Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour)
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1658. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the €7 million investment programme for public transport announced in May; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32091/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The development of public transport infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) comes under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA).  The NTA also manages the Regional Cities and Accessibility Grants public transport programmes on behalf of the Department.  

Under the Stimulus Package announced by the Government in May 2014, €7 million was allocated to the NTA for a variety of public transport projects both in the GDA and throughout the country. The purpose of the funding, which was part of the Government’s overall €200 million stimulus package, was to create employment and boost the public transport system.

 In July of this year, I announced an additional €100 million investment programme for the transport, tourism and sport sectors for 2015 bringing my Department's overall capital envelope for the current year to €1.07 billion.  Of this additional €100 million, €60 million was allocated to public transport to help address the significant under investment in public transport during the economic downturn.

I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply to provide more detail on the specific projects to which this funding has been allocated.  I ask him to advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within 10 working days.