Results 10,061-10,080 of 40,330 for speaker:Leo Varadkar

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Ministerial Appointments (12 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: A list of the bodies to which I have the authority to appoint some or all of the board members is available on my Department's website at the following link:.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Local Authority Functions (12 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The information requested by the Deputy regarding the powers or functions conferred on Local Authorities by legislation since June 2009 is available in the table. Powers or functions conferred on Local Authorities S.I. No. 472/2011 - European Communities (Road Infrastructure Safety Management) Regulations 2011. These Regulations give effect to Directive 2008/96/EC of the European Parliament...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Licences (12 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The overall requirements related to the registering of a person's name by the State is not of itself a matter for my Department.  I shall therefore confine myself to the requirements for the driving licence. Irish law allows drivers to change their surname on driving licences following marriage provided they produce evidence of a marriage in this jurisdiction or in the UK.  In...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Improvement Schemes (12 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: On 23 January 2014, I announced details of the €332.9 million investment programme for regional and local roads. I can confirm that the Local Improvement Scheme remains in place for 2014;  however there is no separate allocation available towards this grant category.  Instead local authorities may use up to 15% of their initial Discretionary Grant (up from 7% in 2013) towards...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Service Obligation Services (12 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The current Public Service Obligation (PSO) Air Services Scheme, which includes the Kerry - Dublin route, ends in November this year. The policy on regional airports post-2014 is currently being developed in my Department. This policy will reflect the recommendations arising out of the recently published IWA Knock Study Group, which are being incorporated into the draft National Aviation...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Service Obligation Services (12 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The direct award contracts for the provision of Public Service Obligation (PSO) bus market services held by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann expire later this year. The awarding of subsequent contracts is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA).  On the 5th of December last, in accordance with the provisions of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Transport Initiatives (12 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 239 together. Following the comprehensive review of capital expenditure carried out in 2011 a decision was taken to defer the Metro North and DART Underground and a number of other projects which were not affordable.  These projects were not therefore included for funding in the Government's 5-year plan Infrastructuraland Capital...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Rail Network (12 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The capital plan to 2016 prioritises protecting existing assets and maintaining safety standards. As a result the bulk of the funding for rail under the plan goes towards  asset renewal and maintenance across the rail network. There is limited funding for enhancements and upgrades but some  funding has been allocated for projects such as the Dublin City Centre...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Rail Services (12 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The National Transport Authority (NTA) has entered into a Public Service Obligation Contract with Iarnród Éireann for  the provision of rail services. As the NTA has responsibility for review of or amendments to the contract, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Safety (12 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: In 2008, the RSA commenced a consultation and review of the regulation, classification and safety issues surrounding the use of agricultural and related works vehicles on public roads.  Their report, delivered in March 2009, contained a number of recommendations for dealing with the issue. Following my approval, in principle, of the recommendations, extensive consultations were...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Penalty Points System (13 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The number of drivers who have obtained 12 penalty points in the years 2011, 2012 and 2013 and  consequently were disqualified from driving for a period of six months under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act, 2002 are 255, 263 and 242 respectively. As regards drivers who have obtained the maximum number of penalty points but their disqualification from driving is...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Service Obligation Services (13 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 289 to 291, inclusive, together. The issues raised are matters for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Toll Operators (13 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The East Link toll bridge was opened in October 1984.  It was built on foot of an agreement between Dublin City Council and NTR and therefore my Department was not a party to the agreement.    Under agreements dated the 16 March 1983 and 24 November 1983, the latter being in consideration for the loss of limited berthage and the disposal of certain lands, Dublin Port...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Visa Waiver Programme (13 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The short-stay visa waiver programme falls within the responsibilities of my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality.  The programme, which was launched in 2011, allows visitors or business people from selected countries who have lawfully entered the UK, including Northern Ireland, on a valid UK visa, to travel on to Ireland without the requirement to obtain an Irish...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Safety (13 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 295 and 296 together. The road mentioned by the Deputy no longer forms part of the N11 but was re-designated as a regional road.    The maintenance of regional and local roads, in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads including...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Parking Provision (13 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: Draft regulations to provide for charging points for electric vehicles and for on-street parking spaces for car clubs are currently being finalised by the Office of the Attorney General. These regulations will deliver largely the same outcomes as those envisaged by the Deputy's 2011 Private Members Bill.   It is my intention to sign the regulations as soon as...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Cycling Facilities Provision (13 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The development of the Sutton to Sandycove, or S2S, route and all other cycling facilities within the Greater Dublin Area is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with the relevant local authority,  in this case Dublin City Council.  Accordingly, I have forwarded your request to the NTA and have asked them to reply to you directly. ...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Transport Initiatives (13 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The NTA has statutory responsibility for developing public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects. I understand that the NTA is commencing a non-statutory public consultation on 17th February 2014 in relation to the proposals that it is developing in respect of a possible BRT service for Dublin.   This initial...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Transport Initiatives (13 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including  upgrading bus lanes and QBC's under the current capital...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Transport Initiatives (13 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The NTA has statutory responsibility for developing public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). Preparatory planning work is being overseen by the Authority in relation to BRT projects and they have included proposals for three routes in their draft Implementation Plan 2013 -2018 whilst noting that construction is subject to...