Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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143. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that only two train stations in Dublin are excluded from the TFI 90 ticket (details supplied); the reason that these stations are excluded; if consideration has been given to including these busy stations in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28039/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decisions on fares. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport service, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.

In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the TFI 90 minute fare to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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144. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress that has been made on the signing of the statutory instrument to give effect to changes in the CIE regular wages pension scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28045/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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CIÉ has prepared and submitted draft Statutory Instruments (SIs) to give effect to the proposed changes to the Regular Wage Scheme (RWS). These changes have been agreed by the trustees of the Scheme, the employees and the CIÉ Group following extensive and prolonged engagement between all parties.

There are a number of steps before an SI can be made, including the statutory consultation process. In accordance with the provisions of Section 44(3) of the Transport Act 1950, I directed CIÉ to publish a statutory notice of the draft SIs in Iris Oifigiúil, which was advertised on the 14th of January 2022. Within 45 days from the publication of this notice, any person may make objections and representations in relation to the Scheme to me. I must consider any objections or representations which have been made during this period, prior to confirming a Scheme or any amendments to such Scheme.

The consultation period ended on the 28 February 2022. My Department has examined the submissions received and I am now consulting with the Minster for Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the SIs as required under Section 44(4) of the Transport Act 1950.  Once approval of the Minster for Public Expenditure and Reform has been obtained, signature of the SIs will be progressed.

Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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145. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will clarify a series of matters (details supplied) in relation to the BusConnects scheme and the recent issuing of notices to householders in an area regarding the compulsory purchase order process. [28046/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including BusConnects Dublin. 

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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146. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are plans to expand the capacity of the Luas green line given the number of housing developments along the route which will significantly add to the line’s use and capacity in the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28053/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including light rail.

The NTA published its draft Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042 in November 2021. The draft Strategy has considered a range of options for light rail projects and, with regard to the Luas Green Line, has determined that the capacity and frequency on the current Green Line from Sandyford northwards to the city centre will be incrementally increased through the provision of additional tram fleet and services and associated turnback arrangements to meet forecast passenger demand.

It is also important to note that the recently completed Green Line Capacity Enhancement project has increased both the length of trams on the Green Line and the size of the overall tram fleet. All the existing trams on the Green Line have been extended to 55 metres, and the overall tram fleet has grown from 67 trams in 2016 to 81 trams today.

The draft Transport Strategy is available to view at www.nationaltransport.ie/gda/draft-transport-strategy-for-the-greater-dublin-area-2022-2042/.

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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147. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are any plans to expand the regularity and capacity of bus routes in the Dublin 18 area given the number of housing developments along the route which will significantly add to the service’s use and capacity in the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28054/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. 

In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to bus routes in Dublin 18 to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.