6th July 2010 – The President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Paul Mallee, has expressed disappointment at reports that significant national road and rail projects may be scrapped as part of cost-saving measures by the Government and relevant transport authorities.

Mr Mallee was commenting on reports this morning that the Government will axe up to 40 road and rail projects under a mid-term review of the National Development Plan in coming weeks. He said that now is precisely the time to push ahead with major infrastructure projects, when costs are less expensive, job-creation schemes are required, and there is an urgent need to advance national economic recovery.

Mr Mallee commented, "As the representative body for professionals involved in the transport and logistics industries in Ireland, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport has a professional interest in the delivery of world-class transport infrastructure in Ireland.

"For that reason, while we understand the extraordinarily difficult choices that face the Government at this time, we would urge them to avoid across-the-board cutbacks on infrastructure projects.

"We believe this would set Ireland back at a time when a real investment in and commitment to deliver transport infrastructure would be opportune, given the low cost of materials, the availability of labour, and the positive returns to be expected from judicious infrastructure spending.

"The Institute is therefore calling on the Minister for Transport to make a public statement on the future of current major transport projects and to clarify any changes in priorities under consideration as part of the review of the NDP."

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