Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 428: To ask the Minister for Transport if Transport 21 is consistent with the recommendations set out for the north west in the national spatial strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35198/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Transport 21 has been developed with a view to supporting implementation of the national spatial strategy, NSS, for 2002-20, the purpose of which is to promote more balanced regional development.

In this regard, Transport 21 will deliver significant improvements in transport links both within the north-west and between it and other regions, including: improved connectivity along the western seaboard as a result of the development of the Atlantic road corridor — a strategic linking corridor identified in the NSS — linking Letterkenny, Sligo, Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford; upgraded NSS strategic radial corridors and other strategic roads from Dublin to the north west, including the upgrading of the N2, N3 and N4; targeted improvement of a number of national secondary routes that are particularly important for regional development, including the N56 Donegal coastal route and the N59 coastal route from Sligo via Westport to Galway; improved rail services on NSS strategic radial corridors between Dublin and Sligo-Westport; phased re-opening of the western rail corridor between Ennis and Claremorris and protection of the alignment from Claremorris to Collooney, which will facilitate balanced regional development and improve links between NSS gateways; enhanced regional and local bus services; and enhanced rural transport services due to the expansion of the rural transport initiative.