Results 16,861-16,880 of 19,173 for speaker:Shane Ross

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Bus Services (21 May 2019)

Shane Ross: I propose to take Questions Nos. 585 and 594 together. The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Projects Status (21 May 2019)

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

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Anti-Social Behaviour (21 May 2019)

Shane Ross: I propose to take Questions Nos. 587 and 588 together. The safety and security of public transport passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour, are important matters that, first and foremost, must be managed by every public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána where appropriate. While the vast majority of...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Transport Provision (21 May 2019)

Shane Ross: As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including BusConnects and bus services generally. Noting the NTA's responsibility in...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Service Vehicles (21 May 2019)

Shane Ross: The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.  Also, under this Act, An Garda Síochána (AGS) is responsible for the granting of SPSV driver licences which includes the administration of the associated Garda...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Motor Insurance Costs (21 May 2019)

Shane Ross: The increase in premium costs of motor insurance for all drivers in recent years is certainly cause for concern. It is clear that this, particularly in the couple of years up to 2016, has also affected those working within the Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) industry. However, the most recent Consumer Price Index showed that the average cost of motor insurance actually fell by...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Rail Network Expansion (21 May 2019)

Shane Ross: As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the Maynooth line enhancements and the overall DART Expansion programme. ...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Community Involvement Scheme (21 May 2019)

Shane Ross: Firstly I would like to explain that the maintenance of regional and local roads (RLR) is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants.  The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Improvement Schemes (21 May 2019)

Shane Ross: I propose to take Questions Nos. 596 and 597 together. Firstly I would like to explain that the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (RLR) is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented as appropriate by...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Mechanically Propelled Vehicles (22 May 2019)

Shane Ross: I thank the Deputy for raising this subject. The Road Traffic Act 1961 defines a mechanically-propelled vehicle, MPV, as a vehicle intended or adapted for propulsion by mechanical means, including a bicycle or tricycle with an attachment for propelling it by mechanical power, whether or not the attachment is being used. It also includes a vehicle the means of propulsion of which is...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Mechanically Propelled Vehicles (22 May 2019)

Shane Ross: I can understand the Deputy's impatience. However, this is a matter of road safety and it is important that we get it right. It is also very important that we get the views of the RSA. While I am not watching the authority line by line and day by day, I gather that it is collating information on how e-scooters operate elsewhere. It is somewhat revealing that various countries have reacted...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Mechanically Propelled Vehicles (22 May 2019)

Shane Ross: That is correct.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Mechanically Propelled Vehicles (22 May 2019)

Shane Ross: I will not set an exact date but I regard this as a matter of great importance because of the extraordinary surge in the number of these vehicles we see on our pavements, footpaths and roads. It is not something that can be tolerated for very long. Enforcement is not up to me, but I see the difficulties with having unregulated vehicles on our roads. We will have to make a decision as soon...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Public Transport (22 May 2019)

Shane Ross: As the Deputy is aware, on 21 May last year I hosted a round-table dialogue on public transport policy. That discussion was organised in the context of a wider body of work under way in my Department with regard to a review of public transport policy. This work reflects the commitment given in A Programme for a Partnership Government to review public transport policy to ensure services...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Public Transport (22 May 2019)

Shane Ross: I do not know whether the Deputy is aware of the Labour Court or the Workplace Relations Commission. These are bodies which were set up to deal with industrial relations and which have been very effective in industrial disputes in the past, particularly in the transport sector. In the cases of industrial difficulties we had a couple of years ago, these bodies managed to bring the parties...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Public Transport (22 May 2019)

Shane Ross: I do not disagree with much of what the Deputy has said. I agree that climate change is an important topic. He and others are welcome to make an input to public consultations as they arise, but also if we have a further stakeholders' forum. That is a useful subject. I do not accept what the Deputy said about privatisation. Nothing has been sold. Since I came to office, this has come...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Bus Services (22 May 2019)

Shane Ross: I thank the Deputy for providing the opportunity to talk about BusConnects. The Deputy is aware of the fundamental importance of PSO bus services in addressing congestion and contributing to tackling our climate action challenge. The PSO bus network is the backbone of the public transport system. Last year, over two thirds of the approximately 266 million passenger journeys on...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Bus Services (22 May 2019)

Shane Ross: I thank the Deputy for his general support for BusConnects. Fianna Fáil has warmly welcomed the principle of it as something that is necessary. The party has also applauded quality bus corridors, which formed the second part of the Deputy's question, and I think we can unite behind that. There have certainly been hiccups and high-profile difficulties in the route changes proposed,...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Bus Services (22 May 2019)

Shane Ross: I share the Deputy's concerns for the residents; every Member does. There are genuine concerns for those who are going to lose part of their gardens. They have justifiable grievances. Unfortunately, one cannot make radical changes in transport without sometimes causing difficulties for a few people. That is the reality, which we deeply regret. As the Deputy will be aware, the residents...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Bus Services (22 May 2019)

Shane Ross: -----overview map of their road showing the potential impact on their property, and an offer to meet on a one-to-one basis. Details of public information sessions were announced at the launch and advertised in national and local newspapers. Information is also available on the BusConnects website.