Cullen, MartinTuesday, 2 November 2004 |
Dáil Eireann Debate
Page of 297
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Priority Questions - Aer Lingus.
Was asked: his views on the full or partial privatisation of Aer Lingus; the Government’s position with regard to the future development of Aer Lingus; when a final decision will be made on the airline’s future;...
As I indicated in response to Question No. 411 on 19 October last, my officials and I are considering the Goldman Sachs report on the future of Aer Lingus. The report has been circulated to the member...
All Deputies are aware of the problems Aer Lingus faced. It has had an extraordinary turn-around, for which I congratulate the trade unions, management and board. It is an extraordinary achievement wh...
I believe, as I am sure all Deputies do, that Aer Lingus has potentially significant opportunities in the European and American markets, particularly on the transatlantic route. The company needs to m...
Priority Questions - Traffic Management.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the recent report produced by IBEC which found that traffic congestion had got worse in Dublin over the past two years; the steps he intends to take to deal with thi...
I am aware of the survey which IBEC carried out in May 2004 on traffic and congestion. Plans to tackle congestion in Dublin are being dealt with under two strands, the first being increasing the suppl...
I understand and appreciate the Deputy’s point. If the Government or I thought that the public transport network in the city, and access to it, were adequate, the sort of investment that we make would...
The Garda places considerable emphasis on traffic, to which it has people assigned. I agree with the bigger question of a traffic corps which the Deputy raised and which is being examined in the Depar...
In the time that I have, I will turn my attention to delivering decisions on infrastructure. It is no longer possible for me to spend my time trying to reorganise the structures around me.
Priority Questions - Road Network.
Was asked: the position regarding the construction of the Dublin Port tunnel, particularly regarding the height of the tunnel, delays in construction, the concerns of local residents and public safety issues.
I announced on 21 October 2004 that the operational height of the Dublin Port tunnel would not be changed. My decision was based primarily on safety grounds, but cost and time delays to the opening of...
The trucks the Deputy refers to make up somewhere between 0.6% and 1.7% of the total traffic going to Dublin Port, a very small percentage. Dublin City Council is also putting in place a very specific...
This is not the same one. This is the one which will lead to a decision being made on the issue. The decision on the tunnel has already been taken. Regarding Deputy McGrath’s contribution, I do not di...
If the Deputy intends to heighten concerns, to scare-monger in his constituency——
If the Deputy wants to bring forward the benefit of the facts, and to lessen people’s concerns and reassure them that all of the systems are in place to deal with their concerns, he should listen to w...
I do not accept that.
The Deputy appears to know more than any other Deputy in the House. We all share the same concern for the people we represent. Nobody has a monopoly on concern regarding any particular matter. The Dep...
I, the Government and other Deputies share the concerns equally. We want these projects dealt with quickly and in the fairest way possible for the residents.
Was asked: if he will bring forward legislation before the end of 2004 as promised to allow for the break-up of CIE into three separate companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Government is committed to reform of public transport. A considerable amount of work on the detailed technical aspects of the restructuring of CIE has taken place in my Department and this work is...
The Deputy raised many issues beyond the scope of the question. I have had very good discussions with the various trade unions and the management involved in the various aspects of transport in Dublin...
Is the Deputy asking if the legislation is the barrier?
The legislation is necessary and I am not stating that we do not need it. However, I do not want to present the matter in a way that would make it appear that it is merely about an ideological point o...
No, I am not saying that. I said that there would be competition and that there will be an open market in Dublin.
Priority Questions - Heavy Goods Vehicles.
Was asked: the research which has been done on the impact of supercube trucks on roadways.
Other Questions - Public Transport.
Was asked: the position with regard to discussions between his Department and trade unions representing workers in CIE on the future of the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if it is his intention to proceed with plans, announced to franchise out up to 25% of the Dublin Bus routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 129 together. Talks on the reform of public transport between officials in my Department and the CIE unions, under an independent chair appointed by the Labour...
Because I brought myself into the process I would not say that the talks are not now happening. I have had rounds of discussions directly with the unions on this issue. I have asked my officials to re...
Yes.
Bringing the discussions to a conclusion depends on everybody and not only me. However, there is a will on all sides to achieve a good outcome from this process. I accept Bus Éireann’s response to com...
Yes, but it was also in response to public demand. It proves that if the service is provided, the public tends to avail of it. That needs to be transferred to Dublin to make public transport the mode ...
