Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 July 2022
263. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if an effective review system has been implemented for efficiency assessment, quality assessment and impact on customers of roll-out of new transport systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39448/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In line with the Public Spending Code and my Department's Common Appraisal Framework for Transport Projects and Programmes, new transport capital investment proposals are appraised in a manner commensurate with their scale. For larger projects, this involves multiple levels of review and assurance by my Department, its agencies and independent experts. For projects with an estimated cost of €100m or above, the Government is the ultimate Approving Authority and such projects must be approved by the Government at a series of Decision Gates before they can proceed to construction, as set out in the Public Spending Code.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport. They also have responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed, direct response on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
