Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 103: To ask the Minister for Transport the contingency plans that are in place in the event of damage to our transport infrastructure arising from further extreme weather conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6492/10]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 123: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has instigated a Departmental review of the contingency procedures in place to deal with the effect of the weather conditions on the national road and public transport systems in view of the recent almost complete shutdown of national transport networks here during the recent weather conditions; his views on the introduction of a protocol for national transport and weather emergencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6408/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 123 together.

By and large during the 24-day severe weather conditions we recently experienced, our national roads, other key strategic roads and public transport routes (14,000 kms) were kept open for traffic. These carry over 60% of all traffic (80% of commercial). It is acknowledged that driving conditions were sometimes difficult but this is a natural consequence of severe weather. The majority of Dublin Bus services continued to operate throughout the period. Bus Eireann operated the majority of its services. Irish Rail and Luas services were largely unaffected and some extra capacity was provided where possible. Food and fuel supplies were maintained.

My own Department is also currently undertaking a review of our Strategic Level Response Plan for transport response and preparedness. We will be looking at the timing of the activation of the emergency co-ordination structures and we will also review the effectiveness of those structures, once activated. We will look at how public information was handled and what can be improved. The public transport websites were excellent and regularly up to date. The RSA was very helpful in getting out targeted road safety messages. We will seek to build on those best practice examples. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is leading a separate review relating to the lessons to be learned in respect of our overall emergency management framework. This is in addition to reviews in other Departments as well as at local government and agency level.