That is a separate question. I am aware of the issue but I have not considered it in great detail in the few weeks I have been in the Department. I will examine the issue in more depth. It is on my ag...
That comes into the equation. I have not gone into the issue in detail because I have spent my time, rightly, meeting the different stakeholders as quickly as possible. I want to take on board all the...
Other Questions - Rail Accidents.
Was asked: if he has received a report regarding the investigation into the accident involving two Luas trams at St. Stephen’s Green on 17 September 2004 in which four persons were injured; if he is satisfied sa...
Connex Ireland Ltd., which operates the Luas system, is carrying out an investigation into this accident in close liaison with the interim railway safety commission and the Railway Procurement Agency....
I presume the Deputy is referring to the collision on 17 September. Two trams collided——
——during a crossing movement at St. Stephen’s Green terminus. A defect in the system has been ruled out. Connex is the operator of Luas and is investigating the accident in close liaison with the inte...
That is a matter I will consider. I acknowledge the wisdom of what the Deputies have said. It is my instinct also that it would be better if it was independent. In response to Deputy Ryan’s question, ...
Public Transport.
Was asked: the infrastructure projects under his Department’s remit, current, planned or proposed, which will be funded by PPPs; and if he will make a statement on the matter
My Department has an involvement in public private partnerships both in the national roads and in the public transport sectors. The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement pro...
I disagree with the Deputy. The involvement of the private sector in roads development is very successful. It is regarded as a standard that is being examined by many other countries who wish to achie...
——in investment in roads projects. I do not accept the Deputy’s point of an over-dependence on private sector money invested in projects in order to supplement public sector moneys. A good balance exi...
——and projects can be delivered. The Cashel bypass is eight months ahead of schedule. The Monasterevin bypass will be opened next week, ten or 11 months ahead of schedule. All concerned in the system,...
Written Answers - Road Safety.
Was asked: the number of persons killed and injured in road traffic accidents to date in 2004; the way in which it compares with 2003; the steps he intends to take to cut road fatalities and injuries; and if he ...
Statistics relating to road accidents, based on information provided by the Garda Síochána, are published by the National Roads Authority in its annual road accident facts reports. The most recent rep...
Written Answers - Rail Network.
Was asked: when he expects to receive the report of the working group evaluating the potential for the phased reopening of the Sligo-Cork rail route; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My predecessor set up an expert working group to carry out an examination of the western rail corridor proposal and to examine the potential for reopening the line. The working group, which is chaired...
Written Answers - Light Rail Project.
Was asked: his views on the recent call by the Dublin City Business Association to join up the Luas lines in the city centre; if he intends to progress this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter...
Was asked: if he will consider joining the two new Luas lines via an overground rail section through the city centre; and his views on whether such an overground section is merited regardless of whether approval...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 197 together. In order to improve integration between public transport services in Dublin, I see value in joining together the red and green Luas lines. I unde...
Written Answers - Rail Network.
Was asked: if an analysis has been carried out within his Department on the possible introduction of on-street light rail services in Cork city.
Was asked: the progress which has been made in relation to reopening the rail link to Midleton in east Cork; the amount of money that has been made available; the timescale involved; and if he will make a statem...
Was asked: his views on the continuance of the Cork to Midleton line into the city centre in view of the recent announcement of its reopening; if funding will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the ...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 122, 195 and 196 together. In May of this year, the Government agreed to the development of a commuter rail service for Cork between Mallow and Midleton. This involves...
Written Answers - Rail Services.
Was asked: his views on the decision taken by Iarnród Éireann to increase by 25%, from January 2005, the rates it charges to its business customers to transport rail freight; and if he will make a statement on t...
Was asked: his views on the opinion of Iarnród Éireann that the Government should provide State subsidies to businesses which use rail freight; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 187 together. Iarnród Éireann receives significant funding annually from the Exchequer by way of capital grants and subvention towards operating expenditure. S...
Written Answers - Air Services.
Was asked: if he has had discussions with the board or management of Aer Lingus on the way in which best to meet the company’s capital requirements to finance the company’s fleet replacement requirements; and if...
Was asked: if he will be able to provide new finance capital to Aer Lingus to part finance the purchase of new aircraft.
