Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 435: To ask the Minister for Transport the timeframe for the establishment of the Dublin Transport Authority; the timeframe for the appointment of a chief executive officer; the organisational structures which will be put in place; the stated objectives of the DTO; the progress of introducing integrated ticketing and additional park and ride facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28919/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Dublin Transport Authority (DTA) will be established later this year. A competition for the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) designate has been concluded and the outcome will be announced shortly. The Authority's organisational structures will be determined following the appointment of the CEO designate.

Section 10 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 requires the Authority to seek to achieve the following objectives -

(a) the development of an integrated transport system which contributes to environmental sustainability and social cohesion and sustains economic progress,

(b) the provision of a well-functioning, attractive, integrated and safe public transport system,

(c) improved access to the transport system and, in particular, to public passenger transport services by persons with disabilities,

(d) increased use of the public transport system,

(e) increased recourse to cycling and walking as means of transport, and

(f) value for money.

The integrated ticketing project is now firmly in its implementation phase and progress on the introduction of the single smartcard is set out in my response today to Question Number 437. Responsibility for the integrated ticketing project will be transferred to the DTA following its establishment.

With regard to park and ride facilities, a programme of works to upgrade parking facilities at mainline rail stations is underway in the Greater Dublin Area. Further park and ride facilities will be provided on the extended Luas network and the Metro as these projects become operational. There will also be a major park and ride facility at Pace on the first phase of the Navan rail line. Recently the upgrading of Hazelhatch train station included a significant increase in car parking numbers to 397 spaces.

The DTA will be given responsibility for securing the provision of park and ride facilities in the Greater Dublin Area following its establishment.