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Infrastructure in the new Programme for Government

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  • 10-10-2009 2:26pm
    #1
    Amtmann
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,093 ✭✭✭


    The policy can be read here from page 26.

    Some excerpts:
    The Government will prioritise capital spending in those areas which contribute to our
    sustainable development. The provision of public transport will prepare us for a postworld
    where oil supplies are contracting. We will build flagship modern transport
    connections linking people to their places of work. Properly planned public transport
    gives back to commuters that most valuable of commodities - time. We want to
    reduce journey times and congestion, which bring economic and social costs. We will
    develop a first-class infrastructure for the modern age.
    * We will complete the Major Urban Routes (MIU) in 2010.
    * We will review the completion dates and appropriate road standard of the
    remaining 94 road projects at the design stage or earlier stage of development in light of the economic circumstances, falling road usage and our climate change objectives. We will ensure new design standards for national secondary routes to take account of current economic and environmental circumstances.
    * This Government will not advance the Eastern Bypass
    * We will continue to invest in enhancement and maintenance of the regional and local road network to protect the existing investment and service new housing, industrial and commercial development and to open up areas for tourism development by improving road access.
    * We will introduce preferential parking/charging spaces for electric cars.
    * We will investigate the potential for the introduction of a viable road pricing strategy, including overcoming technical and timing difficulties. Revenues should be ring-fenced for the provision of public transport and sustainable transport modes.
    * We will complete our investment programme to ensure that non-national roads are properly signposted.
    * We will allocate a significant portion of the budget on road improvement projects to the provision of new footpaths to allow pedestrians to walk in greater safety and comfort.

    There's much more in there.
    Tagged:


«134

Comments

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    #2
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 5,121 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    There is lots in there but it sounds aspirational.
    We will amend the Data Protection Act to allow the publication of the sale price
    of property and create and maintain a House Price Database in the Department of
    the Environment where details of residential and commercial property sales will
    be maintained for statistical purposes.


  • Options
    #3
    Chris_533976
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,082 ✭✭✭Chris_533976


    They havent got the money to do even half of this crap.


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    #4
    triple-M
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,171 ✭✭✭triple-M


    :mad:so no eastern bypass then?


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    #5
    Tech3
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,010 ✭✭✭Tech3


    triple-M wrote: »
    :mad:so no eastern bypass then?

    Thank goodness for that. The orbital route should be canned as well for now.


  • Options
    #6
    serfboard
    Registered Users Posts: 4,675 ✭✭✭serfboard


    This is the one I like:
    Cycling
    · We will reverse the CIE policy of excluding and limiting bicycle carrying capacity on interurban trains and buses and ensure all new train units have a more extensive bicycle carrying capacity.

    Glad to see they're concentrating on the really important stuff :rolleyes:.

    OK, it's not the only thing in there, but what percentage of the population does this really affect? I'd love to see a value for money study done on this one.


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    #7
    Sponge Bob
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 25,234 ✭✭✭✭Sponge Bob


    Note this bit
    Having successfully focused on the delivery of major roads infrastructure in Transport 21 over the past five years, the emphasis in new projects will shift significantly to public transport.

    Following the completion of payments for the major motorways
    programme in 2011, the ratio of expenditure on new Transport 21 projects between public transport and the national roads programme will be 2:1 in favour of public transport.

    No Metro North till 2012 ?


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    #8
    Enbee
    Registered Users Posts: 83 ✭✭Enbee


    No Metro North until 2016 by the looks of things. Same for the Interconnector. Still, they do say they want them completed by 2016 so they could just be hedging their bets in case more delays prevent them from being completed earlier than that.

    These projects seem like they've been taking forever.


  • Options
    #9
    Chris_533976
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,082 ✭✭✭Chris_533976


    Funny enough that 2:1 ratio could mathematically be €6bn for MN and IC, and €3bn for roads :D

    Not that theres €6 for MN and IC, let alone €6bn.


