Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 47: To ask the Minister for Transport if Transport 21 will meet its final completion dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26719/10]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 69: To ask the Minister for Transport the projects identified for completion to date at the time of his announcement and launch of Transport 21; the extent to which these and similar projects are on target in terms of projection and cost; the extent to which the necessary funding is available under each heading and as required or otherwise; if it is anticipated that all the projects initially identified are proceeding in line with expectation, those that are not and the reason for same; when it is expected that all such projects will be back on course; if he intends to reprioritise any identifiable projects; the effect that this is likely to have on the programme and costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26913/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 69 together.

Very substantial progress has been made on Transport 21 since 2006:

· The five major inter-urban motorways and the M50 upgrade will be completed this year.

· The Irish Rail fleet has been renewed.

· The Cork-Midleton line and the first phase of the Western Rail Corridor have opened and the first phase of the Navan line will open later this year.

· The Kildare railway line has been upgraded and a number of new Dublin suburban stations have opened.

· The Luas Docklands extension opened last December and Cherrywood and City West are well advanced.

· Over 500 buses have been purchased.

The Transport 21 investment framework runs until 2015. However, because of the changed economic circumstances, it is now likely that not all of the projects originally identified in Transport 21 will be completed by 2015. Therefore transport investment priorities have been reviewed. These priorities, which are set out in the Renewed programme for Government, are as follows: Future 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. No projects have been cancelled and Transport 21 continues to provide the strategic framework for capital spending on transport infrastructure into the future.