Dáil debates

Wednesday, 10 June 2020

Climate Action and Low Carbon Development: Statements (Resumed)

 

10:40 pm

Photo of Eoin Ó BroinEoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have three specific questions, two of which relate to the topic in question, while one is more general. With respect to the response of the Minister's Department and the taxi regulator to the taxi industry, most Deputies hear much concern expressed by taxi drivers about the lack of any active support, especially for those who may be able to return to work at a later stage in the Government's exit strategy but will not be able to work full time because of a lack of available opportunities. Will the Minister outline what additional support he is considering to provide to taxi drivers to ensure the sustainability of their industry?

A small but significant question that has arisen in recent days is the issue of protective screens separating taxi drivers from their passengers, and a requirement that they have such screens installed. The NTA and the taxi regulator are considering that these screens have to be installed by certified installers. Will the Minister confirm if that is the case and, if so, how will such a system operate?

All previous speakers have spoken about the importance of public transport. One of the most important reforms in the city of Dublin is BusConnects. Will the Minister give us an assurance that, notwithstanding the impact of Covid-19, the final plan will be published later this year and that its full implementation will not be delayed as a consequence of the funding difficulties that Dublin Bus now finds itself in?

With respect to rail, I want to support and give the Minister an opportunity to partially answer my colleague's question about the rail line to Navan. There is a much more ambitious project, which would take a rail line not only through Navan but on to Derry city, opening the entire north west, that may be more financially viable under the metrics the Government operates, and be of significant service to the people in that region. Will the Minister update us on the electrification of additional rail lines, particularly, for example, through my own constituency, in Clondalkin and Lucan, and on to Hazelhatch and Kildare? Is his Department considering the bigger project of having a rail line not only through Navan but up to one of the largest cities in the country, Derry?

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