2006 Annual Report - Minister for Transport, Tourism and … · My Department’s Annual Report for 2006 records the progress made in the fourth year since the Agreed Programme for

2006 Annual Report

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Annual Report 2006© Department of Transport

Department of TransportTransport House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

Tel 01-6707444 Fax 01-6709633Email: [email protected]

Website: www.transport.ie

Copies of this report may be downloaded from www.transport.ie in pdf format.

The Department may be contacted from any part of the country for the price of a local call by dialling 1890-443311

An Roinn IompairTeach Iompair, Sráid Chill Dara, Baile Átha Claith 2, Éire

Tel 01-6707444 Fax 01- 6709633Rphoist: [email protected]

Láithair Eangach: www.transport.ie

Is féidir teangmhail a dhéanamh leis an Roinn ó aon pháirt den tír le haghaidh praghas glaoch áitiúil má dhiailionn tú 1890-443311

D E PA RT M E N T O F T R A N S P O RT

A N N UA L R E P O RT 2 0 0 6

4 STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER

6 FOREWORD BY THE SECRETARYGENERAL

10 INTEGRATION

22 ROAD TRANSPORT

44 PUBLIC TRANSPORT

66 AIR TRANSPORT

78 MARITIME SAFETY ANDENVIRONMENT

94 MARITIME TRANSPORT

100 ORGANISATIONAL

110 APPENDIX A

113 APPENDIX B

114 APPENDIX C

122 APPENDIX D

126 APPENDIX E

128 APPENDIX F

129 APPENDIX G

CONTENTS


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2006 Annual Report

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My Department’s Annual Report for2006 records the progress made inthe fourth year since the AgreedProgramme for Government of 2002set out an ambitious agenda ofdevelopment and change for thetransport sector.

Progress since 2002 has been dramatic. Thetransport landscape of Ireland has changedbeyond all recognition in that time. Not only haschange been delivered in terms of newmotorway sections, new bypasses, enhancedrail services and additional priority buscorridors, but the manner in which thoseprojects have been managed has alsochanged significantly, and for the better. Today,multimillion Euro transport projects areroutinely brought to completion on time orahead of time, and on budget.

I recognise the importance of delivering newtransport infrastructure and services efficientlyso that the taxpayer receives value-for-money. 2006 saw the commencement ofprojects funded by the Government underTransport21, a ten year, €34 billion envelope ofexpenditure for new transport infrastructure.Under Transport21, I have put particularemphasis on effective project managementand monitoring. The Government isdetermined that major capital projects willdeliver value for money and I am convincedthat the monitoring systems put in place in myDepartment and in its agencies will supportthat aim.

I am particularly grateful that 2006 saw areduction in road traffic fatalities comparedwith the previous two year’s figures. I hope thatthis marks the start of the sustained reduction

in road deaths that my Department’s RoadSafety Strategy is designed to achieve. Iwelcome the co-operation I have receivedfrom other Ministers and agencies, in particularan Garda Siochána, in implementing theStrategy during the year. Inter-agency andinter-departmental co-operation is an essentialingredient in achieving a sustained andsubstantial reduction in these appallingstatistics.

A steady growth in demand for aviation andmaritime services is being catered for by theports and State airports under the aegis of myDepartment. I put substantial financial supportin place to ensure that the regional airports andthe services to those airports keep pace withregional development demands. During 2006the way was cleared for Aer Lingus to raiseequity on the open market to allow it developand take advantage of emerging aviationmarket opportunities.

Finally, I would like, on behalf of my colleague,Minister for State Pat the Cope Gallagher T.D.and myself, to express our appreciation andthanks to both the management and staff ofthe Department for the continuing efforts theymake towards the achievement of theDepartment’s objectives.

Martin Cullen, T.D.Minister for Transport

STATEMENTBY THE MINISTER


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This Annual Report follows theformat of the Department’s 2005-2007 Statement of Strategy which,in turn, derives its mandate fromthe Agreed Programme forGovernment.

It reports on delivery against each of theDepartment’s key strategic targets and gives aclear view of the progress made by theDepartment over the past year. Theappendices to the report include supportingdata on expenditure broken down by strategichigh level goal, transport statistics and trends,legislation passed during the year and a list ofthe bodies under the aegis of the Departmentand of their responsibilities.

2006 saw considerable organisational changein the Department aimed at improving andintegrating the delivery of transport policy. Atthe beginning of the year the Department tookover responsibility for maritime transportfunctions, including maritime safety, from theDepartment of Communications, Marine andNatural Resources. The DecentralisationProgramme has also led to considerablemovement of staff into and out of theDepartment and substantial progress wasmade towards moving the Departments’ roadtransport operator licensing operations toLoughrea, Co. Galway.

The establishment of the Road SafetyAuthority, headquartered in Ballina, Co. Mayo,brought together a range of road safety relatedfunctions and will result in the delivery of acomprehensive and integrated package ofmeasures, each with a specific contribution tomake towards improving road safety.

Along with infrastructural and organisationalchange, we also saw important indications ofsignificant behavioural change by the Nation’sroad users. The introduction of MandatoryAlcohol Testing as provided for in the RoadSafety Act 2006 was the key driver in thatchange. Mandatory testing has the potential tomake a lasting contribution to reducing deathson our roads. We have already seen evidenceof a downturn in the level of fatalities in the lastquarter of the year.

During the year there was further tangibleevidence of real progress in delivering newtransport infrastructure across the countryunder the framework of Transport21. Thechallenge for the Department of Transport forthe future is to continue that progress and tocontinue the transformation of Irelandstransport infrastructure and services to meetthe ever growing economic and social needsof a changing Ireland.

Other highlights of the year included thesuccessful launch of an IPO for Aer Lingus bythe end of September 2007 to give Aer Lingusaccess to capital for growth. Meanwhile theestablishment of the Railway safetyCommission under the Railway safety Act2005 provided an independent institutionalframework for the regulation of railway safety.

While many of our staff are heavily involved inthe significant programme of change outlinedabove, I also want to commend the hard workof those of our staff involved in direct serviceprovision on the maritime, road transportoperator licence and bus licensing functions forwhom 2006 was a particularly challengingyear. Along with those involved in providingcorporate support services to the Departmentand other important financial management,

FOREWORDBY THE SECRETARY GENERAL


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7monitoring and audit functions for theDepartment, they have played their part inensuring that the Department delivered on itsobjectives during the year.

On behalf of all of the staff in the Department, Iwould like to express my appreciation andthanks to Minister Martin Cullen T.D. andMinister for State Pat the Cope Gallagher T.Dfor their continuing support and directionthroughout the year.

Julie O’Neill Secretary general




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SECTION 1

INTEGRATION



OBJECTIVE:

To further develop and implementan integrated transport policy forIreland. (Responds to High LevelGoal: Integration)

The roll-out of the Transport 21 investmentprogramme, which provides funding fornational roads, public transport and regionalairports, commenced at the start of 2006.Significant progress was made during the yearin implementing the programme and the totalexpenditure in 2006 was €2,097 million,broken-down as follows:

Work also continued on the establishment of aDublin Transport Authority. The Transport 21programme and the proposed DTA are keyelements in the Department’s pursuit of anintegrated transport policy.

Progress on the national roads programmewas ahead of expectations. Total expenditurewas €1.7 billion, some €90 million ahead oftarget. A total of 14 projects were completed,most of which were ahead of or on time andon budget. Construction work continued on 10projects, and work also commenced on afurther 12 projects.

Good progress was made on expanding thecapacity and improving the safety of publictransport, most notably the acquisition of railrolling stock and buses, the completion of theDART upgrade project and the continuation ofthe railway safety programme. Significant newprojects in the public transport and regionalairports sectors were in planning and agencieswere gearing up to deliver the investmentunder Transport 21. However, some projectsdid not complete the statutory approval

STRATEGY

Continue the phased development of anintegrated transport policy.

INTEGRATION


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Sector Total 2005 PPP Total Exchequer carryover spend expen-

outturn spend diture€m. €m. €m. €m.

National Roads 1,486 96.5 160.0 1,742.5

Public Transport 351.3 2.5 - 353.8

Regional Airports 1.0 - - 1.0

Total 1,838.3 99.0 160.0 2,097.3

Table 1i

11processes as quickly as anticipated at thebeginning of 2006 and, as a consequence,expenditure was lower than forecast.

Details of progress in each sector during 2006can be found under the relevant sections ofthis Annual Report. In addition, a dedicatedannual progress report in respect of Transport21 is prepared each year. The 2006 report hasalready been published and is also available onwww.transport.ie.

During the year a dedicated Transport 21website – www.transport21.ie - wasestablished, and an information andcommunications strategy was devised for theprogramme.

The Dublin Transport Authority (DTA)Establishment Team reported to the Ministerfor Transport in March. The Governmentsubsequently approved the drafting oflegislation to establish the DTA in line with theteam’s recommendations. In November theMinister for Transport published the team’sreport and invited submissions from the publicprior to finalising legislative proposals for theDTA. Meetings were also held with keytransport agencies, regional and localauthorities, trade unions and businessorganisations.

The Department continued to engage on aregular basis with other GovernmentDepartments, local authorities and agencies inthe interest of promoting greater alignmentbetween transport policy and otherGovernment policies.

Work on developing a common framework forthe appraisal of transport investment wasprogressed during the year.

STRATEGY

Review and develop the system in placefor the appraisal and monitoring oftransport investment.

STRATEGY

Take the lead role to ensure theintegration of transport policy withother Government policies.

I N T E G RAT I O N ( CO N T I N U E D )



OBJECTIVE – Spatial and Land UsePolicy

To align transport, spatial and landuse policies. (Responds to HighLevel Goal: Integration)

The investment in Transport21 is designed tosupport the implementation of the NationalSpatial Strategy and takes account of RegionalPlanning Guidelines and regional land use andtransportation strategies such as the CorkArea Strategic Plan. It also supportsGovernment policy on sustainability andprovides for the implementation of thecommitments in the Department’s SectoralPlan under the Disability Act, 2005

The Department continued to participate invarious integrated land use and transportstrategies in the provincial cities of Cork,Galway, Limerick and Waterford.

OBJECTIVE – Sustainability

To incorporate the economic,social and environmentaldimensions of sustainability intothe development and delivery oftransport policy. (Responds toHigh Level Goal: Integration)

The main drivers for growth in the transportsector include increasing population, risingemployment and affluence, urban sprawl,increased commuting, higher passengerthroughput and increased freighttransportation. Although it is recognised thattransport plays a pivotal role in supportingeconomic growth, regional development andsocial inclusion, nonetheless, it is imperativethat the long-term goal of decoupling of energyconsumption from economic growth isachieved.

STRATEGY

Promote the fuller integration ofsustainable developmentconsiderations into transport policy.

STRATEGY

Monitor and influence the content ofRegional Planning Guidelines, localdevelopment plans and integratedurban transport strategies to ensurethat they complement and supporttransport policy

STRATEGY

Collaborate with other GovernmentDepartments, Regional and LocalAuthorities and State Agencies toensure the implementation of theNational Spatial Strategy.



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13The Department’s Statement of Strategy2005-2007 aims to secure a sustainabletransport network, which balances economic,social and environmental considerations in anintegrated manner, underpinned by stronginstitutional governance, through a range ofpolicy measures and capital investment. Inseeking to meet these challenges, a variety ofpolicies and measures, including both demand-side and supply-side measures, are currentlybeing implemented.

Transport 21 provides for a major re-balancingof investment in favour of public transport. TheDepartment also developed a number of pilotTransport 21 sustainability initiatives that are tobe implemented in 2007. The initiatives includethe use of biofuel blends in buses and heavygoods vehicles and the use of hybrid-electricvehicles and the purpose of these is tofacilitate the mainstreaming of sustainabilitycriteria into transport investment decision-making and to make cleaner, moreenvironmentally friendly modes of transportavailable to end-users.

The Department of Transport participated in anumber of inter-Departmental groups relevantto the sustainable transport agenda, including:

1. JOINT MINISTERIAL BIOENERGYTASK FORCE

The Bioenergy Task Force (which wassubsequently reconstituted as theMinisterial Taskforce on Climate Change)was convened to develop a nationalBioenergy Action Plan. This plan, whichis due to be published in March 2007, willset out the policy framework for biofuelsin transport in the context of the BiofuelsDirective 2003/30/EC and the MineralOils Tax Relief Scheme (MOTR) II. TheGovernment has committed to meetingthe indicative target in the BiofuelsDirective of 5.75% of all transport fuelsby 2010 and has set a further target of10% by 2020. CIE have been instructedto run all existing fleet on 5% biodieselblend and to convert new vehicles to a30% biodiesel blend in as short a timeframe as possible. In addition, thetechnical feasibility and economicconstraints to operating captivetransport fleets maintained by localauthorities and public bodies on 100%pure plant oil (PPO) have been assessed.

2. WIDER ENERGY SUB-GROUP

This group was convened under theauspices of the Department of theTaoiseach to prepare a green paper“Towards a Sustainable Energy Future inIreland”. This green paper was publishedin October 2006. The Department ofTransport contributed both to the greenpaper and to the subsequent whitepaper (due for publication in March 2007)prepared by the Department of

STRATEGY

Collaborate with other Departmentsand State Agencies to develop andimplement policies aimed at reducingthe environmental impact of transport.




Communications, Marine and NaturalResources (DCMNR).

The Department of Transport alsocontributed to the green paper “Ireland’sPathway to Kyoto Compliance”, whichwas published in July 2006. The revisedClimate Change Strategy is due to bepublished by the Department of theEnvironment, Heritage and LocalGovernment in April 2007.

3. ENERGY SERVICES DIRECTIVEADVISORY GROUP WITH DCMNRAND SUSTAINABLE ENERGYIRELAND

This inter-departmental group iscoordinated by Sustainable EnergyIreland with the view to transposeDirective 2006/32/EC on Energy End-Use Efficiency and Energy Services byMay 2008. This Directive calls for animprovement in energy efficiency of 9%by 2016. The policy framework is the EUgreen paper on Energy Efficiency orDoing More with Less COM (2005) 65.

4. INTER DEPARTMENTAL STEERINGGROUP ON IMPLEMENTATION OFNATIONAL BIODIVERSITY PLAN

The Department contributed material onthe impacts of its activities to theBiodiversity Forum, which is coordinatedunder the auspices of the National Parksand Wildlife Service.

5. NATIONAL MARKETDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMEFOR RECOVERED/RECYCLEDWASTE AND RECYCLINGCONSULTATIVE FORUM

The Department made a number ofrecommendations to the RecyclingConsultative Forum in relation to wastethat may be considered to have beenproduced by transport-related activities,in particular pertaining to Directive2000/53/EC on End-of-Life Vehiclesand waste and scrapped tyres coveredunder the Landfill Directive 1999/31/EC.



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15OBJECTIVE – Intelligent TransportSystems

To use intelligent transportsystems (ITS) to contribute to thedevelopment of the transportsystem. (Responds to High LevelGoals: Investment, Safety andDelivery)

The Department published a consultationpaper on the future development of IntelligentTransport Systems (ITS) in Ireland in early2006. The paper recognized that ITS has animportant role in facilitating improved roadsafety as well as more economic, efficient andeffective management of roads and publictransport services in Ireland. Over 40submissions were received from equipmentand service providers, State bodies, localauthorities, representative associations andprofessional bodies. The Department iscurrently analysing the responses with a viewto developing an ITS strategy, involvingmainstreaming identified ITS initiatives intoinvestment programmes under Transport 21.

OBJECTIVE – North/South andBritish-Irish Co-Operation

To co-operate with the relevantauthorities in Northern Ireland andGreat Britain in developingtransport policies in a mutuallybeneficial manner. (Responds toHigh Level Goal: Integration)

The Department continued discussions on aregular basis in 2006 with the Northern Irelandauthorities and the members of the British Irish

STRATEGY

Work with other administrations in theBritish-Irish Council to implement thework programme and priorities agreedby Ministers

STRATEGY

Work with the Northern IrelandAuthorities, particularly within theframework of the North/SouthMinisterial Council, on agreed projectswithin the areas selected for transportco-operation: strategic transportplanning, road safety, rail safety, asanticipated in the Agreed Programmefor Government

STRATEGY

Complete a Departmental ITS Strategyand mainstream its implementation,particularly in investment programmes




Council on advancing co-operation on anumber of transport matters, including thefollowing:

1. NORTHWEST GATEWAY

The Northwest Gateway initiativelaunched by the two Governments in2005 included a commitment toexamining the potential for jointinvestment in key infrastructure projects.In line with that commitment therespective roads agencies (the NationalRoads Authority and the Roads Serviceof Northern Ireland) examined potentialroad infrastructure projects which wouldhave cross border benefits and the initialconclusion from this examination arebeing considered by the relevantGovernment Departments. Furtheranalysis by the roads agencies isnecessary before any decisions can betaken in relation to specific projects.

2. INTERREG IIIA 2000 – 2006

Proposals for road and rail infrastructureunder INTERREG IIIA (an EU specialinitiative for cross-border and inter-regional co-operation) and Trans-European Networks (TENs) wereprogressed in 2006 in consultation withthe relevant authorities in NorthernIreland.

TENS - Roads

The Department of Transport and theDepartment of Regional DevelopmentNorthern Ireland (DRDNI) areimplementing bodies under measure 2.1of the INTERREG 111A Programme andhave received EU funding for a numberof joint road projects, includingrealignment of N54/A3, feasibility studyfor Ballynacarry Bridge (N53/A37) andINSTANT (a multi-modal trafficmanagement and information systemfor cross-border traffic between Dublinand Belfast). Discussions are underwaywith the Special EU Programmes Bodyregarding suitable projects for the nextround entitled Cross Border TerritorialCo-operation 2007 – 2013

TENS – Rail

€1 million in TEN-T funding wasapproved in December 2004 forfeasibility, design and tender preparationin relation to improvements at LimerickJunction and Portarlington under aprogramme for the elimination of keypermanent speed restrictions on theBelfast/Dublin/Cork railway corridor.Design work on the Portarlington projectwas completed and, in October 2006,funding for the implementation of theLimerick and Portarlington projects wasapproved under Transport 21. Both theseprojects will also benefit under the roundof EU Structural Funds currently beingfinalised. In addition, discussions areongoing with the EU Commission inrelation to projects that could potentially



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17qualify for TEN-T funding under the nextmulti-annual funding programme for2007-2013.

3. CROSS BORDER RAIL SAFETY

The Department and representatives ofIarnród Éireann met regularly withofficials from DRDNI and Translink(Northern Ireland Railways). Themeetings enabled an exchange ofinformation and the pursuance of a co-ordinated approach to the developmentand implementation of railway safetyand regulatory issues, particularly in thecontext of the joint operation by IarnródEireann and Translink of the Dublin –Belfast Enterprise train service.

The main regulatory issues addressedrelated to the application of EUDirectives relating to ‘Interoperability’ andrail safety. The Interoperability Directivesfocus on harmonising technicalstandards across Europe to allow trainscross borders easily while the RailSafety Directive focuses on theimplementation of systems andprocedures that promote a safetyculture.

The 16th International Railway SafetyConference was held in Dublin from22nd to 27th October 2006. Theconference was jointly hosted by theRailway Safety Commission and theDRDNI.

4. DERRY AIRPORT

In 2004, a Project Steering Groupbrought forward proposals for cross-border support for City of Derry Airport.In March 2005, the Government decidedin principle to support the developmentof the airport on a joint-funding basiswith the British Government. Under thedeal, the Irish Exchequer wouldcontribute €7.55 million. State Aidclearance was obtained by the UKauthorities in 2006 and significantprogress was made during the year inresolving other outstanding issuesassociated with the development andthe provision of funding.

