Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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863. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which a study has been carried out of the public transport sector in County Kildare, with particular reference to the need to address any deficiencies, in respect of the daily frequency of rail and bus services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22815/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​The Deputy is aware that the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 - 2035 was published by the NTA in April 2016. The Transport Strategy is a statutory document and provides an evidence based approach toward transport planning and service delivery across all of the Greater Dublin Area, including County Kildare over the period to 2035.

The Strategy outlines a range of recommended measures in relation to public transport provision in County Kildare including further improvements to the Kildare rail line and development of a core regional bus corridor along the M7 / N7 which will facilitate improved regional bus service access from County Kildare. The NTA is now preparing an implementation plan to outline delivery of the Strategy's objectives over the next 6 years and I expect a public consultation on that plan will commence in due course.

As regards short term priority measures for commuters in Kildare, the Phoenix Park Tunnel project which will cost approx. €13 million will be completed in late 2016. The project will see commuters on the Kildare to Dublin Heuston line have the option of direct trains to Connolly, Tara St, Pearse and Grand Canal Dock Stations from late 2016. The new rail services will provide an attractive alternative for private motorists who currently commute into the city from Kildare along the busy N7 and N4 road corridors.

In addition to the above, the NTA's Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) Programme provides funding to the seven local authorities in the GDA, including Kildare County Council, for the implementation of various sustainable projects of a small scale. The Programme facilitates investment in the various cycling/walking, QBCs, safety, integration and traffic management projects throughout the region.

Under the Programme funding of €1.4m is being provided in 2016 to Kildare County Council. This includes funding for the construction of a public transport hub on Naas Main Street, to encompass redesigned bus stopping areas, new bus shelter, real time passenger information signs, seating, planting, cycle stands, transport/tourism information panels, paving and street furniture improvements