Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 47: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the integrated ticketing project will be completed; the cost of the project to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8546/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 47 together.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to public transport. Responsibility to develop, procure, implement, operate and maintain the integrated ticketing scheme in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) became a function of the National Transport Authority (NTA) with effect from 30th September 2010 with the commencement of section 58 of the Dublin Transport Authority (DTA) Act 2008. Furthermore in accordance with section 63(1) of the DTA Act 2008, the Authority has had extended to it the functions in relation to integrated ticketing schemes for all other areas of the State. Noting this I have referred the Deputies' questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 41: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the public transport system in Cork. [8620/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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A public transport feasibility study was commissioned by Cork City Council in 2008 for the Cork Metropolitan Area which was funded by my Department. The study known as CATS (Cork Area Transit System) sets out a public transport strategy to meet the public transport travel needs of the region up to 2020 and beyond. Amongst the key recommendations of the Study are:

the development of a west to east rapid transit corridor from Ballincollig to Mahon via the city centre and Docklands, with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) rather than Light Rail Transit (LRT) being the preferred option;

the phased implementation of an enhanced and reconfigured bus network; and

the implementation of a city centre Traffic Management Plan to improve accessibility to the city centre and the environment for public transport vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is currently examining the recommendations of the Study, as requested by my Department, in consultation as necessary with other appropriate bodies with a view to assessing and prioritising future public transport options for the Cork region, having regard to the current difficult budgetary position.

Some of the CATS Study's recommendations are already being funded under the Regional Cities Bus Priority and Park & Ride Programme, administered by the NTA, for which an overall allocation of €5.5 million has been provided in 2011 to the four regional cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. The Cork region has received €30.15 million under this programme since 2006. Cork City Council has been allocated €1.2 million in 2011, comprising €900,000 for the Ballincollig Green Route and €300,000 for the Carrigrohane Park & Ride facility.