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4.4.2 Public Transport Programme
As mentioned above, Metro North and the DART Underground (and associated projects) are
provided for in the Renewed Programme for Government and accordingly comprise the vast
bulk of investment in this Programme in the period to 2016. Both Metro North and Dart
Underground are being progressed as PPP projects and it must be noted that continued
substantial Exchequer expenditure will be required over the next 25-30 years to repay the
private financing element.
Outside of these projects – beyond essential maintenance and safety-related work – the
primary focus should be on the continuation of planning of future priorities and, as in the
case of the cross-city Luas line, carrying out preliminary work, where appropriate, to minimise
future construction impacts .
Table 4.1 illustrates the financial allocation to the programme of capital investment in the
Transport sector in the years to 2016 including provision for:
§ The completion of a range of public transport projects at advanced planning and
implementation stage;
§ Metro North;
§ DART Underground and associated projects;
§ The completion of the MIUs;
§ The commencement of a number of key strategic national road priority projects
(including progression of the Atlantic Corridor and the N11) and essential
maintenance of the national network;
§ Funding for ongoing local and regional road maintenance and improvement;
§ Funding for ongoing public transport programmes including the rail safety and traffic
management programmes; and
§ Funding for ongoing planning.