Vol. 504 No. 4
128 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the proposals, if any, she has to give financial assistance to private operators who provide a dedicated transport service for the disabled in areas where accessible public transport is not an option; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12137/99]
My Department is responsible for general policy in regard to public transport and I am committed to bringing about a situation where public transport facilities are fully accessible to all at the earliest possible date.
129 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will grant licences to a company (details supplied) in Dublin 17 to operate bus services from the airport to Howth Junction and from Leixlip to Swords via the M50; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that these applications are with her Department for ten months; and if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the applications comply in every way with the requirements of the Transport Act, 1932. [12200/99]
The Road Transport Act, 1932, as amended, is the legislative basis for the licensing of scheduled bus services in this country. This legislation governs the provision of passenger services, other than those provided by Bus Éireann and Bus Átha Cliath.
The applications referred to by the Deputy are being considered in accordance with the provisions of the 1932 Act and having regard to the existing transport situation in the greater Dublin area. I recently met the applicant and gave him an opportunity to put his case in support of his application. A decision will be conveyed to the applicant as soon as possible.
130 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the consideration, if any, she will give to extending the DART to Donabate where parking spaces could be secured close to the station in view of the shortage of land for park and ride facilities in the town and the proposed extension of the DART to Malahide. [12277/99]
There are no plans to extend the DART from Malahide to Donabate. However, I announced on 4 March that the Government had given me approval to carry out costing and feasibility work for a new suburban rail commuter development plan. The focus of the first phase of that plan will be on the more intensive use of the existing rail corridors, including the northern corridor on which Donabate is situated.
Iarnród Éireann has also advised me that all their own land available for parking at Malahide station is being utilised, but they are engaged in negotiations with Fingal County Council with a view to acquiring additional car parking space.