  • Options
    #10
    BluntGuy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,468 ✭✭✭BluntGuy


    wrote:
    Fianna Fáil and the Green Party have worked well together over the past two years providing good government for country during a period of unprecedented global economic turmoil.

    The document quickly goes downhill from there...
    Some more gems...
    As promised in our “Smarter Travel” policy, following the completion of the rapid transport studies in Cork, Galway, Waterford & Limerick cities, we will, starting in 2010 provide a high quality integrated, accessible public transport service to within 800 metres of every home.

    Work will continue on the subsequent phases of the Western Rail Corridor and Navan projects for earliest possible delivery.
    :(
    Planning and design will continue on Metro West and the Bray, Lucan and Cross-city LUAS lines with a view to earliest possible delivery.
    :(:(
    Where is Interconnector (or even Metro North)?
    Where is the Atlantic Corridor?
    Why is there absolutely nothing about the reforms in aviation that we need?
    Why are the greens even there?
    This was their opportunity to show some vision. Instead they've just produced a jumbled mess full of empty rhetoric and meaningless sentiment. In that regard, they're exactly like FF now.


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    #11
    nordisk celt83
    Registered Users Posts: 122 ✭✭nordisk celt83


    No Eastern Byass.:( Now I have reasons not to vote for the Greens and Fianna Fail next time round. Although, I hope they really do push them on the public transport front.


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    #12
    marmurr1916
    Registered Users Posts: 2,091 ✭✭✭marmurr1916


    We will review the completion dates and appropriate road standard of the remaining 94 road projects at the design stage or earlier stage of development in light of the economic circumstances, falling road usage and our climate change objectives. We will ensure new design standards for national secondary routes to take account of current economic and environmental circumstances.

    'falling road usage'!

    In other words, all these projects will be built as lower-capacity roads than currently planned.

    A road planned as a dual-carriageway will be built as a 2+2, a road planned as a 2+2 will be built as WS2.

    Once existing projects are completed, don't expect any more motorways to be built during the lifetime of this government.


  • Options
    #13
    richardjjd
    Registered Users Posts: 524 ✭✭✭richardjjd


    "... Planning and design will continue on Metro West and the Bray, Lucan and Cross-city LUAS lines with a view to earliest possible"

    Happy, but surprised to see that Metro West is still being discussed - it seemed to have fallen off the radar for a long while.


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    #14
    marmurr1916
    Registered Users Posts: 2,091 ✭✭✭marmurr1916


    This Government will implement an Integrated Ticketing System to cover all modes of transport. We will develop proposals for a zonal fares structure. A single Smart Card will be rolled out for testing early in 2010. By the end of 2010 an electronic purse “Pay-As-You-Go” will be available to all Dublin Bus and LUAS passengers in the Greater Dublin Area and the Smart Card will extend to all ticketing products by 2011. Iarnród Éireann will join the Dublin Bus-LUAS system by 2011. By the end of 2011 Bus Éireann, LUAS, Bus Átha Cliath, Iarnród Éireann and some private bus operators will be in the system.

    Hopefully this actually happens. Let's wait and see.
    By end 2010 we will have Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) at over 500 bus stops in Dublin and Cork in addition to having such information available on SMS and the Internet throughout the country. We will extend this RTPI to bus stops in Limerick, Galway and Waterford in 2011.

    Sounds okay. How about a website like this where you can get real-time and advance timetable information for all forms of public transport?


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    #15
    marmurr1916
    Registered Users Posts: 2,091 ✭✭✭marmurr1916


    Other transport 'initiatives' in the revised Programme for Government (p.40 of pdf):
    Conduct a feasibility study on how a future high-speed rail system could link Dublin and Belfast to the emerging UK and European high speed rail network.

    A feasibility study. :rolleyes:
    Complete the new inter-urban route between Dublin and Belfast and commence construction on the new inter-urban route between Dublin and Derry/Donegal.

