Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress of the integrated ticketing scheme for transport services in the greater Dublin area; when the Integrated Ticketing Scheme Project Board last reported to him; the target deadline for the full operation of a fully integrated ticketing scheme in the greater Dublin area; when a fully integrated real time information scheme will be in operation across the GDA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23311/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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In December 2006 the Integrated Ticketing Project Board submitted a comprehensive proposal setting out the timelines, scope and budget for the implementation of an integrated ticketing scheme for the Greater Dublin Area.

Based on this proposal, I am informed that the current position is that the integrated ticketing system will be launched on a phased basis on the services of Dublin Bus, LUAS and Morton's in September 2009. It will be extended to Irish Rail DART and commuter rail services within a further 12 months, and Bus Éireann on a pilot basis on a number of its commuter routes. It is also envisaged that other private bus operators will join the scheme over this period.

In December 2006, the Project Board put the expected capital cost of the integrated ticketing project at €49.6 million. This was based on pre-tender best estimates at that time in respect of a number of elements of the project. The final costs will become clearer when all public procurement processes are complete and tender prices are known.

In the light of the progress being made, it appears from the actual tenders received to date, as distinct from previous estimates, that the price is likely to be at a level higher than that provided for in the budget. The position will be clearer once procurements are finalised.

The Project Board last reported to me in February, 2008, covering the period October to January 2008. Another report is now due. I understand that this will be provided as soon as negotiations on the key back office contract are finalized. In the meantime, I am being kept appraised of ongoing developments.

In relation to integrated information, the Dublin Transport Authority, when established, will have responsibility for an Integrated Public Transport Information Scheme. In the meantime, real time passenger information is available on DART, suburban rail and Luas services. Both Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann are advancing with their plans for the introduction of real time passenger information.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 81: To ask the Minister for Transport the extent to which it is intended to proceed with the proposals contained in Transport 21; if it is expected to meet all targets within time and date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22730/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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At the launch of Transport 21, the Government identified the programmes and projects in the national roads, public transport and regional airports sectors that it wishes to see prioritised for implementation in the ten-year period from 2006 to 2015 within an overall capital provision of €34 billion. That objective has not changed.

Significant progress has been made on Transport 21 in its first two years and a number of projects have been completed, are under construction or are well advanced in planning terms.

Most national road projects are now being completed ahead of schedule and almost all of the projects opened in 2007 were on or ahead of time, while significant advances have been made on the development of public transport projects.

While the majority of projects will be delivered ahead of or in accordance with the indicative timetable published at the launch of Transport 21, the huge scale of the programme is such that adjustments to the timescale for individual projects is inevitable. The value of the ten-year financial framework is that it gives us the flexibility to deal with this in an effective way.

The necessary revisions to completion dates have arisen for a range of reasons including changes to the scope of projects arising from public consultation, planning issues, procurement issues and archaeological difficulties.