5. CROSS-BORDER RESEARCHPROJECT ON RURALCOMMUNITY-BASED TRANSPORT

In September 2006, the Department andDRDNI agreed to jointly commission aresearch study into impedimentshindering the development of cross-border community transport servicesand the identification of specific actionsthat could be taken forward toencourage cross-border co-operation inthe provision of rural transport services.This study will be carried out during2007 by the Community TransportAdvice and Information Service (CTAIS),a new cross-border advice andinformation project, based in Stradone,Co. Cavan, and funded by the IrishCentral Border Area Network (ICBAN)through an EU INTERREG Programme.




OBJECTIVE – European Union

To ensure that Ireland is wellpositioned to influence thedevelopment of EU transportpolicy and legislation. (Respondsto High Level Goal: Integration)

During 2006, the Department contributed toadvancing the EU Agenda by attendingTransport Councils and Sectoral WorkingGroups. The Department also played an activerole at national level through attendance atinter-Departmental fora on EU affairs, includingproviding appropriate transport related input toreports and briefing on EU matters arisingduring the year.

There were four Transport Councils during theyear under the Austrian and FinnishPresidencies. The following topics werediscussed:

Liability of carriers of passengers by seaand inland waterways in the event ofaccidents

EU-US negotiations for an air transportagreement

Establishing a European Aviation SafetyAgency

Ministerial Conference on “InnovativeApproaches to Road Safety”

Common rules in the field of civil aviationsecurity

Establishment of a Joint Undertaking todevelop the new generation Europeanair traffic management system (SESAR).

OBJECTIVE – Regulation

To promote better economicregulation of transport in Ireland.(Responds to High Level Goal:Competition, Regulation andReform)

STRATEGY

Ensure that policies developed by theDepartment are consistent with theprinciples in the Government WhitePaper “Regulating Better”.

STRATEGY

Improve the quality of regulation oftransport.

STRATEGY

Ensure a coherent and effectiveapproach to EU Policy and legislativeissues impacting on transport policy



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19The following table provides information inaccordance with the reporting requirementsestablished by the Department of theTaoiseach in respect of Regulatory ImpactAnalysis (RIA) during 2006.

The number of General Schemes/Heads of Bills brought to Government 3

The number of these for which a RIAwas prepared 3

The number of Bills published by theDepartment during 2006 2

The number of RIAs published alongsidethese Bills 0

The number of Statutory Instrumentsmade by the Department 36

The number of these for which a RIAwas prepared and published 0

The number of draft EU Directives forwhich the Department currently has leadresponsibility 8

The number of RIAs which are inprogress on these draft Directives 3

OBJECTIVE – Corporate Governance

To ensure that our State agenciesachieve the highest standards ofcorporate governance. (Respondsto High Level Goal: Competition,Regulation and Reform)

The Department continued to provide a clearmandate for each of the state agencies underits aegis to operate in accordance with strictcommercial criteria, as appropriate to theagency.

The system through which state sponsoredbodies report compliance with the Codeindicated satisfactory compliance during 2006.

STRATEGY

Ensure, through reporting, the fullimplementation by our state agenciesof the “Code of Practice for theGovernance of State Bodies”.

STRATEGY

Provide a clear mandate to each of ourState Agencies




In 2006, in exercising its corporate governancerole in respect of Aer Lingus, the Departmentfocused on the preparations for the Initial PublicOffering (IPO) of the company. Following thesuccessful flotation of Aer Lingus on the stockmarket in September 2006, the State becamea minority shareholder owning 25.4% of thecompany and the Department’s corporategovernance role has been adjusted to reflectthe change in ownership.

OBJECTIVE – Data Collection andAnalysis

To support the development andimplementation of transport policywith targeted data collection andanalysis. (Responds to High LevelGoal: Integration)

Work on the development of a data/statisticsstrategy was deferred pending considerationof human resource needs in this area and theoutcome of a detailed evaluation by the CentralStatistics Office of data holdings / needs in anumber of Government Departments, includingthe Department of Transport, known as theSPAR project (Statistical Potential ofAdministrative Records).

STRATEGY

Identify priorities and provide theresources for targeted data collectionand analysis.

STRATEGY

Continue to provide clear mandate toAer Lingus



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SECTION 2

ROADTRANSPORT


OBJECTIVE – Upgrading our NationalRoads Network

To upgrade the National RoadNetwork and expand its capacitythereby improving mobility,reliability and accessibility, leadingto reduced transport costs andabsolute journey times. (Respondsto High Level Goal: Investment)

NATIONAL ROADS

More than €1.5 billion of Exchequer fundingwas spent on national road construction andmaintenance during the year. Fourteen majorroad projects were completed involving over100 kms of new national road while 11 more,comprising 225kms, started construction (thisrepresented almost three times the number ofstarts in the previous year). Table 1r below listsnational road projects completed during 2006,table 2r details project starts and table 3r listsprojects under construction at 31 December2006.

The benefits of the programme were sharedthroughout the country as significant progresswas made in every region during the year. Inparticular, work on the five major inter-urbanroutes linking Dublin to Cork, Galway, Limerick,Waterford and the Border gathered significantpace and momentum. A number of townbypasses were completed, including the N2Ashbourne bypass, the N8 Rathcormac -Fermoy bypass and the N15 Bundoran -Ballyshannon.

STRATEGY

Promote, oversee, monitor and supportthe efficient and cost-effectiveimplementation through the NationalRoads Authority (NRA) of the nationalroads improvement and maintenanceprogrammes so as to ensure value formoney and the achievements of targetsand outturns.

STRATEGY

Strengthen the arrangements for theimplementation of the national roadsprogramme as identified in the AgreedProgramme for Government so as tosecure further efficiencies in theimplementation of the programme.

STRATEGY

To provide a policy, legislative andfunding framework for the upgrading,operation and maintenance of thenational road network.

ROAD TRANSPORT


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23The Dublin Port Tunnel, the biggest singleinfrastructure project in the history of the State,opened in December 2006.

The trend of projects being delivered on timeand within budget continued in 2006. Eleven ofthe projects completed during the year wereboth on time and within budget. Many wereopened months ahead of schedule, including

bypasses of Ashbourne (opened 4 monthsahead of time), Fermoy (8 months) andBundoran / Ballyshannon (3 months). The N25Kinsale Road Interchange was opened 6months ahead of target and the N21Castleisland / Abbeyfeale was 3 monthsahead of target.

ROA D T RA N S PO RT ( CO N T I N U E D )



Route Region Scheme Length Road Km Type

N2 S&E Ashbourne Bypass 17 Dual Carriageway

N2 BMW Monaghan Bypass 3 Single Carriageway

N4 BMW Edgesworthstown Relief Road 3 Single Carriageway

N7 S&E Naas Road Upgrade 15 Dual Carriageway

N8 S&E Fermoy/Rathcormac Bypass 18 Dual Carriageway

N15 BMW Ballyshannon/Bundoran Bypass 11 Single Carriageway

N21 S&E Castleisland/Abbeyfeale 7 Single Carriageway

N25 S&E Kinsalebeg 3.5 Single Carriageway

N25 S&E Kinsale Road Interchange - Interchange

N30 S&E Enniscorthy/Clonroche 5 Single Carriageway

M50 S&E Dublin Port Tunnel 6 Motorway

N52 BMW Mullingar Bypass 5 Single Carriageway

N55 BMW Cavan Bypass 3 Single Carriageway

N8/N73 S&E Mitchelstown Relief Road 4 Single Carriageway

Total 100.5 kms

National Road Projects Completed 2006Table 1r



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Route Region Scheme Road Length EstimatedType Km Completion

(Year)

N4 BMW Dromod to Rooskey 2+1 Carriageway 11 2008

N5 BMW Charlestown Bypass Single 18 2008

N6 BMW Kilbeggan to Athlone Dual Carriageway 29 2008

N7 S&E Limerick Tunnel (PPP) Dual Carriageway 10 2009

N7 S&E Nenagh to Limerick Dual Carriageway 38 2009

N8 S&E Cullahill to Cashel Dual Carriageway 40 2009

N8 S&E Cashel to Mitchelstown Dual Carriageway 37 2009

N9 S&E Carlow Bypass Dual Carriageway 19 2008

N11 S&E Enniskerry Junction Improvements Footbridge - 2008

N11 S&E Kilpedder Delgany Jn. Improvements Junction - 2008

N25 S&E Waterford City Bypass (PPP) Dual Carriageway 23 2009

Total 225

National Road Project Starts 2006Table 2r

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Route Region Scheme Road Length EstimatedType Km Completion

(Quarter /Year)

N1 BMW NI Border to Dundalk Dual Carriageway 9 Q4, 2007

N2 BMW Castleblaney Bypass 2+1 Carriageway 15 Q3, 2007

N6 BMW Kinnegad to Kilbeggan Dual Carriageway 28 Q4, 2007

N11 S&E Arklow Gorey Bypass Dual Carriageway 23 Q4, 2007

N18 S&E Ennis Bypass Dual Carriageway 21 Q2, 2007

M50 S&E M50 Upgrade Scheme Phase 1 Motorway 8 Q3, 2008

N51 S&E Navan Inner Relief Road Single Carriageway 1 Q3, 2007

N52 BMW Mullingar to Belvedere Single Carriageway 4 Q1, 2007

N56 BMW Mountaintop to Illistrim Single Carriageway 5 Q4, 2008

N77 S&E Kilkenny Ring Road Single Carriageway 4 Q3, 2007

Total 118 kms

National Road Projects in Construction at 31 December 2006Table 3r

PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS (PPP)

The NRA’s National Roads PPP Programmeidentified a total of 10 national roadimprovement schemes for development asPPP projects involving the construction ofsome 300km of motorway / dualcarriageway.

In October 2006, the M8 Rathcormac toFermoy bypass PPP Scheme was openedwhile table 4r lists the contracts to be awardedin 2007

Route Scheme

N3 Clonee to north of Kells

N6 Galway to east Ballinasloe

N7/N8 Portlaoise to Castletown / Cullahil

M50 Upgrade Phase II

Once the proposed PPP contracts identified intable 4r above are awarded and delivered theNRA target of ten PPP projects in operation onthe national roads network will have been met.

The Department of Transport is the ManagingAuthority for the Economic and SocialInfrastructure Operational Programme 2000 to2006 (ESIOP). This is one of the mainOperational Programmes which form part ofthe National Development Plan and theCommunity Support Framework for Irelandagreed by the Irish Government and theEuropean Commission. The ESIOP involvescapital investment amounting to €28.5 billion inmajor infrastructure including €8.383 billion fornational roads and €3.425 billion for publictransport. Other areas of infrastructuralinvestment under the Programme includeenvironmental infrastructure, sustainableenergy, health facilities and housing. Amonitoring committee chaired by a seniorofficial of the Department oversees theimplementation of the ESIOP and met twiceduring 2006.

STRATEGY

Act as Managing Authority for the ERDFassisted Economic and SocialInfrastructure Operational Programme(ESIOP).

PPP Contracts to be awarded in2007

Table 4r

STRATEGY

Promote the use of PPPs as a means ofdelivering the national roadsprogramme.



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27Total expenditure under the ESIOP in 2006 was€4.726 billion (table 5r) of which €1.682 billionwas on national roads and €0.407 billion onpublic transport. In addition, Cohesion Fundgrant payments in 2006 amounting to €11.5million and TEN-T grant payments of €4.9million were received in respect of nationalroads projects.

Year TOTAL ESIOP € billion

2002 4.257

2003 4.396

2004 4.321

2005 4.474

2006 4.726

OBJECTIVE - Road Safety

To promote safer use of our roads.(Responds to High Level Goal:Safety)

The Agreed Programme for Governmentcontains a commitment that a three-year RoadSafety Strategy will be developed which willtarget speeding, drink-driving, seat beltwearing and pedestrian safety in order toreduce deaths and injuries.

Following preparation by the High Level Groupon Road Safety, a new strategy for the period2004 – 2006 was published. In preparing thenew strategy account was taken of theachievements in meeting the targets set out inthe Road to Safety Strategy 1998-2002, acomprehensive review of that Strategy, furtherpositive trends established in 2003 and theevolving developments in relation to the EUThird Road Safety Action Plan which has set atarget of a 50% reduction in road deathsacross the EU by 2010.

The Road Safety Strategy 2004 – 2006focused on the areas of education,enforcement, engineering and legislation andtargets the key areas of speeding, drivingwhile intoxicated and seat-belt wearing. Thekey objective of the strategy was to achieve a25% reduction in road collision fatalities by end2006 over the average annual number offatalities in the 1998 – 2003 period.

STRATEGY

In conjunction with the Department ofJustice, Equality and Law Reform andthe Garda authorities, developproposals to implement thecommitment in the Agreed Programmefor Government relating to theestablishment of a dedicated TrafficCorps.

STRATEGY

Implement the Road Safety Strategy2005 – 2006 as anticipated in theAgreed Programme for Governmentand develop a new strategy for theperiod 2007 and beyond.

Expenditure on the ESIOP from2002 to 2006

Table 5r




Achievement of the target would result in nomore than 300 deaths per annum and wouldassist in the achievement of the longer termEU target. The principal measures set out inthe strategy were:

The introduction of extended roadsidebreath testing

The development of a network of speedcameras

Extending the penalty points system tocover additional offences.

Substantial progress was made on a numberof measures under the strategy during 2006and these are highlighted below. Legislationwas enacted to address key issues relating todrink driving, and speeding, and the use ofhandheld mobile phones while driving wasbanned. A cross departmental report on roadsafety expenditure was published in May 2006and a consultation document on Rules of theRoad was issued with a view to publication ofrevised Rules of the Road Booklet in 2007.

DRINK DRIVING

The Road Traffic Act 2006 provides forroadside Mandatory Alcohol Testing (MAT) inorder to increase the chance of beingbreathalysed and deter drink driving. TheGardai have been successfully operating MATcheckpoints since July 2006 with over 30,000drivers being tested at checkpoints eachmonth. The increased deterrent effect isreflected in the downward trend in the numberof deaths and collisions on our roads sinceAugust 2006. The total number of road deaths

in 2006 at 368 was the second lowest in thiscountry in the last forty years.

PENALTY POINTS AND FIXED CHARGES

The Penalty Points system was extended witheffect from 3rd April 2006 featuring 35separate offences with a ban on handheldmobile phones added from September 2006.Fixed charges now apply to almost 60offences and the amounts of the fixed chargesrepresent a significant increase on the previouslevels of on-the-spot fines.

The penalty points system is focused on driverbehaviour and highlights safety issues such asdangerous overtaking, failure to obey trafficlights, stop signs yield signs, and vehiclescrossing centre white lines on roads. Tablesbelow show the number of drivers withPenalty Points (Table 6r) and penalty pointsissued by offence type (Table 7r) during theyear.



28


29



County Numbers of Drivers TOTAL **Points

1 P.P. 2 P.P. 3 P.P. 4 P.P. 5 P.P. 6 P.P. 7 P.P. 8 P.P. 9 P.P. 10 P.P. 11 P.P. 12 P.P. * Withdrawn

CARLOW 42 3,269 20 651 7 128 1 24 1 7 1 1 4,152 813

CAVAN 37 3,153 8 428 3 77 1 14 2 3,723 719

CLARE 54 6,021 12 957 7 165 55 7 7,278 1,690

CORK 355 25,552 87 4,186 63 835 16 200 2 50 3 14 31,363 7,023

DONEGAL 90 6,206 27 857 41 185 9 41 6 7 1 3 7,473 1,376

GALWAY 121 10,590 29 1,508 17 273 1 60 14 1 12,614 2,494

KERRY 54 6,844 12 1,040 8 185 4 44 1 9 3 8,204 1,774

KILDARE 160 14,426 92 2,929 30 624 15 120 2 24 2 3 18,427 3,312

KILKENNY 70 4,922 22 788 13 165 1 32 1 1 2 6,017 1,463

LAOIS 46 4,114 11 686 7 161 2 29 1 8 2 5,067 985

LEITRIM 5 1,475 7 249 5 36 12 1 1 1,791 373

LIMERICK COUNTY COUNCIL 87 7,693 23 1,273 12 253 2 51 10 9,404 2,278

LONGFORD 14 2,516 5 517 10 112 2 27 3 2 3,208 611

LOUTH 85 7,067 23 1,233 9 188 1 42 1 5 1 2 8,657 1,064

MAYO 52 5,396 12 798 11 143 1 31 2 5 6,451 1,326

MEATH 161 11,412 58 1,934 18 385 10 83 2 15 1 4 14,083 2,456

MONAGHAN 32 3,297 9 473 14 86 2 15 1 3,929 794

OFFALY 31 4,296 12 715 9 144 3 34 11 1 5,256 1,150

ROSCOMMON 24 3,367 12 543 3 115 1 20 1 3 1 4,090 857

SLIGO 24 3,097 8 460 6 101 1 12 5 3,714 852

NORTH TIPPERARY 29 3,844 7 555 3 118 1 21 3 4,581 860

SOUTH TIPPERARY 46 4,790 16 815 8 153 2 38 8 1 5,877 1,177

WATERFORD COUNTY COUNCIL 28 3,033 13 522 1 102 2 19 1 4 3,725 870

WESTMEATH 42 4,605 11 695 4 148 26 5 1 5,537 1,191

WEXFORD 89 7,743 24 1,517 44 343 9 106 4 25 2 5 9,911 1,948

WICKLOW 166 8,613 57 1,497 19 310 5 57 2 10 3 10,739 1,836

DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL 2,892 74,251 908 13,512 268 2,679 74 532 15 107 4 23 95,265 18,133

LIMERICK CITY COUNCIL 69 2,347 14 367 6 46 11 1 6 1 2,868 715

WATERFORD CITY COUNCIL 27 2,408 10 430 4 74 2 12 5 2,972 650

NO Driver Number 829 66,254 15 13,668 5,618 13 2 86,399

TOTAL 5,761 312,601 1,564 55,803 6,268 8,347 168 1,770 43 361 16 73 392,775 60,790

*Receipt of 12 points results in disqualification for six months.

