Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 2

Written Answers. - Public Transport.

John Gormley

Question:

283 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will introduce legislation to ensure that all parts of the country, including cities and towns, are adequately serviced by public transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24313/00]

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

The national development plan sets out a clear public transport investment strategy for the period 2000 to 2006 which is designed to: achieve a radical transformation of the public transport system in the greater Dublin area; revitalise the railway network; and to increase investment in regional public transport, particularly in major urban areas.

However, investment alone will not be enough to achieve the necessary improvements in the public transport service. It will need to be accompanied by institutional, administrative and regulatory reform. This will require legislation.

In September 2000 the Government published a consultative document, A New Institutional and Regulatory Framework for Public Transport. This sets out proposals for a regulatory regime which will underpin the expansion and improve ment of our public transport system. The responses received are currently being considered.

I will introduce appropriate legislation when proposals for institutional, administrative and regulatory reform are finalised.

Richard Bruton

Question:

284 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the number of peak hour passengers on the DART, on the other suburban rail services and on Dublin Bus in October of each of the past three years. [24562/00]

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

The passenger data available from Iarnród Éireann does not distinguish between peak and other services. According to the statistics available, average daily passenger numbers in 1998, 1999 and 2000 are approximately as follows:

Year	DART	Suburban
1998	74,203	20,123
1999	77,913	21,129
2000	81,809	22,185

The morning peak hour passenger numbers – Monday to Friday – for Dublin Bus in respect of October of each year are as follows:

Year	Passenger Numbers.
1998	1,689,987
1999	1,750,183
2000	1,906,377

Question No. 285 taken with Question No. 277.