Was asked: if he has received a report (details supplied) on the future of Aer Lingus; if it is intended to publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the Government’s proposals for the future of Aer Lingus; if the Government has decided not to proceed with proposals for the privatisation of Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if he will outline the recommendations contained in a report (details supplied) examining the investment options for Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the position in regard to the future of Aer Lingus; if discussions are taking place or have concluded on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the Government’s proposals for the future of Aer Lingus; if the Government has decided not to proceed with proposals for the privatisation of Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 124, 138, 146, 170, 175, 194 and 344 together. I have already outlined the current position in regard to the future of Aer Lingus and the Goldman Sachs report in my re...
Written Answers - Landing Rights.
Was asked: if the foreign soldiers landing in Shannon Airport on approved military refuelling flights have been counted as tourist visitors here within the statistical analysis that is carried out at the airport...
The Central Statistics Office produces quarterly statistics on the number of tourists visiting Ireland. It has confirmed that the Central Statistics Office does not count foreign soldiers landing at S...
Written Answers - Road Safety.
Was asked: if he proposes to ban the use of larger supercube trucks over the coming years.
Was asked: when he expects to introduce the promised regulations restricting the height of trucks using roads here; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the research which has been done into the potential safety hazards attached to supercube trucks.
Was asked: if he proposes introducing a national height strategy in line with clearance height of the Dublin Port tunnel.
Was asked: when the publication of draft regulations to reintroduce a maximum height for vehicles will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - State Airports.
Was asked: if he will make a statement on the operation to date of the three new airport authorities, established following the abolition of Aer Rianta; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the future of the Great Southern Hotel Group in the context of the abolition of Aer Rianta; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the negative comments on the breaking up of Aer Rianta; the extent to which the proposals have been costed or set against the existing structures and net benefit ide...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 127, 180 and 373 together. In keeping with the provisions of the State Airports Act 2004, the newly appointed board of the Dublin Airport Authority has a statutory man...
Written Answers - Road Network.
Was asked: if he will make a statement in relation to the authority which has responsibility for the Dublin Port tunnel in the event of a fire breaking out either now or when it is operational; if the project ha...
The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, including the Dublin Port tunnel project, is a matter for the National Roads Authority, NRA, and the local authority conc...
Written Answers - Light Rail Project.
Was asked: his views on the proposed route for the extension of the red Luas line to Spencer Dock; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The further development of the Luas network is the responsibility of the Railway Procurement Agency, RPA. The Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, is developing a proposal for an extension of the Tallaght...
Written Answers - Public Transport Integration.
Was asked: further to Question No. 401 of 5 October 2004, the outcome of his discussions regarding the introduction of a combined bus, Luas and rail ticket pending the introduction of integrated ticketing.
It has been agreed by the Railway Procurement Agency, Bus Átha Cliath and Iarnród Éireann that limited joint ticketing for light rail, bus and DART-commuter rail services will be introduced. The detai...
Written Answers - Road Network.
Was asked: when he expects the Dublin Port tunnel open for public use.
The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, including the Dublin Port tunnel project, is a matter for the National Roads Authority, NRA, and the local authority conc...
Written Answers - Rail Network.
Was asked: the analysis he has carried out on the construction of a new direct rail line between Dublin and Navan; the projected cost of building such a line; the projected demand for a commuter service from the...
At present, Iarnród Éireann, in conjunction with Meath and Fingal county councils, is undertaking a feasibility study, including a cost-benefit analysis, into providing a spur off the Dublin-Sligo rai...
Written Answers - National Car Test.
Was asked: his plans to include the inspection of tax and insurance certificates as part of the NCTS; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - Rail Network.
Was asked: if he has completed an evaluation of the CIE strategy document; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if he remains committed to the development of a metro link between Dublin Airport and the city centre by 2007 as outlined in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter...
Was asked: when he will make a decision regarding the proposed first stage of the Dublin metro.
Was asked: his views on the proposal for a new 5.3 km. rail interconnector that would connect Pearse Station with Heuston; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the position with regard to his plans to bring forward to Cabinet proposals for the construction of a metro system in Dublin; when a final decision will be made on this matter in view of the continuin...
Was asked: if and when he intends to fund the proposed rail interconnector between Heuston Station and Spencer Dock as was proposed by Iarnród Éireann and the Platform for Change document produced by the Dublin ...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 136, 145, 147, 168, 192 and 193 together. The programme for Government contains a number of commitments for the further development of the rail network and includes a ...
Written Answers - Road Network.