** Penalty Points - Expired (3 years from date points applied to Driving Licence)

BREAKDOWN OF DRIVERS BY LICENCE TYPE;

FULL 270,519 PROVISIONAL 35,857 NO LICENCE 86,399

Number of Penalty Points (current) Issued to Drivers as at 31st December 2006 -(Cumulative from Introduction)

Table 6r


30


County Total Dangerous Careless No Driving No No No No NoNumber of Driving Driving insurance a vehicle child child safety belt safety belt safety

Offences, Reduced - (user) while restraint restraint - driver front beltof which to holding front rear seat rear

> Speeding Careless a mobile seat seat - child seat Driving phone - child - child - child

Carlow 5223 4339 1 3 29 2 1 577 24 40

Cavan 4375 3824 1 19 4 329 16 18

Clare 8813 7504 3 35 5 9 915 43 54

Cork 38131 31249 1 18 33 271 14 37 4588 91 151

Donegal 8985 7165 1 3 38 44 3 11 1143 27 52

Galway 14974 12668 1 1 7 123 3 14 1282 47 88

Kerry 9833 7804 2 2 44 14 4 1513 59 93

Kildare 23270 20755 3 5 86 4 14 1532 34 77

Kilkenny 7307 6142 4 53 4 4 730 29 38

Laois 6258 5475 1 33 4 10 444 29 34

Leitrim 2171 1811 1 7 261 9 7

Limerick County Co 11496 9481 2 4 37 5 12 1498 38 62

Longford 4087 3337 1 2 6 21 5 6 522 20 37

Louth 10469 9326 47 3 11 757 16 29

Mayo 7679 6592 1 9 20 4 4 738 29 33

Meath 17244 15447 1 3 2 91 17 20 968 28 45

Monaghan 4650 4025 2 2 6 11 3 2 428 9 17

Offaly 5482 4599 28 6 3 649 16 17

Roscommon 6449 5669 4 33 7 8 471 30 22

Sligo 4969 4311 1 19 1 4 459 17 15

North Tipperary 4454 3927 1 4 17 3 317 9 12

South Tipperary 7213 6015 2 36 2 2 822 17 28

Waterford County Co 4559 3827 2 1 17 6 455 17 36

Westmeath 6652 5686 1 33 4 4 672 27 29

Wexford 12632 10223 3 2 39 71 22 19 1608 85 139

Wicklow 13188 11686 1 2 9 65 7 10 871 29 44

Dublin City Council 117590 102636 3 17 38 603 61 167 5974 109 347

Limerick City Council 3436 2730 1 1 12 5 6 433 16 43

Waterford City Council 3634 3052 1 10 5 5 367 17 28

No Driver Number 87197 71721 377 1160 4114 366 51 109 6206 174 402

Total 462420 393026 396 1226 4332 2281 268 502 37529 1111 2037

Penalty Points by Offence Type. Cumulative to December 2006Table 7r

31SPEED CAMERAS

Following the recommendations of theWorking Group on the Use of Speed Cameras,the Minister for Transport enacted legislation(the Road Traffic Act 2006) to support theoperation of privately operated cameras. Thiswill facilitate a much more widespreaddeployment of speed cameras than is currentlyin place. The Department of Justice, Equalityand Law Reform is responsible for thetendering process whereby private sectorcompanies will be invited to tender to supplythe services required and this process isexpected to be completed by mid 2007.

Decisions on the locations where cameras willbe provided will be taken by the Gardaí in co-operation with the relevant authorities and willreflect both experience of speed relatedcollisions and evidence of a history ofspeeding.

GARDA TRAFFIC CORPS

The resource of the dedicated Garda TrafficCorps, which was established at the end of2004, was again increased during the year. On31 December 2006 there were 805 officers ofall ranks in the Traffic Corps and it is planned toincrease the strength of the Corps on aphased basis to a total complement of 1,200 byend 2008.

MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ON ROADSAFETY

In early 2006 Government established aMinisterial Committee on Road Safety underthe chairmanship of the Minister for Transportand including the Ministers for Justice, Equalityand Law Reform, Finance, Health and Children,Education and Science, Environment, Heritageand Local Government and the AttorneyGeneral. This Committee has met on a numberof occasions to pursue an integrated approachon all cross cutting road safety issues.

ESTABLISHMENT OF ROAD SAFETYAUTHORITY

A new Road Safety Authority (RSA) wasestablished on 1 September 2006 on foot ofthe Road Safety Authority Act 2006. The RSAhas taken responsibility for the provision of arange of services including driver testing, driverlicensing, issue of digital tachographs,enforcement of road haulage regulationsincluding drivers hours, road safety promotionand research, oversight of the National Car Testservice and commercial vehicleroadworthiness testing, random roadsidevehicle checking and driver vocational training.The RSA is also responsible for regulation ofdriving instruction, developing road safetypromotion materials, reviewing and publishinga new ‘Rules of the Road’ and advising theMinister on road safety strategies generally.The functions of the National Safety Councilhave been transferred to the RSA.




MOTOR INSURANCE

During 2006, the cost of motor insurance asmeasured by the Central Statistics OfficeConsumer Price Index fell by 8.95% or 7 indexpoints. Further reductions are expected as thework of the Personal Injuries AssessmentBoard in reducing claim costs continues.

At the end of 2006, 45 of the 67recommendations of the Motor InsuranceAdvisory Board were fully implemented, withprogress being made on the implementation ofa number of other recommendations.

The ‘Declined Cases Agreement’ between theDepartment and the Irish Insurance Federationfacilitates acquiring motor insurance for driverswho cannot get a quote or the quote is so highas to be tantamount to a refusal. During theyear the Declined Cases Committee dealt with152 cases under the Agreement (down from246 in 2005 and 310 in 2004). This reduction,which has been continuous since 2001, reflectsthe increased availability of and following costof motor insurance generally.

At year-end, the Department was preparing totranspose into domestic law the 5th EUDirective on Motor Insurance.

ROAD FATALITIES 1997 – 2006

From a 40-year low of 335 fatalities in 2003,road deaths increased in 2004 (374 fatalities)and 2005 (396 fatalities). The target set out inthe Road Safety Strategy is that the number ofroad deaths would be no greater than 300fatalities by the end of 2006. While this targethas not been achieved, there has been a fall inthe number of road deaths over the 1997 figureof 472 deaths. This reduction should be seenin the context of a very significant increase inthe number of cars and drivers on our roadsduring that ten-year period (see table 8r). 2006had the second-lowest number of fatalities in40 years with 368 road deaths over the year(down 28 on 2005).



32


33

The expenditure indicated for the NRA in Table9r represents only specific road safetymeasures – this does not include expenditureon improvement and upgrading of the roadnetwork generally.




1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

January 26 34 30 32 30 35 20 32 33 40

February 30 29 34 41 38 33 21 36 37 31

March 45 21 35 23 31 34 33 25 26 27

April 29 46 31 42 22 32 23 27 23 38

May 53 33 26 29 40 20 38 26 41 31

June 36 42 35 30 24 34 37 36 22 32

July 41 38 48 39 41 42 32 38 41 39

August 37 40 42 32 34 35 26 35 24 17

September 42 47 38 39 42 36 20 34 31 23

October 51 42 40 40 32 31 34 22 44 32

November 41 41 17 36 41 23 30 29 34 27

December 41 45 37 32 36 21 21 34 40 31

Total 472 458 413 415 411 376 335 374 396 368

Table 9r provides details of safety expenditure in 2006 by agencies under the aegis of theDepartment.

Trend of Annual Road FatalitiesTable 8r

State Body/Agency 2005 2006€m €m

National Safety Council 5.397 5.559

Medical Bureau of Road Safety 3.282 9.397

National Roads Authority 13.400 20.000

Total 22.080 34.956

Safety expenditure by state bodies / agenciesTable 9r

DRIVER LICENSING

Local Authorities that are licensing authoritiesissue driving licences. The Departmentcontinued to support the operation of thedriver licensing system by licensing authoritiesthrough the provision of advice andinformation on regulations.

Records of driving licences issued are held inthe National Driver File, which is operated bythe Department of the Environment, Heritageand Local Government. Table 10r providesdetails of licences held in the period 2000 –2006.

The Driver Theory Test was introduced on 25April 2001 and it applied to all persons makingapplication for a first provisional licence in anyparticular vehicle category on or after thatdate. The test is designed to examine thedriving knowledge of novice drivers.Knowledge of topics such as the rules of theroad, risk perception, hazard awareness andgood driving behaviour are tested. The test isIT based and is in a user-friendly format.

A revision of the Driver Theory Test came intoeffect on 21 October, 2006. The range ofquestions for cars, trucks and buses wasexpanded and a new category was introducedfor motorcycles.

STRATEGY

Ensure satisfactory operation of PPParrangements for driver theory testing.



34


Year Provisional Full TOTAL % increase in no. of full licences

2000 497,002 1,517,294 2,014,296

2001 462,133 1,574,491 2,036,624 3.76

2002 352,524 1,758,142 2,110,666 11.66

2003 367,807 1,849,269 2,217,076 5.18

2004 380,347 1,904,976 2,285,323 3.01

2005 404,607 1,947,933 2,352,540 2.25

2006 431,895 2,012,264 2,444,159 3.30

Licences Current 2000 - 2006Table 10r

35There are four separate theory testsdependant on the vehicle categories that anapplicant wishes to have on his/her provisionalor full licence.

The operation of the driver theory testingservice by Prometric Ireland is monitored bythe Department on an ongoing basis and isoperating satisfactorily. The number of testsconducted since 2002 is in table 11r.

Year No. of Tests Conducted Pass Rate

2002 101,428 82.9%

2003 118,425 82.78%

2004 137,016 82.72%

2005 157,269 81.61%

2006 157,846 76.46%

DRIVER TESTING

The delivery of the driver testing service asreflected in the statistics for 2006 remainedunsatisfactory when set against customerexpectations of reasonable waiting times.However, a number of initiatives launched in2005 had a positive effect in helping to reducethe numbers waiting for the test. Theseincluded the recruitment and deployment ofadditional driver testing staff, the introductionof a bonus scheme for driving testers and thesigning of a contract with an externalorganisation to deliver 40,000 tests.

During 2006, 18 additional driver testerscommenced employment in three differentphases, the bonus scheme commenced witheffect from 6 February, 2006 to run for a fullyear and SGS Ltd. commenced testing on 23October, 2006.

Tables 12r show the number of driver testscompleted on an annual basis since 2002 andtable 13r shows waiting times for tests at 31December 2006 by test centre.

Driver Theory Testing ServiceTable 11r





36


2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

No of Applications received 192,016 233,889 177,667 177216 216,880

Driving Tests Conducted 148,983 156,415 154,000 137,500 165,005*

Applicant did not attend for Appointment 16,873 14,742 19,897 22,620 23,744*

Number on waiting list at end Year 65,302 118,902 116,048 126,561 139,990*

Average waiting time for test at end year 10 wks 29 wks 30 wks 32.8 wks 29.8 wks

Average Pass Rate 54.3% 54.5% 54% 53.6% 52.6%

Number of Testers employed at end year 114 119 117 125 131(including (including (including

six retirees) six retirees) six retirees)

*Includes Outsourced tests

Driving TestsTable 12r

37



Weeks Waiting at Driver Testing Centres at End Year

Test Centre 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

North Leinster

Finglas 15 43 36 49 52

Dundalk 16 48 41 46 49

Mullingar 18 45 37 48 39

Navan 20 52 50 56 48

Raheny 20 53 55 60 42

South Leinster

Churchtown/Rathgar 27 52 49 53 34

Gorey 22 51 44 56 38

Naas 29 56 51 51 38

Tullamore 18 42 42 54 34

Wicklow 25 53 45 61 45

Tallaght 26 54 48 59 39

Waiting Times for Tests Table 13r


38


Test Centre 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

WestAthlone 14 17 31 26 34Birr 14 32 35 41 39Castlebar 21 48 40 37 34Clifden 15 15 20 26 33Ennis 12 17 20 36 42Galway 14 36 35 50 44Loughrea 13 18 25 31 36Roscommon 17 28 26 34 16Tuam 13 33 26 38 18

North WestBallina 23 45 32 39 32Buncrana 17 21 36 34 36Ck-on-Shannon 16 43 33 30 25Cavan 22 52 41 39 13Donegal 20 34 35 42 32Letterkenny 14 43 45 51 37Longford 17 45 37 33 32Monaghan 18 45 40 33 18Sligo 15 37 31 43 34

South EastCarlow 24 53 52 48 49Clonmel 15 48 50 51 55Dungarvan 16 54 52 55 45Kilkenny 18 53 44 34 37Nenagh 14 52 49 43 51Portlaoise 24 52 47 64 35Thurles 17 54 52 48 36Tipperary 21 53 51 56 35Waterford 20 54 41 39 38Wexford 17 47 40 38 33

South WestCork 13 41 31 37 38Killarney 18 46 47 44 28Kilrush 16 38 27 37 31Limerick 16 47 44 52 43Mallow 18 43 35 44 32Newcastle West 19 41 37 39 36Shannon 18 52 41 51 41Skibbereen 21 45 43 44 22Tralee 20 51 31 32 29

39

CAR TESTING

During 2006 the car testing service wasdelivered by NCTS in accordance with theterms of a Policy Agreement with the Ministerfor Transport.

Details of the tests carried out by NCTS in2006 and the pass rates for these tests,together with the equivalent data for the years2000 to 2005, are set out in table 14r.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE TESTING

The Department continued to provide supportand advice to local authorities and test centresin the performance of their functions relating tothe roadworthiness testing of commercialvehicles and in implementing a modernisationprogramme for the service.

Details of the tests carried out on HGVs(including trailers and semi-trailers, buses andambulances) and LGVs and the pass rates forthese vehicles for the years 2000 to 2006 areset out in the table 15r. Due to a currentdatabase upgrade, figures for 2005 and 2006will not be available until mid 2007.




Year No .of Pass rate at No.of Pass rate Full NCT NCT retests at NCT

tests carried out Full NCT carried out retest

2006 681,799 53% 415,386 93%

2005 624,619 49% 308,701 90%

2004 614,227 51% 297,380 90%

2003 631,257 52% 303,320 90%

2002 536,071 53% 244,673 90%

2001 378,467 62% 137,064 89%

2000 303,103 48% 155,314 87%

NCT TestsTable 14r

OBJECTIVE – Road Haulage

A safer and more professional andviable road haulage sector.(Responds to High Level Goal:Competition, Regulation andReform)

STRATEGY

Regulate driver hours and rest periodsfor road haulage and bus operators

STRATEGY

Oversee implementation of therecommendations of the Strategy forthe Successful Development of the IrishRoad Haulage Industry and theProgramme of Action for the RoadHaulage Industry.

STRATEGY

Efficiently manage the system forregulating access to the profession ofroad haulage operator.



40


Year HGVs LGVs

No. of Pass rate No. of Pass rate vehicles tested vehicles tested

2006 N/A N/A N/A N/A

2005 N/A N/A N/A N/A

2004 141,675 82% 44,462 79%

2003 140,020 83% 41,891 79%

2002 139,717 84% 40,595 79%

2001 127,422 83% 36,060 79%

2000 113,879 83% 40,248 77%

Roadworthiness TestsTable 15r

41

During 2006, the Department continued toprogress its work on implementation of theStrategy and Programme of Action for the roadhaulage industry. During the year particularemphasis was placed on combating illegalhaulage operations. Enforcement initiativestargeted suspected offenders and consignors,including freight forwarders and haulageoperators.

These measures involved close liaison withindustry sources and enforcement agencies inIreland and abroad. Central to this co-operationis the structured system set up by theDepartment for dealing with complaints andtip-offs. This system, which includes aconfidential free-phone service - 1800 20 2735, is continuing to prove valuable in helping to

target illegal operations. The numbers of multi-agency check points undertaken since 2002are in table 16r.

2002 48

2003 104

2004 110

2005 104

2006 106

The number of licensed bus and road haulageoperators at 31 December 2005 and 2006

Multi – agency checkpointsTable 16r



respectively is in table 17r. The Departmentalso carried out increased monitoring oflicences to ensure that operators continue tosatisfy the requirements of their Road FreightCarrier’s Licence or Road PassengerOperator’s Licence.

2006 2005

Licenced Bus Operators 1870 1830

Licenced Haulage Operators 4955 4975

DECENTRALISATION

The Road Transport Operator Licensing Unit ofthe Department advanced preparations in2006 for decentralisation to Loughrea, which isplanned to take place during 2007.Furthermore, certain Departmental functionsrelating to the operation of the bus and haulagelicensing system transferred to the RoadSafety Authority on its establishment on 1September 2006 (see above).

Number of licenced Bus andRoad Haulage operators

Table 17r


42


43


Section 3

PUBLICTRANSPORT


OBJECTIVE – Public TransportInvestment

To improve the capacity, safetyand usage of Ireland ’s publictransport system. (Responds toHigh Level Goal; Investment)

Investment in the upgrading of public transportinfrastructure and services was maintained ata high level in 2006. Capital investment in CIÉ,the Railway Procurement Agency and DublinTransportation Office amounted to €343.5

STRATEGY

Promote the use of non-Exchequersources of funding, including PPPs, tosupport the investment programme.

STRATEGY

Promote, oversee, monitor and supportthe efficient and cost-effective delivery,through the relevant agencies of thepublic transport investment programmeto ensure value for money and theachievement of targets and outcomes.

STRATEGY

Provide the policy, legislative andfunding framework for theimplementation of a prioritisedinvestment programme for publictransport that expands public transportcapacity and usage, in the context ofthe National Spatial Strategy, theRegional Planning Guidelines, andregional land use and transportstrategies.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT


44


Capital Investment 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2001-2006

€m €m €m €m €m €m €m Exchequer Investment in CIE Public Transport Safety and Development 217.817 262.376 302.367 165.67 285.124 278.5 1511.854

Public Transport Projects 0.369 7.830 7.807 10.642 23.802 8.267 58.71

LUAS/Metro Investment 126.672 126.975 128.948 130.000 82.047 28.852 623.490

DTO Capital Expenditure 33.458 28.601 40 37 35.018 27.856 201.930

Agreed CIE Borrowings 94.666 0 0 94.666

TOTAL 378.316 425.782 479.122 437.978 425.991 343.47 2,490.65

Capital InvestmentTable 1p

45

million (table 1p). In addition, a total of €285million was paid to the CIÉ companies insubvention (table 2p).

The capital programme funded a number ofmajor service upgrade projects including:

1. The Railway Safety Programme 2004-2008:

A total of €101.1 million was spent in 2006under the Railway Safety Programme2004-2008. 2006 was the third year ofthe 2004-2008 Railway Safety andRenewals Programme, which has anoverall budget of €512m.

2. The purchase of new Intercity Carriages forthe Dublin-Cork line:

16 of 67 new intercity carriages weredelivered during 2005 and the remainderwere delivered during 2006. The train-sets completed their commissioningprocess and began entering service inJuly 2006. The provision of hourlyservices on the Dublin/Cork route wasplanned to commence with theintroduction of Iarnród Eireann’s newtimetable on 14 January 2007.

3. Road crossing automation and resignalling

2006 saw Iarnród Éireann continue theirprogramme of road crossing

automation. Some €10.1 million wasprovided for this purpose in 2006. Theroll out of this programme will seesignificant day-to-day savings forIarnród Éireann (circa €250,000 percrossing automated), as well as allowingfaster journey times.

Much of the work on the road crossingautomation programme is taking placein tandem with a programme ofresignalling that is currently beingundertaken by Iarnród Éireann. Some€4.6 million was provided by theExchequer for resignalling in 2006. Theresignalling project involves replacingmechanical signalling with a centralisedcomputer controlled system over theentire intercity network. This providesincreased efficiencies in terms ofstaffing levels and greater availability oftrain paths to cater for projecteddemand for rail transport.

4. Completion of the Public Inquiry into thereopening of the Midleton to GlounthauneRailway line

The reopening of this line will provide anew and regular commuter servicebetween Cork City and Midleton, and agreatly enhanced commuter servicealong the 35km stretch from Mallow toCork City on the main Dublin-Corkintercity line. New railway stations and



Capital Expenditure 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2001-2006

€m €m €m €m €m €m €m

Exchequer subvention to CIÉ for the provision of socially necessary but non-commercial services 222.204 233.312 244.980 257.229 270.090 285.020 1,512.835

RPA Administration - 12.373 12.5 10.28 6.877 9.573 51.603

Light Rail Expenses 2.063 2.573 2.427 18.556 0.559 0.135 26.31

DTO Current Expenditure 0.858 0.882 0.948 1.006 1.046 1.082 5.82

TOTAL 225.125 249.142 260.855 287.071 278.572 295.810 1,596.560

Current ExpenditureTable 2p

park and ride facilities will be provided atDunkettle, Blarney, Carrigtwohill andMidleton. At year end, the Inspector’sreport on the outcome of the publicenquiry was awaited..

5 New railcars

In 2005 Iarnród Éireann ordered 150 newhigh specification railcars from Mitsui ofJapan / Rotem of South Korea tofacilitate the expansion and extension ofimprovements in intercity rail services onall of the routes other than Cork orBelfast. The introduction of these railcarswill see the removal from service of allolder rolling stock and the provision ofimproved service frequencies on aphased basis on all the affected routes.Delivery of these units will begin in 2007.

