Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

It is ironic that the Deputy raises the issue of fare increases, which are a matter for CIE and the National Transport Authority, when, in preceding years - when times were less challenging than they are now - his party announced large fare increases from this side of the House. CIE is in a perfect storm given the loss of revenue and passengers, the fact that PSO funding has had to be cut for obvious economic reasons, the removal of the fuel rebate and the increase in fuel prices. The company is in a difficult situation as the mainstay of public transport, but a bus business plan is being put together by CIE. The Government has taken action to ensure CIE will be able to operate into the future. We are working closely with the board and the various companies to ensure the work is followed through.

As regards the future of public transport, the medium-term Exchequer framework for 2012 to 2016 committed €1,363 million in public transport expenditure on the capital side. Irish Rail is getting €513 million under the third railway programme. I am sure the Deputy is well aware of the major resignalling programme in Dublin. Dublin Bus has 80 new buses and Bus Éireann has 60 new buses. The Deputy is aware of the Luas BXD project. Substantial grants are going to various cities to provide sustainable transport. We have launched the Leap card; Deputy Dooley might confirm to the House that he has purchased one himself. The national journey planner has been launched, as has real time passenger information, and Wi-Fi is provided on a range of public transport services. A substantial amount of work has been undertaken in a year and a half and our plan for public transport is evident from the commitments we have made.

See this speech in context