Government set to approve €20bn transport package

THE Government is set to approve a road and rail transport package of up to €20 billion next month, it emerged yesterday.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has already said that sorting out our transport infrastructure over the next decade is one of his top priorities.

The 10-year plan to transform the country’s infrastructure network will include a rapid rail link to Dublin Airport and a €1 billion underground rail link between Connolly and Heuston Stations.

Transport Minister Martin Cullen will put the final touches to the plan before Cabinet approval is secured and there will be an official launch in May.

Agreement on this €20 billion package was secured following a top level talks between the Taoiseach, Tánaiste Mary Harney and Finance Minister Brian Cowen earlier this week.

The 10-year infrastructure package will include:

* Approving the re-opening of rail services to Meath commuter land that will cost €156 million.

* Building a new rail station at Spencer Dock in Dublin’s north docks near Connolly Station.

* A €400 million plan to dramatically improve rail services via Kildare.

* Continued investment of €1 billion a year on roads.

Meanwhile, Junior Transport Minister Ivor Callely yesterday told a transport conference hosted by the Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation (IBEC) and the National Roads Authority of his commitment to a metro service for north Dublin and said phase one of this project is included in the Programme for Government.