Written Answers Nos. 26-31
26. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for a breakdown of the funding provided to Dublin Bus, Irish Rail and Bus Éireann for 2015 and 2016; and his plans to increase revenue for these companies. [39270/15]
View answerThe issues raised are matters for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
27. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to allow the Uber service; similar ride-sharing services; to operate in the taxi market; for an update on his recent meeting with representatives of the Uber service, and the discussions that took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39248/15]
View answerI met with representatives of Uber on 21st October last. At the meeting Uber briefed me on the development of their smartphone applications, the establishment of its Centre of Excellence in Limerick, with the creation of 300 jobs, and Uber's future plans including the development of its ride-sharing service. I welcomed the investment that Uber has made in Limerick and noted that Uber's existing services in Ireland fully meet the legal and licensing requirements of the National Transport Authority. In relation to Uber's ridesharing service Uberpop, I indicated that at present such a service would not comply with our primary legislation, specifically the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, and that unlike some other countries Ireland's taxi and hackney market is very much an open market. Along with officials from my Department, I undertook to examine the issue further, bearing in mind the legislative and regulatory issues that may arise.
28. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the due diligence that was requested by his Department into the finance of the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39253/15]
View answerMy Department did not request that a due diligence exercise be carried out on the finances of the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company or any of the designated Ports of Regional Significance. However, and as the Deputy has been previously informed, my Department has made funding available if a local authority wishes to conduct due diligence as part of the future transfer of control of the Ports of Regional Significance under the Harbours Bill 2015. The procurement and management of any such due diligence process is a matter for the relevant local authority.
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council procured consultants to conduct due diligence of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company and the process has begun.
29. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 31 of 23 September 2015, if he will provide a further update on discussions he has had with the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Justice and Equality and Defence regarding the system of oversight governing the landing of civil aircraft used by foreign militaries at Shannon Airport ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39255/15]
View answerI have no update to provide on the response to the Deputy's question of 23 September last. My Department continues to consult with the relevant Departments in relation to each application received for permits under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973.
30. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has raised issues of staff concern regarding the operation of the new Dublin Airport Authority pension scheme and legacy issues from the Irish Airlines (General Employees) Superannuation Scheme since its cessation in any recent correspondence between him and his Department and the authority. [39052/15]
View answerThe resolution of any issues of concern to staff in relation to the scheme referred to by the Deputy is a matter for the Trustees, the daa and the scheme members. As I previously indicated to the Deputy, my Department receives periodic briefings from daa and these sometimes include matters in relation to pensions. However, other than my officials liaising occasionally with the company in connection with sporadic queries, there has been no recent correspondence between my Department and the daa regarding the operation of the new daa pension scheme or legacy issues from the IASS, including staff concerns, if any, that might arise.
31. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action being taken to reduce traffic congestion in Dublin city centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39239/15]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the provision of public transport infrastructure and public transport services in the Greater Dublin Area, which in combination enable it to tackle congestion within available resources. The current capital investment works being undertaken by the NTA is set out in their statutory Integrated Implementation Plan 2013 – 2018. Some of the key projects in that Plan, and which are currently being delivered, include the Luas Cross City, Phoenix park Tunnel and the City Centre Re-signalling project and bus fleet investment to enhance the quality of public transport services.
Additionally, the NTA’s Sustainable Transport Measures Grant Programme supports a wide range of projects in the Greater Dublin Area. The bulk of the funding is allocated to traffic management projects that support the development and implementation of sustainable transport modes such as cycling, walking and public transport. Local authorities are responsible for implementation of the projects in accordance with relevant statutory processes.
In 2014 expenditure under the Programme amounted to €30.5 million, supporting the development of approximately 200 projects.
I would also refer to the Dublin City Centre Transport Study which was undertaken jointly by the National Transport Authority and Dublin City Council. It sets out various proposals to enable the City Centre to accommodate the increase in commuters travelling into the City Centre each morning by 2023, while facilitating the operation of Luas Cross City and enhancing the overall environment of the City Centre for visitors, shoppers, residents and workers. The study covered all modes of transport – walking, cycling, public transport, car – and it also considered how opportunities to improve the appearance of the city could be provided by reconfiguration of street space on certain streets.
The current position is that the submissions received in response to the public consultation on the City Centre Study, totalling almost 7,800, and which include numerous submissions in relation to College Green, are being assessed at present by Dublin City Council in conjunction with NTA.
Finally I should add that Integration measures continue to be progressed such as real time passenger information, Leap card, the National Journey Planner and WiFi. that are designed to encourage public transport use and reduce reliance on the private car.
