Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 241: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will acknowledge Resolution No. 2 of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly's plenary meeting at Cavan on 23 February 2010 (details supplied), if he will conduct a feasibility study in response to this resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10030/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Strategic Rail Review (SRR) set out priorities for future rail investment which provided an input into the development of Transport 21, my Department's investment framework. The SRR did not include the development of rail services in Cavan, Monaghan or Donegal in its recommendations. As a consequence, no capital provision for such rail development was included in Transport 21 and it is not a priority for investment in the current difficult economic situation. As I have previously indicated, the Programme for Government contained a commitment to commence preparation of a successor to Transport 21. It is in the context of such a successor Programme that consideration will be given to future transport investments.

I very much welcome any proposals regarding the advancement of public transport and am pleased to acknowledge the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly's interest in the possible development of public transport services in Fermanagh, Tyrone, Cavan, Monaghan, and Donegal. As the Deputy will be aware issues relating to cross-border public transport services are also discussed on a regular basis under the auspices of the North-South Ministerial Council. While there is no provision for funding for a study at present both Governments are committed to the development of cross-border public transport services and the matter will be kept under review.