Regional Assemblies Call on Transport Minister to Maintain Investment to restore Competitiveness in the Regions

Minister for Transport, Mr Noel Dempsey addressed the Annual Joint Meeting of the Border, Midland and Western and the Southern and Eastern Regional Assemblies which took place in the Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim, Co. Meath on 23rd April.

In his opening address, Councillor Kevin Murphy, Chairman of the Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly, called on the Government to maintain and continue to prioritise investment in Ireland’s transportation infrastructure as a means of protecting our international competitiveness. Councillor Murphy also urged the Minister to continue to promote a greater utilisation and development of a linked and efficient public transport network.

The Chairman also stressed the importance of protecting the capital envelope to ensure that the State continues to invest heavily in transport infrastructure in the years ahead. He emphasised the importance the Regional Assemblies place on transport infrastructure by highlighting that it has been included as a co-funded activity under both Regional Operational Programmes over the 2007-13 period, in accordance with regional, national and EU investment priorities.

Councillor Kevin Murphy outlined that for many parts of the regions, far from the rail network, roads represent the only viable mode of transport, and it is essential that the past level of investment in both the national and strategic non-national roads is maintained. He added that with the imminent completion of the major inter-urban routes, the focus of the road building programme now needs to shift to important inter-Gateway routes, such as the Atlantic Road Corridor.

The Chairman said that two Regional Assemblies strongly support the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor and welcome the recent opening of the first phase between Limerick and Galway. However he expressed disappointment at the recent announcement by Irish Rail that it intends to cease passenger services between Rosslare and Waterford.

Addressing the Assembly Members, Minister Dempsey referred to the harsh economic reality, but stated that the Government is committed to a strong sustainable transport system. He highlighted that over €2.1bn has been committed by his Department in 2010 to continue the State’s transport investment programme. The Minister stated that following the completion of the major inter-urban routes in 2010, the priority would shift to the Atlantic Road Corridor to better link the Atlantic Gateway cities. He stated that the completion of this Corridor was hugely important for regional development.

The Minister acknowledged the critical role that regional airports play in stimulating business development and improving connectivity to Ireland’s regions. The Minister concluded by highlighting the contribution played by local authorities in promoting sustainable transport.

Councillor Andrew Boylan, Chairman of the BMW Regional Assembly thanked Minster Dempsey on behalf of both Assemblies for his attendance at the joint meeting. He supported the sentiments of the Chairman of the Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly and added that in the BMW Region in particular, good transport connections are vitally important for businesses to operate efficiently, to enable people to access employment and to attract tourists to the region. Councillor Boylan stressed that the BMW region has a particularly weak rail infrastructure.

The Director’s of the Regional Assemblies welcomed the Ministers commitment to continue the investment in the transport system over coming years and its important contribution to balanced regional development.