Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 170: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the proposed rail interconnector for Dublin city's rail services is a priority project; if he anticipates any delay in the implementation of this project due to budgetary constraints; if he has conducted any analysis of the benefit that such a project will have on commerce in the city and greater Dublin area as a result of reduced traffic congestion and increased efficiency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8721/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), such as the DART Underground, comes under the remit of the NTA. As regards policy in relation to major capital projects such as DART Underground, the Government has announced a full review of capital investment which will assess the merits and affordability of projects.

This review will take place against a background of the new financial reality. This reality means that the three large public transport projects in the Dublin area cannot proceed at the same time. The previous Government recognised this when it postponed the Dart Underground Tunnel to post 2014 following publication of the National Recovery Plan. Furthermore Dart Underground Tunnel like Metro North was being developed as a Public Private Partnership and there is currently much uncertainty about the availability of private funds for major projects dependent on Exchequer funding due to the sovereign debt situation.

I am however hopeful that one major rail or light rail project can be delivered but it is too early to speculate on which one. I can say that all realistic options for delivery of one project will be examined including on an incremental, phased basis and if possible with private funding. A comprehensive business case for the DART Underground has been completed and is available on the website of the National Transport Authority at www.nationaltransport.ie . An Bord Pleanála is currently conducting an oral hearing in relation to the application for a Railway Order for the Dart Underground Tunnel.