Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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57. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had discussions with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the provision of extra current and capital funding for transport in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29953/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I am in regular contact with my colleague, Paschal Donohoe, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the provision of funding for transport.  The existing capital plan provides almost €10bn for transport investment which is a significant portion of the overall capital envelope available to 2021 and underlines the importance of transport to Ireland's future growth and prosperity.

 A mid-term review of the Capital Plan is currently underway by Government to determine capital investment priorities over the remaining 4 years of the existing plan in the context of a growing economy, where congestion has the potential to impede that growth.  I have made a detailed and compelling case for increased investment in maintaining and developing our transport network to address congestion and facilitate economic activity throughout the country. 

I look forward to engaging more intensively with Minister Donohoe over the coming months in the lead up to Budget 2018 when final decisions will be taken by Government.  Transport is a key priority for Government and I am confident that it will be given the appropriate level of attention particularly in defining a new 10 year perspective for capital investment.

Separately, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has commenced an overall Spending Review, covering both capital and current funding.  My  Department’s input to that Spending Review will form part of the Government's deliberations on Budget 2018.