Was asked: if he has made a final decision regarding whether the height of the Dublin Port tunnel should be raised; if not, when he expects this decision will be finally made; and if he will make a statement on ...
I announced on 21 October 2004 that the operational height of the Dublin Port tunnel will not be changed. My decision was based primarily on safety grounds but cost and time delays to the opening of t...
Written Answers - Departmental Expenditure.
Was asked: if the Government will carry out a review of the ratio of spending in the capital budget between investment in public transport and roads in view of the recent 75% increase in the cost of oil.
Investment in road and rail infrastructure is based on a long-term assessment of the transport infrastructure required to meet forecast economic and social demand for transport in the years ahead. The...
Written Answers - Road Network.
Was asked: if he has plans to introduce new toll routes to fund completion of motorways linking Dublin with Cork, Galway, and the M50 upgrade; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The national development plan provides for significant private sector investment in the national roads development programme. In line with this policy, a number of major road upgrade projects througho...
Written Answers - Road Safety.
Was asked: the speed limit increases that were suggested by him for 43 specific sections of roadway around the country which have been agreed with the relevant local authorities.
In the context of an overall review of speed limits carried out against the background of the metrication of such limits generally, county and city managers were asked in January 2003 to examine the p...
Written Answers - Road Traffic Offences.
Was asked: when the full penalty points system will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The penalty points system currently applies in respect of the offences of breaching a speed limit, motor insurance, careless driving and the failure of a driver to wear a seat belt or to ensure that p...
Written Answers - Landing Rights.
Was asked: if he will verify that no US military or chartered civilian aircraft, permitted to overfly Irish airspace or land in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, has transported prisoners captured in Afghanistan or...
The regulation of military and diplomatic flights through Irish airspace is a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs. The regulation of Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel is a matter for the Departme...
Written Answers - Rural Transport Integration.
Was asked: the reason he has opted to continue the rural transport initiative on a pilot basis; the reason, despite a recent review by ADM, no decision on mainstreaming was taken; and if he will make a statement...
Was asked: the action proposed following the completion of the pilot rural transport initiative; the analysis which has been done; the cost benefit which has been completed; if it can be rolled out nationally; a...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 352 together. The NDP makes an overall provision of €4.4 million for the rural transport initiative. The funding available has been increased to €3 million per...
Written Answers - Airport Development Projects.
Was asked: his views on the proposed new runway at Dublin Airport, announced recently by the Dublin Airport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: his view on proposals for a new 3,110 m runway at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 152 together. Proposals in regard to the development of Dublin Airport, including the planning and provision of runway capacity, are in the first instance a ma...
Written Answers - Public Transport.
Was asked: the progress which has been made to establish an independent authority to procure public transport services; the nature and functions of the authority envisaged; when enabling legislation will be publ...
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 116 and 129. I am considering the proposal to establish an independent authority to procure public transport services in the context of my review of wo...
Written Answers - Speed Limits.
Was asked: his plans for the changeover of all speed limits from miles to the metric system; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: his views on whether the speed limit changeover will be introduced on time by January 2005 as promised; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 182 together. As I indicated in reply to Question No. 395 of 5 October last a Metrication Changeover Board is working to the timeframe of 20 January 2005 for t...
Written Answers - US Immigration Procedures.
Was asked: if he received a request from the US authorities for clearance to start finger-printing US bound passengers at airports here under the terms of the Air Navigation and Transport (Preinspection) Act 198...
My Department and the US authorities have been in contact about this matter. My Department has also sought the advice of the Attorney General’s office in regard to the additional procedures which are ...
Written Answers - Road Network.
Was asked: when the Government approved the proposal for the widening of the M50 motorway and the upgrade of several junctions on the motorway; and the cost estimate that was provided for the works at the time s...
The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority, NRA, and the relevant local authority. The Government, at its meeting on 10 ...
Written Answers - Driving Tests.
Was asked: the number of provisional licence holders awaiting the driving test; the number of these who are to sit the driving test for the first time; the average waiting times in respective centres; the number...
Was asked: the average waiting time for driver tests at each centre in the State; the steps that are being taken to reduce the long waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Question Nos. 155 and 186 together. The average waiting times and numbers waiting for a driving test as at 28 October 2004 are set out in the following table. Details of those applic...
Written Answers - Public Transport.
