Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 July 2009
47 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he has made comparisons between transport costs here and those applicable in other jurisdictions; the degree to which the main features of extra costs here have been identified; the action he will take of a policy nature which might address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28427/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraComparative data on transport costs are not readily available from respected international statistical sources such as Eurostat and the International Transport Forum.
Cost competitiveness is a key consideration for Ireland as an open export–oriented economy and transport costs are one of the many factors influencing that competitiveness. Ireland's peripheral location impacts on transport costs for a range of reasons including:
Distance from our principal export markets;
Diseconomies of scale associated with operating in a small domestic market;
Higher administrative costs relating to distance;
The need to maintain higher stock levels to meet tight supply turnaround times.
The large transport investment being undertaken by this Government will help reduce the cost of transport. For example the huge investment in our major urban motorways and dual carriageways is bringing about substantial reductions in travel times and in the variance in journey times. Investment in public transport is helping to reduce urban congestion and improve the efficiency of the urban economy. Commercial investment by our ports and airports in increasing capacity and improving efficiency thereby contributing to reduced costs for business.
