infrastructure, housing and PPPs. I intend to bring proposals to Government in due course once the Cabinet committee has concluded its work and I have fully considered the advice of the Attorney General in relation to the implications of the strategic environmental assessment directive.

It is not possible to outline the specifics of the draft framework pending the completion of its consideration by the Cabinet committee and a decision by the Government. However, the broad direction is expected to be along the following lines: completion of the major inter-urban motorways by 2010 and the upgrading of the rest of the national road network over the period of the framework; transformation of the transport system in the greater Dublin area, with a particular focus on the public transport network; completion of the renewal of the national rail network, with a major focus on the provision of enhanced services; upgrading of the public transport services in provincial cities and in the regions; addressing the management of the demand for transport; ensuring the accessibility of the public transport system to people with disabilities; and mainstreaming the rural transport initiative into the transport investment programme.