Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2018
639. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason an action (details supplied) under the Action Plan for Rural Development was not delivered by the timeline committed to; the revised timeline by quarter and year for delivery of this action; if no revised timeline has been set to date, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37134/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy refers to the Action Plan for Rural Development, action 251, which commits to conducting a full review of Public Transport Policy, including the rural transport dimension, to ensure that it meets the needs of rural communities.
He will also be aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government made a commitment to review Public Transport Policy “to ensure services are sustainable into the future and are meeting the needs of a modern economy”.
Work on this policy review is already under way, but is at an early stage. My Department is currently drawing together data and information from many sources, which will inform its work. As the Deputy is aware, given the complexity and various actors involved in Public Transport, this is rightly a very involved and detailed process, which will take time. All elements of public transport are being considered in the review, including public transport in rural communities.
As a key part of this policy review process, I decided to host a Round Table Discussion on Public Transport Policy. I envisaged engagement with key stakeholders involved with the provision of Public Transport infrastructure and services. Indeed, I had made advanced arrangements to host this in 2017, however I was clear that it could not go ahead against the backdrop of industrial unrest which was present at the time. A window only became available in May of this year to host a successful event.
The event included a broad – though, by no means, exhaustive – range of organisations and individuals who are closely connected with the public transport sector. These stakeholders included: passenger and consumer interests; providers of bus, rail and taxi services; providers of transport infrastructure; trades unions with members working in public transport; those who share road-space with public transport; environmental interests; local authorities; regulators; legislators; policy-makers; and analysts and academics who focus on public transport.
The discussions, papers and presentations from that Round Table Discussion will now inform a public consultation that is expected to take place over the coming months. This consultation will further inform the ongoing review.
In the meantime, I will draw the Deputy’s attention to the NTA’s ‘Local Link Rural Transport Programme Strategic Plan 2018 to 2022’ which was published in March of this year. The Strategic Plan outlines key objectives and actions across 9 priority areas for the Rural Transport Programme over the next 5 years. I see it as the road map for strengthening and developing the RTP over the coming years. Work on delivering the actions outlined in this plan is already under way.
Furthermore, I should note that the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Iarnród Éireann report on the Rail Review was published in 2016. Since then, the NTA has held a public consultation on the Review. Over 300 submissions were received in response to that consultation process. A report of those submissions has been submitted to my Department by the NTA and I intend to bring the report to Government for consideration.