In order to provide an appropriatemaintenance and servicing facility forthese railcars Iarnród Éireann purchaseda site in Portlaoise and construction of anew traincare facility commenced during2006. It is envisaged that this facility willbe in operation in early 2008, in tandemwith the commissioning of the 150railcars.

6 Additional buses

When Transport 21 was launched inNovember 2005 immediate funding for20 tri-axle buses was provided. Thesebuses have greater passenger carryingcapacity and are fully accessible tomobility and sensory impairedpassengers. They were acquired on apilot project basis for higher capacityroutes. All buses were in service by theend of January 2006.

In September 2006 funding was alsoprovided for the purchase by Bus ÁthaCliath of 100 additional buses at a cost of€30 million and a further €2 million wasprovided for the upgrading of garagefacilities at Broadstone to accommodatethese extra buses. Most of the buseshad been delivered at the end of 2006and some had begun to enter service.Bus Átha Cliath plan to use the additionalbuses across the QBC network (table 3prefers).

Over €15 million was also approved as acontribution towards the cost of 100replacement buses for the Bus ÁthaCliath fleet in 2007. Fifty of thereplacement buses will be highercapacity tri-axle buses similar to thosefunded at the end of 2005.

It was also announced in 2006 thatExchequer funding of up to €50 millionwould be provided for up to 160 newbuses for Bus Éireann in the periodcommencing 2007 for non-commercialservices outside of Dublin. Bus Éireann iscurrently tendering for the supply ofthese new buses and expects thatdelivery of the buses will commence inmid 2007 and begin to enter into serviceshortly thereafter. Bus Éireann, which isresponsible for the deployment of thenew buses, propose to give priority tomajor cities and towns.

P U B L I C T RA N S PO RT ( CO N T I N U E D )


46


47

The beneficial impact of the increasedinvestment in public transport is evidentin the improved services being providedand the increased number ofpassengers using public transport. Thenumber of passengers travelling on ourrailways, for example, has grown from37.7 million in 2005 to over 43 million in2006. The railway infrastructure androlling stock have also been upgradedadding much needed additional capacity.

Tables 3p and 4p provides details of keyprojects funded in 2006 under Transport21 / National Development Plan (NDP)and details of the subvention and

passenger statistics in respect of BusÁtha Cliath. Tables 5p and 6p providesimilar information in respect of BusÉireann while tables 7p and 8p providethe relevant information in respect ofIarnród Éireann.

Exchequer contribution 2006 (€m) Project

0.24* Development ofCork SouthernOrbital Route

Bus Éireann: Key projectsdelivered under Transport 21

Table 5p



Project Status

20 Additional Buses 20 additional high capacity buses ordered in November 2005 wereall delivered by January 2006 and all had entered service shortlythereafter

100 Additional Buses 100 additional buses were approved during 2006 and most had beendelivered by the end of that year with the first of them enteringservice in December 2006.

Digital CCTV installations 2006 saw the process of installing digital CCTV cameras on theentire Bus Átha Cliath fleet near completion. This will allow forimproved security on board.

Bus Átha Cliath Key projects delivered under Transport 21 Table 3p

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Exchequer Subvention (€million) 54.316 56.063 53.867 61.81 64.900 69.845

Number of Buses 1,062 1,062 1,062 1062 1082 1182

Number of Passengers Journeys (millions) 143 147 149 149.8 145.7 146.3

Percentage increase/decrease over previous year 2.8% 1.3% 0.5% -2.5% 0.4%

Bus Átha Cliath: Subvention and passenger statistics 2001- 2006Table 4p

Project Exchequer contribution

2006 (€m)

Railway Safety Programme 100.129

67 Mainline Carriages 35.546

Kildare Route Project 17.528

DART Refurbishment 16.908

36 New Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs ) 12.988

DART Upgrade 8.985

PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN THE CITIES

Dublin

Luas

The popularity of the Luas light rail system,which came into service in June 2004,continued to rise in 2006 with an increase of16% in passenger carryings compared to 2005.During the year Luas carried 25.8 millionpassengers on the two Luas lines: 13.7 millionon the Red line (Tallaght to Connolly Station)and 12.1 million on the Green line (Sandyford toSt. Stephen’s Green). This compares to a totalof 22.2 million passengers in 2005. Table 9pprovides information on Luas operations.

Iarnród Éireann: Key projectsfunded under Transport 21

Table 7p


48


2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Exchequer Subvention (€million) 24.157 21.766 22.856 23.998 25.199 26.459

Number of Buses 694 680 680 682 674 674

Number of Passengers Journeys – excluding schools (millions) 43.8 46 48.4 47.8 49 49.72

Bus Éireann: Subvention and passenger statistics 2001 - 2006Table 6p

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Exchequer Subvention (€ million) 143.8 155.4 168.2 171.4 179.9 188.7

Exchequer Capital (€ million) 175.9 232.5 245.9 240.2 279.6 257.4

Number of Passengers Journeys (millions) 34.2 35.4 35.5 34.55 37.7 43.15

Iarnród Éireann: Subvention, capital investment and passenger statisticsTable 8p

49

To cater for the higher demand the RailwayProcurement Agency (RPA) increased thepeak-time frequency on the Green line from 5to 4 minutes and instituted a special shuttleservice between Heuston and ConnollyStations. In addition, the RPA is in the processof providing a 40% increase in capacity on theRed Line by increasing the length of the 26trams from 30 metres to 40 metres. Theextended trams will begin to enter service in2007 and the tram extensions will becompleted in 2008.

LUAS EXTENSIONS

The Minister for Transport signed RailwayOrders for Luas extensions from Sandyford toCherrywood and from Connolly Station to ThePoint in 2006. Construction is scheduled tocommence on both extensions in 2007.

METRO

The Minister for Transport announced the routeselected by the RPA for Metro North in October2006. Metro North will run from St. Stephen’sGreen to the north of Swords, in the vicinity ofLissenhall.

The route will interconnect with Metro Westsouth of Dublin Airport, the Maynooth rail line at

Drumcondra, the Tallaght Luas line in the CityCentre and with the Sandyford Luas and(following the completion of the Interconnector)the DART line at St. Stephen’s Green.

Metro West will be an orbital Metro line linkingthe Tallaght Luas line and Metro North. Thepublic consultation on the route selection waslaunched in November 2006 with alternativeroutes identified which would serve towns inwest Dublin, such as Tallaght, Clondalkin, andBlanchardstown.

The RPA is currently developing plans for bothMetro projects and is working with the CIÉGroup companies and with private operatorsto achieve integration of Luas / Metro withother modes of transport.

RAIL IMPROVEMENTS IN GREATERDUBLIN AREA

Work continued ahead of schedule in 2006 onthe new railway station in the Docklands, thefirst to be provided in the city centre in over 100years. In total, fifteen new services will operateeach way each day from this stationcommencing in 2007, serving Clonsilla,Coolmine, Castleknock, Ashtown andBroombridge. Services will also call at theproposed new Phoenix Park station due toopen towards the end of 2007.



Red Line Red Line Green Line Green Line2005 2006 2005 2006

Length of Line 15 km 15 km 9 km 9 km

Journey Time 43 minutes 43 minutes 22 minutes 22 minutes

No. of Trams (length of trams) 26 26 14 14 (30 metres) (30 metres) (40 metres) (40 metres)

Capacity of each Tram 221 221 310 310

No. of Passengers 11 million 13.7 million 11.2 million 12.1 million

Luas (Green and Red Lines) operations in 2005 and 2006Table 9p

The Minister for Transport made the RailwayOrder for the Kildare Route project inDecember 2006. It involves four-tracking acritical section of track between CherryOrchard and Hazelhatch on the Heuston-Kildare line. New or relocated stations will beconstructed at Fonthill, Kishogue, Adamstown,and Park West. The project will allowseparation of long distance and commuterservices and improve speed and capacity forcommuter, regional and intercity services.

Work began on the preparation of the RailwayOrder for the Clonsilla-Pace / M3 (Phase 1)section of the Clonsilla to Navan rail line. IarnródÉireann also commenced a study of the routealignment options for the Pace-Navan section(Phase 2).

Planning and design work began during theyear on the proposed rail interconnector inDublin as well as on plans for the electrificationof the Maynooth, Kildare and Northern lines.The interconnector will be a 5.2kmunderground line through the heart of the city,which will allow frequency and capacity ofservices on all routes to dramatically increase,and integrate all modes of rail transport into asingle, integrated network – DART, Commuter,Intercity, Luas and Metro.

CORK

Cork City Council is implementing a GreenRoute Transport Corridor policy for publictransport services in the city, as envisaged inthe Cork Area Strategic Plan 2001-2020. Since2002, the Department has provided €29.1million in funding for the development of GreenRoutes and Park and Ride facilities in Cork. Thisincluded €6.5 million in 2006.

The first two Green Routes were launched in2004, and a further three were substantiallycompleted in 2005. Work progressed during2006, with one further Green Routesubstantially completed.

GALWAY

The Galway Transportation and Planning Studywas adopted in 2003, and the CityDevelopment Plan in 2005. The first bus lane inGalway (0.8 km on the Dublin Road) wasofficially opened in February 2005. A furtherstretch of bus lane on the Dublin Road (of 2 kmlength approximately) was completed in 2006.During the year a study, commissioned byGalway City Council and funded by theDepartment, to examine and makerecommendations on the city bus network,including possible bus priority measures, wascompleted. This study is now the basis of aconsultation process initiated by the Council.

LIMERICK

Limerick City Council adopted a DevelopmentPlan in late 2004 and Limerick County Councilformally adopted its Development Plan in early2005. Technology has been installed on busesin the city and at key city junctions to allowbuses to get priority at junctions. The twoCouncils are co-operating on the developmentof three bus priority routes.

Work on the first of the three planned GreenRoutes in the County Council area, on the R526St Nessan’s Road, was completed in 2006.€0.7m was provided by the Department toLimerick County Council during 2006 for workson the St Nessan’s Road Green Route and the



50


51remaining two planned Green Routes. TheDepartment also provided funding to LimerickCity Council in relation to design and planningcosts for proposed bus routes during the year.Limerick City and County Councils have beenexamining the potential for park and ride in thecity.

WATERFORD

The Waterford Planning Land Use andTransportation Study (PLUTS) was adopted in2004. Waterford City Council commissionedtwo bus priority consultancy studies during2005 with funding from the Department.These studies were completed in 2006 and theCouncil has proceeded to detailed design workfor both routes.

Following on from the success of a pilottemporary park and ride service during the TallShips event in 2005, the City Council are nowexamining the potential for permanent parkand ride in the city as recommended in theWaterford PLUTS.

INVESTMENT MONITORING

The Department’s Public Transport InvestmentMonitoring Unit continued to monitor andreview progress on the delivery of the publictransport investment programme. Over 30projects were monitored during 2006, rangingin value from €3 million to over €160 million.

Financial control checks were carried out onCIÉ co-financed expenditure in accordancewith Article 4 of Commission Regulation (EC)No 438/2001 of 2 March 2001 laying down

detailed rules for the implementation of CouncilRegulation (EC) No 1260/1999 as regards themanagement and control systems forassistance granted under the Structural Funds.

Financial audits by the Department werefinalised on expenditure by CIÉ companies:

which benefited from Exchequer fundingprovided under the NDP 2000-2006covering the period 1 April 2002 to 31December 2003. The values of the auditsamples selected for this period were8% (i.e. €20 million) and 11% (i.e. €34million) respectively;

for which EU funding was claimed inrespect of the year 2003. The value ofthe audit samples selected in this casewas €74 million representing 52% of theexpenditure involved.

Technical audits were carried out to monitorthe physical progress of projects undertakenby Iarnród Éireann. 17 such audits were carriedout during 2006. Examples of projects auditedduring 2006 were the DART Upgrade,Westport and Ballina Lines Resignalling, DARTrefurbishment and Mini CTC Signalling.

STRATEGY

Ensure value for money andtransparency in respect of State PublicService Obligation [PSO] payments forpublic transport services.




CIE SUBVENTION

State subvention to CIE for the provision ofsocially necessary but non-commercialservices increased in 2006 to €285 millionfrom €270 million in 2005.

Revised Memoranda of Understanding onService Levels and Targets for CIE operatingcompanies were introduced between theDepartment of Transport and the CIE group ofcompanies. They reflect the general principlesof transparency and accountability forsubvention payments to the CIE companies forthe provision of public service obligationtransport services.

The Memoranda set out a sharedunderstanding of the quantity and quality ofservice, which each company intends toprovide. They incorporate a performanceindicator system, which provides greatertransparency and accountability in the contextof the public service obligation payment.

FARES

In December 2006, the Minister approved anaverage 2.75% fares increase, for Bus ÁthaCliath, Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann and Luasservices.

OBJECTIVE – Competition,Regulation and Reform

Use competition, economicregulation and structural reform toenhance the delivery of publictransport services. (Responds toHigh Level Goal: Competition,Regulation and Reform)

STRATEGY

Establish independent structures toprocure and regulate public transportservices.

STRATEGY

Regulate access to the bus operatorprofession and administer the existingmarket regulatory framework for busservices, under the Transport Act, 1932,as effectively as possible, pending newlegislation as anticipated in the AgreedProgramme for Government.



52


53

Pending reform of the Road Transport Act,1932, the Department of Transport continuedthroughout 2006 to administer the existingarrangements for the licensing of private busoperators and the administration of anotification system for proposed servicechanges for the State bus companies. TheDepartment of Transport also issuedauthorisations and journey forms underEuropean Union Regulations and Agreements,in respect of cabotage, cross border and theinternational carriage of passengers by coachand bus.

In 2006, the volume of licence applications andnotifications increased while applications forauthorisations under EU Regulations in relationto the international carriage of passengers bycoach and bus also continued at a steadypace. This trend in application rates is areflection of the continued interest by bothpublic and private sectors in increased busoperations. The Department, as part of anongoing programme of improving customerservice, is actively working to improveefficiency in this area with a view to reducing

processing times while being mindful ofstatutory requirements.

REGULATORY REFORM

In September 2006 the Government made anumber of decisions that will provide a solidbasis for expanded and improved bus servicesthroughout the country over the coming years.The Government decided that

the regulation of the bus market in theGreater Dublin Area will be theresponsibility of the proposed newDublin Transport Authority;

the bus market will be opened up on aphased basis to private operators;

and approved the preparation andsubmission to Government of a draft Billto replace the Road Transport Act 1932with a modern regulatory and licensingregime.

Extensive discussions on the reform of publictransport, including CIE, on the basis of theGovernment’s decision continued during theyear between officials in the Department, CIEmanagement, private bus operatorrepresentatives, ICTU and the CIE trade unions.Work also continued on the preparation ofproposals to replace the Road Transport Act1932 in line with the Government’s decision.

STRATEGY

Restructure the CIE Group.

STRATEGY

Reform the market regulatoryframework for the Dublin and nationalbus markets, replacing the RoadTransport Act, 1932.




RAIL TRANSPORT

1. Second Railway Package

Statutory Instrument No. 212 of 2006transposed Directive 2004/50/EC of theEuropean Parliament and Council of 29 April2004, amending Council Directive 96/48/ECon the interoperability of the trans-Europeanhigh-speed rail system and Directive2001/16/EC on the interoperability of the trans-European conventional rail system.

The Directive provides for the amendment ofDirective 96/48/EC to bring it more in linewith Directive 2001/16, as had been requestedby the European Parliament. It also provides forthe amendment of Directive 2001/16/EC byextending its scope to cover the whole TransEuropean rail network to take account of thefull opening of the network to competition forfreight services in January 2007.

2. Third Railway Package

The European Commission proposed the ThirdRailway Package in March 2004. This packagecontains four separate legislative proposalsdealing with the following issues:

Liberalisation of international railpassenger services;

Train Crew Certification;

Rights and Obligations of internationalrail passengers; and

Quality of freight services.

In 2006, the EU Council of Ministers forTransport and Energy agreed a commonposition on three of the four aspects involved,namely liberalisation of international railpassenger services train crew certification andrights and obligations of international railpassengers. The draft proposals had beensubmitted to the European Parliament inOctober and November of 2006, with a viewto second reading in January 2007.

REGULATION OF THE EUROPEANPARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCILON PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICESBY RAIL AND BY ROAD.

The aim of this proposal is to create aframework regulating how Member Statesaward exclusive rights and pay compensationfor public transport services deemed to bepublic service obligations. The purpose is toensure transparency in the award ofsubvention for public transport services. TheEU Council of Ministers for Transport andEnergy agreed a common position in relation tothe draft Regulation in June 2006. Thecommon position was adopted by qualifiedmajority in December 2006 and is supportedby the Commission. The draft proposal is nowwith the Parliament for second reading.

STRATEGY

Pursue and oversee implementation ofthe Taxi Regulation Act 2003.



54


55A number of amendments to the TaxiRegulation Act 2003 were introduced throughsection 21 of the Road Traffic Act 2006. Thesegave more freedom to the Commission forTaxi Regulation in relation to the establishmentof superannuation schemes and broughtgreater clarity to section 36 of the 2003 Actwhich provides for a system of automaticdisqualification from applying for or holding asmall public service vehicle driver or vehiclelicence in respect of persons who have beenconvicted of one of a range of very seriousoffences, including murder, manslaughter andvarious sexual, drug trafficking and otheroffences.

The Taxi Regulation Act 2003 (Section 36 (2A)to (4)) (Commencement) Order (S.I. No 265 of2006) commenced subsections (2A), (3), (3A)and (4) of section 36, as amended, with effectfrom 25 May 2006. The measures in thesesubsections are linked to the facility whichallows existing licence holders or licenceapplicants with relevant convictions to apply tothe courts to clarify their situation in advanceof the full commencement of the section.

The Commission for Taxi Regulation launcheda detailed Action Plan 2006 – 2007, DrivingForward, in March 2006, which sets out thechanges the Commission proposes to makeover the next two years. Highlights of theAction Plan included the introduction of a newNational Taximeter Area, a new simplifiedNational Taxi Fare structure and a NationalComplaints process from 25 September 2006.2006 also saw the roll out of a new nationalvehicle licensing system whereby, following apublic procurement process, the National CarTesting Service (NCTS) was contracted toadminister the vehicle licensing of small publicservice vehicles on behalf of the Commission

The Commission made new amendingregulations across a range of areas whichupdate and, in certain respects, replace theexisting regulations relating to small publicservice vehicles. Those amending regulationswere made with the consent of the Minister, asrequired under the 2003 Act.

OBJECTIVE -Railway Safety

To ensure that railwayinfrastructure and services areprovided, managed and used in amanner that protects people fromdeath and injury. (Responds toHigh Level Goal: Safety)

STRATEGY

Promote, oversee, monitor and supportthe effective implementation of aprioritised safety investmentprogramme for the improvement ofIarnród Éireann’s safety managementsystems and infrastructure.

STRATEGY

Implementation of an independentregulatory framework for railway safety.




RAILWAY SAFETY COMMISSION

A major development in 2006 was theestablishment of the Railway SafetyCommission under the Railway Safety Act2005 (see Appendix c), thus establishing anindependent institutional framework for theregulation of railway safety.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE RAILWAYSAFETY ACT 2005

Regulations were made in 2006 concerningthe definition of railway incidents for thepurposes of accident investigation and tocommence various sections of the RailwaySafety Act 2005, including provisions relatingto intoxicants and offences by people workingon railways.

RAILWAY SAFETY PROGRAMME 2004-2008

Table 10p outlines the major investmentundertaken since the commencement of thefirst Railway Safety Programme in 1999.

