John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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373. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the NTA will publish an integrated implementation plan for the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19052/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The NTA's "Transport Strategy for the GDA 2016-2035" provides the overarching framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the GDA over the next two decades. The measures proposed in the strategy are linked to an analysis of current and projected levels of travel demand across the region and also will be subject to a number of influencing factors including funding availability.

On the issue of funding availability, Budget 2018 provides for an increase in the multi-annual capital investment for public transport with a four-year capital envelope of €2.7 billion over the period 2018-2021.

The National Development Plan (NDP), which was launched earlier this year by Government as part of Project Ireland 2040, confirms a number of key investment priorities. These will be delivered progressively and steadily over the short, medium and long term, to deliver a comprehensive public transport network to match transport demand, alleviate congestion and deliver a range of benefits over the next decade.

In line with legislation, the NTA Strategy will be supported and given effect through a series of sequential shorter-term implementation plans that will set out the investment priorities and proposals over a six year period. Now that the National Development Plan and the National Planning Framework are published, the NTA are in a position to finalise a draft Integrated Implementation Plan for the next 6 year period. I understand that a consultation process on the proposed draft Plan will be commenced later this year after which the Draft Plan will be submitted for my approval.