    Surely the 'new' inter-urban route between Dublin and Belfast is complete, at least as far as the Dublin government is concerned?

    And how exactly is the Irish government going to 'commence construction' on the A5 in Northern Ireland which forms the bulk of the 'new inter-urban route between Dublin and Derry/Donegal'?
    All of these initiatives will be progressed by agreement with the British Government, the Northern Ireland Executive and other administrations as appropriate.

    In other words, it's not up to the Irish government...


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    #16
    L1011
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 67,622 Mod ✭✭✭✭L1011


    marmurr1916 wrote: »
    Surely the 'new' inter-urban route between Dublin and Belfast is complete, at least as far as the Dublin government is concerned?

    Unless they're proposing that we pay for the A1-M1 Link and the Hillsborough GSJ - neither of which we should even be considering.


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    #17
    Sponge Bob
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 25,234 ✭✭✭✭Sponge Bob


    MYOB wrote: »
    Unless they're proposing that we pay for the A1-M1 Link and the Hillsborough GSJ - neither of which we should even be considering.

    We have committed min. €400m in cash for Derry - Omagh - Monaghan Border and also for Belfast - Larne .


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    #18
    Sponge Bob
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 25,234 ✭✭✭✭Sponge Bob


    Stupid green ***** put Metro North and Interconnector under Buses as they frantically copied and pasted late into the night :(

    Monument found them , thx monument. We cannot guesstimate putative roads spends without knowing what these two will draw.

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=62489843&postcount=10
    We will fast track and prioritise the Dart interconnector (and its associated electrification and rolling stock projects) and Metro North so that they are completed by 2016.

    Lets say that is a spend of €5bn between 2012 and 2016 at its most optimistic. €1bn a year. That leaves €500m a year for roads in that timescale .

    Projects now under construction will account for all the road budget in 2010 and 2011 .


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    #19
    Chris_533976
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,082 ✭✭✭Chris_533976


    IF the PPPs go ahead (a big IF), then the first few (M17/18, Newlands/M11) will be ok as they are CPOed and the government dont have to pay it all back at one. (Availability based payment scheme). So they wont cost much over the next few years if they start.

    Enniscorthy/NewRoss and the Galway Bypass are a different kettle of fish. The former - I dont know how much is CPOed. Galway will be several years off anyway as they need to Route Select, EIS and Argue about whatever new Western section that they decide.


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    #20
    Irish and Proud
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,735 ✭✭✭Irish and Proud


    marmurr1916 wrote: »
    'falling road usage'!

    In other words, all these projects will be built as lower-capacity roads than currently planned.

    A road planned as a dual-carriageway will be built as a 2+2, a road planned as a 2+2 will be built as WS2.

    Once existing projects are completed, don't expect any more motorways to be built during the lifetime of this government.

    WS2 is no longer a standard - both the WS2 and 2+1 standards were replaced with the 2+2 spec. 2+1 is only to be used for retrofit purposes according to the current NRA DMRB document.

    Regards!


  • Options
    #21
    L1011
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 67,622 Mod ✭✭✭✭L1011


    Sponge Bob wrote: »
    We have committed min. €400m in cash for Derry - Omagh - Monaghan Border and also for Belfast - Larne .

    Both of these wouldn't happen if the NIRS was doing them without external funding, the two I mentioned - which are the only major things left to do for there to be a 2 lane freeflow DC between Belfast and Dublin - are on the NIRS plans already (as one scheme which is in their "forward planning schedule"). There are also further safety and median-sealing works planned for the existing A1 DC to bring it to "expressway" standard, meaning it should be 120km/h or 70mph from the (Belfast) Westlink to the Airport Roundabout hopefully.

    Anyway, whatever about the Larne DC (the argument being that it helps trade down here not helped by us having our own, motorway connected port already), the Derry->Border DC is essential to properly serve West Donegal and wasn't going to get built without it.


