Written answers

Wednesday, 20 September 2017

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Budget 2018

Photo of Michael FitzmauriceMichael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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606. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department will increase the funding for the local transport sector in budget 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39223/17]

Photo of Michael FitzmauriceMichael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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608. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason Dublin is getting more funding for transport infrastructure than other regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39225/17]

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 606 and 608 together.

As part of the 2018 estimates process, my Department is currently finalising a submission to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform outlining priorities for funding in 2018.  When my Department's allocation is confirmed, decisions will be made regarding appropriate level of funding for all programmes under my areas of responsibility.

As you are aware my Department is responsible for many programmes that involve investment throughout the whole country e.g. various road schemes, Tourism measures, Sports Capital Grants, Greenways, etc.

As regards road transport infrastructure, the four Dublin Councils became self-funding for regional and local roads under the main road grant categories from 2015 as a result of the arrangements in place in relation to Local Property Tax receipts. This  means  that State grant funding for regional and local roads is  primarily directed to local authorities outside Dublin.  Provision was made in the current Capital Plan for a strategic scheme to  upgrade roads in the vicinity of Grange Castle Business Park. This project together with the  Naas Bypass Widening/Sallins Bypass scheme are the only major road upgrades in the Greater Dublin Area provided for in the Capital Plan. All other major road improvement projects are outside of the Greater Dublin Area. 

The focus of the €3.6 billion investment in the Public Transport Capital Programme over the 7-year period of the Government's Capital Plan, particularly in the early years of the Plan, is on achieving essential steady state maintenance of our public transport network to ensure that it remains safe and fit for purpose. 

It is not possible to draw a clear line between investments in the Greater Dublin Area and outside of Dublin in all cases.  Approximately €1.3bn of the overall funding for public transport over the period of the capital plan is required for maintenance of the heavy rail network which benefits all areas of the network.

A further €250m approximately is provisionally allocated for other improvements to the heavy rail network.  While this includes almost €70m for phase one of the DART expansion programme and €30m for other heavy rail projects in the Greater Dublin Area, over €150m is allocated for the City Centre Re-signalling project, development of the Central Traffic Control Centre and ticketing programmes which will deliver benefits across the whole rail network.

The light rail network in Dublin, including completion of Luas Cross City, and new Metro North will receive approximately €1bn over the period of the capital plan.

Over €800m is provisionally allocated for development of the bus system throughout the country.  Funding is also provided to continue development and further roll-out of the Leap Card Scheme over the period of the capital plan.  The scheme is now available in the regional cities and the Greater Dublin Area and is being rolled out nationally on a gradual basis.  The capital plan also provides over €70m for sustainable transport projects in the regional cities and accessibility programmes.   

My Department continues to provide funding to local authorities throughout the country through the Smarter Travel and Active Travel Towns programmes, which help deliver transport infrastructure, including cycle lanes, to areas outside of the Greater Dublin area.

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