Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Oct 1998

Vol. 494 No. 4

Written Answers. - Public Transport.

John Gormley

Question:

138 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her attention has been drawn to recent proposals on the part of the authorities in Great Britain to curb traffic congestion; her views on whether any of the specific initiatives contained are worthy of study by her Department with a view to possible implementation here, including local transport schemes, implementation of a national public transport information system, the establishment of a commission for integrated transport to monitor the progress of policy and investment in quality public transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18311/98]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I have seen the UK Government's recent white paper on the future of transport entitled "A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone". Many of the initiatives it contains have been considered or are being implemented here. In relation to public transport, this Government is committed to its development and substantial investment is now taking place nationally with both EU and Exchequer assistance.

At local level, ideas outlined in the White Paper are being introduced in Dublin as the strategy identified by the Dublin Transportation Initiative is implemented. This strategy, developed through consultation and taking into consideration issues of long-term sustainability, consists of an integrated set of infrastructural and transport policy initiatives. These include measures to improve the real time passenger information available to the travelling public.

Options for the continuing development of public transport are kept under review and evaluated within my Department.

John Gormley

Question:

139 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on whether the fiscal regime applying to the use of company cars constitutes an impediment to the development of sustainable public transport systems; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18313/98]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The development of a sustainable public transport system requires an integrated set of infrastructural and transport policy initiatives such as the strategy identified by the Dublin Transportation Initiative. In implementing this strategy a range of incentives and restrictions which result in an appropriate balance between public and private transport are necessary. No one issue alone provides the key to a solution.

Specific aspects relating to taxation measures are a matter for my colleagues, the Minister for Finance.

John Gormley

Question:

140 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if it is a policy of her Department to ensure that an adequate number of public transport vehicles is available to meet public transport demands in urban areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18363/98]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

It is the Government's policy to promote the provision of an adequate, safe and efficient public transport service which is also competitive and cost effective. In implementing this policy the need for investment in extra rolling stock and buses has been identified and is being addressed.

For example, as part of the reallocation of the Luas EU assistance, approval has been given for the acquisition by Bus Átha Cliath of 50 buses at a total cost of £8.5 million. These buses, which are expected to be delivered in autumn 1999, will be used on the quality bus corridors and will increase morning rush hour capacity by 3,500. Similarily, approval has been given for the acquisition of an additional 20 diesel rail cars and 16 DART carriages by Iarnród Éireann in addition to the 27 railcars and 10 DART carriages already on order.

The DTO short-term action plan has also identified a requirement for 100 extra buses and the need for additional State subvention to support expanded peak hour bus services. These recommendations will be considered by Government as part of the Estimates process.

In relation to public service vehicles such as taxis, this is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government.