Results 1-20 of 4,244 for in 'Dáil debates' speaker:Alan Kelly

Rail Interconnector (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Kelly: It is clear that traffic congestion has reduced as a result of the economic downturn but a number of pinch points remain, especially during peak periods. I will ask the National Transport Authority, which is responsible for traffic management in the greater Dublin area, to provide an update to the Deputy on traffic management activities and proposals for Dublin. As regards transport policy...

Rail Interconnector (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Kelly: To be straight with the Deputy, of course it is a good idea. As a concept it really works and in theory there would be huge support for it. Given the financial reality, however, we must look at prioritisation. I agree there is a restriction on return for these lines because of the lack of interconnectivity and I hope we will get there at some stage in the future. Having said that, there...

Public Transport (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Kelly: I propose to take Questions Nos. 29, 49 and 59 together. The Deloitte report on the cost and efficiency of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann identified significant scope for the redesign and more efficient operation of the Dublin Bus network to provide a more attractive service for existing and potential users. The redesign would achieve more frequent, streamlined and reliable services. Following...

Public Transport (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Kelly: I thank the Deputy for his passionate reply.

Public Transport (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Kelly: As a former tourism executive, I am aware of the huge merit of such visits and their potential for the country. As far as the Government is concerned, the review that has been carried out is working. The main features of the redesigned network are an increase in the number of high frequency routes, more direct alignment of routes to and from key areas of work and leisure, greater use of...

Public Transport (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Kelly: To be fair, it is impossible to find more funding in this environment. I have some sympathy for the argument that the subvention given to Dublin Bus is low by comparison to that given to similar operators in other countries. It is a fair point and one I have made on previous occasions. The economic environment in which we find ourselves is very unfortunate. If we take money from another...

Public Transport (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Kelly: The review will not be stopped. It is not fair to describe its purpose as being to secure cutbacks. Its purpose is to obtain as much as possible for what we have. I have made an offer on specific hardship cases which need to be addressed and this will be done. We must be realistic, however. While routes and other issues raised by the Deputy are matters for Dublin Bus, in a number of cases...

Public Transport (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Kelly: While I would not necessarily fully subscribe to the option to which the Deputy refers, every option is on the table and will be examined, including, if necessary, by the relevant committee.

Public Transport (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Kelly: I understand and respect the reason this issue raises passions in local communities. We have encouraged as much consultation as possible. While I am open to correction, I understand demographic profiling has been done. I will ensure a full answer is provided to the Deputy's questions in this regard. When I meet the relevant authorities I will emphasise again the need for skeleton services,...

Road Network (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Kelly: Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority in December 2009, responsibility for the delivery of an integrated transport system, including funding for quality bus corridors in the greater Dublin area, is a matter for the National Transport Authority. I have, therefore, asked the National Transport Authority to send the relevant information to the Deputy. I ask him to...

Road Network (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Kelly: I presume the Deputy's concerns relate to the greater Dublin area. The National Transport Authority is examining this matter, although it is not the subject of a review. I could request that such a review be carried out to examine matters such as the times at which the bus corridors can be used by vehicles other than buses, the success rate of each bus corridor measured against key...

Commission of Inquiry into Banking Sector: Statements (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Kelly: When reading the Nyberg report last night, I recalled a moment when the scale of the devastation the Irish banking crisis came to the fore at the European Parliament. In my former capacity as an MEP, I was attending a private meeting with Commissioner Almunia - the man in charge of state aid rules in Europe - to discuss the matter of the bailout of Anglo Irish Bank. The Commissioner,...

Residential Mortgage Debt: Motion (Resumed) (4 May 2011)

Alan Kelly: It is clear from the statements made so far that there is much in common between the concerns expressed by Members of the Technical Group about the plight of ordinary homeowners facing the challenges of making ends meet and honouring their mortgage commitments in the current economic climate and the sentiments expressed in the programme for Government on this issue. Nevertheless, I will...

Jobs Initiative 2011: Statements (Resumed) (11 May 2011)

Alan Kelly: I wish to share time with Deputy Peter Mathews.

Jobs Initiative 2011: Statements (Resumed) (11 May 2011)

Alan Kelly: The jobs initiative represents the first of what could be 1,000 steps taken towards bringing about a full recovery of our employment, banking and public debt crises. Let us not pretend to be unaware of the scale of the problem, which is, to say the least, of potentially enormous and hugely challenging proportions. Turning it into a shouting match will not solve anything. It may well take...

Departmental Programmes (1 Jun 2011)

Alan Kelly: The Government recently announced a comprehensive review of capital spending which is now under way. The review will examine capital proposals across all sectors of the economy to establish a set of priority projects and programmes that will support economic recovery and provide new employment opportunities. The results will form the basis of a new national development plan. The preparation...

Departmental Programmes (1 Jun 2011)

Alan Kelly: To clarify, there are four projects in the mix, as we have stated clearly on several occasions. After the spending review, after the information has been provided to the Department and the process has gone through the Government, we will hopefully be in a position to go ahead with one of them. We are aware of all the issues raised by the Deputy, particularly those concerning north Dublin,...

Departmental Programmes (1 Jun 2011)

Alan Kelly: All variables will be taken into consideration. All the projects have merit in what they are trying to achieve. We are aware that the project to which Deputy Ellis refers has great merit. The cost benefit analysis across all projects is quite good and we will take that into account. It is incumbent on us to examine all projects. A fourth project has been brought to our attention and we...

Road Safety (1 Jun 2011)

Alan Kelly: The promotion of cycling continues to be a key element in the sustainable transport strategy being pursued by this Government. This strategy includes investment in infrastructure designed to enhance cycling facilities and support increased usage as well as promotional campaigns such as Bike Week. Infrastructure projects under way include the Dublin canals cycle route and the fisheries...

Road Safety (1 Jun 2011)

Alan Kelly: I hope to be in a position to extend cycling facilities across the country in the future. It is an objective of the Government, as stated in the programme for Government. It is my ambition to be able to deliver on various project but that is a matter for the future. We must assess the funding required. The safety campaign was a good one. The campaign cost €53,000. It concentrated not...