Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 6

Written Answers. - Public Transport Services.

John Bruton

Question:

149 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the time scale for her deliberations on the issues raised in her speech in Ballinasloe to the effect that the time had come for a funda mental rethink about the way public transport services are delivered and whether it was appropriate that the Government should act both as the procurer and provider of public transport; if she will put proposals before the Government on these issues in the near future; if her proposals will require legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10695/00]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke):

My intention in my speech to Ballinasloe Chamber of Commerce was to begin a constructive debate about the regulatory and institutional arrangements for the provision of public transport services.

Recent unprecedented economic growth has given rise to pressure on infrastructural capacity, including that of the public transport system. Tackling congestion is now a major policy challenge. The Government's investment response to this challenge is set out in the National Development Plan 2000-2006, which provides for a radical increase in capital expenditure on public transport.

Following my success in getting Government approval to accelerated capital investment, I have gone on to review the existing regulatory framework and institutional arrangements for public transport. I hope to bring proposals to Government shortly, following consultation with the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructural Development and Public Private Partnerships. It is likely that any proposals for regulatory or institutional change will involve the enactment of legislation.