Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 665: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to make rural locations more readily accessible for tourists on shorter visits through the delivery of the plans outlined in Transport 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29324/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Transport 21, the largest investment package ever in Ireland's transport infrastructure, is making a significant contribution to the ongoing development of Ireland's tourism industry. By improving and transforming transport links all around the country it gives visitors to Ireland greater options when it comes to travelling between our cities and accessing rural locations. Iarnród Éireann is in the process of introducing new Intercity railcars across the network, bringing a new standard of comfort and quality to train travel. As part of a comprehensive package of investment in the bus network, Transport 21 is funding 239 new vehicles for Bus Éireann.

Transport 21 is also providing investment in the six regional airports, to be used principally to enhance safety and security and for terminal and runway extensions. Transport 21 is also investing in the national roads network, with one of the five major inter-urban motorways (the M1) already completed, and the other four on target for completion in 2010.