Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 143: To ask the Minister for Transport the extent to which Transport 21 represents an integrated air/sea/rail and road transport system; the extent if any, to which he has examined any weaknesses in the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26989/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Transport 21 is the Government's multi-billion investment programme, which provides for investment in our national roads and public transport network. Transport 21 is made up of two investment programmes – a national programme and a programme for the Greater Dublin area. The main objectives of the programmes are -

· to create a high quality, efficient national road and rail network consistent with the objectives of the National Spatial Strategy;

· to provide for a significant increase in public transport use in Dublin and provincial cities;

· to strengthen national, regional and local public transport services;

· to enhance safety and security facilities at the regional airports.

Due to the changed economic climate Transport 21 investment priorities have been reviewed. The priorities for future investment, which are set out in the Renewed programme for Government, are as follows: National road priorities o the progression of the Atlantic Road Corridor, and o the improvement of other key strategic routes. Public transport priority o increased long term capacity, particularly through – the construction of Metro North – the construction of DART Underground and the implementation of the associated electrification, signalling and rolling stock investments.

It is also a priority to continue planning other projects for earliest possible delivery when the economic situation improves. Transport 21 continues to provide the strategic framework for capital spending on transport infrastructure into the future.