Results 2,141-2,160 of 18,851 for speaker:Fergus O'Dowd
- Air Services. (6 Dec 2007)
Fergus O'Dowd: Question 1: To ask the Minister for Transport the further steps he will take beyond altering the Aer Lingus articles of association to protect Aer Lingus Heathrow links to Dublin and Cork Airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33197/07]
- Air Services. (6 Dec 2007)
Fergus O'Dowd: The Minister's reply is inadequate, particularly given the fact that, on 7 October, he told The Sunday Tribune he would immediately appoint the directors. We are now in December. Is it not a fact that there have been vacancies for State nominees on the board since October 2006? It is a measure of the failure of this Government and of the Minister that he has failed to act. The Minister did...
- Air Services. (6 Dec 2007)
Fergus O'Dowd: The articles of association state that if the Heathrow slot was sold or leased, for example, to British Midland, and was moved to Belfast the Minister would intervene, yet the same thing has happened with regard to the slot in Shannon. The primary purpose, as stated by the then Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, when he first proposed the sale of Aer Lingus, was to protect the national...
- Driving Tests. (6 Dec 2007)
Fergus O'Dowd: Question 5: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made in testing those on their provisional licences before 30 June 2008 since his statement on 28 October 2007; the additional resources he has committed to reach his target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33200/07]
- Driving Tests. (6 Dec 2007)
Fergus O'Dowd: Recently, I received a report of tests being cancelled in Raheny where people, who had test appointments and were ready to go, were notified by telephone that no tester was available. There may be an issue with that. I agree with Deputy Broughan. While the Minister has accepted this mammoth task of meeting his deadline of 30 June, at the same time a question to his Department has been...
- Driving Tests. (6 Dec 2007)
Fergus O'Dowd: I welcome the Minister's commitment to keep the testing rate, as between the RSA and SGS, under review. When he has a definitive response to it, will he circulate correspondence on it?
- Public Transport. (6 Dec 2007)
Fergus O'Dowd: 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]
- Public Transport. (6 Dec 2007)
Fergus O'Dowd: The Supplementary Estimate for the Department of Transport, which was announced yesterday, revealed that there was an under-expenditure â a return to the Exchequer â of â¬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 â¬55 million to put 196 additional buses on the streets of Dublin and our...
- Public Transport. (6 Dec 2007)
Fergus O'Dowd: A sum of â¬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...
- Public Transport. (6 Dec 2007)
Fergus O'Dowd: What about competition?
- Public Transport. (6 Dec 2007)
Fergus O'Dowd: The Minister is avoiding answering my question about competition.
- Public Transport. (6 Dec 2007)
Fergus O'Dowd: The Minister did not spend the money on anything.
- Public Transport. (6 Dec 2007)
Fergus O'Dowd: The Minister has failed.
- Public Transport. (6 Dec 2007)
Fergus O'Dowd: I give the Minister nought out of ten.
- Light Rail Project. (6 Dec 2007)
Fergus O'Dowd: I welcome the commitment and determination of the Minister, local authorities and statutory bodies to provide adequate public transport systems outside the city of Dublin. The footprint of cities such as Cork and Limerick has changed, with fewer people living in the cities and more living on the outskirts. We need a proper transit policy. I welcome Deputy Clune's question and the response....
- Light Rail Project. (6 Dec 2007)
Fergus O'Dowd: I agree with the Minister's point on examining other cities and towns. In Drogheda, where I live, the main street has been pedestrianised. People must realise that we can no longer bring cars into the centres of cities and towns. A few years ago in San Francisco I noted that no planning permission is granted for buildings with car parking provided. Instead, a contribution is made towards...
- Airport Development Projects. (6 Dec 2007)
Fergus O'Dowd: Question 8: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans for the operation of terminal 2 in Dublin Airport; if the operation of this terminal will be put out to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32938/07]
- Airport Development Projects. (6 Dec 2007)
Fergus O'Dowd: This is an issue raised by the Commission for Aviation Regulation in its submission to the Department. The terminal will carry 15 million passengers per year and, including the associated works, will cost over â¬600 million. It will be a unique location, one of two in Europe where one can clear US customs. It is important that it is run effectively, whether by a designated air carrier or...
- Public Transport. (6 Dec 2007)
Fergus O'Dowd: Will the Minister indicate how many of these are completely new buses not meant to replace older vehicles?
- State Airports. (6 Dec 2007)
Fergus O'Dowd: The independence of the State airports is a serious issue, particularly as it relates to their future financial viability. The critical issue that arose in respect of the Shannon slots and the role of the Dublin Airport Authority in not informing its subsidiary, Shannon Airport, as to what was happening has raised serious questions regarding the future of the region. If the Shannon Airport...