Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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243. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the best options for the development of modern rail and road transport to benefit all regions; the extent to which a review which is under way can be utilised to facilitate the rejuvenation of areas throughout the region deemed to be in need of improved infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30487/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The funding allocation for land transport during the life of the current Capital Plan is just over €10 billion.  Of this €3.6 billion is allocated to public transport. Decisions on the transport elements of the Capital Plan in the period to 2022 were framed by the conclusions reached in my Department's Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport (SFILT). The SFILT report highlighted the importance of maintenance and renewal of transport infrastructure together with some targeted investments to improve the existing network.

Due to constrained levels of funding available in the early years of the plan, the priority in this period is to ensure the safety and efficiency of existing transport infrastructure. Funding of €2.6bn has been prioritised for essential 'steady state' maintenance and asset renewal of the public transport network and €4.4bn is earmarked for essential maintenance and strengthening works on the road network.  A further €600m in the Capital Plan relates to  PPP projects and €860m is targeted at progressing a limited number of new roads projects.  The remaining €1bn of the total allocation available for public transport is being invested to help address growing congestion driven by the recovery and population growth.

As the Deputy is aware, a mid-term review of the Capital Plan has been initiated and I will be making the case for increased funding for land transport in that context. In addition, the role of heavy rail in Ireland's transport sector is currently under review.  As noted within the Rail Review Report, its analysis predates the finalisation of the National Planning Framework which is being developed at present under the leadership of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. It is obvious that, once agreed by Government, the approach which that Framework adopts toward land-use planning and settlement patterns for the country will have significant impacts on the potential of rail and other transport infrastructure and services into the future.  I look forward to the finalisation and adoption by Government in the coming months of the new National Planning Framework, which I believe will form an important context for my consideration of  issues raised by the Rail Review Report and any recommendations I will bring to Government in this regard.