Results 3,461-3,480 of 10,035 for speaker:Martin Cullen

Transport Policy. (1 Feb 2006)

Martin Cullen: The Deputy's opening remarks were correct in that many of these projects had been in planning. There was no certainty of any of them going ahead. Transport 21 provided immediate funding to get the projects up and running, which is what has happened. Later this month the public consultation on the metro north route will commence, which is quick progress. In terms of the framework scheduling in...

Transport Policy. (1 Feb 2006)

Martin Cullen: If the Deputies want to tell me we are behind schedule, they should point out where we are behind. We are not behind. With regard to the ordering of rolling stock, last year we placed huge orders for intercity carriages for Iarnród Éireann, which will be delivered in 18 months. We do not need six years to place orders. Moreover, we want to get the most modern equipment available.

Transport Policy. (1 Feb 2006)

Martin Cullen: Major international tunnelling projects have been completed well within that timeframe. I have no doubt it is possible to do this. My expectation is that we will deliver it. I do not, however, underestimate the complexity of delivering the projects. One of the major tasks assigned to Dr. Margaret O'Mahony was identifying a key person with the necessary hands-on project experience,...

Transport Policy. (1 Feb 2006)

Martin Cullen: Not really, it was a fair cost. Nobody appears to recognise the quality of roads being built in Ireland is far higher than that in other European countries.

Transport Policy. (1 Feb 2006)

Martin Cullen: That is not necessarily true. The great economies of Europe — France, Germany and Italy — have major tolling schemes. Irish people use them all the time and experience no problems with them. We are quite willing to pay the charges.

Transport Policy. (1 Feb 2006)

Martin Cullen: I agree with the Deputy but she might acknowledge that despite the prevarication that prevailed for a number of years, I decided to end this process.

Transport Policy. (1 Feb 2006)

Martin Cullen: It is a complex legal matter.

Transport Policy. (1 Feb 2006)

Martin Cullen: The Deputy should not venture down that road.

Transport Policy. (1 Feb 2006)

Martin Cullen: I am simply stating it as it is. There are risks involved in all of these matters but the decision has been made.

Transport Policy. (1 Feb 2006)

Martin Cullen: I am aware the Green Party does not like roads but there is little I can do about it.

Transport Policy. (1 Feb 2006)

Martin Cullen: To whom is the Deputy referring?

Transport Policy. (1 Feb 2006)

Martin Cullen: I agree with the Taoiseach with regard to the outer orbital motorway. I have quite strong views on the matter. We also agree on the need for significant investment in public transport in Dublin. There is no question about the need for this investment, which is a significant element in the way we resolve many of the issues. Such an investment would persuade people to leave their cars at home...

Transport Policy. (1 Feb 2006)

Martin Cullen: We may be late in doing so but does this mean we should abandon it? Whatever about the sins of the past, we should not make the same mistakes going forward.

Transport Policy. (1 Feb 2006)

Martin Cullen: The outer orbital motorway is included in Transport 21.

Transport Policy. (1 Feb 2006)

Martin Cullen: Does the Deputy wish me to answer his question? It is clearly stated in Transport 21 that we need an immediate study on where the route is to be, its impact, its interaction with other roads and its impact on the M50. This study has commenced. Once this study is completed, there are a myriad of funding mechanisms which could be put in place. We must first establish the location of the outer...

Transport Policy. (1 Feb 2006)

Martin Cullen: The funding was not provided for it.

Transport Policy. (1 Feb 2006)

Martin Cullen: It is included in the plan.

Transport Policy. (1 Feb 2006)

Martin Cullen: The Deputy is correct in stating that metro north is one of the most advanced projects. A considerable amount of work has been carried out on this project. We are not starting with a blank piece of paper on this route. A considerable portion of the route has already been decided. It is quite clear how one gets from Dublin Airport to Swords as the local authority has preserved this route.

Transport Policy. (1 Feb 2006)

Martin Cullen: Yes. I am not involved in day-to-day technical operations but there have been discussions with the local authority and the county manager told me the instruction is to ensure the route identified by the authority, which is overground, will not be touched. I have no reason to——

Transport Policy. (1 Feb 2006)

Martin Cullen: All I said was the public consultation on the route for metro north will commence later this month.