Ahern vows to deliver plan on time, within budget

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern last night pledged to push through the sweeping 10-year transport overhaul on time and within budget.

Wed, 02 Nov, 2005 - 00:00

Shaun Connolly, Political Correspondent

Stung by criticism that the Government has let some major capital projects soar over cost, Mr Ahern insisted the Transport 21 agenda was a historic leap forward, but a deliverable one.

The Taoiseach described the €34.4 billion attempt to transform Ireland's transport network as the most significant investment of its kind in the history of the State.

Mr Ahern promised that "lessons had been learned from the past" and infrastructure programmes were now being completed in the time scale and price range intended.

"Transport 21 will transform our country. We were always going to be playing infrastructure 'catch-up' here," he said as he launched the initiative in Dublin Castle.

"We need and deserve a first class transport system in this country. So we have to move from far behind into the lead.

"With Transport 21, we are now moving into the fast lane."

However, the €34.4bn total was not broken down to give individual costings of particular projects.

Transport Minister Martin Cullen described the plan as "visionary, detailed, integrated and deliverable."

Minister for Finance Brian Cowen claimed that top class infrastructure was vital to Ireland's future competitiveness.

"Unless we make further improvements, our competitiveness will be eroded," he said.

Mr Cowen said that €16bn of the €26bn coming from the public purse was "new" money that had not previously been earmarked for transport projects.

Both ministers echoed the Taoiseach's vow that the project would not be allowed to go over budget.

Mr Cowen insisted that some of the major schemes would have to be brought before Cabinet to get specific approval to go forward to contract stage.

Mr Cullen said: "This is an ambitious programme. It presents many challenges but I expect all the agencies to deliver the programme in full, on time and within the budget.

"We aim to get value for money for every euro and bring in the project on time."

He added that an intensive system of monitoring would be put in place to ensure value for money and contract deadlines are achieved.

Tánaiste and Health Minister Mary Harney insisted the transport upgrade was vital if Ireland was to maintain a competitive economic edge.

Completion Dates

2006

Introduction of hourly services on Dublin-Cork rail route.

Dublin Port Tunnel.

2007

New Portlaoise train depot.

Delivery and introduction to service of 120 intercity railcars.

M1 Motorway.

M50 Upgrade (Phase1).