Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 86: To ask the Minister for Transport the major capital projects which are being considered for deferral; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44615/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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A very extensive construction programme is currently underway and a number of additional projects were approved recently to go to construction, including the N18 Gort to Crusheen, the Citywest Luas extension and Phase 1 of the Navan rail line.

My priorities for investment in 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.

On the public transport side, the provision of increased capacity will be a key consideration in determining investment priorities. Given their potential to greatly increase capacity on the network, Metro North and the DART Underground are key projects.

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.

The planning of all other identified major transport capital projects is continuing and these will be released for construction as soon as they are through statutory procedures and as the available financial resources permit, consistent with the priorities I have outlined