Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 276: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will report on the Government's policy towards the mid-west region; and when he will sanction on the delivery of vital infrastructural projects such as key road and rail upgrades. [24697/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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One of the main factors influencing the prioritisation of projects for Transport 21 and the National Development Plan was the need to support the Government's National Spatial Strategy objectives. Consistent with this approach, a number of national road and public transport projects, which contribute to the development of the mid-west region, were identified for implementation. They include:

M/N7 Dublin to Limerick which is one of the major interurban routes and is due for completion by 2010.

N18 Ennis to Galway is part of the Atlantic Road Corridor, which will link Donegal and Waterford via Limerick. A decision was taken in the National Development Plan to accelerate construction of this corridor and construction on the N18 project will begin in 2008, 3 years ahead of schedule.

N21 is currently being upgraded in stages between Adare and Tralee.

Western Rail Corridor which will connect Ennis to Claremorris. Work has begun on Phase 1 between Ennis and Athenry, which facilitates the introduction of a Limerick-Galway service.

Bus Eireann have ordered 160 additional new buses to enhance existing non-commercial services and provide additional city and commuter services throughout the country. These new buses will gradually enter service in Limerick and other cities.

With the acquisition of a new fleet of Intercity railcars, Iarnród Eireann will enhance its services to the mid-west region. The new railcars will be gradually introduced into service from November 2007.