Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 258: To ask the Minister for Transport the public transport infrastructure projects he expects to start within the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28784/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The planning and implementation of public transport infrastructure upgrade projects is a matter for the implementing agencies. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that it intends to commence work on the Clonsilla/Dunboyne section of the Navan Rail Link and the City Centre and Maynooth line re-signalling projects within the next 12 months.

The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) was granted a Railway Order in June 2008 by An Bord Pleanála in respect of the proposed Luas extension to Citywest. Subject to the Railway Order becoming enforceable in mid August, the RPA expect that construction on this project will commence in the Autumn. The RPA will also commence substantial advance enabling works on the Metro North PPP project in 2009. The above is in addition to construction already taking place on other RPA and Irish Rail projects.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 259: To ask the Minister for Transport the transport projects that are not being prioritised in view of comments by An Taoiseach during Taoiseach's Questions on 2 July 2008 that the National Development Plan projects will be prioritised according to the potential return; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28785/08]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 271: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will confirm that projects under Transport 21 will be delivered to County Clare as outlined; his plans to review projects under Transport 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29011/08]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 286: To ask the Minister for Transport the target completion dates for each individual project in Transport 21; the estimated cost for each of these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29071/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 259, 271 and 286 together.

At the launch of Transport 21, the Government identified the programmes and projects in the national roads, public transport and regional airport sectors that it wished to see prioritised for implementation in the ten-year period from 2006-2015 within an overall capital provision of €34 billion. That objective has not changed.

Significant progress is being made on Transport 21 and a number of projects have been completed, are under construction or are well advanced in planning terms.

The value of the ten-year financial framework provided by Transport 21 is that it gives us flexibility to keep the programme under ongoing review and to make adjustments to that programme in an effective manner, taking account of all relevant factors. For example there have already been revisions to some completion dates because of changes to the scope of projects arising from public consultation, planning issues, procurement issues and archaeological difficulties.

Both my predecessor and I have consistently taken the view that, in the interest of the taxpayer and in ensuring that Transport 21 is achieved within budget, the cost of individual projects should not be released until the public procurement processes have been completed. The publication of such commercially sensitive information prior to the completion of the procurement process.