Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 November 2005
36 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the 9% decrease in subhead C3 in the Estimates 2006; and the way in which this will impact on the establishment of a Dublin Transport Authority. [35969/05]
View answer69 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the way in which he envisages to deliver the Transport 21 strategy, on time and on budget, in view of the decision to cut funding to enabling transport agencies in the Estimates 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36030/05]
View answer76 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport if the proposed new transport authority to be established by Ms Margaret O’Mahony of Trinity College Dublin will have a national remit or if it will exclusively be involved in transport planning within the greater Dublin area; the proposed future role of the Dublin Transportation Office in relation to the new authority; and the way in which the new authority will be able to incorporate land use planning considerations in its role. [36063/05]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 36, 69 and 76 together.
The reduction in funding in 2006 under subhead C3 of my Department's Vote arises because the Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, will not require any operating subsidy for the Luas. Additionally, the RPA had to make an exceptional payment in 2005 towards the funding of a pension scheme deficit which will not recur in 2006. The capital and current funding provided in 2006 will be adequate to enable the RPA carry out its remit under Transport 21.
On 6 November last, I announced the appointment of a team led by Professor Margaret O'Mahony, charged with establishing a new transport authority for the greater Dublin area.
The team will finalise a structure for the new transport authority, detailing its remit and responsibilities as well as identifying the human resources which are critical to the success of the body, taking into account best practice and best experience internationally. In this context, it will be a matter for the team to make recommendations in relation to the Dublin Transportation Office. The new authority will have responsibility for transport in the greater Dublin area. However it is not intended that the authority will have a role in land use planning.
No provision has been made in my Department's 2006 Estimate for the proposed transport authority for Dublin pending the outcome of the work being undertaken by the establishment team. However, I intend to bring proposals to the Government for decision as soon as I have considered the report of the team. The funding requirements for the new authority will be considered by the Government at that time.
