Irish Transport Minister Noel Dempsey has came under fire from opposition politicians for spending €1.2million on consultancy fees on the Transport 21 blueprint, during the first six months of this year.

The Transport 21 plan was originally launched amid a blaze of publicity in November 2005.

However, it has been revealed that €1.2million was spent this year on public relations, marketing and advertising the project.

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The massive spend went towards promoting Transport 21, despite the fact many projects are not due for completion until 2020.

Meanwhile, in other news, the Dublin Port Company has confirmed that it is looking at investment opportunities in India and South-East Asia.

Considerations are said to be in the very early stages and, as yet, no details are available on the possible investment activity.

However, it is believed that a joint venture could be the way ahead for Dublin Port or, alternatively, as a developmental consultant.

(PR/JM)