Was asked: the progress made with regard to the review of the location of bus stops announced following the serious accident at Wellington Quay, Dublin on 21 February 2004; and if he will make a statement on the...
Was asked: if he has given direction to Bus Atha Cliath or Bus Éireann with regard to the provision of adequately protected bus shelters with the objective of encouraging the public to use public transport and t...
Was asked: the extent to which new health and safety procedures have been put in place at bus stops in Dublin and throughout the country having particular regard to the issues arising from the tragedy at the bus...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 156, 368 and 369 together. The Garda Síochána is the responsible authority for the location of bus stops in Dublin. This power is vested in the Garda Commissioner unde...
Written Answers - Air Transport Agreement.
Was asked: the position in regard to the Shannon stopover; the position in regard to negotiations between the EU and the US on the open-skies policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the position regarding negotiations between the US and the EU on the proposed air transport agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if he has sought consent from the EU Commission, under Regulation 847/2004, to negotiate and conclude a separate bilateral agreement with the United States; the response he has received from the Commi...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 157, 166 and 191 together. At a number of recent Transport Councils, the Irish position has been that while we are in favour of an open skies agreement between the EU ...
Written Answers - Taxi Regulations.
Was asked: the progress made to date with regard to the implementation of the report of the taxi advisory council on new regulations to be introduced to the taxi industry; and if he will make a statement on the ...
By letter dated 24 February 2004 the advisory council to the Commission for Taxi Regulation provided advice to my predecessor, the then Minister, Deputy Brennan, on a number of matters relevant to sma...
Written Answers - Railway Stations.
Was asked: when he expects discussions betweenhis Department and Iarnród Éireann regardingthe future development of a commuter station at Spencer Dock will be completed; the proposals he supports in relation to ...
Iarnród Éireann recently submitted to my Department a strategy document that sets out the business case for the development of a greater Dublin integrated rail network over the medium term. The strate...
Written Answers - Heavy Goods Vehicles.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the call made by a recent inquest in Dublin into the death of a cyclist for a review of blind spots in cabs of articulated trucks which can prevent drivers from seei...
Written Answers - Public Transport.
Was asked: if he remains committed to the break up of CIE into three separate companies, as set out in the programme for Government 2002; when legislation will be published to advance this proposal; and if he wi...
The Government is committed to reform of public transport. A considerable amount of work on the detailed technical aspects of the restructuring of CIE has taken place in my Department and this work is...
Written Answers - Driving Tests.
Was asked: if he intends to increase the fee to sit the driving test; if so, the amount of such increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have no proposals to increase the driving test fee at this time.
Written Answers - Airport Landing Facilities.
Was asked: the number of United States troops who landed at Shannon Airport in 2003 and 2004 to date; if he has plans to review permission for such landings in view of the recent view expressed by the Secretary ...
Civilian air carriers carrying weapons or munitions wishing to land or over-fly Irish airspace are obliged to seek exemption from the provisions of sections 6 and 7 of the Air Navigation (Carriage of ...
Written Answers - Road Traffic Offences.
Was asked: the progress to date in addressing the long delays between motorists being observed breaking the speed limit or other road traffic offences which merit penalty points and the awarding against them of ...
Where a person either pays a fixed charge for a road traffic offence or is convicted of a penalty point offence in court, data necessary to ensure that penalty points are endorsed in the person’s lice...
Written Answers - Light Rail Project.
Was asked: if the RPA is undertaking a review of all aspects of the Luas project; when such a review will be completed; if it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I understand from the Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, that it is carrying out a “look-back study” of Luas to see what lessons can be learned from implementation of the red and green lines. A review o...
Written Answers - Road Safety.
Was asked: the way in which he proposes to meet the targets in the new National Road Safety Strategy 2004-2006 in view of the fact that many of the targets set out in this document were also included in the prev...
The primary target of the new Government strategy on road safety is to realise a 25% reduction in road collision fatalities by the end of 2006 over the average annual number of fatalities in the 1998-...
Written Answers - Road Accidents.
Was asked: his views on the need for an independent road accident investigation unit in view of the high number of road fatalities and casualties on roads annually; if he will introduce legislation to enact such...
The primary immediate investigative role in relation to road accidents is vested in the Garda Síochána. Priority in the pursuit of such an investigation must be given to the determination of the cause...
Written Answers - State Airports.
Was asked: the position with regard to the establishment of a second terminal at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if a decision has been taken to proceed with a second terminal for Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: his proposals for the future of air transport here with particular reference to Dublin and other airports and required terminal facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 172, 179 and 372 together. It is the policy of the Government to encourage as wide a range as possible of reliable, regular and competitive air services to and from Ir...
Written Answers - Road Safety.
Was asked: if he intends to respond to the call made by the Chairman of the National Road Safety Council for a more structured investment in road safety in the December 2004 budget, especially in view of the con...
Between 1998, the first full year of the operation of the Government Road Safety Strategy 1998 — 2002, and 2004, there have been significant and sustained increases in the funding made available to th...
Was asked: the reason the European Commission has decided to take Ireland to the European Court of Justice for its failure to implement a road safety directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
EU Directive 2000/56 amends Annex 1 and Annex 2 of Council Directive 91/439 on driving licences by substituting some additional requirements and was to be implemented by 30 September 2003. The revised...
Written Answers - Driving Tests.
Was asked: the reason, despite the fact that 130,000 persons are on the waiting list for the driving test, that eight driving tester vacancies remain unfilled; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The authorised complement of driver testing staff in my Department is 130 which includes supervisory-management grades and both permanent and contract staff. My Department is in discussions with the D...
Written Answers - Road Network.
Was asked: his views on recent statements (details supplied) that major national roads projects are likely to be significantly delayed due to the Government’s decentralisation programme; and if he will make a st...
In the context of its decentralisation implementation plan, prepared in accordance with Department of Finance requirements, the NRA has indicated significant concerns about the impact of decentralisat...
Written Answers - Air Services.
Was asked: the Government’s view on the role Aer Lingus should play as a national carrier; if his attention has been drawn to serious concern expressed by major companies based here at the decision of the compan...
Aer Lingus is mandated by my Department to operate in a commercial manner. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the board and management to operate the airline so that it can compete successfully a...
Written Answers - Decentralisation Programme.
Was asked: if it is still proposed that Bus Éireann employees will be decentralised to Mitchelstown; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Under the decentralisation programme Bus Éireann headquarters posts are to be relocated to Mitchelstown. That position remains unchanged. To date, 86 posts suitable for decentralisation have been iden...
Written Answers - Road Network.
Was asked: his views on the recent calls by the National Roads Authority for additional funding to complete its road building programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The National Roads Authority is currently undertaking the largest road building programme in the history of the State, made possible by record levels of Exchequer funding supplemented by private inves...
Written Answers - Road Safety.
Was asked: the steps he proposes to take in order to create safety awareness around Luas traffic.
I understand that the Railway Procurement Agency and Connex are availing of every opportunity through the media and in direct meetings with community groups to remind people of all safety aspects of l...
Written Answers - Light Rail Project.
Was asked: the progress to date to extend the two existing Luas lines at Cherrywood and at the Docklands; the progress that has been made in negotiating PPPs to fund these extensions; the nature of the difficult...
The further development of the Luas network is the responsibility of the Railway Procurement Agency. The RPA is at present advancing plans for extensions of Luas to the Dublin Docklands and Cherrywood...
Written Answers - Infrastructural Projects.
Was asked: the status within his Department of the Iarnród Éireann proposal for an interconnector south of the River Liffey; the timetable for the completion of the inter-urban motorways; and if he will make a s...
Iarnród Éireann recently submitted to my Department a strategy document that sets out the business case for the development of a greater Dublin integrated rail network. The proposal to construct an in...
Written Answers - Traffic Management.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the recent report produced by IBEC which found that traffic congestion had got worse in Dublin over the past two years; the steps he intends to take to deal with thi...
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 112, to which I replied earlier today.
Was asked: the progress made with regard to the proposal to allow bus lanes on the hard shoulders of motorways; the precise timescale proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I wish to ensure that as many practical measures as possible are taken to improve the movement of buses on the road network and thereby reduce journey times and congestion. In that regard, my Departme...
Written Answers - Airport Development Projects.
Was asked: the funding which has been given to facilitate development and improvement project works to regional non-State owned airports under the current NDP; if a second round of funding is envisaged for such ...
Under the regional airports measure of the National Development Plan 2000-2006, funding has been made available towards infrastructural works and upgrades in facilities to maintain continued safe and ...
Written Answers - Taxi Hardship Panel.
Was asked: if he will make a statement on the work to date of the taxi hardship panel.
