Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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282. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of implementing in full the swiftway bus rapid transit plan put forward by the National Transport Authority; the cost of implementing the Swords to city centre plan only; the cost of implementing the UCD to Blanchardstown plan only; the cost of implementing the Clongriffin to Tallaght plan only; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36275/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for developing public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects. 

Under this statutory remit the NTA,  in its Implementation Plan 2013-20, has identified that BRT schemes could play a significant role in the improvement of public transport in the Dublin region and has accordingly proposed three BRT schemes for Dublin, of which the Swords/ Airport corridor has been prioritised.  However the Plan also states that implementation of the schemes is subject to availability of funding.

I have made no  decision as regards  the development of these routes as yet and no formal application or request has  been received in that regard by my Department  from  the NTA. 

I will however be considering  the BRT option as well as other competing projects for the Dublin region having regard to the outcome of studies underway on the other major public transport projects proposed in recent years for Dublin  and in the context of priorities and funding available under the next capital plan.

The NTA have advised me that preliminary estimate ranges for the three BRT routes are as follows:

- Swords/Airport to City Centre - €150 million to €200 million;

- Blanchardstown to UCD - €150 million to €200 million;

- Clongriffin to Tallaght - €200million to  €250 million