Results 4,501-4,520 of 10,035 for speaker:Martin Cullen

Written Answers — Air Services: Air Services (2 Nov 2006)

Martin Cullen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 100 together. The EU US Open Skies deal was discussed at the Transport Council on 12 October 2006. The Council underlined the importance it attaches to the conclusion of the EU US air transport agreement. It reaffirmed its unanimous satisfaction with the text of the draft agreement negotiated in November, 2005 but regretted the further delay in the US...

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (2 Nov 2006)

Martin Cullen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 94 together. On the 28th of September 2006, my Department approved funding of €30m for the purchase of 100 additional buses and a further €2m for the upgrading of garage facilities at Broadstone. I understand from Dublin Bus that the additional buses will begin to enter into service by the end of the year. Delivery of the buses will be completed by...

Written Answers — Air Services: Air Services (2 Nov 2006)

Martin Cullen: This is a matter for the management of Aer Lingus, which is now a publicly listed company, and a matter in which I have no function.

Written Answers — Road Network: Road Network (2 Nov 2006)

Martin Cullen: The statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads, including the M50, is vested in the National Roads Authority (NRA) under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000). As the Deputy is aware, in January of this year, the NRA decided to replace...

Written Answers — Road Safety: Road Safety (2 Nov 2006)

Martin Cullen: Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006), the Road Safety Authority is now responsible for vehicle standards.

Written Answers — Light Rail Project: Light Rail Project (2 Nov 2006)

Martin Cullen: The Railway Procurement Agency has made good progress on identifying feasible alignments and I understand that a number of possible route options will be presented for public consultation in the coming weeks. It is expected that a preferred alignment will be identified in 2007, taking into account the outcome of this stage of public consultation. Thereafter a design will be developed, an EIS...

Written Answers — Traffic Management: Traffic Management (2 Nov 2006)

Martin Cullen: Transport 21 provides funding for demand management measures associated with the introduction and upgrade of transport infrastructure. I have constantly said that demand management, including congestion charging, will only be considered when a significant element of the new infrastructure is in place. Consequently, I have no immediate plans for legislation in this matter.

Written Answers — Road Traffic Offences: Road Traffic Offences (2 Nov 2006)

Martin Cullen: I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 6, 10 and 103 on Thursday, 28th September, 2006. The framework for the mutual recognition of driving disqualifications is contained in the European Union Convention on Driving Disqualifications (98/C 216/01). The Convention relates to disqualifications arising from a range of specified traffic offences including drink-driving, speeding and...

Written Answers — Rail Network: Rail Network (2 Nov 2006)

Martin Cullen: In April of this year I requested that Iarnród Éireann undertake a feasibility study into a rail link from Ennis to Shannon. My Department is currently providing funding for this study. The company has engaged consultants to undertake this work. A steering group has been established, and includes a wide range of local interests. The study is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Written Answers — Road Network: Road Network (2 Nov 2006)

Martin Cullen: Under section 95 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 the provision of any traffic sign, regulatory or non-regulatory, is the responsibility of the individual road authority. A separate category of orange coloured signs is provided by direction of the Minister for Transport in the Traffic Signs Manual for use at road works. The provision and subsequent timely removal of these signs at any location is...

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (2 Nov 2006)

Martin Cullen: In line with its commitments in the 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, while ensuring better value for money for both passengers and taxpayers. The Government has decided that the regulation of the bus market and future...

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (2 Nov 2006)

Martin Cullen: In line with the Programme for Government commitments, 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, while ensuring better value for money for both passengers and taxpayers. I am committed to the introduction of a modernised regulatory framework for public...

Written Answers — Transport Policy: Transport Policy (2 Nov 2006)

Martin Cullen: Significant progress has been made on Transport 21 since its launch on 1 November 2005. The following are the details of progress in the specific sectors covered by Transport 21. Luas/Metro: I approved a Railway Order for Cherrywood Luas extension on 14 August 2006. However, in early October a third party sought leave in the High Court to challenge the grant of this Order, by way of...

Written Answers — Cycle Facilities: Cycle Facilities (2 Nov 2006)

Martin Cullen: Cycling is an important part of this Government's commitment under Transport 21 to increasing modal share of public transport through infrastructure and service improvements and to encourage a transfer of trips from the private car to more sustainable modes of transport. While the provision of cycle ways and cycle parking is, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant local...

Written Answers — Road Safety: Road Safety (2 Nov 2006)

Martin Cullen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 189 together. Responsibility for the collection of structured information on road safety now lies with the Road Safety Authority, who would be happy to provide the Deputies with the information requested.

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (2 Nov 2006)

Martin Cullen: I have no function in relation to this matter. It is an operational matter for Bus Átha Cliath.

Written Answers — Road Safety: Road Safety (2 Nov 2006)

Martin Cullen: It is long-standing Government policy to recommend and promote the wearing of cycle helmets by all cyclists and it has been the view that this is best achieved by way of encouragement and education rather than by pursuing a punitive approach to the issue particularly having regard to the large numbers of children and young people who cycle. As a consequence of the Road Safety Authority Act...

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (2 Nov 2006)

Martin Cullen: Significant progress has been made in recent years in the introduction of wheelchair accessible buses to the Bus Éireann fleet. Since the year 2000, all buses purchased by the company for urban services are low floor, wheelchair accessible. That purchasing policy will continue as the bus fleet is replaced and expanded over time. I recently announced that Exchequer funding of up to €50...

Written Answers — School Transport: School Transport (2 Nov 2006)

Martin Cullen: I understand that the Department of Education and Science, in conjunction with Bus Éireann, initiated a School Bus Flashing Lights pilot scheme in Ennis in January 2005 and proposed the extension of the pilot initiative to other areas. Consideration of the creation of a road traffic requirement of the kind suggested by the Deputy will be informed by the outcome and evaluation of these pilot...

Written Answers — Rail Network: Rail Network (2 Nov 2006)

Martin Cullen: The management of road traffic at level crossings is a matter for the relevant local authorities in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann. The upgrading of railway infrastructure and associated roads is also a matter in the first instance for Iarnród Éireann and local authorities and, in the case of national roads, the NRA. I understand that the upgrading of level crossings on the Maynooth...