The taxi hardship panel was an independent three-person panel established in February 2002 to report in general terms on the nature and extent of extreme personal financial hardship that may have been...
Written Answers - Rail Network.
Was asked: his plans to re-open the rail line between Sallins, County Kildare and Tullow, County Carlow; if discussions or meetings have been held regarding this; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I understand that the opening of a rail line between Sallins and Tullow does not form part of Iarnród Éireann’s medium-term strategic plan for the development of the rail network. The strategic rail r...
Written Answers - Driving Instructor Register.
Was asked: the plans his Department has to address the concerns expressed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if the proposals from the DIR (details supplied) will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: his views on the campaign to clarify the position of driving instructors with RDI status, that is, registered on the driving instructor register of Ireland in the context of the Driver Testing and Sta...
Was asked: if he will confirm the validity or status of driving instructors on the driving instructor register of Ireland within the Driver Testing and Standards Authority or within any entity outsourced by him;...
Was asked: the position as to the validity of the registered driving instructor status within the Driver Testing and Standards Authority; if he has an intention if any to pass this decision over to the board of ...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 341, 342, 350, 351 and 359 together. I refer the Deputies to my reply to Question No. 154 on Thursday, 14 October, 2004. Proposals being developed by my Department for...
Written Answers - Legislative Programme.
Was asked: when legislation will be published to replace the Transport Act 1932, in order to allow for increased competition in the bus market; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Talks on the reform of public transport between officials in my Department and the CIE unions, under an independent chair appointed by the Labour Relations Commission, were adjourned in mid-September....
Written Answers - Disabled Drivers.
Was asked: if he will investigate the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will apply some flexibility in this case.
The Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 empower local authorities, the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Disabled Drivers’ Association, to grant a disabled person’s parking permit w...
Written Answers - Toll Revenues.
Was asked: the annual yield to the State in each of the years 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001 from the West-Link toll bridge.
The State’s share of the West-Link gross toll revenue, also referred to as the licence fee, in each of the years 2001-03 is set out as follows. The licence fee payable in a year is based on the previo...
Written Answers - Air Accident Investigations.
Was asked: if he will provide a list of incidents that have occurred at Weston Aerodrome, Lucan, County Dublin; if any have been reported to the Irish Aviation Authority or to his Department over the past five y...
The following is a list of all accidents and incidents, as such events are defined in SI 205 of 1997, which occurred at or near Weston Aerodrome, Lucan, County Dublin, since October 1999 and which wer...
Written Answers - Departmental Staff.
Was asked: if there is a dedicated auditing unit in his Department assessing and monitoring the day-to-day spend of his Department with particular reference to major projects; if so, the number of staff involved...
My Department has an internal audit unit, which is currently staffed by three officers. Officers assigned to the unit receive appropriate education and training for the performance of their duties. Th...
Written Answers - Driving Instructor Register.
Was asked: the position regarding the validity of the status of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare within the DTSA; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It is assumed the person concerned is a member of the voluntary driving instructor register of Ireland, DIR. I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 154 of Thursday 14 October, 2004 which sets ...
Written Answers - Rail Services.
Was asked: if he will take steps to ensure that the railway line which links the two major towns in Westmeath, namely Athlone and Mullingar, is immediately re-opened; his views on whether such a reopening would ...
I am informed by Irish Rail that it has no immediate plans to re-open the Mullingar to Athlone railway line. The strategic rail review, commissioned by my Department in 2003, recommended the re-openin...
Written Answers - Rail Network.
Was asked: the reason Iarnród Éireann has spent only less than half of the transport budget allocated to the BMW region under the National Development Plan 2000-2006; if he will support the re-opening of Killuca...
The national development plan covers the period 2000 to 2006 and while the mid-term review of the plan indicated a lower than expected spend in the BMW region, Irish Rail has, since then, commenced or...
Written Answers - Cycle Facilities.
Was asked: when he proposes to implement effectively the promise made in the programme for Government that investment will take place in expanding the national network of cycleways in order to encourage more per...
The provision of cycle ways and cycle parking is, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant local authorities. My Department does, however, support the commitment to cycling in the programme fo...
Written Answers - Air Services.
Was asked: if he has investigated reports that a Gulfstream jet (details supplied) which was used to illegally transport al-Qaeda suspects to Guantanamo Bay and Egypt, has been recorded as landing at Shannon Air...
