Results 1,661-1,680 of 13,253 for speaker:Pat Gallagher

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2006)

Pat Gallagher: I understand from the RPA that concerns were expressed, during the public consultation process, regarding plans to run the metro on elevated structures in Ballymun. These concerns were taken into account when deciding on the selected route. The RPA is working closely with Dublin City Council and Ballymun Regeneration Limited to ensure the design of metro complements the new townscape....

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2006)

Pat Gallagher: There is congestion at the three road junctions. This has been considered by the RPA. Many would prefer if the line was underground but we must consider the cost of stations being underground as well as the line. The World Bank tells us that an underground metro costs five to six times the cost of a metro at grade. The cost is affected less by tunnelling than by the construction of...

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2006)

Pat Gallagher: The cost could be five to six times greater not just because of tunnelling costs, but because stations would have to be built underground.

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2006)

Pat Gallagher: I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 21, 43, 46 and 98 together. In line with commitments in An Agreed Programme for Government, the Government has made a number of significant decisions recently that will provide a solid basis for expanded and improved bus services throughout the country over the coming years, ensuring better value for money for both passengers and taxpayers. The Minister is...

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2006)

Pat Gallagher: I do not accept that with the additional buses and competition, the fares would increase. The more competition there is, the better.

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2006)

Pat Gallagher: It is Government policy to liberalise the market. After the 100 buses join the fleet it is committed to opening 15% of the overall market to the private sector. The Dublin transport authority should look at new routes rather than overlapping with those on existing routes. The Dublin transport authority may feel it is necessary to restructure routes but many parts of Dublin do not have...

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2006)

Pat Gallagher: ——for non-commercial routes outside Dublin. Those areas are being considered. Dublin Bus submitted a business plan, which we have approved, to fund 100 additional buses for 2006-07.

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2006)

Pat Gallagher: Dublin Bus received a subvention of almost €64.29 million in 2005. The subvention for 2006 will be €69.85 million, to be paid this year subject to compliance with certain performance criteria. The subvention has increased by almost €29 million since 2000.

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2006)

Pat Gallagher: The Minister plans to make a formal announcement about the establishment of the DTA soon. Legislation to establish it is at an advanced stage of preparation. In line with the draft ten-year social partnership framework agreement, Towards 2016, the Minister will consult the trade unions and other interested parties during drafting of the legislation. We hope the legislation will be...

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2006)

Pat Gallagher: I am answering the question now.

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2006)

Pat Gallagher: He said that in good faith and we will not circumvent the unions.

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2006)

Pat Gallagher: We have agreed to consult the unions as part of the ten-year social partnership framework agreement. The fact that the Deputy represents the Labour Party does not give her any more right to speak for them.

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2006)

Pat Gallagher: No one can point fingers at us alone. The 1932 legislation is 75 years old. We are anxious to introduce legislation to cater for the demands of a modern transport infrastructure. While the 1932 Act provides for the licensing of bus services, the establishment of CIE later was not subject to this regime. We are anxious to create a level playing field.

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2006)

Pat Gallagher: We are working on it and it should be introduced some time next year. I cannot, however, give the Deputy a precise date.

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2006)

Pat Gallagher: They are not being given away for nothing.

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2006)

Pat Gallagher: It has not changed dramatically. The Labour Party was in Government as well.

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2006)

Pat Gallagher: Until such time as the new legislation is in place, we cannot work outside that framework.

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2006)

Pat Gallagher: We are providing substantial funds to Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus through subventions.

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2006)

Pat Gallagher: Deputy Shortall simply will not listen.

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2006)

Pat Gallagher: We do not know exactly.