Results 9,101-9,120 of 10,035 for speaker:Martin Cullen

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2004)

Martin Cullen: Yes.

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2004)

Martin Cullen: Bringing the discussions to a conclusion depends on everybody and not only me. However, there is a will on all sides to achieve a good outcome from this process. I accept Bus Éireann's response to competition in the national bus market has been good for everybody, including the company itself and the travelling public.

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2004)

Martin Cullen: Yes, but it was also in response to public demand. It proves that if the service is provided, the public tends to avail of it. That needs to be transferred to Dublin to make public transport the mode of choice for people at least some days, if not every day. That would make an enormous difference as people would not constantly use their cars without it crossing their minds to use public...

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2004)

Martin Cullen: That is a separate question. I am aware of the issue but I have not considered it in great detail in the few weeks I have been in the Department. I will examine the issue in more depth. It is on my agenda.

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2004)

Martin Cullen: That comes into the equation. I have not gone into the issue in detail because I have spent my time, rightly, meeting the different stakeholders as quickly as possible. I want to take on board all the views and I want to understand what people are saying and where is the common ground. I will move forward on that assessment. Issues such as a regulator must form the basis of the way forward.

Rail Accidents. (2 Nov 2004)

Martin Cullen: Connex Ireland Ltd., which operates the Luas system, is carrying out an investigation into this accident in close liaison with the interim railway safety commission and the Railway Procurement Agency. The commission is expecting an interim report from Connex in the next week or so. The primary duty of care from a safety perspective lies with the operator — Connex — but there is also an...

Rail Accidents. (2 Nov 2004)

Martin Cullen: I presume the Deputy is referring to the collision on 17 September. Two trams collided——

Rail Accidents. (2 Nov 2004)

Martin Cullen: ——during a crossing movement at St. Stephen's Green terminus. A defect in the system has been ruled out. Connex is the operator of Luas and is investigating the accident in close liaison with the interim railway safetycommission which is directly involved and with the Railway Procurement Agency. Following the incident, two inspectors from the interim railway safety commission inspected...

Rail Accidents. (2 Nov 2004)

Martin Cullen: That is a matter I will consider. I acknowledge the wisdom of what the Deputies have said. It is my instinct also that it would be better if it was independent. In response to Deputy Ryan's question, clearly the RPA takes on board the success of Luas. I am pleased to say it has been a success more quickly than people may have anticipated. The RPA is examining options for line capacity. I...

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2004)

Martin Cullen: My Department has an involvement in public private partnerships both in the national roads and in the public transport sectors. The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, including projects being implemented on a PPP basis, is a matter for the National Roads Authority. I understand from the NRA that ten national road projects are being implemented on a PPP...

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2004)

Martin Cullen: I disagree with the Deputy. The involvement of the private sector in roads development is very successful. It is regarded as a standard that is being examined by many other countries who wish to achieve the same success——

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2004)

Martin Cullen: ——in investment in roads projects. I do not accept the Deputy's point of an over-dependence on private sector money invested in projects in order to supplement public sector moneys. A good balance exists between the two. The benefit of private sector funding is that investment in projects can be increased——

Public Transport. (2 Nov 2004)

Martin Cullen: ——and projects can be delivered. The Cashel bypass is eight months ahead of schedule. The Monasterevin bypass will be opened next week, ten or 11 months ahead of schedule. All concerned in the system, contractors, building firms, the State, are giving value for money. Contracts are finished on time or ahead of schedule and on budget. Delivery is currently excellent. That pace must be...

Aer Lingus. (2 Nov 2004)

Martin Cullen: As I indicated in response to Question No. 411 on 19 October last, my officials and I are considering the Goldman Sachs report on the future of Aer Lingus. The report has been circulated to the members of the Cabinet sub-committee that was established to examine all issues relating to the future ownership of the airline and to report to the Government. A meeting of the sub-committee will take...

Aer Lingus. (2 Nov 2004)

Martin Cullen: All Deputies are aware of the problems Aer Lingus faced. It has had an extraordinary turn-around, for which I congratulate the trade unions, management and board. It is an extraordinary achievement when considered in the context of the national carriers that have already disappeared from our skies and those that are in serious trouble. Aer Lingus has put itself in a very good position. The...

Aer Lingus. (2 Nov 2004)

Martin Cullen: I believe, as I am sure all Deputies do, that Aer Lingus has potentially significant opportunities in the European and American markets, particularly on the transatlantic route. The company needs to make substantial investment at this point, therefore. It will take some time to come on-stream because one cannot make a decision today and turn on the tap, in terms of the delivery of airlines,...

Traffic Management. (2 Nov 2004)

Martin Cullen: I am aware of the survey which IBEC carried out in May 2004 on traffic and congestion. Plans to tackle congestion in Dublin are being dealt with under two strands, the first being increasing the supply of public transport, strategic road construction and traffic management, and the second reducing the growth in travel through complementary land use and other policies designed to encourage a...

Traffic Management. (2 Nov 2004)

Martin Cullen: I understand and appreciate the Deputy's point. If the Government or I thought that the public transport network in the city, and access to it, were adequate, the sort of investment that we make would not be necessary. By implication, we recognise that serious, substantial and sustained investment in all forms of public transport and roads in Dublin is clearly necessary to deal with its...

Traffic Management. (2 Nov 2004)

Martin Cullen: The Garda places considerable emphasis on traffic, to which it has people assigned. I agree with the bigger question of a traffic corps which the Deputy raised and which is being examined in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in consultation with the Garda Commissioner. There is no doubt that the presence of gardaí, especially in the areas that the Deputy has highlighted,...

Traffic Management. (2 Nov 2004)

Martin Cullen: In the time that I have, I will turn my attention to delivering decisions on infrastructure. It is no longer possible for me to spend my time trying to reorganise the structures around me.