Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 132: To ask the Minister for Transport his strategic plan for the development of public transport in the south-east region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40449/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The strategic overall framework for land use and transport planning in the south-east region is the national spatial strategy and the south-east regional planning guidelines. In addition, the Waterford planning land use and transportation strategy, adopted by the three relevant local authorities, provides a sub-regional framework for Waterford city and environs, while development plans and local area plans at local levels must also be consistent with the National spatial strategy framework. The national spatial strategy, regional planning guidelines, and land use and transportation plans such as the Waterford planning land use and transportation strategy, were extensively taken into account by my Department in the development of the Transport 21 investment programme. Investment in upgrading the transport infrastructure in the south-east region has focused to a substantial extent on upgrading the road network including the N9 and N11. There has also been substantial investment however in the rail network between Dublin and Rosslare and Dublin and Waterford. Both lines have benefited from substantial investment of approximately €140 million since 1999 in upgrading the track to continuous welded rail, upgrading the signalling system and in improvement works on bridges, level crossings and fencing.

Iarnród Éireann has expanded services on the route in response to customer demand. This has facilitated an increased in services from four daily services on the Waterford line in 2003 to six daily services in 2008. Services on the Rosslare line services increased in 2007 from three services to four services daily. Both routes are also benefiting from the introduction of new InterCity railcars. This fleet of carriages for the entire national network will ultimately operate all on all services on these two routes. The trains are operated on one service daily in each direction on the Dublin-Waterford route and will be rolled out across both routes in early 2009. I understand from Bus Éireann that 35 of the 239 new buses it is purchasing will be deployed in the south-east region. In addition, my Department has approved funding to Waterford City Council for bus priority as well as for the carrying out of a public transport feasibility study for Waterford city, which will include an examination of the feasibility of rapid transit and an analysis of the bus network in the city and environs. I understand that a consultative committee regarding the feasibility study, convened by the city council, is due to take place shortly. This study is to be completed by mid-2009. My Department's rural transport programme is already operational in all counties throughout the south-east region.