Transport 21 is supporting and boosting the tourism industry in Galway by providing better roads, trains, and regional airports, according to Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey.
Launched two years ago, Transport 21 has invested €4.7 million in transport networks nationwide. It is estimated that almost €3 billion is being spent in 2008, and over the lifetime of the programme, which runs to 2015, €34 billion will be invested.
Commenting on Transport 21 last Friday, Minister Dempsey said that the programme is supporting the tourist industry, which brought more than 2.8 million tourists, spending €817 million, to the western region in 2007.
He confirmed that the new N4/N6 Dublin to Galway road is on time and on budget for completion in 2010. Currently under construction are the N6 Athlone/Ballinasloe and the N6 Ballinasloe/Galway road schemes. The Minister added that the Loughrea Bypass, which has already been delivered, removed an infamous traffic jam black spot and now drivers will also benefit from the recently opened €280 million N6 Kilbeggan/Athlone dual carriageway.
“Rail services in the region are also benefiting very significantly from Transport 21 investment. Work is now underway on phase one of the development of the Western Rail Corridor, from Ennis, Co Clare, to Athenry, Co Galway. Trackwork began in October 2007, and the first train services on the line are scheduled to commence in 2009 upon completion of the €106.5 million redevelopment of the Ennis/Athenry line.
“Under Transport 21, Bus Éireann introduced 15 new vehicles into the Galway fleet in 2007, with funding allowing for 239 new vehicles to be acquired by Bus Éireann nationally. In addition, Transport 21 has allocated funding of €6.3 million to Galway Airport as part of a package of measures to improve Ireland’s regional airports.
“Tourism makes a major contribution to Ireland’s economy. I believe that, by substantially improving our road, rail, bus and regional airport links, Transport 21 will have a positive impact on our tourism industry by making it easier, safer and more pleasant to travel around Ireland. The Transport 21 package of investment is already delivering tangible benefits to the transport infrastructure in Galway, and many more improvements are on the way,” he said.
