Results 13,701-13,720 of 18,851 for speaker:Fergus O'Dowd

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (19 Nov 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: I agree with Deputy Boyd Barrett in some respects. Sometimes houses become vacant. People who might have significant serious medical issues might not have the time on the list so they might lose out in terms of the final allocation. There are other issues. There can be significant and adverse behavioural issues, such as where somebody has been targeted as a result of drug abuse or their...

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (19 Nov 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: I am involved in another committee that has a report coming before it. Part of the issue arising concerns the transparency of findings. The view is that they should be presented to those concerned before they are published, particularly if there are adverse findings but even if there are not. If those concerned do not have sight of them, one cannot say there has been due diligence in...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Business of Joint Committee (20 Nov 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: I apologise for being late but there was a delay in the port tunnel this morning. That is why we were all held up.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Business of Joint Committee (20 Nov 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: I would have, except it was a short delay. Apologies have been received from Deputy Ruth Coppinger. I remind members to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the recording equipment. We will now go into private session.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Business of Joint Committee (20 Nov 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank the Vice Chairman, Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe, for stepping in and helping for a few meetings when I was indisposed due to a broken leg. I appreciate it very much. I remind members and those in the Public Gallery to switch off their mobile phones as they interfere with the recording and broadcasting systems. The committee has agreed to write to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Cycling Policy: Discussion (20 Nov 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: We deal first with the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 and the national cycling strategy. I welcome to the meeting the following representatives of cycling groups: from Cyclist.ie, Dr. Damien Ó Tuama, national cycling co-ordinator, and Ms Mairéad Forsythe of Love30 on behalf of Cyclist.ie; from the Dublin Cycling Campaign, Mr. Kevin Baker,...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Cycling Policy: Discussion (20 Nov 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank Mr. Ó Tuama. I call Mr. Kevin Baker.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Cycling Policy: Discussion (20 Nov 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank Mr. Baker. I now invite Mr. Ciarán Ferrie of I BIKE Dublin to give his opening statement.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Cycling Policy: Discussion (20 Nov 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: In 2017, one in every ten road traffic fatalities was a cyclist. Last year, it was reduced to nine people who were killed cycling. This year, so far, the figure is nine again. It is a serious issue when a much higher percentage of cyclists are injured and killed than other road users. The witnesses’ points are well made and well taken. The second half of our meeting will involve...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Cycling Policy: Discussion (20 Nov 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: Maybe it happens in Mayo.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Cycling Policy: Discussion (20 Nov 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: They will be there after the cars too.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Cycling Policy: Discussion (20 Nov 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: Who wishes to respond?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Cycling Policy: Discussion (20 Nov 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: I acknowledge that it was the Deputy who asked for this issue to be placed on the agenda. Obviously, as a committee, we should take up her point about producing a report with our staff after our hearings in order to try to encourage constructive engagement and get a constructive outcome for everybody.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Cycling Policy: Discussion (20 Nov 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: Perhaps I was unclear. The person who came at me out of the blue was going against the traffic flow and could not be seen.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Cycling Policy: Discussion (20 Nov 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: I regret to say that it happens to me frequently in the city. I am not blaming anybody. One does not expect it. One thanks God that one did not hit the cyclist who was going the wrong way on a particular road. It often happens around Dorset Street, although I am not sure why. I do not know if others have had the same experience.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Cycling Policy: Discussion (20 Nov 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: A Road Safety Authority report is being compiled into all injuries and fatalities over a particular year. It is going into every single accident, as to the reasons, outcomes and contributory issues.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Cycling Policy: Discussion (20 Nov 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: We will be very happy to follow that up with our witness groups.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Cycling Policy: Discussion (20 Nov 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: It is very important because it gives one the facts.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Cycling Policy: Discussion (20 Nov 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: This will be done would in 2018. We will check this out because it is a hugely important issue.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Cycling Policy: Discussion (20 Nov 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: Is this phenomenon universal in all countries or-----