Results 32,521-32,540 of 40,330 for speaker:Leo Varadkar

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Project Contracts (11 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the roads programme. The implementation of individual national road projects, including maintenance, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Maintenance (11 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The National Roads Authority (NRA) issued a circular earlier this year to all local authorities inviting applications for consideration for supplementary grant funding in 2013 under various headings.  All applications are being considered currently and will be assessed having regard to the eligibility criteria, the need to prioritise projects, competing demands from other local...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Rail Network (11 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), funding for the implementation and development of public transport infrastructure projects, such as the development of the Maynooth line, is provided by my Department to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Departmental Expenditure (11 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-2016 Medium Term Exchequer Framework set out a capital allocation for 2012 of €1,231 million for my Department.  This was subsequently increased in the Revised Estimate for 2012 to €1,245.038 million.  This is the gross capital allocation.  The figure of €961 million refers to the net capital allocation...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Bus Services (11 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: Under Section 85 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, An Garda Siochana currently have the responsibility, in the first instance, for the placement of bus stops in consultation with the relevant local authority and the transport provider.  I have referred the Deputy's question to Bus Eireann for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working...

Transport (Córas Iompair Éireann and Subsidiary Companies Borrowings) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Referral to Select Committee (7 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I move:That the Bill be referred to the Select Sub-Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport pursuant to Standing Orders 82A(3)(a) and(6)(a) and 126.

Transport (Córas Iompair Éireann and Subsidiary Companies Borrowings) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (7 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: It is interesting the plan managed to refer to money for ports, airports and a road but did not make any reference to public transport.

Transport (Córas Iompair Éireann and Subsidiary Companies Borrowings) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (7 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: Half of the funding provided under the Government's stimulus plan announced last year is being allocated to transport, albeit not to public transport for various reasons. Deputy Joan Collins stated the trade unions had co-operated to a point with the necessary changes and reforms in the CIE companies, which is true. She pointed out that she had been in contact with the trade unions before...

Transport (Córas Iompair Éireann and Subsidiary Companies Borrowings) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (7 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: At the outset I thank Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin spokespersons, as well as Independent Members, for their support of the Bill. I will address a few points raised by Deputies before I sum up. Deputy McConologue raised the issue of competitive tendering and asked if there is a difference between Fine Gael and Labour Ministers on the matter. Like many issues, there is a diversity of...

Transport (Córas Iompair Éireann and Subsidiary Companies Borrowings) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (7 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: On a point of order, a number of speakers from the Opposition spoke about the importance of public transport but I note for the past ten minutes no member of the Opposition has been in the House to discuss this important Bill and the future of public transport in Ireland. Therefore, I wish to call a quorum.

Transport (Córas Iompair Éireann and Subsidiary Companies Borrowings) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (7 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." I am pleased to introduce this legislation which deals with CIE’s borrowing powers for non–capital purposes. Strengthening CIE’s capacity to raise credit on a sustainable basis is a key element of a wider set of measures designed to place CIE’s finances in a healthier state for the future. The CIE group has had to...

Financial Resolutions 2013 - Financial Resolution No. 15: General (Resumed) (6 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: This has been a very difficult budget to frame. Every Department has had to make hard decisions. Nevertheless, I have been able to protect spending on vital areas like marine safety and the Coast Guard. I have also been able to safeguard spending in some areas of tourism and sport by ameliorating the reduction in spending agreed in the comprehensive review of expenditure published last...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Roads Authority (6 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 169 together. As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: EU Funding (6 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: My Department acts as an Intermediate Body for the BMW Regional Authority Operational Programme (2007 – 2013). One railway infrastructure project, the Elimination of Speed Restrictions at Portarlington, was approved for funding under the Programme in 2010. Total expenditure amounted to approximately €14.2m and the aid rate of 50%...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: EU Funding (6 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: My Department has not received any direct EU funding  for the provision of road, air and sea port transport facilities or installations in each of the past three years to date. However, under the 2007 – 2013 Border Midlands and Western Regional Authority Operational Programme of the European Regional Development Fund, two road projects qualified for funding.  These...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driving Licences (6 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: EU Directive 2006/126EC requires all Member States to introduce a plastic card driving licence with effect from 19th January 2013. The introduction of the new form of licence presented an opportunity to examine the system by which the current driver licence service was being operated. Following a detailed study and careful consideration of the issues involved, the Government supported my...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Air Services (6 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has responsibility for the licensing of aerodromes in Ireland including the approval of flight paths, so I have referred the question to them for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within 10 working days.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Railway Stations (6 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) on December 2009, the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), such as Kishogue train station, comes under the remit of the NTA. ...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Parking Regulations (5 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The making of pay-parking bye-laws by road authorities, under section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, is a reserved function of each authority. Guidelines issued by the Minister under that section, provide assistance to authorities when making pay-parking bye-laws, including examples of the structure and content of such bye-laws. Where changes are being made to existing bye-laws, other than...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Safety (5 Dec 2012)

Leo Varadkar: As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within is capital budget, the...