Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 202: To ask the Minister for Transport the projects that were targeted in the last National Development Plan in County Wexford; the breakdown of each one completed or the stage that each project is at; the overspend envisaged and an explanation for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3149/07]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 203: To ask the Minister for Transport the investments outlined in the last National Development Plan in County Wexford; the plans and investments that have been completed, that are on-going or did not progress from planning stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3160/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 and 203 together.

The National Development Plan 2000 to 2006 (NDP) included provision for major improvements on the N11 and N30 routes through the county. I understand from the National Roads Authority, who have overall responsibility for the planning, design, construction and maintenance of national roads works, that the N11 bypass of Gorey is due to open later this year. This means that the N11 route will have been substantially upgraded along almost its entire length from Dublin to just south of Gorey by the end of this year. A 5 km section of the N30 was upgraded and opened in April of 2006.

The main railway projects impacting on County Wexford in the NDP related to upgrading the track and associated infrastructure on the Dublin to Rosslare Europort line. Over the past 5 years approximately €86m was spent on the Dublin to Rosslare route. While Iarnród Éireann does not maintain records of expenditure on a county basis the bulk of the expenditure was incurred between Bray and Rosslare Europort and, based on mileage, approximately 60% of the expenditure would have been in County Wexford.

The entire Dublin to Rosslare Europort line was renewed with modern continuously welded rail during the period of the NDP. In addition, significant investment was also made on associated infrastructure such as bridges, level crossings, fencing and coastal defence. Work is also under way on re-signalling the line and this project will be completed by Autumn 2007.

The rolling stock on the line has been replaced with modern diesel railcars and these will be further upgraded to InterCity railcars in 2008. A new commuter rail service was introduced from Gorey to Dublin.

Two projects approved for aid did not progress beyond planning stage and were cancelled by the promoters.

The New Ross Port Company was approved for 35% grant aid for the construction of a €3.365 million wharf development. Stafford Shipping, a private company operating in New Ross port, received approval for 18% grant aid to a maximum of €0.240 million for a project to purchase a crane and construct a warehouse.