Results 20,661-20,680 of 21,047 for speaker:Alan Kelly

Rural Transport (9 Nov 2011)

Alan Kelly: As part of the review of rural transport and considering greater integration of rural transport across a range of areas, including education and health, we will consult the Departments. In that context I will bring the issues the Deputy mentioned to their attention, as well as many other issues. A wide range of issues are involved. I will meet the group referred to by the Deputy. I have...

Rural Transport (9 Nov 2011)

Alan Kelly: Deputy McGrath and I do not agree on many things but in this scenario we agree a great deal on the issues. I will take his comments on board. It will be a combined approach between the changeover in the integrated rural transport side and a renewed policy relating to taxis and hackneys. Between both we should have a better policy for rural areas.

Public Transport (9 Nov 2011)

Alan Kelly: As the Deputy will be aware, there is no ministerial role in the operation of Dublin Bus and the provision of services, including the rerouting of some services. It is a matter for the company in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, NTA. The funding of public service obligation, PSO, services is governed by a public transport contract between the NTA and Dublin Bus. That...

Public Transport (9 Nov 2011)

Alan Kelly: I understand the Deputy's comments and genuinely take them on board. As I have stated previously in the House, Members should by all means drop me a line regarding grievances they consider to be fundamental and I will bring them to the attention of Dublin Bus and have them looked into. That said, a serious quantity of money has been given to Dublin Bus. Between 2000 and 2010, €725...

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (2 Nov 2011)

Alan Kelly: As part of the Government's Jobs Initiative an additional €20 million has been allocated to sustainable transport projects this year. €10 million was allocated by the NTA to projects in the Greater Dublin Area and in the regional cities. A further €10 million of this funding was allocated by my Department to counties outside the Greater Dublin Area. The scheme is intended to support a...

Written Answers — Taxi Regulations: Taxi Regulations (2 Nov 2011)

Alan Kelly: I envisage that the review of taxi regulation, which I am chairing, will be completed in November. I will announce the results of the review following Government approval of its recommendations.

Written Answers — Taxi Regulations: Taxi Regulations (2 Nov 2011)

Alan Kelly: The regulation of the taxi industry, including matters related to the issuing of hackney licences, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003. I have arranged for your question to be forwarded to the NTA for direct response. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten days. In line with a commitment...

Written Answers — Taxi Regulations: Taxi Regulations (25 Oct 2011)

Alan Kelly: The regulation of the taxi industry, including matters related to the rental sector in the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry and the maintenance of records of part-time drivers, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003. I have arranged for your question to be forwarded to the NTA for direct response. Please advise my Office if you...

Written Answers — Road Traffic Offences: Road Traffic Offences (25 Oct 2011)

Alan Kelly: The management of the M6 Toll Plaza is the responsibility of the National Roads Authority and not something in which I have any function. I have referred the matter to the National Roads Authority for direct response to you. If you do not receive a reply within ten working days please contact my private office.

Written Answers — Cycling Facilities : Cycling Facilities (18 Oct 2011)

Alan Kelly: I propose to take Questions Nos. 546 and 547 together. The National Cycle Policy is a broad framework aimed at providing a common, integrated basis for the long term development and implementation of cycling policies. Within that, my priority in 2011, in line with the Programme for Government, is to support investment in delivery. For example, investment in infrastructure designed to...

Written Answers — Cycle Facilities: Cycle Facilities (18 Oct 2011)

Alan Kelly: Recognising the success of the Dublinbikes scheme, the Programme for Government commits my Department to look to extend the scheme to other cities and integrate the scheme more effectively with public transport links. The National Transport Authority has, at my request, had an initial analysis of the potential for similar bikes schemes in the regional cities carried out. My Department and...

Written Answers — Rail Network: Rail Network (11 Oct 2011)

Alan Kelly: Matters relating to the re-opening, or alternative uses for unused rail lines are a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance. I understand that Iarnród Éireann currently has no plans to re-open the Mullingar to Athlone rail line. In any event, given the new funding realities, the priority for use of scarce capital resources will be to protect investment made to date. This of...

Written Answers — Bus Services: Bus Services (6 Oct 2011)

Alan Kelly: The responsibility for the provision of toilet facilities on bus services is a matter for the providers of such services and not one in which I have any function. As the Deputy may be aware, the licensing of commercial bus passenger services was transferred to the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Public Transport Regulation Act, 2009. The NTA issued Guidelines for the licensing of...

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (6 Oct 2011)

Alan Kelly: A decision has yet to be announced regarding the outcome of the Smarter Travel Areas Competition. The future of this programme will be considered in the context of the available budget for 2011 and beyond. The size and availability of funding for the delivery of a Smarter Travel Areas programme must be considered in the context of the Government's and my Department's overall priorities....

Written Answers — Cycle Facilities: Cycle Facilities (6 Oct 2011)

Alan Kelly: The provision of public bike parking is a matter in the first instance for the local authority concerned utilising either their own resources or financial assistance that may be available from either my Department or the National Transport Authority. A good example of local authority provided city centre bike parking is the secure bike parking made available by Dublin City Council on the...

Air Accident Investigations (6 Oct 2011)

Alan Kelly: I am pleased to take this opportunity to speak on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, who is attending a European Union Transport Council meeting today, on the subject of the final report regarding the accident to the Air Corps PC-9(M) training aircraft at Cornamona, County Galway, on 12 October 2009. On behalf of the Minister, the Department and myself, I express my...

Air Accident Investigations (6 Oct 2011)

Alan Kelly: I agree with the Deputy. The Government wants to bring closure - whatever closure might mean, as it is a word that is often used - for the families in their loss. I accept that they have endured considerable suffering. As I said, a substantial legal submission needed due consideration for a number of reasons which I will not detail. However, I assure the Deputy release of the report is...

Vocational Education Committees (6 Oct 2011)

Alan Kelly: It is a full one.

Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2011 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (6 Oct 2011)

Alan Kelly: I thank the Deputies who have contributed to the debate for their views and their general support for the Bill. The large number of Deputies who contributed to the debate demonstrates the seriousness with which the House views road safety issues. All are agreed that improvements have and are being made on road safety and that the country as a whole is reaping the benefits with the reduced...

Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2011 [Seanad]: Referral to Select Committee (6 Oct 2011)

Alan Kelly: I move: That the Bill be referred to the Select Sub-Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport, in accordance with Standing Order 122(1) and paragraph 1(a)(i) of the Orders of Reference of that committee.