Written answers

Wednesday, 3 May 2006

Department of Transport

Public Transport

9:00 pm

Photo of Michael D HigginsMichael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 108: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress made to date on Transport 21 projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16232/06]

Photo of Ivor CallelyIvor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 312: To ask the Minister for Transport the measures which have taken place to progress transport 21. [16690/06]

Photo of Ivor CallelyIvor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 313: To ask the Minister for Transport if there have been delays to progressing any aspects of Transport 21, and if so, the reasons for those delays. [16691/06]

Photo of Martin CullenMartin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 108, 312 and 313 together.

In the four months since Transport 21 became operational, significant progress has been made. On Luas, I have received applications from the Railway Procurement Agency for two Railway Orders for Luas extensions to the Docklands and to Cherrywood.

The Public Inquiry in relation to the Cherrywood extension was held in March 2006 and the Inspector submitted his findings to me on 18 April, which I published last week. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001, I am now considering all of the relevant documentation in relation to the project, including the Inspector's report, and will make a decision on the application in due course.

The Inspector appointed for the Public Inquiry in relation to the proposed Luas extension to the Docklands has announced that the Inquiry will start on 29 May 2006. The Railway Procurement Agency is also well advanced with public consultation processes in relation to Metro North, the Luas spur to Citywest and the linking of the existing Luas lines in the city centre.

As regards heavy rail, the first phase of the DART Upgrade project was completed on time and within its budget. Delivery of the 67 new intercity carriages for operation on the Dublin-Cork route will be complete later this year and they will be introduced into service gradually, allowing Iarnród Éireann to provide a service every hour on the route by end 2006. The Public Inquiry for the Kildare Route project was held from 24 January to 2 February this year. The Inspector's report of the inquiry is expected in the coming weeks.

I expect to receive, shortly, a Railway Order application in respect of the re-opening of the railway line between Glounthaune and Midleton. Design of Glounthaune to Midleton section and the 3 new stations is ongoing.

On 9 March 2006 I launched the construction of the new Docklands rail station. Trackwork and the clearance of the site have begun and a planning application has been lodged with the Dublin City Council. Tender documents are currently being prepared and Iarnród Éireann hope to go to tender this month.

Planning permission has been received for the new intercity railcar depot at Portlaoise and contracts have been awarded. Construction is due to commence in October 2006, for completion in September 2007, in time for delivery of the first of the 150 intercity railcars.

Dublin Bus took delivery of 20 additional buses funded by the Exchequer in December and January. All 20 have entered service. An application from Dublin Bus for funding for 200 new buses is being assessed in my Department in the context of Transport 21, the future bus needs of the Dublin area and the Bus Network Review conducted by Dublin Bus and with regard to the outcome of discussions on the future regulation of the bus market.

Bus Éireann submitted a Development Plan to me for the next three years in late 2005 and based on that the company submitted an application for funding for the purchase of 295 buses over the same period. This is currently under consideration in my Department.

During 2006, the National Roads Authority expects to complete thirteen projects with a combined length of over 82 kilometres. In addition work is expected to commence on fifteen projects with a combined length of 334 kilometres. Already work has commenced in 2006 on the N5 Charlestown Bypass and the N25 Waterford Bypass. A list of the 2006 completions and commencements is seen in the tables.

Road Projects to be completed in 2006
Route Scheme
N2 Monaghan Bypass
N2 Ashbourne Bypass
N4 Edgesworthstown Relief Road
N7 Naas Upgrade
N8/N73 Mitchelstown Relief Road
N15 Ballyshannon/Bundoran
N21 Castleisland/Abbeyfeale
N25 Kinsalebeg
N25 Kinsale Road Interchange
N30 Enniscorthy/Clonroche
M50 Dublin Port Tunnel
N52 Mullingar Bypass
N55 Cavan Bypass
Road Projects to commence in 2006
Route Scheme
N3 Clonee/South of Virginia Bypass (PPP)
N4 Dromod Rooskey
N5 Charlestown Bypass
N6 Kinnegad/Athlone Phase 2
N7 Limerick Southern Ring Road Phase 2 (PPP)
N7 Nenagh to Limerick
N8 Cullahill/Cashel
N8 Cashel/Mitchelstown
N9 Kilcullen/Waterford (Northern Section) Phase 1
N9 Kilcullen/Waterford (Southern Section) Phase 1
N11 Enniskerry Junction Improvements
N11 Kilpeddar Delgany Jn. Improvements
N25 Waterford City Bypass
M50 M50 Upgrade Scheme Phase 2 (PPP)
N80 Mountmellick Relief Road

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