Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 322: To ask the Minister for Transport if the disincentive for train users on the Kildare line south of Hazelhatch and the Maynooth line south of Maynooth in relation to fares are a cause of concern to him; the action he intends to take in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39293/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The structure of rail fares is a matter for Iarnród Éireann. As is common internationally, Iarnród Éireann operates two fare structures — a Dublin commuter area, which encompasses Balbriggan, Maynooth, Hazelhatch and Kilcoole, and the national network.

With the dramatic growth in longer distance commuting, issues have arisen in regard to fare arrangements between the two areas. These issues are most relevant around the boundary areas of the fare structures.

Iarnród Éireann has informed me that it intends undertaking a thorough review of ticketing and fare practices, which will be wide-ranging, and will encompass this issue amongst others. The review is due to start in early 2006.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 323: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the extent of housing development in the Kilcock area in County Kildare; the plans he has to match the land use with transport provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39296/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Transport 21, which was announced on 1 November, sets out the framework for investment in transport over the next ten years. Transport 21 takes account of the linkages between transport and land use and spatial planning so as to develop a transport system that contributes to sustainable development in all its dimensions, economic, social and environmental.

In particular development of Transport 21 was informed by and supports the policies set out in the national spatial strategy. It also takes account of the regional planning guidelines adopted during 2004 and supports a number of regional land use and transportation strategies for the cities, such as the Dublin Transportation Office's long-term strategy, A Platform for Change.

Accordingly, strategies are in place at national and regional-local level to ensure that land use and transportation planning and investment are undertaken in a co-ordinated manner designed to achieve a better quality of life for people.

Under Transport 21 the greater Dublin area, which includes Kilcock, will benefit from the development of an integrated network of bus and rail services that will facilitate ease of interchange and enhanced mobility opportunities for public transport users throughout the greater Dublin area.