Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

88. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the subsidy provided for every one euro in revenue collected by Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus for the past five years; the projected subsidy to be provided for every one euro in revenue for 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29924/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

​The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

As I have stated recently there are numerous difficulties faced when attempting to accurately compare susbidy levels across different countries or cities. One of these difficulties is the basis for any calculation of subsidy level as some studies compare subsidy level as a percentage of operating costs, while others use revenue as the basis. Another difficulty is the different methods of organisation and governance in transport across the EU which can result in subsidy levels being reported for all modes of transport in a given city or region rather than just urban bus or regional bus services as represented in the Deputy's question.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

89. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount provided to Irish Rail under the infrastructure manager multi annual contract in 2016; the projected amount in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29925/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department provides funds to Irish Rail for the maintenance and renewal of the heavy rail network nationwide under the the Multi Annual Infrastructure Manager Contract (IMMAC) as required under EU Directive 2012/34/EU.

Irish Rail received an allocation of €126 million under the IMMAC in 2016.  I intend to increase this amount to nearly €160 million in 2017 to enable further necessary works to be undertaken.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

90. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to commission a report to give a realistic picture of the way the State compares with our European neighbours in view of the European Commission highlighting the numerous difficulties faced when attempting to accurately benchmark public service obligation subsidy levels across different countries (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29926/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

​The Deputy is aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government commits toward the instigation of a full review of public transport policy.

As I informed members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee last week, I intend to consider with my Department later in the year on how best to progress that commitment.

It is my belief that any such review is the best framework within which to consider fully the levels and type of funding made available to support the provision of public transport. Therefore while I have no plans at present to commission a report as suggested by the Deputy, I do believe the substantive issue of how we fund public transport services will form part of the proposed review of public transport policy.