P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for Transport the way the 7% cut in the public transport investment programme will affect the roll out of public transport infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39975/08]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 152: To ask the Minister for Transport the reason funding for public transport was cut by €70 million under budget 2009; the areas or programmes in his Department affected by the €70 million decrease in spending on public transport and the overall reduction of €154 million in the capital budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39832/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 152 together.

In the current difficult financial climate, all sectors of the economy have had to endure reductions in spending. The capital allocation for public transport in 2009, at €916.5 million, is considerably higher than the funding made available to the sector prior to the current year. In 2007, the capital allocation for public transport was €724 million while in 2006, it was €492 million.

The adjustment in the capital allocation for public transport in 2009 will necessitate a review of the priorities in the Transport 21 investment programme. The provision of increased capacity will be a key consideration in determining public transport investment priorities in the period ahead. All of the public transport projects currently under construction will continue on schedule and some, such as the Cork — Midleton line, Phase 1 of the Western Rail Corridor and the Luas extension to the Docklands, will be completed in the course of the year.

The adjustment in capital funding for public transport investment 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 next year. The start and completion dates of 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.

The other area of major capital expenditure in my Department is on roads. My priorities in this area 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 completion of that exercise.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Transport when he will allocate the 320 plus additional buses that are needed for the Dublin Bus fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39843/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The case for the allocation of further funding for the purchase of additional buses by Dublin Bus will be considered in the light of the outcome of the cost and efficiency review of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann which is under way.