Results 20,161-20,180 of 21,489 for speaker:Alan Kelly

Other Questions: Public Transport Issues (19 Dec 2013)

Alan Kelly: The Deputy has said he is not in favour of opening up the markets. That is amazing, considering that he voted in the legislation that guided the process. The legislation that guided us was prepared by a previous Minister, Noel Dempsey.

Other Questions: Public Transport Issues (19 Dec 2013)

Alan Kelly: It was that threshold we had to meet, in conjunction with the European legislation that also guides us in the area.

Other Questions: Public Transport Issues (19 Dec 2013)

Alan Kelly: It is Fianna Fáil legislation that is guiding us in this area, which the Deputy voted through. He is contradicting himself completely. He said one thing at one time and he is now saying completely the opposite.

Other Questions: Public Transport Issues (19 Dec 2013)

Alan Kelly: I am happy that this is a modest proposal. Following meetings with them this week, I am confident that the bus companies will be in a position to submit very good tenders for those services being put out to tender. They are in a very good position and I hope they will win some of the routes. We do not know what the circumstances will be post-tender. What is happening is that there is a...

Other Questions: Public Transport Issues (19 Dec 2013)

Alan Kelly: The Deputy could not be more wrong.

Other Questions: Public Transport Issues (19 Dec 2013)

Alan Kelly: I thank both Deputies for their questions. On Deputy Mick Wallace’s generic question, given the financial and other constraints on the Department, a considerable amount has been achieved. Like me, the Deputy represents a rural area. Rural transport sevices have been completely upgraded. An entire new structure is in the process of being delivered which will further integrate public...

Other Questions: Public Transport Issues (19 Dec 2013)

Alan Kelly: I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 32 and 45 together. The direct award contracts for the provision of public service obligation, PSO, bus market services held by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann expire late next year. The awarding of subsequent contracts is a matter for the NTA. On 5 December and in accordance with the provisions of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the...

Other Questions: Public Transport Issues (19 Dec 2013)

Alan Kelly: I thank the Deputy, but I wish to point out something. This is opening up for tendering, not direct privatisation per se. This week, I met Dublin Bus and spoke with the chief executive of Bus Éireann. I will speak with the chief executive of Irish Rail today. The Deputy is right about the mixed results in other countries that underwent full privatisation of services. How the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Transport Issues (19 Dec 2013)

Alan Kelly: The National Transport Authority (NTA) entered into separate contracts with the three CIÉ companies for the provision of Public Service Obligation (PSO) services. Among other things,  the contracts set standards of operational performance and customer service and contain penalties for non-performance. The NTA monitors the contracted performance of each PSO...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Transport Issues (19 Dec 2013)

Alan Kelly: Public transport fares are the responsibility of the regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), who adjudicate on applications from the CIE companies and the Railway Procurement Agency for fare increases or changes. In our dealings with all companies, we have consistently emphasised that they must reduce costs ahead of future fare increases or...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Cycling Facilities Provision (19 Dec 2013)

Alan Kelly: My Department is supportive of the development of cycle infrastructure and provides funding to local authorities under the Smarter Travel Initiative.  This is a five year €65million Initiative which was launched in 2012 to support increased cycling, walking and use of public transport.  The main programmes under this funding stream are the Active Travel Towns, Smarter Travel...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Departmental Correspondence (18 Dec 2013)

Alan Kelly: The former Commission for Taxi Regulation was subsumed into the National Transport Authority with effect from 1 January 2011. It is a matter, in the circumstances, for the NTA to confirm if any Local Authority requested support towards the development of infrastructure for small public service vehicles (SPSVs). Your request for copies of an audit report undertaken by the former...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Taxi Regulations (17 Dec 2013)

Alan Kelly: The regulation of the taxi industry, including the categories of vehicles that can be licensed as a small public service vehicle, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Public Transport Regulation Act, 2009. I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Cycling Facilities Provision (11 Dec 2013)

Alan Kelly: Responsibility for the roll-out, extension, maintenance and commercial elements of the Dublin City Bikes Scheme is an operational matter for the National Transport Authority, working closely with Dublin City Council. Noting the above, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: SPSV Licence Issues (10 Dec 2013)

Alan Kelly: The only vehicle licences that can be transferred to another person in the small public service vehicles (SPSV) sector are licences for standard taxis. Section 14 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, upon commencement, will provide for a prohibition on the transfer of all SPSV taxi licences. The underlying principle for the prohibition on transfer is that a licence should determine a...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Cycling Facilities Funding (5 Dec 2013)

Alan Kelly: The proposal to develop a cycleway between Glenbeigh and Cahirciveen is one of 38 proposals from 28 local authorities submitted to my Department under the recent National Cycle Network funding call 2014-2016.  €6.5 million has been set aside by my Department for the delivery of a small number of world class cycleways, or phases of cycleways, over the three year period of the...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Road Traffic Legislation (4 Dec 2013)

Alan Kelly: The regulation of clamping activities is a matter of public concern, and I have had to deal with this in the past on behalf of constituents. I thank Senator Clune for raising the issue. This is a good time to update everyone on this legislation. The Senator would be surprised at the number of people who raise the issue. People very much welcomed the fact that it was stuck into the...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Cycling Facilities Provision (4 Dec 2013)

Alan Kelly: I thank Senator Kelly, who always makes a very valuable contribution, for raising this issue and giving me the opportunity to outline this Government's commitment to the development of a world class national cycling network for Ireland. I know the Fáilte Ireland figures, to which the Senator referred, in regard to tourism and there is some work to be done, although there has been some...

Topical Issue Debate: Rural Transport Services Provision (4 Dec 2013)

Alan Kelly: I compliment the Ring a Link group on the fine job it does. I visited the organisation's office previously. I do not believe I received an invitation to attend last week's celebrations. I will check with my office as I am open to correction in that regard.

Topical Issue Debate: Rural Transport Services Provision (4 Dec 2013)

Alan Kelly: I am aware of the organisation's success and its contribution to the area. It does a fine job and I am sure some of its work will be replicated and used elsewhere. I have no doubt there are other examples of good practice among rural transport programme groups, which will also be replicated. It has been decided, in consultation with the National Transport Authority, to establish a TCU in...