Cuts in funding and effects on public transport

Date: 12 November 2008


Dáil Question Nos: 152 & 136_ To ask the Minister for Transport the reason the Government cut funding for public transport by €70 million under Budget 2009; the areas or programmes in his Department affected by the €70 million decrease in spending on public transport and the overall reduction of €154 million in the capital budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. - Ruairí Quinn. (Nominated by: Thomas P. Broughan). To ask the Minister for Transport the way the 7% cut in the public transport investment programme will effect the roll out of public transport infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. - P. J. Sheehan. (Nominated by: Fergus O'Dowd).

Answered by Noel Dempsey T.D.
Minister for Transport

REPLY

I propose to take Questions 152. and 136 together.

In the current difficult financial climate, all sectors of the economy have had to endure reductions in spending. The capital allocation for public transport in 2009, at €916.5 million, is considerably higher than the funding made available to the sector prior to the current year. In 2007, the capital allocation for public transport was €724 million while in 2006, it was €492 million.

The adjustment in the capital allocation for public transport in 2009 will necessitate a review of the priorities in the Transport 21 investment programme.

The provision of increased capacity will be a key consideration in determining public transport investment priorities in the period ahead.

All of the public transport projects currently under construction will continue on schedule and some, such as the Cork – Midleton line, Phase 1 of the Western Rail Corridor and the Luas extension to the Docklands, will be completed in the course of the year.

The adjustment in capital funding for public transport investment will not have a significant effect on the roll out of the Transport 21 public transport programme and will not result in the postponement of the start of construction of any public transport project next year.

The start and completion dates of public transport projects, which have not yet commenced, will be determined by the funding allocation available during the current difficult economic climate. The commencement dates for these projects will also be influenced by the time taken for public consultation, the relevant statutory process and the procurement and contract award processes.

The other area of major capital expenditure in my Department is on roads. My priorities in this area are the completion of the major interurban network by 2010 and the progressive development of the Atlantic Road Corridor. I understand from the NRA that it is currently in the process of drawing up its programme of works for 2009 based on its funding allocation for the year. I cannot comment, therefore, on individual projects pending the completion of that exercise.