Written answers

Tuesday, 19 July 2011

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Rail Network

10:00 pm

Photo of Michael ConaghanMichael Conaghan (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 543: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the factors that will be considered in determining whether the DART underground connection project will proceed; if the importance of bringing coherence and adding value to existing services and infrastructure will be given major weighting, as well as providing for suburban rail services in suburbs in the west of the city like Ballyfermot, Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20947/11]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) on 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. The legislative basis for this is Section 11 (1) (e) of the DTA Act 2008 "Principal Functions of Authority - The principal functions of the Authority are to secure the- provision of public transport infrastructure".

In relation to Government policy on public transport investment, the comprehensive review of capital expenditure is currently underway. This review, which takes place against a background of new funding realities, will examine the costs and benefits of current and proposed capital projects and programmes. as well as the overall economic impact and job creation potential. A major consideration for transport investment will be the need to prioritise funding to protect investment made to date and to maintain high safety standards. \this of necessity will restrict the funding available for new projects.

In relation to the large public transport projects in the Dublin area, such as DART Underground, the availability of funding, both from the Exchequer and private sources, will be a key consideration in the review as will the contribution to transport objectives, including the potential to add value to existing services, and employment creation potential. The outcome of the review on major projects should be available in September.

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