As I indicated in earlier replies on this matter to parliamentary questions on 7 and 19 October 2004, my Department has been informed by Shannon Airport management that this particular aircraft, numbe...
Written Answers - Road Safety.
Was asked: when the new EU regulation to replace the existing drivers’ hours rules, as set out in Regulation 3820/85 will be finally adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - Driving Tests.
Was asked: the process involved concerning the renewal of the contract for the national car testing franchise; if he has given consideration for changes in the existing testing structure; and if he will make a s...
Written Answers - Decentralisation Programme.
Was asked: the number of requests for decentralisation in respect of Bus Éireann staff to Mitchelstown, County Cork; and if he is facilitating an early response to this request.
Data received from the Central Applications Facility indicate that there have been no expressions of interest in relocating to Mitchelstown received from Bus Éireann staff. The decentralisation implem...
Written Answers - Public Transport.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the changes by Bus Éireann in regard to collection points that are causing towns and villages (details supplied) in County Kildare to be isolated with respect to bus...
Changes in Bus Éireann services are an operational matter for the company. However, since 10 January 2001, Bus Éireann is required to notify my Department of proposed new services or proposed changes ...
Written Answers - Rail Services.
Was asked: the current capacity of the commuter rail services at Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip and Confey stations in County Kildare; the extent to which capacity has been increased in the past five years; the degr...
Irish Rail has significantly increased the capacity of services along the Maynooth rail line over the past five years and is committed to further increases in line with growth in commuter demands. In ...
Written Answers - Road Network.
Was asked: if, in respect of proposed toll roads or bridges, consideration has been given to a design, build and hand-over process which would give the State use of both the revenue accruing and the low maintena...
An integrated design, build, finance and operate approach has been adopted for the implementation of user toll funded public private partnership, PPP, projects in the national roads programme. It is c...
Was asked: the estimated revenue accruing to the owners of toll roads or bridges to date; the extent to which the State benefits from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Over the period 1990 to 2003 the gross toll revenue, before costs, on the Westlink toll bridge amounted to €261.9 million of which €49.097 million was paid to the State. The NRA has received €14.89 mi...
Written Answers - Road Safety.
Was asked: the number of recorded motor accident black spots throughout the country; the most serious of these locations in respect of which no road alignment or other remedial action has been taken; and if he w...
The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority, NRA, and the relevant local authority. I understand that an extensive progra...
Written Answers - Public Transport.
Was asked: the extent to which it has been established that the Luas has replaced other modes of transport; if its current users are mainly bus, train or motorcar commuters; and if he will make a statement on th...
The Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, and the Dublin Transportation Office are carrying out a comprehensive assessment of the effect of Luas on travel patterns. The “Before Luas” survey was carried out...
Written Answers - Road Safety.
Was asked: if the number of road accidents involving the Luas was anticipated; if so, the extent; if remedial action is likely; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Although several minor accidents have occurred since the commencement of Luas services, none of the incidents to date has resulted in a fatality or serious injury. The RPA is satisfied that the safety...
Written Answers - Dublin Port Tunnel.
Was asked: if he has quantified the impact of the inadequacy of the Dublin Port tunnel to accommodate higher vehicles with particular reference to the number of such vehicles likely to be forced on to the existi...
The operational height, 4.65 m, of the Dublin Port tunnel will be greater than the operational height applicable in most other EU member states. It was, and continues to be, the view of Dublin City Co...
Written Answers - Road Network.
Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 475 of 16 December 2003, if consideration has been given to transferring negotiations in regard to land acquisition in respect of the link from the N4 at Enfield ...
As the road — R402 — referred to by the Deputy is a regional road, the acquisition of land in respect of the upgrade of the road is a matter for the local authority and does not come under the remit o...
Was asked: the extent to which he has instructed local authorities to make adequate provision for relief roads or bypasses with particular reference for such in the context of the creation of county, city or tow...
My Department has not instructed local authorities in regard to the content of their development plans. The preparation and adoption of local development plans is a matter for local authorities in acc...
Written Answers - Rail Services.
Was asked: the number of commuters currently using the rail services from Monasterevin, Kildare, Newbridge, Sallins and Hazelhatch in County Kildare; the extent to which this usage has increased in the past five...
I am informed by Irish Rail that it carries out an annual census in November each year. Based on the census carried out in November 2003, the total number of journeys made to and from the listed stati...
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