Results 13,261-13,280 of 19,173 for speaker:Shane Ross

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Railway Stations (25 Apr 2018)

Shane Ross: The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Company for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Topical Issue Debate: Rail Network (26 Apr 2018)

Shane Ross: I am glad we have the opportunity to debate this in the House so I can expand on the reply which I gave in written form to Deputy Wallace. It is a bit of a straw man that he is putting up. He is saying that another consultant produced figures which would indicate there was a good case for closing this line. Let me say one thing. While we can argue this until the cows come home, including...

Topical Issue Debate: Rail Network (26 Apr 2018)

Shane Ross: I think the Deputy has raised this question about the south-eastern line before, and I think he got a response. It is significantly constrained south of Bray as it is a single-track line with limited passing capacity. This reduces the competitiveness of rail against travel by road. In addition, Wexford is currently well served by commercial bus services provided by Wexford Bus and Bus...

Topical Issue Debate: Rail Network (26 Apr 2018)

Shane Ross: This is the whole point. We are not closing them, even if consultants say that they are not commercially viable. They are run for the benefit of the people who live in the areas, to which the Deputy referred.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Rail Network (26 Apr 2018)

Shane Ross: The Navan Rail Link Project, part of the TEN-T comprehensive network, was originally included under the Transport 21 Initiative and was to be developed in two Phases.  Phase 1, which comprised the Dunboyne Rail Line project and involved the reopening of 7.5km of a railway line running off the Maynooth line, at Clonsilla, to the M3 interchange at Pace near Dunboyne, was...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Transport Infrastructure Provision (26 Apr 2018)

Shane Ross: I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 to 211, inclusive, together. As outlined in previous responses to Parliamentary Questions, under the Programme for Partnership Government, the Government committed to applying to the European Union for the revision of the TEN-T Core Network, including in relation to the Western Arc. A submission is being prepared for the European Commission...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Rail Services (26 Apr 2018)

Shane Ross: The National Transport Authority's (NTA) Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area provides the overarching framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services for Dublin over the next two decades. The recently published National Development Plan (NDP), which was launched earlier this year by Government as part of Project Ireland 2040, also confirms...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Noise Pollution (26 Apr 2018)

Shane Ross: As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  The planning, design and operation of individual roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.  Noting the above position, I...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Travel Trade Sector (26 Apr 2018)

Shane Ross: The Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) is responsible for licensing the travel trade industry in Ireland. In accordance with the Transport (Tour Operators and Travel Agents) Act, 1982 the CAR issues licenses to travel agents and tour operators buying and selling overseas travel.    In addition, in accordance with the 1982 Act, the CAR is responsible for administering...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Driver Test Centres (26 Apr 2018)

Shane Ross: I thank the Senator for raising this issue and congratulate him on his persistence in pursuing the subject, in particular through highlighting it to Moyagh Murdock, who is more responsible for it than I, although I am happy to convey to her later in the week the sentiments expressed by the Senator and to support the case he has made. The provision of driving tests is the statutory...

Topical Issue Debate: Cycling Facilities Provision (1 May 2018)

Shane Ross: I would first like to join Deputy Jim O'Callaghan in expressing my sympathy to the family of Harry Boland, who as he says was the sixth cyclist killed on the roads this year. I thank him for raising this issue, which is a very serious one to which we are paying a great deal of attention, and we acknowledge the need for improvements in this area. My highest priority in all areas of...

Topical Issue Debate: Cycling Facilities Provision (1 May 2018)

Shane Ross: I acknowledge much of what Deputy O'Callaghan said, although I have done quite a lot of it already. I was in Copenhagen recently and observed exactly what he referred to. The progress of cycling in countries like Holland and Denmark is something to which we aspire and admire, and we are a long way behind the achievements in those particular nations. I do not believe it is particularly...

Topical Issue Debate: Ferry Services (1 May 2018)

Shane Ross: I thank the Deputies for raising this issue which has been raised with me many times by Ms Marie Casserly, a local councillor with whom both Deputies will be familiar. It is important that the Deputies realise that they are not necessarily the first people to bring this subject to my attention.

Topical Issue Debate: Ferry Services (1 May 2018)

Shane Ross: The Marine Survey Office, MSO is the safety regulator for maritime transport in Ireland, and one of its key responsibilities is to ensure the safety of all passengers travelling by boat. In 2008, officials from the MSO carried out an assessment of the landing facilities at Inishmurray island and deemed the recognised landing on the island to be wholly unsuitable for landing passengers. As a...

Topical Issue Debate: Ferry Services (1 May 2018)

Shane Ross: I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for giving me time to respond, certainly to one of the representations. While I acknowledge the difficulties in which people have found themselves, they should be debated in a calmer atmosphere. This is a safety issue, for which there is a remedy. I have spelled it out. Like any responsible politician, I am not prepared to allow people to take risks by...

Topical Issue Debate: Ferry Services (1 May 2018)

Shane Ross: That would make it easier for me to listen to any-----

Topical Issue Debate: Ferry Services (1 May 2018)

Shane Ross: I thank the Deputy.

Topical Issue Debate: Ferry Services (1 May 2018)

Shane Ross: It is a pity that the Deputy cannot stick to the subject.

Topical Issue Debate: Ferry Services (1 May 2018)

Shane Ross: I will consider this matter favourably, despite the Deputy's representations.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Roads Maintenance Funding (1 May 2018)

Shane Ross: The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant County or City Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the...