Vol. 572 No. 3
153 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Transport if he has received an application for a fares increase from the CIE group of companies; the level of increase sought; the response he has given to the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23119/03]
An application for a fares increase has been received from CIE. The application covers a wide range of fares for bus and rail services. The proposals from Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann are for a flat 8% increase across the board while Iarnród Éireann is seeking increases ranging from 7% to 15%. My Department is currently examining the application in the light of the financial performance of each of the CIE operating companies and I hope to be in a position to make a decision on the matter in the near future.
154 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Transport the details of the public relations contract for Iarnród Éireann's DASH project; the name of the company involved; the value of the contract; the reason it failed to notify passengers of the proposed weekend closures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23097/03]
423 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Transport when Iarnród Éireann placed an advertisement with local radio stations outlining its proposals to close DART lines for periods during the next 18 months; when this was withdrawn; the reason it was withdrawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23308/03]
443 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if Iarnród Éireann presented any proposed public information campaigns to his Department with regard to the upgrade of the DART programme; and if funding for such public information campaigns require sanction from his Department. [23459/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 154, 423 and 443 together.
In common with the normal practice for projects of this nature, the contract associated with the public information campaign for the DART upgrade project and its funding do not require the approval of my Department and, hence, the details requested are not with my Department. However, on 26 September, Irish Rail gave my Department for its information some draft details of a proposed public information campaign advising of the proposed DART upgrade works. Details of the final campaign were not forwarded. The chairman briefed me on the matter on 6 October.
Question No. 155 answered with Question No. 81.
Question No. 156 answered with Question No. 97.
Question No. 157 answered with Question No. 68.
