Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for Transport the revised timeline for all Transport 21 projects; when planning, construction and operation phases are due to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36302/08]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Transport the effect the €70 million cut in the public transport investment programme budget will have on Transport 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36303/08]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 121: To ask the Minister for Transport if 2015 is still the completion date for all Transport 21 projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36304/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 to 121, inclusive, together.

Following on from the Budget announcement, by the Minister for Finance, of the capital funding available to my Department in 2009 and the coming years, I will keep the priorities and timescale for Transport 21 projects under continuing review. The provision of increased capacity will be a key consideration in determining public transport investment priorities in the period ahead.

The reduction in capital funding in 2009 will not have a significant effect on the roll out of the Transport 21 public transport programme and will not result in the postponement of the start of construction of any public transport project.

Thirty-seven projects have already been completed since the beginning of Transport 21 in 2006 and twenty-five are currently under way. A list of these projects is provided as an Appendix.

The start and completion dates of projects, which have not yet commenced will be determined by the funding allocation available during the current difficult economic climate. The commencement dates for these projects will also be influenced by the time taken for public consultation, the relevant statutory process and the procurement and contract award processes.