Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 163: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has had discussions with the Department of Finance in relation to the under spend on public transport and other transport infrastructure on the Border Midland Western region in relation to that promised under the existing National Development Plan; his proposals in relation to the way in which shortfalls can be overcome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21946/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is the Managing Authority for the Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme (ESIOP) and in that capacity chair the Monetary Committee on which the Department of Finance and other relevant agencies are represented. The Programme provides for a total capital investment of some €26 billion in key capital investment areas including national roads and public transport over the seven year period from the start of 2000 to the end of 2006. The Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme is the largest multi-infrastructural investment programme in the history of the State, accounting for almost 50% of total investment under the National Development Plan 2000-2006.

The total volume of investment originally envisaged for the BMW Region under the ESIOP was some €7 billion for the period 2000-2005. Annual spend in the BMW Region under the ESIOP has been rising progressively. In the year 2000 the spend in the region was €641 million. In the year 2005 the spend in the region had almost doubled to €1.12 billion. In cumulative terms expenditure in the region in the period 2000 to 2005 inclusive came to €5.4 billion. This represents 92% of the original forecast for the period of €5.9 billion, a very creditable performance over a period of 6 years.

Cumulative expenditure in the BMW Region in the case of national roads at €1.6 billion and in the area of public transport at € 283 million respectively represent 76 % and 63% of target. As regards national roads, there has been a significant ramping up of construction activity and related expenditure in the last few years. This momentum is being maintained.

The reason for the slow start in spending in the case of national road projects in the BMW Region is that in the early years of the Programme a smaller number of major projects were under construction or ready for construction in the region. To assist in advancing projects to construction as rapidly as possible, increased funding was provided for the planning and design of projects. Through the help of this funding there has been a sharp increase in the number and size of road projects brought forward to construction in the region. This is reflected in a record level of spend in 2005 of € 416 million, and in 2006 expenditure is expected to top this at €431 million. Substantial national road investment in the region will continue under Transport 21.

The BMW Region will see significant progress on public transport under Transport 21. For example it provides for the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor on a phased basis. Iarnrod Eireann has submitted to my Department business cases relating to Phase 1 (the reopening of the Ennis to Athenry section) and Phase 2 (reopening of the Athenry to Tuam section) and I will be taking my proposals on the matter to Government very shortly. The introduction of the intercity railcars which are currently on order will also permit the improvement of mainline rail services from Dublin to the region.

It should also be noted that, during this period, the BMW Region benefited from track renewal, resignalling, rolling stock acquisition and station redevelopment across the rail network which has contributed to the improvement of services for intercity customers.