Results 1,401-1,420 of 10,035 for speaker:Martin Cullen

Written Answers — Rail Services: Rail Services (23 Mar 2005)

Martin Cullen: I understand that Iarnród Éireann has not carried out a feasibility study regarding the reopening of the rail line between Mullingar, Moate and Athlone. The strategic rail review, commissioned by my Department and published in 2002, found that the Mullingar to Athlone line did not perform well economically when assessed as a "stand-alone" project but could offer significant benefits in...

Seanad: West Link Toll Bridge: Motion. (23 Mar 2005)

Martin Cullen: I thank Senators for their contributions. I thank Senator Ross for tabling the motion and Senator O'Toole for seconding it. They have given me the opportunity to come before the House to debate the important issue of the upgrade of the M50, including a move to barrier-free tolling. The growth of traffic on the M50 mirrors the growth of Ireland's population, its economy, employment and vehicle...

Seanad: West Link Toll Bridge: Motion. (23 Mar 2005)

Martin Cullen: I agree. It is very good civil servant-speak.

Seanad: West Link Toll Bridge: Motion. (23 Mar 2005)

Martin Cullen: There are also infrastructure deficiencies along other sections of the M50 particularly at key interchanges. It is the combination of these factors that gives rise to the delays experienced by motorists using the M50 as well as the radial routes traversing the M50. Removing the toll plaza would not in itself, and pending the upgrade of the M50, make a major difference at peak hour when the...

Seanad: West Link Toll Bridge: Motion. (23 Mar 2005)

Martin Cullen: I want to do it in conjunction with the other developments I have referred to in the House. It will make a difference in conjunction with the expansion of the M50. It will be necessary to consider demand management as a feature in traffic control around Dublin in the longer term. This will need to be considered in the context of the completion of many of the developments in Dublin. The M50...

Seanad: West Link Toll Bridge: Motion. (23 Mar 2005)

Martin Cullen: It will only be involved in the planning stages. I have no plans in that regard. The more I look at Dublin and access to the centre of Dublin, the more I am convinced that public transport is the core solution.

Seanad: West Link Toll Bridge: Motion. (23 Mar 2005)

Martin Cullen: I agree. We have all been up and down on those issues but we are where we are. The greatest opponents of the Luas are now its greatest supporters. Some in both Houses and those in the media did nothing but criticise it on a daily basis. Once it was opened it was loved and is a marvellous addition, proving beyond doubt that such transport has a significant capacity to make a contribution to...

Seanad: West Link Toll Bridge: Motion. (23 Mar 2005)

Martin Cullen: I have informed the NRA I do not accept that timeframe and I wish to put that on the record of the House. I cannot understand why it would take that long. This is not new technology that must be invented; it already exists. I know it is not as simple as putting in the new technology but with a direct approach and a little effort in this regard, it would take a lot less time in my view. I have...

Seanad: West Link Toll Bridge: Motion. (23 Mar 2005)

Martin Cullen: It was done by a Labour Party Minister.

Seanad: West Link Toll Bridge: Motion. (23 Mar 2005)

Martin Cullen: I have great respect for him.

Rail Network. (24 Mar 2005)

Martin Cullen: The working group on the western rail corridor appointed by my predecessor as Minister for Transport, Deputy Brennan, has met on a regular basis since last June. I understand the working group and its sub-groups are nearing the end of their deliberations. Accordingly, I expect to receive the report of the chairman within the next two months. A decision on the development of the western rail...

Rail Network. (24 Mar 2005)

Martin Cullen: I agree with the Deputy regarding the importance of this project and was sitting beside the Taoiseach when he answered questions about it in the Chamber. I have met the chairman of the working group on several occasions and have asked that the report be completed as quickly as possible. This is an important project containing infrastructural elements that can deliver good value for those in...

Rail Network. (24 Mar 2005)

Martin Cullen: High value jobs are available in the BMW region and the already good infrastructure in the area is being substantially improved. The Deputy may be aware that the National Roads Authority's recently released plans for this year indicate a significant upscaling of investment in the BMW region, with eight or nine of its projects located in that area. Having been responsible for the formulation...

Rail Network. (24 Mar 2005)

Martin Cullen: The Government and I are very positively disposed towards the western rail corridor. However, I will await the report of the expert working group before taking action in this regard. We will all have a clearer picture once the report is issued.

Rail Network. (24 Mar 2005)

Martin Cullen: I will not speculate before receiving the report. I have asked the chairman of the working group to report to me as soon as possible so that a decision can be made.

Air Services. (24 Mar 2005)

Martin Cullen: Last Tuesday, I briefed my colleagues at Cabinet on a number of key aviation issues, including the future of Aer Lingus. I am anxious in the interests of the airline to move forward on this issue as a matter of urgency. As the House is aware, Aer Lingus must be provided with the flexibility to grow and compete on a level playing field. The current situation is not sustainable and is...

Air Services. (24 Mar 2005)

Martin Cullen: I have been involved in a detailed analysis of the prospects. The current chairman has written to me recently to urge me to emphasise the enormous opportunities in the immediate future for Aer Lingus, but decisions need to be made immediately.

Air Services. (24 Mar 2005)

Martin Cullen: I will come to that in a moment. I will give the Deputy an example. It was clear even three or four months ago that the buying opportunities for airlines vis-À-vis the manufacturers was very opportune. I have been anxious to place Aer Lingus within that window of opportunity to get the best possible deal from manufacturers in terms of ordering aircraft. Recently, for example, China made...

Air Services. (24 Mar 2005)

Martin Cullen: He is. He has written to me since——

Air Services. (24 Mar 2005)

Martin Cullen: I do not want to disagree with the Deputy, but he has been quite clear on this since he was appointed fully as chairman of the board of Aer Lingus, as distinct from being acting chairman. As the Deputy knows, he is acting in the capacity of executive chairman at present. The prospects for growth essentially are tremendous and not just on the transatlantic route, although that is where the...