Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have a number of questions for all the chair designates. I welcome them all to the committee today. Three of the four are seeking reappointment. As part of the reappointment process could they confirm if they have had to apply through the independent Public Appointments Service?

A new process was established a number of years ago through the independent Public Appointments Service. Did the chairpersons have to apply through that? Ms Cassidy said she had no experience of the marine when she was appointed in 2013. Did she feel that affected how she conducted her job and does she feel she has more experience and expertise having served as chairperson of the board for the past five years? She said one of the key roles of the board is to make safety recommendations in the marine area. During her time as board chairperson could she indicate how many recommendations she proposed to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and how many of them were adopted?

Ms Cassidy said an audit of the Marine Investigation Board was carried out by the European Maritime Safety Agency during her term as chairperson but she did not share with us the findings of the audit. Were the findings positive or were issues of concern raised? If so, could she share them with me?

Mr. O'Rourke is chairperson designate of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII and he too is seeking reappointment. He referred to the savings made following the merger of the NRA and the RPA, which is welcome. Increasing savings from €3 million to €10 million is very welcome.

The Luas is a relevant and current issue in the transport sphere. The Luas cross-city is a fabulous development in the capital's infrastructure involving significant investment of €370 million but it is causing major disruption. What level of engagement or interaction did TII have with the relevant stakeholders in terms of the proper planning for the roll-out of such key infrastructure in the capital city?

Mr. O'Rourke referred to the national planning framework up to 2040 and how we expect the population to increase by 1 million in the next 24 years. He also mentioned a recent ESRI report indicating that the population could increase by 1.1 million by 2030, which is much faster. It may be an unfair question but does he consider we are adequately prepared in the shorter term for such a major population increase in terms of transport infrastructure, be it roads or light rail?

It was also mentioned by Mr. O'Rourke that in a discussion with his CEO he confirmed that due to a lack of funding provided to TII in the past five years it has not been in a position to plan for major structural investments, and because of that he suggests any major timeline will be eight to 13 years. Based on the ESRI report that the population will increase by 1.1 million by 2030 does he believe the capacity is there to roll out the infrastructural investment that is needed? Mr. O'Rourke referred to a lack of funding. I was recently part of a delegation that met with the EU Commission transport office and it informed us of the availability of the Juncker fund. Why has this country not applied for one cent of funding from that fund for public transport infrastructure? The lack of infrastructure is hindering our ability to invest. I think we are the second worst in Europe in terms of the level of investment we put into infrastructure.

Is there any update on the amount of money TII is spending on security in unopened motorway service stations? The CEO was before a committee in recent weeks and while I did not attend the meeting I heard that in excess of €1 million has already been spent on such security and that there is potential for the situation to continue for another 12 months.

Mr. Mullins gave a very comprehensive overview and outlined some very ambitious plans. There has been significant development and growth and that must be acknowledged and complimented. The national development plan refers to moving the Port of Cork. Could he elaborate a little further in terms of the timeframe and cost? Could he also speak about the current status of the sale of a building, which I understand is under dispute. He can correct me if I am wrong. I am not from Cork but I was contacted by a colleague on the issue. Is it called the Common Building?