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    #22
    L1011
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 67,622 Mod ✭✭✭✭L1011


    Sponge Bob wrote: »
    That leaves €500m a year for roads in that timescale .

    Projects now under construction will account for all the road budget in 2010 and 2011 .

    I can't realistically see there being 500M for road construction in 2011 - but even if there was, what under construction projects are there expected to fall in to 2011? Castleisland is scheduled to (and is its BAM, I expect it not to be early), Gort-Crusheen may or may not.

    Anything else? There isn't 500M of roads there under any circumstances.


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    #23
    Amtmann
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,093 ✭✭✭Amtmann


    So can anyone summarise, briefly, what exactly the Greens have achieved in government in terms of changes to planning laws and regulations, energy independence, and transport?


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    #24
    Sponge Bob
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 25,234 ✭✭✭✭Sponge Bob


    .

    But look on the bright side. Fibre to the Fishes is Rolling out in 2010 or 2011


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    #25
    Macha
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 6,376 Mod ✭✭✭✭Macha


    Furet wrote: »
    So can anyone summarise, briefly, what exactly the Greens have achieved in government in terms of changes to planning laws and regulations, energy independence, and transport?

    Sorry, I'm going to be very lazy but:

    28 Sep 09: €500million investment in Irish electricity sector: European Investment Bank helps secure Ireland’s green electricity supplies

    11 Sep 09: Guidelines announced to prevent the over-zoning of land: New procedures in the Planning and Development Bill will result in improved city and county development plans

    9 Sep 09: Fixed support prices introduced for new categories of renewable energy: Govt will pay fixed tariffs for CHP, biomass, wind energy and wave and tidal energy for 15 years

    17 July 09: Landscape conservation area announced for Tara-Skryne valley: National Monuments Bill 2009 sets out to protect archaeological monuments and sites of importance

    8 July 09: Most car dependent town in Ireland receives cycling funding: €1.2million made available to Carrigaline in Cork for a new cycling and walking network

    1 July 09: New electronic planning system will improve the efficiency of applications for both individuals and local authorities

    22 June 09: Next Generation Broadband Strategy published: Document forms part of a wider strategy to develop Ireland as a smart economy

    17 June 09: 1.3 million subscribers to broadband in Ireland: Report shows numbers up by 28% since 2008

    14 June 09: €16 million in insulation grants for 12,000 homes: Home energy scheme huge success as 2,000 tradespeople register to carry out home improvement works

    4 June 09: €5million announced for cycling infrastructure: including city centre section of the Sutton to Sandycove cycleway in Dublin

    28 May 09: Planning Bill published: New bill will ensure transparency, openness and democratic involvement in planning process to avoid rezoning disasters of the past

    12 May 09: Directly elected Mayor for Dublin: Mayor will be charged with delivering reliable, integrated and cost effective transport for Dublin; new role will transform public’s connection with local government

    3 April 09: New electric vehicle agreement signed: Eamon Ryan and the ESB sign Memoranda of understanding with Renault-Nissan to ensure the delivery of electric vehicles to the Irish market

    8 Feb 09: €100m national insulation scheme announced. Scheme which will create 4,000 jobs, upgrade 50,000 homes and save householders €700 per year on heating bills

    5 Feb 09: Government launches ‘Smarter Travel - A Sustainable Transport Future’ which commits to getting 500,000 commuters out of their cars and 150,000 extra workers cycling every day. The plan will slash CO2 emissions by 4 million tones.

    4 Feb 09: Double digit decrease in energy prices will be introduced this year, as Eamon Ryan announces Commission for Energy Regulation Review

    30 Jan 09: Additional €4 million announced to fund Galway water infrastructure

    28 Jan 09: European Commission awards €100m to fund an electricity interconnector between Ireland and the UK to secure energy supply

    1 Jan 09: New energy rating system introduced for all homes for sale or rent. The BER system will rate each home on its energy efficiency, with A being the highest and G the lowest.

