Written answers
Thursday, 26 February 2015
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
Public Service Obligation Services
Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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253. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a breakdown of the amount of money spent on public-service-obligation aviation routes, in 2012, 2013 and 2014; if he will consider establishing a public-service-obligation route for air services between Cork Airport and Dublin Airport in view of the need for air connectivity between the country's two largest cities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8631/15]
Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Details of the total subvention paid in respect of the PSO routes between Kerry and Dublin and Donegal and Dublin for the years 2012-2014 are as follows:
| Year | Kerry-Dublin Subvention € | Donegal-Dublin Subvention € |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 3,917,964 | 3,451,683 |
| 2013 | 4,021,261 | 3,598,803 |
| 2014 | 4,061,373 | 3,701,291 |
The criteria that must be applied when establishing a Public Service Obligations (PSO) air services route between two airports is set out in Article 16 of EC Regulation 1008/2008. In particular, the availability of other modes of transport serving the route, such as rail and road, with a travel time of less than 3 hours along with sufficient frequencies and suitable times in the case of rail, must be examined when determining the suitability of establishing such PSO supports. As Cork and Dublin are linked by both motorway and rail, with journey times of less than the 3 hours criteria, it is not possible to introduce a PSO on the Cork - Dublin route.
Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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254. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position, in respect of car hire costs and scheduled driving tests (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8640/15]
Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Driver testing is a matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have therefore forwarded the question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if no response has been received within ten days.
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