asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the statutory obligation on Córas Iompair Éireann to provide proper transport facilities, he will take steps to see that an adequate number of weather-shelters are provided at the principal waiting places in Dublin City, including those at Upper O'Connell Street and Lower O'Connell Street.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bus Shelters.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether he is aware that several months have passed since the Dublin Corporation, at the request of Córas Iompair Éireann, indicated to the company that they could have the Smithfield site for the proposed new long-distance bus terminus; and whether, in view of the now urgent necessity for a proper terminus, and the statutory obligation imposed on the company by Section 15 (1) of the Transport Act, 1950, to provide proper facilities, he will take steps to see that the company will lose no further time in proceeding with the Smithfield project.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take question Nos. 59 and 60 together.
As I indicated in reply to questions on this subject in Dáil Éireann on 30th November last, the provision of bus shelter accommodation does not come within the matters in respect of which the Minister for Industry and Commerce has statutory functions. The responsibility rests entirely with Córas Iompair Éireann, to whom any inquiries should be directed.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary agree that, the company having continually refused to carry out their statutory obligation, there is an obligation on the Minister to step in?
I have no evidence that the company are refusing to carry out their obligations.