Results 4,581-4,600 of 5,814 for speaker:Alan Dillon

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Capital Projects and Operations: Iarnród Éireann (24 Jan 2024)

Alan Dillon: As other colleagues said, there are real capacity challenges at peak times. I am specifically talking about the Westport and Ballina routes from Heuston Station. While we had the positive news of an extra late service from Athlone to Westport and Ballina, it does not negate the challenges in Heuston Station for an additional late evening service. What is the timeline? Mr. Meade spoke...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Capital Projects and Operations: Iarnród Éireann (24 Jan 2024)

Alan Dillon: Mr. Meade talked previously about sweating the assets. Will he expand on how that is done, because there is still commentary that Irish Rail could continue to do more in that regard. People need clarity on why no additional services are being put in place.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Capital Projects and Operations: Iarnród Éireann (24 Jan 2024)

Alan Dillon: Mr. Meade also talked about frequency of services. The expectation is to increase the frequency of services to a two-hourly service for services such as the Westport line, and an hourly service for cities. When will we see that being implemented?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Capital Projects and Operations: Iarnród Éireann (24 Jan 2024)

Alan Dillon: Are we are an outlier?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Capital Projects and Operations: Iarnród Éireann (24 Jan 2024)

Alan Dillon: Can Mr. Meade give an indication-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Capital Projects and Operations: Iarnród Éireann (24 Jan 2024)

Alan Dillon: Can Mr. Meade give us an indication of when these key pieces of infrastructure will be introduced? When will a two-hourly service, such as that to Sligo and other areas, be implemented?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Capital Projects and Operations: Iarnród Éireann (24 Jan 2024)

Alan Dillon: Another issue that comes up on the doorsteps is the resumption of catering services. Mr. Meade talked about the Cork line. Will he expand on lessons learned on the Cork line when the service was reintroduced? The Westport to Dublin line takes three hours and 22 minutes. That is a long time without any hospitality services. When does Mr. Meade expect the procurement process to end? When...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Capital Projects and Operations: Iarnród Éireann (24 Jan 2024)

Alan Dillon: The western rail corridor is a big issue in the west of Ireland. Many Deputies and Senators are very supportive of it. How is progress on line clearance of that line going? We previously met Mr. Meade regarding protection of the line north of Claremorris in February last year. What is Irish Rail's position on it? Does it want to protect the line?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Capital Projects and Operations: Iarnród Éireann (24 Jan 2024)

Alan Dillon: Is Irish Rail just delaying the inevitable that there will be a budgetary line item in relation to this?

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (30 Jan 2024)

Alan Dillon: 15. To ask the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on housing will meet next. [2747/24]

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (30 Jan 2024)

Alan Dillon: I commend the Government on its leadership. We are making significant strides in respect of housing. All the key housing indicators, including commencements, completions and planning permission applications, are trending upwards, which bodes well for the future. Momentum is certainly strong and building. We are moving in the right direction when it comes to housing. The Department of...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Rural Schemes (30 Jan 2024)

Alan Dillon: I thank the Minister for her response, which is commendable. Certainly, the recent investment of over €4.5 million nationally to tackle dereliction and vacancy in rural Ireland, including three projects in Mayo, is a testament to this commitment. The projects in Charlestown, Bellacorick and Louisburgh, which involved the repurposing of old and derelict buildings for community use,...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Rural Schemes (30 Jan 2024)

Alan Dillon: -----Balla with the creation of an economic hub and a remote working hub, these initiatives are certainly adding to re-energising rural Ireland.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Rural Schemes (30 Jan 2024)

Alan Dillon: From Deputy Tóibín's response, it seems he has no solutions and is just concerned with having a talking shop. The answers the Minister is providing are revitalising towns, making them more vibrant and building community spirit. The conversion of existing structures back into use is a welcome initiative and the evidence of it certainly can be seen on the ground. We have more...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Community Development Projects (30 Jan 2024)

Alan Dillon: 81. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when she will announce successful projects under the outdoor recreation infrastructure fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2749/24]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Community Development Projects (30 Jan 2024)

Alan Dillon: This question relates to the successful projects under the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme. We know how important these projects are to local communities. When does the Minister expect to make an announcement on these?

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Community Development Projects (30 Jan 2024)

Alan Dillon: I thank the Minister for her response. Many Deputies will agree that outdoor recreation facilities and infrastructure are vital to the future-proofing of local communities. Certainly the value placed on outdoor amenities and the contribution they make to both physical and mental well-being has never been more apparent, especially in post-pandemic times. We can see how it enhances the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Community Development Projects (30 Jan 2024)

Alan Dillon: I thank the Minister. She should bring her hiking boots whenever she visits because it has made a substantial difference. There are multisport events and adventure races up and down the reek. It has made an enormous difference to the ecosystem around Westport and west Mayo. I appreciate the Minister's input in relation to securing that funding and also the funding for around Cong and...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Forestry Sector (30 Jan 2024)

Alan Dillon: I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this Topical Issue and the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, for being present in the absence of the Minister of State, Senator Hackett, who is responsible for forestry in the Department of agriculture. I raise an issue that is causing significant concern among nearly 300 residents in a small community in Mayo, namely, Craggagh, situated between...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Forestry Sector (30 Jan 2024)

Alan Dillon: Go raibh maith agat for that comprehensive response. While I welcome the new terms of Ireland's €1.3 billion forestry programme and strategy, for me, the Government must be aware that there can be an excess of a good thing in our rural areas. As already stated, we must balance both the concerns and needs of a community against our environmental commitments. Creating new forests in...