Written answers

Tuesday, 4 March 2008

Department of Transport

Infrastructure Projects

9:00 pm

Photo of Dan NevilleDan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 331: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will issue a statement outlining his policy towards the mid west region; if he will provide the extra moneys which will deliver vital infrastructural projects such as key road and rail upgrades; and when he will meet chambers of commerce (details supplied). [8899/08]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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In relation to meeting the Chambers of Commerce I have written in response to their request indicating that a meeting would be arranged.

The Agreed Programme for Government foresees feasibility studies being completed within two years into Luas-style light rail systems in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.

My Department has agreed with the Limerick and Cork local authorities that the terms of reference for the proposed Mid West Area Strategic Plan and the update to the Cork Area Strategic Plan will include an examination of the feasibility of introducing light rail transit and/or bus rapid transit.

With a view to assisting Shannon Airport and the wider region to adapt to the new arrangements agreed in the context of the EU-US negotiations on Open Skies my Department undertook to prepare a Plan for the Mid West region to ensure that the region is well placed to respond to the challenges and opportunities emerging in the context of full liberalisation of the transatlantic aviation market under the Open Skies Agreement.

The Economic and Tourism Development Plan for the Shannon Catchment Area was approved by Government and published on 24 January 2008 by myself and the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism. The Report is available on the websites of both Departments.

In relation to roads, one of the key aims of the regional and local road investment programme is to support the implementation of the National Spatial Strategy and more balanced regional development across the entire country. In 2008, State grants totalling €58.688 million were allocated for regional and local roads to local authorities in the Mid West Region. In relation to the national roads programme the implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

The investment in roads is being complemented by substantial investment in public transport. Work on the Ennis-Athenry section of the Western Rail Corridor is due for completion in early 2009, and will provide a much needed link between Limerick, Ennis and Galway. The deployment of new inter-city rail cars will facilitate the future introduction of hourly peak and 2 hourly off peak services on the Limerick-Dublin line. Services on the Limerick-Nenagh line are also to be improved.

Bus Éireann, helped by funding under Transport 21, is in the process of renewing its fleet through the purchase of 235 new buses for deployment throughout the country including in the Limerick/Shannon region.

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