Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his good wishes. I look forward to working with him, Deputy Ellis and Deputy Halligan both here in the Chamber and in the relevant Oireachtas committees during the time ahead.

Irish Rail management, SIPTU and the NBRU recently engaged in further discussions with the Labour Relations Commission to avoid further disruption and damage to Irish Rail’s business. I am hopeful that the deal concluded on 3 September will be accepted by the employees and further disruption to services will be avoided. Cost-saving measures were agreed in Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann in 2013, which included temporary changes to terms and conditions for their employees.

I am informed by the National Transport Authority that it expects the outcome of the tendering of 10% of public transport routes to commence in late 2016, with the same level of service at a reduced cost. In addition, competitive pricing of services will lead to benchmark pricing, which will inform the NTA on the appropriate cost of bus services.

The NTA has statutory responsibility for the strategic planning of transport in the greater Dublin area. In the performance of that role, I am informed by the NTA that it is working with Dublin City Council to undertake a transport assessment study of Dublin city centre. I understand they expect to complete that study in the coming months and that the joint report will contain extensive proposals for enhancement of public transport movement within the city. It is intended that the report, when completed, be made available for public consultation and for consultation in the House.

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