John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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73. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for capital expenditure in 2017 to increase public transport capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5757/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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In 2017 we will be investing €355m in public transport and sustainable transport infrastructure.

There are a significant number of projects underway and planned to increase capacity on our public transport network.  In 2017 projects such Luas Cross City and 10 minute DART frequencies will help manage the increasing demand on the light rail and heavy rail networks in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). The Luas Cross City project will commence operation before the end of 2017 and will provide for an estimated 10 million additional journeys per annum on the Luas network.  Other projects that are being progressed that will improve capacity on the rail network in Dublin and nationally include the City Centre Re-signalling Programme and the construction of a new Central Traffic Control Centre for the commuter and intercity rail network.  

Funding is also being provided for replacement and expansion of the PSO fleet with 110 buses to be purchased in 2017 for the Dublin region and 70 for the Bus Éireann PSO fleet. Funding is also being allocated for the development or upgrading of QBCs in both the GDA and in the regional cities.  As the Deputy will be aware, a mid-term review of the Capital Plan has been initiated and I will be making the case for increased funding for public transport in that context to cater for increasing demand for public transport as the economy continues to improve and to encourage people to get out of their cars and onto public transport and more sustainable forms of transport.