CAHIR INQUIRY

The Chief Railway Inspecting Officer’s reportinto the derailment of a freight train at Cahir (inOctober 2003) was published in 2006.

OBJECTIVE-Public TransportIntegration

To ensure an integrated andsustainable approach to thedevelopment and delivery of publictransport services. (Responds toHigh Level Goal: Integration)

STRATEGY

Work with local authorities in the largeurban areas to develop and implementpublic transport, traffic managementand cycling/pedestrian measures.


56


1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Track Renewal (miles) 89 84 74 86 67 39 32 23

Fencing (miles) 37 67 41 33 42 33 77 74

Bridges (number) 41 55 16 16 37 13 33 25

Level Crossings (number) 82 207 175 136 129 36 63 50

Total Investment (€million) * 90.1 127.5 167.1 148.9 127.5 100.4 89.5 101.1

* Includes Exchequer, EU and other funding

Rail Safety Investment 1999 – 2006Table 10p

57QUALITY BUS NETWORK

A key element of the Dublin Transport Office(DTO) transport strategy for the Greater DublinArea ‘A Platform for Change’ is the provision ofa network of bus priority infrastructure toimprove the attractiveness of the bus to thetravelling public. Funding for the network of buspriority infrastructure is provided by theDepartment’s Traffic Management GrantScheme. The DTO Traffic Management GrantCommittee allocates grants to reimburse LocalAuthorities and the transport providers forinvestment in traffic management schemes,predominantly bus priority measures,throughout the Greater Dublin Area. TrafficManagement Grant expenditure in 2006 was€27.6 million, of which €21.9 million wasdeployed on bus priority projects.

By end 2006, 12 QBC routes were in operationthroughout the GDA - Malahide, Lucan,Stillorgan, Finglas, North Clondalkin, SouthClondalkin, Rathfarnham, Tallaght, Swords,Blanchardstown, Ballymun and WesternOrbital. Some 143.1 km of treated corridornetwork now exists. In addition, some 27.2 kmof bus priority network feeds into the QualityBus Corridor network. During 2006, workcontinued on the Rock Road QBC.

USE OF HARD SHOULDERS BY BUSES

The Department supports pilot projects toassess how hard shoulders can be safely usedby buses at ‘congestion hot spot’ locations onnational roads, including those linking Dublinand satellite towns. During 2006, work onimplementing bus lanes on the hard shoulderson the following routes was completed:

Navan Road: Approaches toDunshaughlin

Navan Road: Bracetown section

Naas Road: Kingswood Interchange toKylemore Road

CYCLING

Cycle facilities are being developed inconjunction with the implementation of buspriority schemes. Grants to the value of €0.93million were approved in 2006 by the DTOTraffic Management Grant Committee forexpenditure by local authorities on provision ofcycling facilities in the GDA over and abovethose facilities provided as part of busschemes.

In 2006, the DTO progressed work on a newguidance manual for cycle facilities and inreviewing the future direction of cycling policyfor the Greater Dublin Area.

OPERATION FREEFLOW

Operation Freeflow is an annual initiative tohelp reduce congestion in Dublin City during theChristmas period. It was first run in 1996 andhas been adapted over the years to changingrequirements. Operation Freeflow 2006 ranfrom 27 November 2006 to 7 January 2007.The initiative was planned under the auspicesof An Garda Síochána and the DublinTransportation Office in close co-operationwith local authorities and transport serviceproviders. The Gardaí chair the committee




responsible for overall planning of theOperation.

Under Operation Freeflow 2006, there were 163additional Gardaí to ensure smooth traffic flow.As in previous years, there was also a ban onall but urgent road works (except on the M50).Additional services were provided by Bus ÁthaCliath, particularly late in the evening. Therewere also some additional daytime services,with Bus Átha Cliath bringing the first of thenew fleet additions into service during thisperiod. A rapid-response towing service forBus Átha Cliath was put in place to minimiseany delays caused by breakdowns. Additionallate-night Luas services at weekends ran upto 3am. Traffic issues were subject to constantmonitoring from the City Traffic Control Room.

These measures were combined with a publicawareness campaign, to ensure that the publicwas informed of the measures beingundertaken in the context of OperationFreeflow. A magazine was produced andprovided with newspapers to coincide with thelaunch of the Operation. There was adedicated traffic radio channel for up-to-dateinformation, and a dedicated website, coveringall aspects of Operation Freeflow and linking topublic transport timetables.

EUROPEAN MOBILITY WEEK/IN TOWNWITHOUT MY CAR DAY

In September, the Department assisted theDepartment of the Environment, Heritage andLocal Government to mark ‘In Town WithoutMy Car’ day as part of European Mobility Week2006. The theme for 2006 was “ClimateChange”.

As with other countries across the globe,Ireland organised a series of promotions aimedat raising awareness of travel options such aswalking, cycling and public transport.

The Department co-funded (with theDepartment of the Environment, Heritage andLocal Government) an advertising campaignduring European Mobility week 16 - 22September 2006 in the daily national andSunday newspapers on the 2006 theme of“Climate Change”. The Department alsoassisted Cork City Council during that week inrelation to its initiative on park and ridefacilities.

STRATEGY

Improve accessibility to public transportfor people with disabilities and othersocially excluded people.

STRATEGY

Work with other Departments, localauthorities and agencies to promotehigher density and mixed-usedevelopment along urban publictransport corridors, so as to minimiselong distance commuting and reduceurban sprawl.



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59

RURAL TRANSPORT INITIATIVE

The Rural Transport Initiative (RTI) is a schemeto encourage innovative rural community-based initiatives to provide transport services,with a view to addressing the issue of socialexclusion in rural Ireland caused by lack ofaccess to transport.

The RTI is operational in virtually all counties,with thirty-four community transport schemesbeing funded under the initiative. Schemesvary in size from small parish basedapproaches to countywide or regionalapproaches. The frequencies, times and modelof service delivery vary from scheme toscheme. However, in general they involve a oneday a week services on each route providedby local transport operators on a contractbasis, using mini-buses which carry around 12passengers. Many of the services are door-to-door and are designed to fit in with existingscheduled transport services. The provision oftransport services for people with disabilities isa core feature of the RTI, and all schemesprovide these services. Some 93,000 RTItransport services and over 790,000passenger trips were recorded on theseservices in 2006.

The RTI was originally designed as a two-yearpilot to conclude at the end of 2003, but wasextended to end 2004 to facilitate a fullappraisal of the scheme. That appraisal wascompleted in July 2004 and, in line with theprincipal recommendation of the appraisal, theMinister extended the RTI for a further twoyears to end 2006 to enable the full lessons ofthe pilot phase to emerge.

In early 2006, the Department commissionedan independent study to develop policyoptions, including a preferred option, for themainstreaming of RTI from 2007 onwards.Following a subsequent public consultationprocess, policy proposals for the roll-out of theRTI from 2007 onwards were finalised and themainstreaming of the Rural TransportProgramme targeted for February 2007.Addressing transport-related social exclusioncontinues to be a basic principle of the RTI andschemes will only be funded wherecommercial operators are not prepared toprovide services.

In parallel with the implementation of Transport21, the Minister for Transport announced that hewould double the funding (based on the 2005allocation of €4.5m) available to the RTI by2007 and that thereafter, he would steadilyincrease the funding available for ruraltransport services; ultimately to a funding levelabout four times the 2005 allocation. TheGovernment’s commitment to do this isreflected in Towards 2016, the new Ten-YearFramework Social Partnership Agreement. €9million was subsequently made available forthe RTI in 2007 to facilitate the transition of theinitiative from its pilot phase into a mainstreamprogramme. Total funding for the RTI to 2015will be €90m

STRATEGY

Support measures to promote betterintegration of public transport, includingphysical interchanges, park and ride,integrated ticketing, and integratedinformation provision, across the publictransport network, particularly in theGreater Dublin Area.




Funding is also available to the RTI from theDepartment of Social and Family Affairs inrespect of the Free Travel Scheme and fromhealth boards and from other interests thatsupport the initiative.

RURAL TRANSPORT PROGRAMMECUMULATIVE FIGURES 2006

(NB.FTP = Free Travel Pass)

GENDER BREAKDOWN

MALE

32%

68%

FEMALE

PASSENGER TYPE

FARE PAYING PASSENGERS

32%

5%

63%

OTHER FREE

NUMBER OF FTP



60


61

AGE BREAKDOWN FROM JAN - DEC 06

<5

19%

56%

20%

4%

1%

SCHOOL AGE

26-65

>66

18-25

DOOR TO DOOR vs NON DOOR TO DOOR PICK-UPS

DOOR TO DOOR PICK-UPS

78%

22%

NON DOOR TO DOOR



0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

70000

80000

DECNOVOCTSEPTAUGJULYJUNEMAYAPRMARFEBJAN

2006 TOTAL NO. OF PASSENGERSRural Transport Initiative 2006 / Total Number of PassengersTable 11p

TRANSPORT ACCESSIBILITY

During 2006 the Department finalised‘Transport Access for All’, the Department’sSectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005.The Plan addresses the accessibility needs ofpeople with mobility, sensory and cognitiveimpairments across all transport modes andcontains time bound targets for theprogressive realisation of accessible transportin Ireland. It was prepared following anextensive consultation exercise involvingmeetings and discussions with transportproviders together with a wide range ofgroups in the disability sector. The Plan waspassed by the Houses of the Oireachtas inOctober 2006 enabling it to take effect.

Measures to implement ‘Transport Access forAll’ are already well advanced. Since the year2000, all major refurbishment projects at busand rail stations, together with the constructionof new stations and the purchase of trains orbuses take account of the needs of peoplewith mobility and sensory impairments. Workin this area is now being extended to taxis aswell as air and marine passenger transport.

The remit of the Public Transport AccessibilityCommittee, a Partnership Committee underTowards 2016, has been expanded so thatstakeholders, including disability organisations,have a monitoring role in relation to progress inimplementing the Sectoral Plan and evaluatingthe impact of the Plan on people with mobility,sensory and cognitive impairments. Threemeetings of the Committee took place in2006.

Significant resources for accessibility are beingprovided under Transport 21 to facilitate furtherprogress. Accessibility is being built into newpublic transport infrastructure projects andfunding is also being provided to continue thephased retrofit of existing infrastructure.

Some €8 million was provided by theExchequer in 2006 to finance a number ofaccessibility improvements to existing publictransport infrastructure and facilities. Workinvolved related to;

a railway station refurbishmentprogramme on the Dublin-Cork linetogether with preparatory work for asimilar programme on the Dublin-Dundalk and Dublin-Galway lines.


62


63the upgrading of Bus Éireann’s busstations in Tralee, Ennis and Rosslare.

continuation of a bus stop improvementprogramme in Dublin.

Bus Átha Cliath’s new travel assistancescheme to encourage people withdisabilities to use public transport.

retrofitting of Bus Átha Cliath’s on-boardbus poles with easy grip, colourcontrasted surfaces.

modifications to the Luas trams toimprove access/egress as well as theintroduction of on-board hearing loops.

preparatory work for the installation of alift at the Luas stop in Dundrum.

This particular funding was in addition to theongoing substantial investment in new PublicTransport infrastructure and vehicleprocurement under the NDP 2000-2006 andTransport 21.

The Department continues to participate ininterdepartmental co-ordinating andmonitoring structures for the National DisabilityStrategy, including the sectoral plans.




PARK AND RIDE FACILITIES ANDINTERCHANGES IN THE GREATERDUBLIN AREA

The Department made €5 million availableduring 2006 in funding for local authoritieswithin the GDA for park and ride projects.While there were some expressions of interest,there were no proposals put forward to theDepartment for this funding.

INTEGRATED TICKETING

The Minister established an IntegratedTicketing Project Board in July 2006comprising an independent chairperson, theRPA, Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann, IarnródÉireann, private bus operators’ representativeand senior officials from both the Departmentand the Department of Social & Family Affairsto advance the Smart Card integrated ticketingproject. The Minister appointed Mr. DavidO’Callaghan, a former Secretary-General of theDepartment of Defence, as independentchairperson of this Board. In the meantime, thenumber of users of integrated tickets usingmagnetic strip technology continues to grow.

The Report of the Dublin Transport AuthorityEstablishment Team recommended that thefunctions of the DTO should be subsumed intothe proposed Authority and thatrecommendation was accepted byGovernment.

STRATEGY

Review the role and structure of theDublin Transportation Office (DTO) andimplement any necessary changes.



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Section 4

AIRTRANSPORT


OBJECTIVE – Airports

To ensure that the State airportsrespond in a sustainable way tothe needs of their full range ofcustomers and to facilitate thecontribution of the regionalairports to balanced regionaldevelopment. (Responds to HighLevel Goals; Investment andIntegration)

The State Airports Act, 2004 provides for aframework which will allow for an orderlyapproach to the distribution of the assets ofShannon and Cork Airports in conformity withthe provisions of the Companies Acts.

In 2006, the transition to full autonomyremained a priority. However, the Dublin AirportAuthority (DAA) continued to face a number ofchallenges which affected decisions on thetiming of airport separation. At year end, thetransition to autonomy depended on theapproach to funding of the airports’ capitalinvestment into the future, the optimummechanisms for allocating airport assetsamong the three State airports and all relevant

aspects of the three airports’ financialsustainability.

Passenger traffic at Dublin Airport is forecastto grow from its 2006 level of over 21 millionpassengers per annum to 30 million by 2015.New infrastructure capacity and facilities, bothairside and landside, including further terminalcapacity, will clearly be needed to cater for thisgrowth.

As part of the aviation action plan that wasapproved by the Government in May 2005, theDAA has begun the process to deliver a newterminal (Terminal Two) and a new Pier E byend 2009. Planning permission for this projectwas awarded in October 2006, and this is nowunder appeal to An Bord Pleanala. The DAA isalso in the process of developing a new Pier D,which is due to be completed in 2007.

When the Government gave the DAA theapproval to proceed with Terminal Two in 2005,it also agreed that recognised independentexperts would verify the specification and costof the project. The Department commissionedthe firm of Boyd Creed Sweett in associationwith Parr Architects and FaberMaunsell tocarry out this work in 2006

STRATEGY

Facilitate the provision of additionalterminal and pier capacity at DublinAirport.

STRATEGY

Implement the provisions of the StateAirport Act, 2004 concerning therestructuring of the State airports.

AIR TRANSPORT


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The consultants made three key findings withregard to DAA’s planning for Terminal Two, asfollows:

the methodology, approach andexecution of the planning objectives andconsiderations for passengers adoptedby the DAA and its consultants accordswith best practice,

the development of the structuralproposals is in accordance with bestpractice and the scheme chosen iscomparable with that used in similarairport buildings and

the estimated cost is within industrynorms for this type of project in aEuropean capital city

The Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR)published its new determination of themaximum level of airport charges at DublinAirport on 29 September 2005. Effective from1 January 2006, the average annual maximumairport charge per passenger allowed by theCAR at Dublin Airport was €6.14. This was a23% increase on the previous charge while theDAA had sought a 50% increase. The DAAappealed the determination and an AppealPanel, appointed by the Minister, havingexamined the matter, referred thedetermination back to CAR for review.

In response CAR varied its originaldetermination and increased the maximumcharge to €6.34. In the original determination,CAR signalled that it might be reviewed againonce there was an opportunity to consider fullyDAA’s final capital investment programme.Following consultation CAR decided on the 8thDecember 2006 that it will review its originalairport charges determination to take accountof DAA’s final capital expenditure programmewith a view to a final determination during2007.

PASSENGER NUMBERS AT THE STATEAIRPORTS

Air passenger traffic at Ireland’s State airportsincreased by 14% from 24.48 million in 2005 to27.84 million in 2006 (table 1a).

STRATEGY

Seek to optimise the role of the regionalairports in promoting more balancedregional development, primarily througha range of measures such as the EUauthorised PSO programme to supportair access as provided for in the AgreedProgramme for Government.

A I R T RA N S PO RT ( CO N T I N U E D )



2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Dublin 15.08 15.86 17.14 18.45 21.19

Shannon 2.35 2.40 2.39 3.30 3.64

Cork 1.87 2.18 2.25 2.73 3.01

Passenger throughput at State Airports (million persons)Table 1a

The Department continued to support regionalair access through the air services PSOprogramme in 2006, involving three yearcontracts with Aer Arann and Loganair for theprovision of PSO services between Dublin andthe regional airports in Donegal, Sligo, Galway,Kerry, Knock and Derry. These contracts runfrom 22 July, 2005 to 21 July, 2008.

Details of the PSO contracted subvention levelsare set out in table 2a.

Pending the establishment of a new capitalgrants scheme for the regional airports incompliance with new EU guidelines (see

Transport 21 section below), exchequersupport for essential safety-related capitalprojects at these airports continued during2006 under the Airports Measure of the NDP.

Grants were also available towards operationalexpenditure incurred by the airports under aseparate scheme which was drawn up during2006 in response to the new EU guidelines.The new scheme represents a radicallydifferent approach from the former Marketing,Safety and Security grant scheme which itreplaced. It is intended to provide financialassistance in respect of core airportoperational costs which cannot be fully



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2002 2003 2004 2005 2006(€’000) (€’000) (€’000) (€’000) (€’000)

Route

Kerry 4,479 4,497 4,916 4,336 3,010

Galway 4,600 5,105 5,634 4,774 2,977

Sligo 2,681 4,800* 4,800* 4,889* 5,052*

Donegal 2,083

Knock 2,388 3,191 3,403 5,174** 3,979**

Derry 2,306 2,306 2,583

Total 18,537 19,898 21,336 19,173 15,018

* Sligo and Donegal routes are operated under a combined contract since 2003.

** Knock and Derry routes are operated by Loganair under a combined contract from 22 July, 2005. .

PSO Contracted Subvention LevelsTable 2a

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recovered from the income which the airportsderive from their normal range of services andactivities. The Minister entered into formal PSOcontracts with the individual airports during theyear to underpin the new scheme.

Tables 3a and 4a provides the total amountpaid to each regional airport under Capital andOperational Schemes respectively in each of

the last five years. Table 5a provides the totalnumber of passengers at regional airports in2006.



2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006€ € € € € €

Airport

Donegal 0 252,779 717,595 0 112,575 49,490

Galway 287,807 728,065 944,712 1,276,421 692,015 0

Knock 302,610 0 2,030,996 0 321,218 529,365

Kerry 0 838,809 854,876 0 394,650 98,107

Sligo 181,759 470,060 238,694 9,441 55,852 124,000

Waterford 55,138 0 586,753 998,085 123,690 0

Total 827,314 2,289,714 5,373,626 2,283,947 1,699,999 800,962

NDP Capital Grant SchemeTable 3a

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006€ € € € € €

Airport

Donegal 253,947 230,000 280,000 255,000 255,000 64,600

Galway 253,947 230,000 230,000 280,000 280,000 677,848

Knock 444,408 400,000 400,000 400,000 400,000 0

Kerry 444,408 400,000 400,000 400,000 400,000 0

Sligo 253,947 230,000 280,000 255,000 255,000 231,200

Waterford 253,947 410,000 650,000 650,000 650,000 687,685

Total 1,904,607 1,900,000 2,240,000 2,240,000 2,240,000 1,661,333

Operational Grants (Marketing, Safety & Security Scheme pre-2006)Table 4a

REGIONAL AIRPORT INVESTMENTUNDER TRANSPORT 21

A provision of €100 million is available underTransport 21 for investment in regional airportsover the period of the plan. The purpose of thefunding is two-fold. Firstly, it will fund existingand future essential safety/securityrequirements at the regional airports. Secondly,it will provide exchequer support for targetedinvestment in these airports, where demandfor additional air services can bedemonstrated and where an economic casecan be made to justify increased investment.

A new scheme in respect of this funding in theperiod up to 2010 was drawn up in the light ofthe EU 2005 guidelines on the financing ofairports. Following EU State Aid approval, thescheme was launched by the Minister in July2006 and attracted applications from all of theregional airports.

OBJECTIVE – Air Services

To facilitate and encourage aswide a range as possible ofreliable, regular and competitivecommercial air services for Irishtourism, trade and industry.(Responds to High Level Goal;Competition, Regulation andReform)

On 4 April 2006, in line with the Governmentdecision of May 2005, the Minister and theMinister for Finance agreed proposals for the

STRATEGY

Determine an appropriate investmentstrategy for Aer Lingus in the light of itsfuture operational and financial planningrequirements and the implication of thatstrategy for the ownership structure.


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2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006€ € € € € €

Airport

Donegal 21,701 23,977 38,355 42,675 47,776 59,731

Galway 111,660 110,120 137,165 225,430 252,897 248,500

Kerry 156,501 169,812 305,333 382,021 382,678 392,407

Knock 202,853 199,089 247,721 372,974 530,084 621,708

Sligo 23,693 26,316 30,329 41,053 39,593 34,292

Waterford 29,061 34,541 34,919 60,875 74,357 80,792

TOTAL 545,469 563,855 793,822 1,125,028 1,327,385 1,437,430

Total Passenger Numbers at the Regional AirportsTable 5a

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implementation of an investment transactionfor Aer Lingus by means of an Initial PublicOffering (IPO) of shares and advised theGovernment of these proposals. The GeneralPrinciples of the sale of the shares in AerLingus were approved by Dáil Éireann on 6 July2006.

Conditional dealings in the shares commencedon the Dublin and London Stock Exchanges on27 September 2006 and formal admissiontook place on Monday 2 October. The grossproceeds to the Government from the IPOwere €239.6 million. The Company received€534 million from the sale of new shares in theIPO. €104 million from the proceeds receivedby the Company was raised for the purpose oftwo Supplementary Pension funds for existingand past employees.

The Government’s overarching objective inprivatising Aer Lingus was to provide theCompany with access to new equity to enableit to compete effectively and fund the growthof its business. Through the IPO, the airlineraised new equity of the order of half a billion

Euro, which provides it with a uniqueopportunity to pursue its expansion basedbusiness strategy.

The Government retained a shareholding of25.4% in Aer Lingus to protect the State’sstrategic interests.

Shortly after Aer Lingus was admitted to theStock Exchange, Ryanair launched a hostiletakeover bid for the company. Mergerclearance for such a takeover is required fromthe European Commission. The Minister hashighlighted his concerns about the proposedtakeover on competition grounds and anumber of legal and economic submissionshave been made to the European Commission.The Commission concluded a Phase 1examination of the issue in late December2006 and announced its decision to move to aPhase 2 investigation of the case. The Phase 2investigation is a detailed examination of themerger proposals and it is expected toconclude by mid May 2007 at the earliest.

In November 2005, EU and US negotiatorsreached agreement on the text of acomprehensive “first-step air transportagreement”. The EU Council of Minister’s

STRATEGY

Facilitate greater access for all airlinesproviding transatlantic air services toand from the USA, in the light ofdeveloping EU policy on Europe – UnitedStates “open skies”.



subsequently expressed its unanimoussupport for the draft agreement, subject tochange in the US policy concerning foreignownership of US airlines. A transitionalarrangement for Ireland, relating to the phasingout of the ‘Shannon Stop’, was included in theNovember 2005 text.

In December 2006, following opposition fromCongress, the US authorities withdrew therulemaking proposal concerning control andownership of US airlines which had beenessential to enable the European side tosupport the agreed text.

At the December meeting of the Council ofTransport Ministers, the Council neverthelessreaffirmed its commitment to acomprehensive air transport agreement withthe US and requested the Commission to enterinto urgent consultations with the US to seekinitiatives that could lead to a balancedagreement with a view to reporting back tothe Council in March, 2007.

Ireland currently has 27 Bilateral Air ServiceAgreements with non EU / EuropeanEconomic Area (EEA) States. In 2006, Irelandconcluded negotiations on a new air services

or ‘open skies’ agreement between Ireland andSingapore. This Agreement has the potential tofurther develop new trade and tourismmarkets between the two countries. TheAgreement, which will come into effect in2007, will allow Singapore and Irish carriers tofly directly to and from Singapore and Ireland.

OBJECTIVE – Safety and Security

To ensure that Irish aviation safetyand security policies and practicescomply with or exceed bestinternational standards.(Responds to High Level Goal:Safety)

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) continues toensure a high level of safety for Irish aviationactivities. A member of the Department’s staffrepresents Ireland on the European AviationSafety Agency (EASA) Management Board.Late in 2005 the European Commissionpublished a proposal to expand EASA’sactivities into flight activities and licensing.Agreement on this proposal was reached atthe December 2006 Council of Transport

STRATEGY

Support the safety regulation activitiesof the Irish Aviation Authority and thedevelopment of an effective EuropeanAviation Safety Agency.

STRATEGY

Encourage the development of new airservices to and from Ireland through theconclusion of liberal regulatoryarrangements with non- EuropeanEconomic Area (EEA) states.



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73Ministers. This will introduce further welcomeharmonisation of European aviation safetystandards.

The Department is currently examining theseparation of the IAA’s two functions (serviceprovider and regulating authority for airnavigation services) in the context of theSingle European Sky legislation and theestablishment of EASA.

The Department is responsible for the ongoingmonitoring of airlines’ and airports’ compliancewith national and international aviation securitystandards. During 2006, the Departmentcarried out a programme of monitoring andtesting of security systems throughout theaviation sector. The EU Commission auditedsecurity measures at Shannon Airport in April

2006 and at Dublin Airport in October 2006.Officers from the Department were inattendance on both occasions. The auditsidentified some deficiencies, which theDepartment, with the co-operation of theaviation industry, moved swiftly to rectify. TheDepartment also took part in a EU-wideexercise in November to test the compliance ofairlines in Europe with security requirements.Following the threat from liquid explosivesuncovered in the UK in August 2006 new EUregulations restricting the amount of liquidsand gels passengers are permitted to bring onboard aircraft came into effect on 3 November2006.

The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU)conducts investigations of aviation accidentsand incidents in accordance with Annex 13 tothe International Civil Aviation OrganisationConvention, European Union Council Directive94/56/EC, and Statutory Instrument No. 205of 1997. Table 6a provides details of airaccident and incident occurrences in 2006.

Of the 97 reported occurrences, 67 occurred inthe State, while 30 occurred outside the State.Of these occurrences, 21 are being investigatedby the AAIU, while 10 are the subject ofinvestigation by other national authorities, withthe assistance of the AAIU. The AAIU

STRATEGY

Ensure that the Department’s AirAccident Investigation Unit continues tooperate to the highest internationalstandards.

STRATEGY

Continuously review aviation securitymonitoring arrangements and resourcerequirements.

STRATEGY

Review the Irish Aviation Authority’srole and structure as a safety regulatorand an air navigation service provider inlight of new and emerging EU policies.




published 28 Final Reports in 2006 and theseare available at www.aaiu.ie.

The main purpose of the AAIU is accidentinvestigation and prevention. In its latter rolemany reports conclude, where appropriate,with safety recommendations. A total of 24safety recommendations were made by theAAIU in 2006. These recommendations weremade to aircraft operators, airport authorities,aircraft manufacturers and governmentagencies in Ireland.

OBJECTIVE - Air TrafficManagement

Ensure an on-going strategic andoperational role for the IAA in theprovision of Air TrafficManagement (ATM) services.(Responds to High Level Goals;Infrastructure, Integration andCompetition, Regulation andReform)

The Department and the IAA are closelyinvolved in developments at EU level on theimplementation of European Commission’sSingle European Sky proposals, an attempt toreform the current air traffic managementsystem and to increase efficiency andeliminate delays.

The IAA is both the service provider and theregulating authority for air navigation services.Separation of these two functions continues tobe examined in the context of the SingleEuropean Sky legislation, which hasimplications for the organisation andmanagement of Air Traffic Control services.

The Irish and UK Administrations reviewed, in2004, a 1966 Agreement on the provision of AirNavigation Services in a major block ofinternational airspace in the North Atlantic, inorder to create a new airspace block off theNorth-West coast of Ireland to be called theNorthern Oceanic Transition Area (NOTA). TheIAA controls this area and it increases Irishcontrolled airspace by 95,000sq km.

STRATEGY

Implement the EU’s Single EuropeanSky Initiative.


74


2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Accidents Reported 12 13 9 18 11

Serious Incidents Reported 7 16 14 14 8

Incidents Reported 30 35 34 34 41

Occurrences logged and no further action required 10 14 11 11 37

Fatalities 2 1 1 6 3

Injuries 2 4 4 6 0

Final Reports Published 14 20 22 30 28

Air Accidents/Incidents/OccurrencesTable 6a

75Implementation of the Agreement was over 2phases. It commenced on 20 January 2005with full implementation from October 2006.

Work to complete the regulatory frameworkfor the establishment of a Single European Sky,which is intended to bring about majorstructural improvements to European air trafficmanagement systems, continued in 2006. ARegulation laying down common requirementsfor the provision of air navigation services waspublished on 20 December 2005. ThisRegulation requires all air navigation serviceproviders, including the Safety RegulationDivision of the IAA, to be certified inaccordance with the common requirementsfrom the beginning of 2007. This was achievedand the air navigation service providersconcerned were designated by theDepartment of Transport in accordance withthe Service Provision Regulation of 10 March2004.

The EU is seeking to develop strategiccapability in satellite navigation through theGalileo project, Europe’s proposed civilian-controlled global satellite system, which isscheduled to be operational by 2008. Workcontinued in 2006 on the concession contract

negotiations to appoint the operator of theGalileo system. Negotiation of agreementswith third countries also continued.

Legislation to provide for ratification of therevised Eurocontrol Convention was enactedon 4 April 2006.

In tandem with the review to be undertaken bythe Department, the IAA, in line with itsmandate, continued during 2006 to focus onmeasures to improve its efficiency andeffectiveness while maintaining the highestlevel of safety.

STRATEGY

Arising from the structural review of theIAA proposed under the SafetyObjective, to ensure that the IAA is bestpositioned to provide ATM services ofincreasing capacity and enhanced costeffectiveness.

STRATEGY

In conjunction with the IAA, continue toplay a proactive part in the developmentof EU and pan-European proposals forthe future of ATM, in particular the EU’sSingle European Sky initiative.





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Section 5

MARITIMESAFETY ANDENVIRONMENT


(As the Maritime Safety andEnvironment area only becamepart of the Department ofTransport on 1 January 2006 theitems reported on relate to theStatement of Strategy of theDepartment of Communications,Marine and Natural Resources).

CORE POLICY GOALS

Responsibility for the Maritime SafetyDirectorate (MSD) and the Irish Coast Guard(IRCG) was transferred from the Department ofCommunications, Marine and NaturalResources to the Department of Transport on 1January 2006. Maritime Safety, Security andEnvironmental Protection are the remit of theDirectorate and the IRCG. Responsibility for theMercantile Marine Office (MMO) transferred tothe Maritime Safety Directorate in 2006. TheMMO provides a service to seamen servingon Irish registered vessels maintaining ageneral register of seafarers; this includesrecording sea service, issuing discharge booksand identity cards and processing applicationsfor seafarer’s sea time records. The office alsomaintains a general register of shipping andcollects fees for vessel surveys, examinationsand receipts for publication sales. Revenue in2006 increased by 6% over 2005 to €532,000(table 1m).

Strategic Objective 1

To put in place appropriateorganisation structures andarrangements to deliver co-ordinated and cost-effectivemarine safety services.

Marine Environment

To safeguard the quality of the marineenvironment from ship source pollution.

Maritime Safety

To establish, promote and enforcesafety and security standards, and bydoing so, prevent, as far as possible, theloss of life at sea and on inland watersand other areas, and to provideeffective emergency responseservices.

MARITIME SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT


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79

During 2006, work progressed on acomprehensive safety regime with particularemphasis on the recreational and commercialfishing sectors.

ISSUE OF MARINE NOTICES

A total of twenty-seven Marine Notices issuedfrom the Department during 2006. MarineNotices are circulated to organisations andindividuals ranging from state agencies, thefishing industry, international shipping andwater based recreational interests and areavailable on the Department’s website,www.transport.ie

REVIEW OF SAFETY MEASURES ONSMALL WATERCRAFT

The Minister of State, Mr. Pat the CopeGallagher T.D. launched the Code of Practicefor the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft on24 May 2006. The Code sets out current

legislative requirements governing recreationalcraft, as well as providing detailed guidanceand information on best practice for the safeoperation of such craft.

SAFETY AWARENESS

A comprehensive programme for safety on thewater awareness took place with widespreadlocal radio advertising on public holidayweekends during the summer months as partof an annual safety awareness programme,focusing in particular on the regulationsregarding the wearing of lifejackets on pleasurecraft. Throughout the year the IRCG alsoattended various events around the coastproviding advice and marine safetydemonstrations to the public to urgecompliance with basic safety precautions.

During 2006, IRCG held Search And RescueExercises to promote public awareness atGreenore, Howth, Greystones, Rosslare,Youghal, Ballybunion, Cleggan and Killybegs.These exercises involved the IRCG Helicopters,IRCG Units, RNLI Lifeboats and the CivilDefence.


To continuously improve marinesafety culture and awareness



2005 2006 % Increase€ 000 € 000 / (decrease)

MMO Receipts

Examination Fees 38 35 -7%

Survey Fees 426 402 -6%

Sale of Forms 4 4 19%

Miscellaneous Receipts 36 90 149%

Total Revenue from Receipts 504 532 6%

Mercantile Marine Office receipts in 2005 and 2006Table 1m

COMPLIANCE MONITORING OFSAFETY LEGISLATION

IRCG Volunteer Coast Guard Units carried out avery successful at-sea monitoring programmefor small boat compliance with safetylegislation. More than 1,000 boats were visited– table 2m refers. The presence of CoastGuard boats is effective in ensuring thewearing of lifejackets.

MARITIME PASSENGER TRANSPORTACCESSIBILITY

Maritime Passenger Transport Accessibilityprovisions have been successfully integratedinto the Department’s Sectoral Plan addressingthe accessibility needs of people with mobility,sensory and cognitive impairments. Amaritime forum representative of serviceproviders and regulators, together withnominees from the disability sector, has beenestablished to ensure that the maritimeelement of the Sectoral Plan is implemented.

COMMISSIONERS OF IRISH LIGHTS

The Commissioners of Irish Lights areresponsible for providing and maintaining aidsto navigation around the island of Ireland. AnExchequer grant of €5.5 million was paid to theCommissioners in 2006.

WEATHER BUOYS PROJECT

The Department has provided funding for fiveweather buoys, which have now beendeployed by the Marine Institute around thecoast of Ireland. The buoys provide hourlymeteorological and sea state observations.These readings are not only used within Irelandbut also globally and throughout Europe. Thebuoys conform to the WMO standards.

AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM(AIS)

During 2006, a national AIS system wasdesigned, tendered, procured and delivered toIrish Coast Guard stores for installation through2007. This system receives position and otherrelative static and dynamic informationautomatically broadcast from vessels 300gross tonnes or larger. The data received willbe collected and used at the Coast Guard’sthree Rescue Co-ordination Centres to aidSearch and Rescue (SAR). It will provide liveand historical views of vessel movements andemploy a suite of statistical analysis tools. Thedata feed will also be accessible by otherapproved state and EU agencies.

A North / South project, funded by theINTERREG IIIA EU Structural Funds CommunityInitiative Programme, to provide AIS capabilityfor marine aids to navigation on the coastlinefrom Co. Donegal to Co. Louth wassubstantially progressed in 2006. AIS


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Station Boats Checked Compliant

Killala 72 52%

Costello Bay 134 54%

Killaloe 126 61%

Howth 483 90%

Crosshaven 469 83%

Compliance monitoring and safety advice patrol statistics for 2006Table 2m

81functionality has been successfully deployedon six buoys, five lighthouses and a lightfloat,recording and transmitting data on the liveposition and status of vessels.

LEGISLATIVE PROGRAMME

The Department continued to implement itslegislative programme aimed at improvingmarine safety standards and operation ofvessels. The programme included thetransposition into Irish law of EU CommissionDirective 2005/12/EC on specific stabilityrequirements for RoRo passenger ships. Aproject was commissioned during 2006 toconsolidate and update merchant shippinglegislation since 1894.

Following the introduction of Regulations forFishing Vessels 24 metres and over and theintroduction of a Code of Practice for fishingvessels under 15 metres, a public consultationprocess was undertaken on draft regulationsfor fishing vessels in the 15-24 metrescategory. The regulations will be finalised in2007.

INTERNATIONAL FORA

During 2006, the Department representedIreland in negotiations on maritime safety andsecurity issues at a number of internationalfora, including at European Union level, theEuropean Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), theMaritime Safety Committee of the InternationalMaritime Organisation (IMO), the InternationalLabour Organisation (ILO), the InternationalTelecommunication Union (ITU), and the ParisMemorandum of Understanding on Port StateControl (Paris MoU). The Department continuedto represent Ireland as an observer at theInternational Hydrographic Organisation (IHO)while waiting to complete Ireland’s applicationfor full membership.

IMPLEMENTATION OF SAFETYSTANDARDS

Following an audit report in 2005 concerningIreland’s compliance with the STCWConvention 1978 (International Convention onStandards of Training, Certification andWatchkeeping for Seafarers) the InternationalMaritime Organisation (IMO) have confirmedthat Ireland continues to implement to full andcomplete effect the provisions therein. This isvery important for Irish seafarers and for themaintenance of Ireland’s maritime trainingstatus.


To develop and implementinternational and domesticsafety standards

M A R I T I M E SA F E T Y A N D E N V I RO N M E N T ( CO N T I N U E D )



INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION OFVESSELS

Table 3m below provides details of vesselinspections undertaken in 2006.

New-Build Vessels: 5 new internationallytrading cargo ships were certified andregistered on the Irish flag during theyear. These vessels were built in Croatia,the Netherlands and Spain and includedchemical tankers and general cargoships.

International Convention Vessels: Inaddition to certifying new-build ships theDepartment carries out an extensiveannual in-service inspection programmefor ships on the Irish flag. During the year48 annual in-service surveys werecarried out by Recognised Organisations(ROs) acting under delegated authorityon behalf of the Department oninternationally trading cargo ships. Inaddition, 14 Irish registered merchantships were surveyed by the MSO tocheck for compliance with all applicableIMO and ILO requirements and issuedwith statutory certification includingradio certification. These inspectionswere also used as oversight measureson the ROs authorised to carry out shipinspections and certification tasks onIreland’s behalf.

Domestic Cargo Ships: All vesselscarrying cargo on domestic voyages arerequired to comply with National Loadline requirements as well as STCW. Intotal 10 such vessels were surveyedduring 2006 and issued with appropriatecertification.

Passenger Ships: All ships carryingmore than 12 passengers are required tohold a passenger ship safety certificate.There are many domestic passengerships operating in Ireland and examplesinclude ferries to offshore islands, largesightseeing ships and passenger shipson inland waters such as lakes andrivers. Domestic passenger ships werealso subject to operational control duringthe year and enforcement action wastaken as appropriate whenrequirements were not being met.

Passenger Boats: Any vessel whichcarries up to 12 passengers for hire orreward or takes people to or from theirplace of work requires a passenger boatlicence. There are a very large variety ofsuch vessels in this sector andexamples include, inter alia, small ferries,sightseeing boats and training boats.

