Minister for Finance pledges to continue a series of "core capital investment priorities"

In his Budget 2009 announced on Tuesday, Brian Lenihan said work would continue on the following infrastructural projects:

- LUAS extention services to the Point and Cherrywood
- completion of the Cork to Midleton commuter line
- continuing work on the Major Inter-Urban Roads, which are all on schedule for completion in 2010
- ongoing work on the Convention Centre in Dublin, which is scheduled for completion in 2010; and
- the continuing substantial investment in water services, which will receive an additional €90m ,(+19%) in 2009.

Mr Lenihan said such direct government investment projects would be complemented by projects being carried out by commercial state bodies, such as the Dublin Airport Authority's terminal two and the investment by the State energy companies in energy infrastructure.

The minister made no mention of Metro North or the cross city tunnel proposed by Iarnrod Eireann but said "in our new financial position, we have to be much more targeted in our investments. We need to concentrate on capital projects that add significantly to our productive capacity and promote employment."

Source: Business World