Government committed to developing public transport network

THE claim by Michael Job (Irish Examiner letters, January 11) that the Government has invested in roads at the expense of public transport is simply untrue.

Fianna Fáil in government has demonstrated its commitment to improving public transport through record levels of investment.

In 1996, the year before Fianna Fáil came into office, a paltry €500,000 in capital investment was put into public transport. We have increased this to €426 million. Over the past four years, we have provided €22.5 million for five green routes (bus priority measures) in Cork and the construction of a park-and-ride facility in Black Ash on the outskirts of the city.

A further five green routes will be developed over the next two years with Transport 21 funding.

Cork bus station has been redeveloped to cater for over three million passengers. The Government has also approved the development of a Cork rail commuter system, with the reopening of the line to Midleton and the construction of five new stations in Blarney, Kilbarry, Dunkettle, Carrigtohill and Midleton. It is hoped construction work will begin this year. The rural transport initiative supports local transport services for those in rural areas of west Cork (Bantry), Avondhu, IRD Duhallow and Cape Clear island.

Billy Kelleher TD

Deputy Government Chief Whip

Leinster House

Kildare Street

Dublin 2