    1 Jan 09:Green Party launches campaign to promote the Cycle to Work scheme introduced in Budget 2009. Workers will receive up to €1,000 tax break to buy a bicycle and accessories

    That's just in 2009.

    http://www.greenparty.ie/government/achievements_in_government/rolling_list_of_achievements

    Developments in the near future include the East-West connector with Wales. Swedish firm ABB just won the contract and work should be starting very soon.


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    #26
    Amtmann
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,093 ✭✭✭Amtmann


    Thanks Taconnol. I asked the above poster to drop in so keep all comments on his post polite and courteous please!


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    #27
    Macha
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 6,376 Mod ✭✭✭✭Macha


    Furet wrote: »
    Thanks Taconnol. I asked the above poster to drop in so keep all comments on his post polite and courteous please!
    But of course! I'm a Green - I wouldn't hurt a fly ;)


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    #28
    KevR
    Registered Users Posts: 3,110 ✭✭✭KevR


    As promised in our “Smarter Travel” policy, following the completion of the rapid transport studies in Cork, Galway, Waterford & Limerick cities, we will, starting in 2010 provide a high quality integrated, accessible public transport service to within 800 metres of every home.

    Yikes! This really annoys me. We seem more concerned with dropping and collecting people from their effing doorstep than providing a fast and frequent service.

    Was on a bus going through Doughiska in Galway recently and the bus stops were far too close together; they were only short walking distance apart. The bus was stopping every few seconds (not sure how many exactly), it was ridiculous. Get rid of some of these unecessary stops, bus journeys will become faster and more frequent.

    I personally would not mind walking a bit further to a bus stop if it meant I wouldn't be waiting as long for the bus to arrive and the journey itself would be quicker.


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    #29
    Macha
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 6,376 Mod ✭✭✭✭Macha


    KevR wrote: »
    I personally would not mind walking a bit further to a bus stop if it meant I wouldn't be waiting as long for the bus to arrive and the journey itself would be quicker.
    I would think the same way, KevR and in most urban planning studies, the limit of 15 minutes walk is the longest time anyone is expected to walk from their front door to a bus/train station. Any longer and people tend to just get in their car.

    But I (and I'm guessing you) am an able-bodied person. Public transportation is vital for those who cannot use cars, either because they can't afford them or because they are unable to through age or injury.

    I'm not saying I agree with a stop every 800m - there's definitely a distance between how far you can walk in 15mins and 800m. I'm just saying it is a concern that has to be factored in.


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    #30
    Sponge Bob
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 25,234 ✭✭✭✭Sponge Bob


    Why did you paste in a list of inane green party press releases ???

    eg taconnol green party drivel above .
    Jan 09: New energy rating system introduced for all homes for sale or rent. The BER system will rate each home on its energy efficiency, with A being the highest and G the lowest.

    BUT
    The BER Scheme was established under the European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2006 (S.I.No. 666 of 2006).

    so what were ye to do , abolish europe or something ???

    nearly all the rest of that is press releases like that Fibre to the Fish drivel Ryan keeps announcing every few months .

    It is all meaningless and dishonest PR gudd ...and that is me being kind !


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    #31
    Macha
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 6,376 Mod ✭✭✭✭Macha


    Sponge Bob wrote: »
    <snip>

    Um..the piece of legislation you quote there is Irish legislation. It is the implementation of the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

    You seem to be under the impression that every EU Directive is somehow 'forced' on Ireland above against the wishes of our national government. This is quite incorrect. The EPBD is an example of legislation that Ireland had a strong hand in drafting. The EPBD is also an example of where the member states agree to work together on an issue, in this case certification of the energy performance of buildings.

    The BER was actually introduced on 1st July 2008 for all new homes. Jan 1st 2009 was for all existing homes for sale or rent.


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