Results 5,501-5,520 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Written Answers — Rail Network: Rail Network (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The upgrading and extension of the mainline railway system is a matter for consideration by Iarnród Éireann in the first instance. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that it has no plans to undertake a feasibility study into a Derry/Sligo rail link. Such a proposal does not form part of Transport 21.

Written Answers — Road Traffic Offences: Road Traffic Offences (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The collection of court fines levied in respect of motoring offences and any reform of that collection system are matters for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Courts Service.

Written Answers — Harbours and Piers: Harbours and Piers (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: In 1998, KPMG Consulting were contracted to undertake a review of the State's regional harbours operating under the Harbours Act 1946. The intention of the review was to chart the way forward for these facilities by setting out a long term, coherent and sustainable development plan for their future. The review stated that the continued operation of the regional harbours under the outdated...

Written Answers — Road Network: Road Network (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. In particular, the allocation of funding in relation to the...

Written Answers — Coast Guard Service: Coast Guard Service (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 113 together. The Deloitte and Touche Irish Coast Guard Study made over one hundred recommendations for the future development of the Coast Guard service having regard to international best practice and value for money. Many of these recommendations have already been implemented by the IRCG. A number of the recommendations are strategic in nature....

Written Answers — Dublin Transport Authority: Dublin Transport Authority (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The Agreed Programme for Government includes a commitment to expediting the establishment of a statutory Dublin Transport Authority. The new Authority will have overall responsibility for surface transport in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) subject to direction by Government in respect of significant policy issues. Accordingly establishment of the new Authority will involve some alteration to...

Written Answers — Integrated Ticketing System: Integrated Ticketing System (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The Integrated Ticketing Project Board was established last year with responsibility to deliver the smartcard technology required to deliver an integrated smart card ticketing system within an agreed specification, timeline and budget. The Project Board submitted a comprehensive proposal for the delivery of the project, setting out the timelines, scope and budget for the Integrated Ticketing...

Written Answers — Departmental Meetings: Departmental Meetings (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The Department has a Management Board comprised of the Secretary General and the 6 Assistant Secretaries in the Department. The Board normally meets on a weekly basis and the minutes of the meeting are made available on the Department's intranet for the information of all staff. Items for follow up action are specifically identified. The Minister normally attends the Management Board meeting...

Written Answers — Departmental Meetings: Departmental Meetings (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I hold policy meetings with officials in my Department on an ongoing basis. The majority of these address specific sectoral policy issues within my remit. I also meet the Department's Management Board on a regular basis. This Board is comprised of the Secretary General and the 6 Assistant Secretaries. These meetings enable matters of a high level or strategic nature to be addressed.

Written Answers — Ministerial Staff: Ministerial Staff (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: There are a total of 5 such personnel not part of the civil service working in my private and constituency offices and in the press office in the Department. In addition, there are 10 permanent civil servants working in my office.

Written Answers — Departmental Bodies: Departmental Bodies (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I have responsibility for the statutory bodies listed in the following table. In all cases I am not accountable to Dáil Éireann for daily operational activities. Table of statutory bodies under the aegis of the Department of Transport Statutory Body Dublin Airport Authority Shannon Airport Authority Cork Airport Authority Irish Aviation Authority Commission for Aviation Regulation...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: A total of 80 posts have relocated or are awaiting relocation under the decentralisation programme. This number includes 35 civil servants from my Department who have relocated to new Departments. At present, there are 17 posts in each of the centres at Malin Head and Valentia. Discussions with staff in these centres are expected to commence shortly. Relocation of staff will be on a voluntary...

Written Answers — Air Services: Air Services (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 130 to 132, inclusive, together. The Government's aviation strategy is to develop as wide a range as possible of competitive, safe and reliable air services for the benefit of business and tourism. In this context the State's shareholding of 25.4% is important for two key reasons. Firstly, it acts as a block against a hostile takeover of Aer Lingus and...

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The CIÉ bus companies are targeting significant growth in passenger numbers over the next 5 years — up to an additional 37.5 million per annum. Projected passenger numbers for private operators are not available. However, applications for bus licences from private operators will continue to be processed under the provisions of the Road Transport Act 1932, as amended.

Written Answers — Railway Stations: Railway Stations (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 116, 117 and 119 to 121, inclusive, and 124 together. The provision and operation of car parking at and adjacent to railway stations, including in Co. Kildare, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and where appropriate, the relevant Local Authority.

Written Answers — Rail Services: Rail Services (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The major capital investment of over €1,787m in the railway network since 2000 has funded major improvements throughout the network. As a consequence, a total of 43m passengers travelled by rail in 2006 — an increase of 36% on 2000. The capacity and frequency of services will be further improved as major Transport 21 projects are completed including the Kildare route upgrade project,...

Written Answers — Road Network: Road Network (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The design of roads, including road bridges and tunnels, on the national road system is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Act 1993. The NRA Design Manual for Roads and Bridges is also applicable to non-national roads. Arrangements are being made to introduce a statutory maximum vehicle height limit of 4.65 metres. As with the Dublin Port Tunnel, the planned Limerick...

Written Answers — Transport Policy: Transport Policy (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I am satisfied with progress to date on Transport 21. To date, twenty one national roads schemes have been completed since the commencement of Transport 21 in January 2006. Many of the schemes were completed ahead of schedule and on or under budget. The opening of the Dundalk to Newry scheme, in August of this year, represents the completion of the M1 motorway, the first of the five...

Written Answers — Rail Services: Rail Services (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I refer the Deputy to my replies to PQs no 28134 and 28135 on 13 November 2007 and to PQs no 24658 and 24659 of 18 October 2007 which set out the position regarding the provision of additional capacity on the Maynooth and Kildare lines.

Written Answers — Driving Tests: Driving Tests (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No 477 of 2006) this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority.