Written Answers. - Parliamentary Debates - Houses of the Oireachtas

Questions— 14 February 2012. Written Answers
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar): The provision of services
is a matter for Dublin Bus in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. I have
referred the Deputy’s question to the company for direct reply. Please inform my private office
if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Driving Test
757. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when
a national review of driver test centres involving him, the Road Safety Authority and the Office
of Public Works will be completed; the aim of the review; the criteria that will be considered
in terms of assessing the feasibility of each centre; the number of centres that he envisages will
close as a result of the review; if an appeals mechanism will be provided for centres that may
face closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8238/12]
758. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his
attention has been drawn to the value and contribution of the Skibbereen driving test centre
to the community of west Cork; if he will take into consideration in the context of the ongoing
national review of test centres by him, the Road Safety Authority and the Office of Public
Works; the way the centre compares to its counterparts around the country in terms of waiting
times and applicant numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8239/12]
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar): I propose to take Questions
Nos. 757 and 758 together.
A review of the estate requirements for the driver testing services, conducted by consultants
on behalf of the Road Safety Authority, was completed in 2010. This review was commissioned
to analyse the current position, and to examine the future needs of the driver testing service
and make recommendations if appropriate for the rationalisation of the driver testing estate.
It was agreed that any decisions on matters addressed in the review should wait on the completion
of the option appraisal for the future delivery of driver testing services, which was then
being planned. The option appraisal was completed last year. Following from it, I asked the
RSA to expedite the implementation of efficiencies identified in the appraisal. I subsequently
asked the RSA to submit specific proposals to me in relation to the driver testing estate. I
expect to receive these proposals in the near future.
Smarter Travel Project
759. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the areas that
won the competition for the smarter travel project; and if he will make a statement on the
matter. [8247/12]
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Alan Kelly):
The result of the National Competition for Smarter Travel Areas was announced on 1
February. Limerick city, Dungarvan and Westport will share in funding of €23 million over a
five-year period to transform into Smarter Travel areas, promote cycling and walking, increase
the use of public transport and reduce car travel. The three successful areas put forward excellent
proposals for transforming people’s travel behaviour, with support from local businesses
and communities. My Department’s investment in Smarter Travel areas will reshape and transform
these areas, reduce congestion and pollution, improve road safety, create local employment
opportunities and improve people’s health and fitness, as well as enhancing town and
streetscapes locally.
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