Emmet Stagg
Question:47 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if the committee chaired by her Department to make recommendations on integrated ticketing has reported to her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4118/00]
Written Answers. - Public Transport.
Ivor Callely
Question:99 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 90 of 7 December 1999, she will give a breakdown of the way in which the £1 million allocation will be spent on ticketing equipment; the time schedule for the design and testing of the integrated ticketing systems; and when these systems will be introduced in Dublin. [4077/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 99 together.
A committee chaired by my Department was set up in October 1998 to look at the issue of developing an integrated fares and ticketing system for public transport services in the greater Dublin area. As well as my Department, the committee also comprises representatives of CIE, Bus Atha Cliath, Iarnród Éireann, the Light Rail Project Office and the Dublin Transportation Office.
The public transport strategy for the greater Dublin area comprises an integrated package of measures covering bus, rail, light rail, integration measures, traffic management and demand management and is designed to provide a quality public transport product which will give a real alternative to private car commuting. As part of this integrated package of measures I fully support the development and introduction of an integrated fares and ticketing system in the greater Dublin area.
The committee is at present finalising its report and I expect to receive this by the end of this month. Pending the finalisation of the report I am not in a position to comment on the schedule for the design and testing of an integrated ticketing system.
EU funding of just over £1 million is being provided for consultancy studies associated with the work of the committee and also for capital expenditure. I am satisfied that this money will be drawn down. The capital expenditure will be in respect of facilities at the Maynooth line rail stations.
This is, of course, only preliminary work. The National Development Plan 2000-2006 provides £12 million in respect of the anticipated expenditure in this period on equipment needed to introduce a new integrated ticketing system for the city.
The Government has approved an Exchequer allocation of £1 million for 2000 to facilitate the early introduction of integrated ticketing. This funding will be used by both Iarnród Éireann and Dublin Bus in placing initial orders for ticketing equipment.