Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 483: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the projects contained in the new national development plan that will be procured and commenced in 2007 in his Department; when they will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5792/07]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 484: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the large scale infrastructure projects which will be completed during the lifetime of the new national development plan within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5803/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 483 and 484 together.

The Deputy will appreciate that the National Development Plan 2007-2013 (NDP) is a strategic document setting out a broad investment framework and investment priorities, together with indicative financial allocations, for the next seven years. It does not contain a list of all projects to be undertaken in 2007, or indeed over the period of the NDP, although certain Chapters, including those on Regional Development, Economic Infrastructure and Social Infrastructure, refer to projects scheduled for delivery or progression between now and the end of 2013.

While I understand that other Ministers will be replying in respect of their own areas of responsibility, I can inform the Deputy that my own Department will be involved in the delivery of a range of programmes within the following priority areas:

Enterprise, Science and Innovation

Rural, Social and Economic Development Programme

Gaeltacht and Islands Development Programme

Social Infrastructure

Waterways Sub-programme

Social Inclusion

Local and Community Development Programme

My Department will also have an important role in relation to the horizontal themes of Development of the Rural Economy and All-Island Co-operation identified in the NDP. The majority of the expenditure under the aforementioned programmes will consist of a mix of current and capital support for locally initiated projects, which are important but of a relatively small-scale in a national context.

In terms of larger-scale projects, work is underway to explore the possibility of restoring the Ulster Canal to provide a major inland waterway for the border region. Under the Islands Sub-programme, resources will be concentrated on a flagship project, which is expected to commence in 2007, to implement major improvements to the piers and harbours of the three Aran Islands.