Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 219: To ask the Minister for Transport the extent to which the capital programme for his Department is likely to be used to generate economic activity with particular reference to the current climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42985/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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It is widely recognised that investment in transport infrastructure projects contributes to our economic growth. All transport projects are subject to cost benefit analyses, which must clearly demonstrate the returns and value for money of the investment. The Review of Infrastructure Investment Priorities for the years 2010-2016, which was published by the Department of Finance in July 2010, acknowledges the importance of further targeted investment in transport, stating that it has the potential to unlock productive capacity in the economy and enhance national competitiveness.

Estimates of the labour intensity of investment in transport infrastructure across the public transport and roads sectors are in the range of eight to twelve jobs created per €1 million invested. Having regard to the above, transport investment is targeted in the Capital Review published in July to continue to be the largest capital programme in the years up to 2016.