Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for Transport the extent to which he has revised or reviewed his capital spending programme with particular reference to Transport 21; if he has issued directives to the National Roads Authority with regard to prioritisation of specific projects; if all projects originally identified are expected to proceed as anticipated and outlined in the national development plan; if it is expected that expenditure will remain on target and the projects within schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39996/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 204: To ask the Minister for Transport if it is intended to deliver on time and within cost all road development proposals contained in Transport 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40346/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 205: To ask the Minister for Transport if it is his intention to proceed with, as planned and within the time scale identified, all aspects of Transport 21 as incorporated in the national development plan in respect of rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40347/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 118, 204 and 205 together.

My priorities for national roads are the completion of the major interurban network by 2010 and the progressive development of the Atlantic Road Corridor. I understand from the NRA that it is currently in the process of drawing up its programme of works for 2009 based on its funding allocation for the year. I cannot comment, therefore, on individual projects pending the outcome of that exercise.

The provision of increased capacity will be a key consideration in determining public transport investment priorities in the period ahead.

The adjustment 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.

I have also asked the implementing agencies to ensure that they continue planning work on Transport 21 projects so that a shelf of work is ready to start as resources become available.

The start and completion dates of national roads and public transport 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.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Transport when the integrated ticketing project will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39601/08]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress to date on integrated ticketing; the costs involved to date; the expected launch dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39911/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 148 together.

A smart card for public transport services in the GDA is available on Luas services. In recent months all buses in the Dublin Bus fleet have been fitted with smart card validators. Smart cards are now in use on these buses in respect of a number of ticket products such as annual and monthly bus tickets, annual and monthly integrated bus and rail tickets and 5-day rambler tickets.

From late next year, a single smart card will be introduced for ticket products on Dublin Bus and Luas services. This smart card will also have an electronic purse capability for use on both services.

This system will then 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 private bus operators will join the scheme over this timeframe. The new gating systems at Irish Rail stations in the GDA have been designed to handle the new smart card.

A total of €14.7 million has been paid out by the Exchequer on integrated ticketing since the inception of the project in 2002. This expenditure encompasses project management, design and development costs and operator contributions.

The Project is being rolled out progressively in line with international experience. The Chairman of the Integrated Ticketing Project Board has told me good progress is being made and that, while there are significant issues to be resolved, all parties are working together to see the scheme delivered in line with project timescales.