Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 541: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to make rural locations more readily accessible for tourists on shorter visits through the delivery of the extensive plans outlined in Transport 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47763/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Transport 21, the largest investment package ever in Ireland's transport infrastructure, is making a significant contribution to the ongoing development of Ireland's tourism industry. By improving and transforming transport links all around the country it gives visitors to Ireland greater options when it comes to travelling between our cities and accessing rural locations. Significant development of the national road network has taken place under Transport 21, improving access and reducing journey times around the country. One of the five major inter-urban motorways (the M1) is already completed, and the other four are on target for completion in 2010.

Improvements have also taken place in public transport. Iarnród Éireann is in the process of introducing new Intercity railcars across the network, bringing a new standard of comfort and quality to train travel. The Ennis to Athenry phase of the Western Rail Corridor and the Cork to Midleton rail lines are both scheduled to begin services in Summer of 2009. As part of a comprehensive package of investment in the bus network, Transport 21 is also funding new vehicles for Bus Eireann.