Dáil debates
Thursday, 6 December 2007
Priority Questions
Public Transport.
3:00 pm
Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Question 3: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the future of the Government subvention to CIE and in particular to Dublin Bus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33198/07]
Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The 2008 Estimates provide for an Exchequer subvention to CIE of €313.4 million, including €81.8 million for Dublin Bus. This provision represents an increase of nearly 65% on the 2000 provision of €190.183 million. This growth in the annual compensation paid to CIE towards the operating costs of its public service obligation services has been complemented by a major increase in capital investment, including an investment of more than €460 million this year in railway network upgrades, new rolling stock, the commencement of work on the western rail corridor and the Kildare route and the purchase of new buses for Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann. Therefore, it is clear that the Government has been and remains committed to maintaining a high level of capital and current investment in the upgrading and operating of public transport infrastructure and services.
It will continue to support strongly the provision by CIE of bus services in the Dublin area through Dublin Bus, as well as a comprehensive network of other public transport services. I am reviewing the arrangements for the provision of the subvention to CIE to take account of the recently adopted EU regulation on public service obligations.
Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Supplementary Estimate for the Department of Transport, which was announced yesterday, revealed that there was an under-expenditure — a return to the Exchequer — of €55 million this year. The Government has failed to spend that money, which it intended to invest in public transport. It could have used the €55 million to put 196 additional buses on the streets of Dublin and our other cities and towns. It is unacceptable for the Minister to suggest he is doing the best possible job for consumers. Perhaps we should reform the 1932 Act, in line with many of the commentaries of the Minister and his predecessors, to provide for more effective decision-making on public transport. Can the Minister give his views on opening the market and increasing competition? Such measures would give consumers more choice and lead to better buses and cheaper fares.
Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The relevant figure for public transport is €58 million. As the Deputy is aware, a ten-year envelope for transport projects, including public transport projects and roads projects, is provided for under Transport 21. The €58 million that was not spent has not been lost to Transport 21, as arrangements are in place to ensure it can be spent at a later time. It was not spent this year because of delays associated with railway orders and consultation on public projects. It was anticipated that land would be bought to facilitate the development of certain public transport projects, but that did not happen as a result of delays in the planning process. I assure the Deputy that this money has not been lost to public transport. There would not be much point in providing 196 extra buses in the absence of additional bus drivers to drive them.
A number of the buses provided under Transport 21 are in operation, in line with the requests made to the Department. Some 100 buses have been replaced with new buses, all of which will be brought into operation when the recruitment process for drivers has been completed. I reiterate my previous statements about the 1932 Act, which is in need of reform, as Deputy O'Dowd said. I will concentrate initially on producing the Dublin Transportation Authority Bill, which will affect public transport services in the greater Dublin area. I will transfer my attention to amending the 1932 Act as soon as the DTA Bill has been published and is being discussed in the House.
Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
A sum of €55 million was not spent. The Minister is announcing extra public transport funding even though he did not spend the money he was given this time last year. That is the point I am making. Some 196 buses could be provided from this year's under-spending. Perhaps it could be used to invest in other quality indicators relating to bus services, such as the development of competition in the market. The Minister did not address that issue when I raised it. These funds could be used to pay for better service indicators, such as real-time information. The Minister could invest this money in improving the quality of service. He could do a great deal with this money. Deputies on both sides of the House who live just outside Dublin have made the case for park and ride facilities — no such facilities are available as things stand. The Minister has not provided for integrated ticketing. The Government's public transport policy is a failure. The Minister cannot deny that he had to give back €55 million.
Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
It might have suited the Deputy to repeat the incorrect statement he made earlier. I suppose I will repeat the answer I gave then. There are very good reasons the €58 million was not spent. One does not lash money around for the sake of it. It would be wrong to spend this money on 196 buses because they could not be brought into operation this year or next year in the absence of drivers.
Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context
What about the money being spent on the West Link Bridge?
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context
We have gone over time on this question.
Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Minister is avoiding answering my question about competition.
Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
On the quality of services, there is a memorandum of understanding between the Department and CIE. The integrated ticketing project is proceeding apace. There would be no point in spending the €58 million on that project, given that its total final cost will be €49 million. It would be rather silly to spend money on a project that does not need money at this point in time.
Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Minister did not spend the money on anything.
Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The envelope that is available under Transport 21 will be used during the window for that project, which lasts until 2015.
Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I give the Minister nought out of ten.