Fishing Vessels: The fishing vessel fleetis sub-divided into three sectors basedon length; less than 15 metres, 15 to 24metres and over 24 metres. There areapproximately one hundred over 24metres fishing vessels and during theyear the safety regime was progressedand Safety Certificates of Compliancewere issued in relation to thirty-twosuch vessels. For the less than 15metres a panel of outside surveyors ismaintained and continued its workduring the year.

M A R I T I M E SA F E T Y A N D E N V I RO N M E N T( CO N T I N U E D )


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83

RECREATIONAL CRAFT

Following implementation of a new enhancedregime in the recreational sector theDepartment carried out market surveillanceactivities in relation to compliance ofrecreational craft with statutory requirements.During the year inspections were carried out atyacht brokers as well as on board vessels.There were seventy-one recreational craftregistered in Ireland with an additional twentyoverseas registrations in 2006.

CERTIFICATION OF SEAFARERS

The Department operates the certificationprocess for all seafarers in Ireland, includingfishermen and oversight for leisure craft users.Table 4m provides the number of certificatesissues in the period 2004 – 2006. TheDepartment also worked closely with the CorkInstitute of Technology at the National MaritimeCollege of Ireland (NMCI) and the college andcourses were audited and approved incompliance with IMO and nationalrequirements.



Number of Vessel Inspections 2004 2005 2006

International Convention Vessels Cargo Ship Safety and Load Line Surveys 56* 39* 14

Domestic Cargo Ships - - 10

Domestic Passenger Ships safety certificates issued 112 114 99

Fishing Vessels Safety Certificates of Compliance 84 36 32

Passenger boats licensed, including new buildings and in-service boats 180 235 164

* Combined figures only available for these 2 years

Vessel Inspections undertaken 2004 - 2006Table 3m

Number of Certificates issued 2004 2005 2006

Certificates of Competency 137 138 120

Certificates of Equivalent Competency 239 155 121

Fishing Certificates of Competency N/A* 46 43

Certificates of Competency in Radio Handling 1245 1589 1571

Number of Certificates issued 2004 - 2006Table 4m



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MARITIME SECURITY

The newly implemented maritime securityregime put in place in 2004 continued tooperate well during 2006. A total of thirty-seven Irish registered vessels had been issuedwith International Ship Security Certificatesand a total of twenty-six Continuous SynopsisRecords were issued during 2006. TheNational Maritime Security Committee metquarterly during 2006 and continued to providehigh-level advice on maritime security policy.The EU Commission carried out its firstmaritime security inspection of Ireland during2006. The Department organized a conferenceat the NMCI in Cork in November 2006 tocommence arrangements for the fullimplementation of EU Directive No. 2005/65on Enhancing Port Security.

PORT STATE CONTROL (PSC)

PSC is a system, which carries out inspectionsof foreign flagged ships, which visit Irish ports.During 2006 Ireland chaired the Paris MoU onPSC and directed the organisation in co-operation with the EU Commission and EMSAthrough a major change programme, which isdeveloping a new risk based inspectionregime.

The Department successfully continued withthe Irish port state control inspectionprogramme and the 25% inspection targetwas exceeded. Enforcement action was takenagainst ships found to present a significantthreat to maritime safety, security or themarine environment and a total of twenty sixships were detained as they posed asignificant threat (table 5m refers).

ROLL-ON ROLL-OFF PASSENGER SHIPSAND HIGH SPEED PASSENGER CRAFT

The Department carried out both scheduledand unscheduled inspections (table 6m) on theRo-Ro passenger ships and high-speedpassenger craft, which operate on internationalvoyages to and from Ireland. During theseinspections enforcement actions were taken toensure that the vessels complied with thesafety requirements and three such shipswere served with a “Notice of Prevention ofOperation” during 2006.

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Ships inspection conducted 400 430 411 422 440

Inspection rate 30% 30% 30% 26% 27%

Port State Control Inspection undertaken 2002 - 2006Table 5m

85

INTERNATIONAL LABOURORGANISATION

The Department was part of the Irishdelegation at the Conference held at the ILO inGeneva where the Consolidated MaritimeLabour Convention was negotiated. This was amajor achievement and together with theinternational conventions SOLAS (Safety ofLife at Sea), MARPOL (Convention on MaritimePollution) and STCW (Standards of Training,Certification and Watchkeeping) now formsthe fourth pillar for maritime safety securityand pollution prevention worldwide.

HYDROGRAPHY

The Department progressed Ireland’smembership application of the InternationalHydrographic Organisation (IHO), anintergovernmental consultative and technicalorganisation established to support safety andnavigation and the protection of the marineenvironment. The Department liaised with thecapacity building division of the IHO, which isassisting Ireland in the establishment of ahydrographic service. The Department alsoapproved a number of Irish registered ships forthe implementation of electronic charts and

worked with the UKHO on updating Irishhydrographic charts.

REGULATORY APPROVALS

The Department carried out an oversight ofmaritime safety training course providers aswell as short course providers. TheDepartment also carried out marketsurveillance and spot checks of maritimeproducts and carried out inspections of theinflatable liferaft service stations in Ireland toensure their continuing approval.

MARITIME RADIO AFFAIRS

During 2006 the Department worked closelywith the Department of Communications,Marine and Natural Resources and ComRegproviding services in relation to maritime radio.During 2006 it was agreed that thesefunctions would transfer to the Department ofTransport to enable the provision of a “singleone-stop shop” service in relation to maritimeradio affairs.




2004 2005 2006

Number of Ro-Ro Passenger Ships and High Speed Passenger Craft 16 19 18

Number of scheduled and unscheduled inspections 32 38 36

Inspections of Ro Ro and High Speed Ferries 2004 - 2006Table 6m

The Department is responsible for themanagement of the national database ofmarine Emergency Position Indicating RadioBeacon (EPIRB’s) and using this information forSearch and Rescue purposes. In addition theDepartment advises customers regarding theuse and technical requirements of thesedevices. Details of ship radio licences issuesand EPIRB registrations in 2004 – 2006 are intable 7m.

During 2006, the Department’s Irish CoastGuard (IRCG) continued to provide Search andRescue (SAR) and accident preventionservices operating both through the provisionof services by its Search Response Units andRegional Control Centres and through“declared facilities” under its co-ordination,such as the RNLI, Community Rescue BoatsIreland, etc. There was good co-operation andteam working between the resources andclose liaison with other organisations.

MARINE INCIDENT STATISTICS

During 2006 the IRCG responded to 1,807marine emergency incidents, an increase offive over 2005 figures. The total number ofpeople assisted was 4,266 (down 443 on2005). There were 75 fatalities in incidents inwhich the IRCG had an involvement. This is anincrease of 12 and included fishing vessels (5),swimmers (4), rivers and lakes (14), cliffs (4)and mountain rescue (3). Table 8m providesrelevant details.

MARINE SEARCH AND RESCUEPREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE AND CO-OPERATION

The Department maintained close liaison withthe many different organisations / agenciesworking together in the marine emergencyarea both in Ireland and other EU countries.Live training exercises took place in 2006 offKillybegs, Co. Donegal and in the Irish Seainvolving the Naval Service, Dublin Fire Brigade,the RNLI and IRCG Helicopters.

COAST GUARD MARINE RESCUE CO-ORDINATION CENTRE/SUB-CENTRE(MRCC/MRSC)

The three Rescue Co-ordination Centres arelocated in Dublin, Malin, Co. Donegal andValentia, Co. Kerry. There were 1,807 Searchand Rescue (SAR) and recovery missions in2006. The Call Outs tasked in 2006 involvedthe IRCG Coastal Units (720), IRCG helicopters(458), the RNLI (711), Community Rescue Boats


To provide efficient andeffective emergency searchand rescue services in themarine environment and onmountains and caves and lakesand inland waters.


86


2004 2005 2006

Ship radio licence technical approval 769 1,446 850

EPIRB registration N/A 500 450

False alerts investigated 20 12 12

Ship Radio Licences issued / EPIRB Registrations 2004 - 2006Table 7m

87Ireland (148) together with assistance from theIrish Naval Service, the Air Corps and An GardaSíochána.

HELICOPTER SERVICES

Four helicopters on contract to the Departmentoperate out of Dublin, Shannon, Sligo andWaterford Airports. Helicopter resource auditstook place during 2006 at the four SARhelicopter bases, as did operational readinessinspections at the three Rescue Co-OrdinationCentres.

COASTAL UNITS, STATION HOUSES ANDOPERATIONS

The IRCG have fifty-five Coastal Units crewedby 950 volunteers. These units carried out 720operational SAR and recovery missions in2006. Bunbeg Station House in Co. Donegalwas opened in May 2006. Development workon new station houses for Costello Bay, Co.Galway, Achill, Co. Mayo and Toe Head, Co.Cork began. Completion expected in 2007.Additional temporary accommodation hasbeen provided for the Doolin Unit andconsiderable effort has been expended toacquire a suitable site for a modern stationhouse.

There are ten Community Rescue BoatsIreland (CRBI) stations in Ireland. Discussionstook place with three new aspirant CRBIstations at Schull, Ballinaskelligs and Fermoy. In2006 orders were placed for a new Foyle Classrescue boat and three D Class boats. TwoFoyle Class rescue boats ordered in 2005 werecommissioned in 2006.

An additional €100,000 was provided fordevelopment grant aid to Mountain Rescue. Afulltime development officer has beenappointed by the Irish Mountain RescueAssociation out of the funding. Dublin /Wicklow and Mayo Mountain Rescue Teamsreceived grant aid towards new mobile co-ordination units.

COAST GUARD NATIONAL MARINECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

IRCG engineering is responsible for research,planning, design, purchase, implementation,upgrade and ongoing maintenance of thevarious communications needs of the IRCG.Maintenance extends to all radiocommunications sites, the equipment within,the buildings, mast facilities and access roads.

Each Rescue Co-ordination Centre is equippedwith facilities for recording radio and telephonetraffic. The integrity of the voice recordingsystems at the three control centres wasfurther enhanced during 2006 through thepurchase and installation of additionalrecorders, computers and ancillary equipment.

The national maritime radio network:

Three manned Rescue Co-ordinationCentres

Sixteen coastal VHF voice and DSC radiosites.

Two inland sites dedicated to VHFcommunications along the RiverShannon, its lakes and adjacentwaterways.




Two coastal VHF repeater sites.

Four MF/HF (long range) radio sites

Three NAVTEX broadcast sites.

Responsibility is also extended to thecommunications equipment in use by the IRCGvolunteers around the Irish coastline, the radioequipment located at fifty-five station houses,vehicles and boats.

IRCG volunteer teams are initially alerted toincidents by use of pager. A new national

paging/alerting system was researched,designed, purchased and delivered during2006 for installation in 2007/8. This newsystem employs modern digital technologiesand provides for greater functionality andflexibility in delivery of service.



88


2004 2005 2006 Increasedecrease (%)

Incidents 1809 1802 1807

Persons saved/assisted 5016 4709 4266 -9%

Pleasure Craft 478 551 547 -1%

Merchant Craft 60 75 63 -16%

Fishing Craft 319 297 265 -11%

Pollution Reports 41 34 34 -

IRCG Coastal Units Tasked 594 663 720 +9%

IRCG Helicopters Tasked 374 452 458 +1%

Air Corp Helicopters Tasked 62 N/A N/A -

RNLI Tasked 698 754 711 -6%

Community Rescue Boats Ireland Tasked 77 105 148 +41%

Gardaí Tasked 74 58 70 +21%

False Alarms 117 126 142 +13%

Hoax Calls 23 20 27 +35%

Irish Coast Guard Statistics 2004 - 2006Table 8m

89



0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

’06’05’04’03’02’01’00

PERSONS SAVED/ASST INCIDENTS

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

’06’05’04’03’02’01’00

PLEASURE CRAFT MERCHANT CRAFT FISHING CRAFT

POLLUTION REPORT IRCG COSTAL UNITS S61N

IAC HELO RNLI CIRS

GARDAI FALSE ALARMS HOAX


90


MAP SHOWING IRELAND’S EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE

91

DEPARTMENT’S IRISH COAST GUARDMARINE POLLUTION AND CASUALTYPREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE

Pollution & Marine Casualty Incidents 2006

During 2006, the IRCG dealt with fifty-twopollution reports within the Irish ExclusiveEconomic Zone (formerly known as the IrishPollution Responsibility Zone). All reports were

investigated and appropriate action carried out.There was an effective and efficient responseto incidents in accordance with the standardsset out in the provisions of the Irish CoastGuard Standard Operational Procedures.

Analysis of the pollution reports indicates thatreported pollution comprised approximately86% oils and 14% other substances i.e. algae orunidentified blooms etc. Diesel and gas oilswere the most frequently identified pollutingsubstances.

As can be seen from the graph there was anincrease in reports of oil spills with unknownsource. There was also an increase of oil spillsfrom offshore installations due to increases inoffshore activity.

During the year the IRCG intervened in anumber of marine casualty incidents andclosely monitored incidents that posed a threatto the marine environment, or the safety of thevessel or crew. These incidents were mainlyminor and were prevented from escalating.


To safeguard the quality of themarine environment throughthe provision of an efficient andeffective response to casualty,salvage and wreck and marinepollution incidents from vesselsand off-shore platforms in theIrish Pollution ResponsibilityZone



0

10

20

30

40

50

DredgerWreckPleasure Craft

Offshore installation

General Cargo

Motor Tanker

Fishing Vessel

UnknownShore

2002 2003 2004

2005

Reported Source of pollution by % Period 2006 - 2002

INTERNATIONAL FORA

Ireland participated in various international andEU fora on marine pollution and salvage,including the IMO OPRC-HNS Technical Group,Bonn Agreement, EU Management Committeeon Marine Pollution, European Group of Expertson Satellite Monitoring and Assessment of SeaBased Oil Pollution, Anglo French AccidentTechnical Group and EMSA.

In 2006 agreement was reached between theContracting Parties to the Bonn Agreement forCo-operation in Dealing with Pollution of theNorth Sea by Oil and Other HarmfulSubstances to invite Ireland to become aContracting Party. Ireland is going through thenecessary processes for Oireachtas approvalof accession. Ireland plays an active role atBonn Agreement exercises and is a memberon its Operational, Scientific and TechnicalCommittee.

LEGISLATION

Ireland continued to develop and implementdomestic, EU and international environmentalstandards through the preparation of domesticlegislation in 2006.

The Sea Pollution (Miscellaneous Provisions)Act 2006 was signed by the President on the

31st October 2006 and commenced on the 8thDecember 2006. The Act updates ourlegislation in relation to the protection of themarine environment through giving effect inour law to several internationally agreedinstruments concerning the prevention of,response to, and liability for pollution fromships.

PORT RECEPTION FACILITIES

Directive 2000/59/EC given effect in Irish lawby S.I. 117 of 2003 requires all ports in the Stateto have in place a plan detailing port receptionfacilities for ship generated waste and cargoresidues, and to submit the plan for approval tothe Department. All such plans have beensubmitted; all but one has been approved byend 2006 with the final one expected to beapproved early in 2007.

NUCLEAR SAFETY

The Department monitored the shipment ofnuclear materials to and from Sellafield toensure that operations are conducted inaccordance with international rules and bestavailable practice.


To develop and implementdomestic, EU and internationalenvironmental standards.



92


93


Section 6

MARITIMETRANSPORT


CORE POLICY GOALS

To establish and implement aframework for the provision byport companies operating withinthe national transport chain of portservices which are efficient,effective and adequate for theneeds of our trading economy.

Ireland’s commercial ports are vital elements ofthe nation’s transport system, carrying 99% byvolume of the island’s external trade. Theannual estimated value of these imports andexports through seaports in the Republic hasbeen €120 billion, compared to a figure of €14billion through our airports.

The Department acts on behalf of the Ministeras shareholder in terms of the corporategovernance of the 10 State owned commercialport companies and is also responsible forpolicy development for the ports sector as awhole.

The Government’s Ports Policy Statement wasadopted by the Government in December

2004 and published in January 2005. It aims tobetter equip the port sector and itsstakeholders to meet national and regionalcapacity and service needs through:

Clearer and more focussed commercialmandates for the ports and their Boards.

Enhancing Board performance throughreform of the structure of Port Boards.

Encouragement of private sectorinvestment and involvement.

Sanction for the use of non-core assetsto fund new port development, but not tomask inefficiencies.

Encouragement of healthy competitiveconditions within and between ports.

Encouragement of mergers where abusiness case exists.

The Policy Statement outlines predictions of aports capacity requirement over the next 10


To ensure adequateinfrastructure at ports to copewith growing throughput andfacilitate competitive servicesfor ships and goods in line withassessments of nationalseaport capacity to 2014.


To facilitate the availability ofcommercial port serviceswhich are effective,competitive and cost efficient.

MARITIME TRANSPORT


94


95years. New port infrastructure will be neededto meet this requirement. As an islandeconomy such strategic port infrastructure isvital for economic growth. One of the keychallenges that lie ahead is the provision ofadequate in-time port capacity, particularly forunitised trade (LoLo and RoRo). The PolicyStatement sets out a framework to ensurethat capacity needs are identified, planned andprogressed in a coordinated manner.

In 2006 the Department completed a study,with assistance from industry experts, to helpdetermine whether the anticipated capacityrequirement to 2014 and beyond can beefficiently and adequately met through thesuccessful advancement and implementationby the port sector of some combination of thevarious proposals currently underdevelopment in the sector. Detailedsubmissions outlining proposals for newcapacity for unitised trade were received fromseven ports around the country.

The study concludes that there is currentlysignificant available capacity for LoLo traffic atIrish ports. Current available capacity for RoRotraffic also exists, although less so than in thecase of LoLo. The conclusions of the studyclearly demonstrate that the projects beingprogressed by the ports sector have thepotential to deliver adequate capacity goingforward, in line with the Government’s PortsPolicy. An Information Paper outlining thesebroad conclusions was published in October2006.

The Department will closely monitor theprogress of these proposals, and will do whatis necessary to ensure the statutory and othercorporate governance requirements within itsremit are dealt with expeditiously.

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2000-2006

Since 2000, a total of €14.42 million grant aidhas been paid under the Seaports Measure ofthe National Development Plan 2000-2006.

Responsibility for State commercial portstransferred from the Department ofCommunications, Marine and NaturalResources to the Department of Transportwith effect from 1 January 2006.

In 2006, a number of regional harbourscontinued to operate under the 1946 HarboursAct. They range from harbours with limitedcommercial traffic to others catering for a mix


To implement the generalstrategic developmentframework for State regionalports and harbours throughtransfer of ownership to portcompanies or local authorities.


To promote the integration ofmaritime transport within thetotal transport chain.

M A R I T I M E T RA N S PO RT ( CO N T I N U E D )



of uses, including fishing and marine leisure.The Department continued to implementGovernment policy to transfer these harboursto local authority or port company control,depending upon the level of commercial trafficthey handle. Sligo and Annagassan Harbourswere transferred to local authority controlduring 2006.

The Department of Finance carried out areview of the Tonnage Tax scheme in 2006,the results of which were positive.

The relocation of responsibility for ports andshipping has presented an opportunity toundertake a fresh appraisal of the State’sshipping sector policy, in the wider context ofthe State’s overall transport policy, of whichmaritime transport is a key part.

The Irish Maritime Development Office wasasked to carry out a thorough evaluation of the

results of the State’s existing strategies topromote the maritime transport sector. Indoing that, it was asked to take account of thesuccesses that have already been achievedand the issues that need to be addressedgoing forward.

This review will be completed in the nearfuture. It has been conducted in the context ofwidespread consultation with the shippingindustry and representative organisations. Theoutcome of the review, when available, willinform the formulation of future policyrecommendations to the Government.


