Results 15,661-15,680 of 19,173 for speaker:Shane Ross

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Taxi Regulations (12 Feb 2019)

Shane Ross: I note the Deputy stated that Uber should be kept out of the market. I presume that was a throwaway remark because his question as tabled does not refer to Uber.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Taxi Regulations (12 Feb 2019)

Shane Ross: On that throwaway remark, I am open to all constructive suggestions which would reduce social or rural isolation, such as the local hackney service referred to in a previous question. We will tackle that isolation. There are certain very important criteria in place for providers of such services. The potential scenario referred to by the Deputy was quite alarming. I am not prepared to...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Taxi Regulations (12 Feb 2019)

Shane Ross: I have given the deadline of 2019 and I am not going to revise it because it is realistic.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Taxi Regulations (12 Feb 2019)

Shane Ross: The Deputy may be demanding an earlier one. He asked me for one and I gave it to him. It is 2019. That is where it is and-----

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Taxi Regulations (12 Feb 2019)

Shane Ross: -----I am sorry but that is where it stays. The Deputy is not going to bamboozle me into changing it. The issue of safety is paramount. Deputy Boyd Barrett may recollect that I made a pledge about the issue of rickshaws, which is not dissimilar. Rickshaws act as quasi-taxis from time to time. They must be regulated and abide by rules that make people safe, not only the passengers but...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Disabilities Data (12 Feb 2019)

Shane Ross: I will first address the public transport area. My Department's high-level policy goal for accessible public transport, based on the principles of universal access to public transport, is being implemented through my Department's policies and funding. This includes new public transport facilities and infrastructure, retrofitting of older infrastructure, and accelerated investment in public...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Disabilities Data (12 Feb 2019)

Shane Ross: We have made a lot of progress and I absolutely acknowledge we still have plenty to do. This applies not only to the areas to which the Deputy referred but also to others. Since 2010, all new taxi or hackney licences require wheelchair-accessible vehicles. In 2018, the appointment by me to the boards of the National Transport Authority and Dublin Bus of people with direct experience of...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Disabilities Data (12 Feb 2019)

Shane Ross: The Deputy referred to lifts. I have a few statistics on this that might help him. Across the rail network, of 144 stations, an average of 12 lifts were out of service per week in 2018. The reasons were vandalism, parts being required or technical call-outs. Vandalism accounted for lifts being out of service on over 44 occasions in 2018. Some issues were rectified within an hour while...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Disabilities Data (12 Feb 2019)

Shane Ross: Approximately 86% of Bus Éireann coaches are now wheelchair-accessible by lift, and this proportion will increase as the coach fleet is replaced.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Road Network (12 Feb 2019)

Shane Ross: This question is about plans for investment in primary routes in County Meath. First, I wish to explain that, as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in respect of the national roads programme. However, under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015, the planning, operation and development of individual road projects is a matter for the relevant...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Road Network (12 Feb 2019)

Shane Ross: I might come back to it in a second.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Road Network (12 Feb 2019)

Shane Ross: I will address the matter of Slane bypass.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Road Network (12 Feb 2019)

Shane Ross: I will address the N2 Slane bypass and come back to the Deputy's question in a moment. In December 2009, a proposal for an N2 bypass of Slane was submitted to An Bord Pleanála. In March 2012, An Bord Pleanála refused planning consent citing its concern that, having regard to the importance and sensitivity of the location, a bypass of the type proposed could only be considered...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Road Network (12 Feb 2019)

Shane Ross: Okay.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Road Network (12 Feb 2019)

Shane Ross: My understanding is that pre-appraisal is the first stage and it certainly does not mean that final approval is guaranteed.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Road Network (12 Feb 2019)

Shane Ross: It is not.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Road Network (12 Feb 2019)

Shane Ross: My understanding is that it is not guaranteed, despite the pre-appraisal. The expected benefits of the Slane bypass are that it will provide a bypass of Slane village, provide an enhanced living environment within the historic village, reduce journey times and traffic delays in the vicinity of Slane and enhance access between Dublin and the north west region. This scheme is currently at...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Ports Facilities (12 Feb 2019)

Shane Ross: I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 77 together. Rosslare Europort is unique among the State-owned ports, as it is not a commercial company operating under the Harbours Acts but is instead operated on a commercial basis as a division of Iarnród Éireann. Technically, the port forms part of the Fishguard and Rosslare Railways and Harbours Company, which is a 19th century...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Ports Facilities (12 Feb 2019)

Shane Ross: Rosslare Europort is a commercial operation and operated as a division of Iarnród Éireann. As such, any State investment would not be legal under EU regulations on state aid. However, Rosslare Europort is a division of Iarnród Éireann which is managing operations at the port and looking at its potential to develop it further. The 2017 Iarnród Éireann annual...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Ports Facilities (12 Feb 2019)

Shane Ross: It would be unlawful under EU regulations on state aid for the State to directly invest in Rosslare Port. Iarnród Éireann will put in €25 million and has developed investment plans for customs facilities and port infrastructure. That is a fair vote of confidence in the future of Rosslare. Up to €1.8 million will be invested from profits every year for the next five...