To foster an environment tosupport increased Irishseafarer and onshore maritimesector employment.


To maintain and increase Irishbased shipownership/management.



96


2005 2006

Number of commercial ships over 500GT (operating within the Irish shipping sector) 52 42

Combined gross tonnage 357,675 125,833

Shipping sector statisticsTable 9m

97

REINTRODUCTION OF THEEMPLOYER’S OF SEAFARERS PRSIREFUND SCHEME

The ‘Employer’s of Seafarers PRSI RefundScheme’ refunds employers the PRSI that theypay in respect of their seafaring employees.The scheme was reintroduced following areview of its operation and continuingusefulness. The Department successfullyengaged with the European Commission inorder to obtain formal approval, under theCommunity’s State Aid guidelines for maritimetransport, for the reintroduction of the scheme.The domestic legislation to reintroduce the

scheme was signed in 2006 to enable PRSIrefunds to issue to eligible parties.

SEAFARERS TRAINING GRANT SCHEME

The Irish Maritime Development Officecontinued funding shipboard training forseafarer cadets and additional training forofficers, engineers and mates, through itspayment of grants to students of the newNational Maritime College of Ireland and toother eligible seafarers.




PORTS THROUGHPUT, TURNOVER ANDSECTOR EMPLOYMENT

Cargo throughput at Irish ports increased from47.7 million tonnes in 2004 to 55.5 milliontonnes in 2005, an increase of 16%.

Some 2.22 million passengers passed throughthe port companies’ facilities in 2005 (3.24million including Rosslare) compared to 2.43million (3.53 million including Rosslare)passengers in 2004 - an overall decline of 9%.This was due to the continuing impact of lowfare air travel.

The Irish Maritime Development Officeestimate that in 2006 the shipping servicessector employed about 8,300 people, in 315companies with a combined annual turnover of€1.69 billion.



98


99


Section 7

ORGANISATIONAL


OBJECTIVE – Staffing

A highly motivated, professionaland productive staff working withequal opportunity in a positive,harmonious and supportiveenvironment. (Responds to High Level Goal:Delivery)

During 2006, staff assignments were madetaking into account the business needs of theDepartment and the development needs of theindividual. As part of the Action Plan for theDepartment developed under SustainingProgress a target of 100% competitive merit-based promotions was pursued. Discussionswith staff interests on this policy hadconcluded in 2004 and the agreed policy wasratified in January 2005.

STAFF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

In 2006 the Department focused on thedelivery of training and developmentrequirements identified by staff and theirmanagers through the Performance

Management and Development System(PMDS). The total spend on staff training anddevelopment in 2006 was €1,757,033. Thisrepresented 4.59% of total payroll costs.

A total of 1694 training days were delivered tostaff in 2006. The following chart shows abreakdown of the categories of trainingdelivered expressed as a percentage of theoverall number of training days.

BUSINESS & IT SKILLS

5%

8%

38%8%

17%

23%

1%

MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

MISCELLANEOUS

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

HEALTH & SAFETY

FINANCIAL

STRATEGY

A structured approach to theassignment, development andpromotion of staff, which meetsbusiness and individual needs andrecognises performance and capabilityin accordance with best practice.

ORGANISATIONAL


100


101

An innovative programme of training topromote disability awareness and explore thepositive/negative impact of disability onsociety commenced in 2006 and will continuein 2007.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT &DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM (PMDS):

A very significant event in 2006 was theintroduction of the Integrated PMDS Modellinking the PMDS process with other aspectsof human resources policy. All staff wereencouraged to complete an AnnualAssessment for familiarisation and trainingpurposes before 1 January 2007 when theIntegrated Model comes into full effect.

A series of information briefings on theIntegrated Model in 2006 was provided to staff.In addition to the briefing sessions, a DVDexplaining the Integrated Model was prepared

and sent to all Department staff before the endof 2006.

A programme called “Re-energising PMDS inthe Department” commenced in 2006. Aformalised Divisional Planning process wasalso introduced, which resulted in manydivisions conducting off-site business planningsessions. A series of one-day PMDS refreshertraining courses commenced in Autumn 2006and will continue in 2007. Over 30% of staffparticipated in the various PMDS trainingprogrammes in the Department in 2006.

EDUCATION REFUNDS

The Department encourages staff to pursuethird level qualifications in their own time andwill refund up to 100% of certain third level feecourses, subject to certain conditions. Table 1oprovides details for 2002 - 2006.

O R GA N I SAT I O N A L ( CO N T I N U E D )



2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Refunds Approved 42 43 46 32 36

Total Spend €69,509 €74,925 €81,075 €59,036 €92,449

3rd level qualifications Masters Degree 2 2 1 2 3

Primary Degree 2 5 3 4 5

Higher Diploma 0 0 0 1 0

Diploma 4 3 2 3 0

Certificate 2 2 10 2 2

Third Level Fee Refund SchemeTable 10m

The Department did not suffer any loss ofworkdays in 2006 due to industrial action. Thecontinuing open and proactive approach toIndustrial Relations issues has preserved apositive environment.

The Department promotes and supportsfamily friendly work initiatives / policies. Thenumber of staff that availed of the variousschemes is in table 2o.

In accordance with Government equalitypolicies, the Department has targets in relationto the gender breakdown of key staff grades.These targets are set out in table 3o.

The number of staff with disabilities employedin the Department is 3.12% and this accordswith targets established by Government in thisregard.

STRATEGY

Continued development of a positiveworking environment, includingeffective partnership structures withinthe Department, which is responsive tothe needs of staff.



102


Scheme 2004 2005 2006

Worksharing 86 89 119

Parental Leave 23 24 25

Term Time 14 23 28

Number of staff on Family PolicyTable 2o

2004 2005 2006 Target by end 2007

HEO 55:45 45:55 49:51 50:50

AP 55:45 55:45 58:42 50:50

PO 87:13 94:6 82:18 74:26

Male:Female ratio in relevant grades 2004 - 2006Table 3o

103

OBJECTIVE – Financial Management

Financial management thatsecures allocates and controlsfinancial resources of theDepartment to ensure delivery ofoutputs and value for money.(Responds to high level goals:Delivery)

The Department has secured an approvedcapital budget over 10 years through thenational transport investment strategyTransport 21, representing the largest everspend in this country on new transportinfrastructure.

In this context, a total of €1.838.3 billion wasspent in 2006 in respect of the Transport 21investment programme in national roads,public transport and regional airports. €34.4

billion in total will be allocated over the lifetimeof the Transport 21 programme of which €26billion will come from the Exchequer.

Finance Division continues to maintain ISO9000:2001 accreditation for its provision ofservices in the accounts, financial controls,estimates, payroll sections and theManagement Information Framework project.

Electronic solutions to create efficiencies andimproved service for processes in the financearea continued to be progressed. The maindevelopment in this regard in 2006 was theincrease in use of Electronic Funds Transfer,including the provision of electronicremittances, allowing electronic payment to theDepartment’s agencies and to the suppliers ofgoods and services. At year end, 98% of thevalue of such payments were madeelectronically.

The central Management InformationFramework (MIF) project came to a conclusion.The Department completed its post-

STRATEGY

Ensure proper administration,monitoring and control of all income andexpenditure through efficient andeffective systems.

STRATEGY

Seek sufficient Exchequer funds, andwhere appropriate identify privatesector funding, to meet theDepartment’s administrative andprogramme expenditure requirements.




2004 2005 2006

% of staff with disabilities 3.7 3.5 3.12

Percentage of staff with DisabilitiesTable 4o

implementation review, which it submitted tothe Department of Finance in March. The mainfocus of MIF development during the year wasin supporting the Reform of the Budgeting andEstimates process, which requiresDepartment’s to produce in tandem with theestimates an annual output focused Statementsetting out the objectives and targets for thecurrent year and reporting on the outturn forthe previous year.

PROMPT PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS ACT,1997

The Department has complied with theprovisions of the Act during the year ended 31December 2006. In accordance with the Act,interest payments are incurred in respect oflate payments of accounts. The interestpayments incurred in 2006 were €893 – seetable 5o.

INTERNAL AUDIT

The Internal Audit Unit prepares an annualprogramme of audits based on riskassessment and reports to the AuditCommittee and Secretary General, asappropriate.

The Department’s Audit Committee met onfour occasions in 2006 and adopted reportsarising from the following audits in 2006:

Driver Testing Section - Audit of cashreceipts in respect of driver testing fees

Driver Licensing Section and FinanceUnit - Audit of recoupment of driverlicensing expenses from the LocalGovernment Fund

CIE - Public Service Obligation Payments- Non Capital

EU Audit - ESIOP National PublicTransport Services Measure

Payments to Regional Airports - NonCapital



104


Year No of Payments Amount€

2003 114 4,239

2004 56 2,324

2005 11 103

2006 49 893

Interest payments in respect of late payment of accounts Table 5o

105DTO- Traffic Management Measures -Capital

Bus Licensing -System for processing oflicences and handling of fees

Receipt of fees in respect of National TollRoads

Audit of European Conference ofMinisters of Transport (ECMT)expenditure

Arrangements for approval andpayment of overtime

Audit of Irish Coast Guard HelicopterContract

EU Audit - ESIOP National RoadsMeasure

In addition to the audits completed, follow-upon implementation of recommendations andspot-checking on implementation of a sampleof recommendations was completed in 2006.

OBJECTIVE – OperatingEnvironment

A modern progressive operatingenvironment that delivers positiveoutcomes to customers, bothexternally and internally(Responds to high level goals:Delivery)

The Performance Management andDevelopment System (PMDS) continues to befully implemented in the Department.

The Department is represented on theCustomer Service and the ChangeManagement Networks.

The decentralisation of 50 staff from theDepartment and the Road Safety Authority(RSA) to Loughrea is among the priority movesin the Government’s decentralisationprogramme. The proposal will see the transferof 10 posts from the Road Transport OperatorLicence function and 40 other posts to theRSA there.

OPW has arranged suitable accommodation inLoughrea and the Department is working toensure that the posts are transferred inaccordance with the target date of early 2007.

A further 37 posts are decentralising toDrogheda and work continued in 2006 toprogress this move.

STRATEGY

Positive advancement of the publicsector decentralisation programme.

STRATEGY

Active Participation in the Civil ServiceModernisation Agenda.




ROAD SAFETY AUTHORITY STAFFING

The Road Safety Authority was formallyestablished on 1 September 2006. Theestablishment of the RSA with itsheadquarters located in Ballina means that 62posts more than originally planned will bedecentralised. The number of staff involved isincreasing from 67 (i.e. the number of stafforiginally located there) to 129.

The Department is working to ensure that theposts are transferred to Ballina by the end ofthe second quarter of 2007.

The RSA has a total of 309 staff, 40 of whomwill be located in Loughrea, 129 In Ballina andthe remainder in driving test centres aroundthe country.

The Department has two Customer Charters -one for road haulage customers and one forthe rest of the Department’s customers. BothCharters set out the standards of servicecustomers can expect to receive from theDepartment. Our Customer Service ActionPlan explains how the commitments in theCharter are to be met.

These standards are being monitoredthroughout the Department using varioustracking systems. An automated system fortelephone calls shows that promptness of callanswering was very good, with the average

response time to a call measured at 4.4seconds, well within 20 seconds as per ourCustomer Charter commitment.

In 2006, the Department continued to place asmuch information as possible on its website -www.transport.ie - with the aim of making itwidely available to our customers. TheDepartment continued the formulation ofproposals in the course of 2006 to update thewebsite.

Three issues of the internal staff magazine ‘Onthe DOT’ were published in 2006. Themagazine contributes to a goodcommunications ethos within the Department.

The staff intranet site ‘Staffnet’ continued asthe main electronic communicationmechanism within the Department. Asignificant amount of information is nowavailable on the site. The electronic BulletinBoard facility on the site has replaced email inmany instances as a way of circulatinginformation, making internal communicationswithin the Department more efficient andtargeted.

STRATEGY

Continual Review and Development ofour communications and informationsystems.

STRATEGY

Development and implementation of ourCustomer Service Action Plan



106


107INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

During the year a number of projects werecompleted and a number of others significantlymoved forward. During the second half of2006 the Department carried out a review ofits anticipated IT strategy needs for themedium term. An outline IT policy strategy,standards and governance framework wasdeveloped based on relevant industry bestpractice. It is intended that the new IT strategyand governance framework will beimplemented on a phased basis as resourcesallow.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (FOI)

During 2006 the Department continued tomeet its commitment to operate within therequirements of the FOI Acts, 1997 and 2003.Requests were received and dealt with as setout in table 6o.

Departmental structures are reviewed on anongoing basis and changes implemented totake account of emerging work priorities.

STRATEGY

Regular Review of the contribution thatDepartmental Structure makes todelivery.




Scheme 2004 2005 2006

Requests Received 43 78 92

Request Granted 13 17 20

Request Part granted 15 22 36

Request Denied 10 9 23

Requests withdrawn or handled outside the Freedomof Information process 7 9 24

Requests transferred to other bodies 0 2 1

Internal Reviews 5 1 10

Appeals to the Information Commissioner 4 0 7

Freedom of InformationTable 6o


108


109


Section 8

APPENDICES


PRIMARY

Aviation Act 2006

The Sea Pollution (Miscellaneous Provisions)Act 2006

Road Traffic Act 2006

Road Traffic and Transport Act 2006

Road Safety and Authority Act 2006

Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act2006

Transportation into Irish Law of EUCommission Directive 2005/12/EC on specificstability requirements for RoRo passengerships

SECONDARY

S.I. No. 9 of 2006: Córas Iompair ÉireannPension Scheme for Regular Wages Staff(Amendment) Scheme (Confirmation) Order2006

S.I. No. 10 of 2006: Córas Iompair ÉireannSuperannuation Scheme 1951 (Amendment)Scheme (Confirmation) Order 2006

S.I. No. 58 of 2006: European Communities(Motor Vehicle Type Approval) (Amendment)Regulations 2006

S.I. No. 87 of 2006 - European Communities(Merchant Shipping) (Ro-Ro Passenger ShipSurvivability) (Amendment) Rules 2006

S.I. No. 88 of 2006 EC Road Transport

Regulations 2006

S.I. No. 89 of 2006 EC Road Transport(Recording Equipment) Regulations 2006

S.I. No. 134 of 2006 – Road Traffic Act 2002(Commencement of Certain Provisions) Order2006

S.I. No. 135 of 2006 – Road Traffic Acts 1961-2005 (Fixed Charge Offences) Regulations2006

S.I. No. 136 of 2006 – Local Authorities (TrafficWardens) Act 1975 (Fixed Charge Offences)Regulations 2006

S.I. No. 138 of 2006 - The Merchant Shipping(Light Dues) Order 2006

S.I. No. 164 of 2006 European Communities(Mechanically Propelled Vehicle Entry intoService)(Amendment) Regulations 2006

S.I. No. 165 of 2006 European Communities(Passenger Car Entry into Service)(Amendment) Regulations 2006

S.I. No. 166 of 2006 European Communities(Motor Vehicles TypeApproval)(Amendment)(No. 2) Regulations2006

S.I. No 187 of 2006 – Roads Act 1993(Classification of National Roads) Order 2006

S.I. No 188 of 2006 – Roads Act 1993(Classification of Regional Roads) Order 2006

S.I. No. 193 of 2006 - Harbours Act, 1969(Extension of the Pilotage District of the Port ofWaterford Company) Order 2006

APPENDIX ALEGISLATION PASSED IN 2006


110


111S.I. No. 212 of 2006 -European Communities(Interoperability of the Trans-EuropeanConventional and High-Speed Rail Systems)Regulations 2006.

S.I. No. 213 of 2006 – European Communities(Minimum Safety Requirements for Tunnels inthe Trans-European Road Network)Regulations, 2006

S.I No.215 of 2006 - Railway Safety Act 2005(Section 5 and Parts 4, 9 and 10)(Commencement) Order 2006

S.I. No. 239 of 2006 - Sea Pollution (Preventionof Pollution by Garbage from Ships)(Amendments) Regulations

S.I. No. 240 of 2006 European Communities(Compulsory Use of Safety Belts and ChildRestrain Systems in Motor Vehicles)Regulations 2006

S.I. No. 265 of 2006 Taxi Regulation Act 2003(Section 36 (2A) to (4)) (Commencement)Order 2006.

S.I. No. 269 of 2006 - Sea Pollution (Preventionof Pollution by Sewage from Ships)Regulations

S.I. No. 316 of 2006 - Harbours Act, 1996(Transfer of Sligo Harbour to Sligo CountyCouncil) 2006

S.I. No. 339 of 2006 European Communities(Installation and Use of Speed LimitationDevices in Motor Vehicles)(Amendment)Regulations 2006

S.I No. 340 of 2006 Road Traffic (Requirementto have Audible Warning Devices on Vehicles)Regulations

S.I No. 342 of 2006 Road Traffic (Lighting ofVehicles) (Blue and Amber Lamps) Regulations2006

S.I. No. 347 of 2006 - Railway Safety Act 2005(Section 130) (Commencement) Order 2006

S.I. No. 348 of 2006 - Aer Lingus Act 2004(Commencement of Section 3) Order 2006.

S.I. No. 384 of 2006 – Road Traffic Act 2006 –(Commencement Order)

S.I. No. 385 of 2006 Road Traffic Act 2006(Mobile Phones – Prescribed Numbers)Regulations 2006

S.I. No. 441 of 2006 Railway (Dublin Light RailLine B1 – Sandyford Industrial Estate toCherrywood) Order 2006

S.I. No. 443 of 2006 Road Traffic Act 2002(Commencement of Certain Provisions relatingto Driving while Holding Mobile Phone) Order2006

S.I. No. 444 of 2006 Road Traffic Acts 1961 to2006 (Fixed Charge Offence) (Holding MobilePhone while Driving) Regulations 2006

S.I. No. 446 of 2006 - Harbours Act, 1996(Sections 86 and 87) (Commencement Order)2006

S.I. No. 455 of 2006 - Aer Lingus Act 2004(Commencement of Section 6) Order 2006.

S.I. No. 456 of 2006 - Aer Lingus Act 2004(Section 6 (4)) Order 2006.

S.I. No. 457 of 2006 - Road Traffic Act 2006(Part Commencement Section 16 (2) (c)) Order2006

A P P E N D I X A ( CO N T I N U E D )



S.I. No. 462 of 2006 Road Safety Authority Act2006 (Establishment Day) Order 2006

S.I. No. 463 of 2006 Road Safety Authority Act2006 (Section 18)(Appointed Day) Order 2006

S.I. No. 474 of 2006 - Aer Lingus Act 2004(Commencement of Certain Provisions) Order2006.

S.I. No. 475 of 2006 - Aer Lingus Act 2004(Commencement of Certain Provisions) (No.2)Order 2006.

S.I. No. 476 of 2006 - Aer Lingus Act 2004(Commencement of Section 6 (2)) Order2006

S.I. No. 477 of 2006 Road Safety Authority Act2006) Conferral of Functions) Order 2006

S.I. No. 507 of 2006 - European Communities(Organisation of Working Time)(Mobile Staff inCivil Aviation) Regulations 2006

S.I. No. 510 of 2006 - Merchant ShippingWeighing of Goods Vehicles Regulations 2006

S.I. No. 537 of 2006 Road Traffic (Licensing ofDrivers) Regulations 2006

S.I. No. 538 of 2006 European Communities(Driving Theoretical Tests)(Amendment)Regulations 2006

S.I. 540 of 2006 European Communities(Motor Vehicles Type Approval) (Amendment)(No 3) Regulations 2006

S.I. No. 541 of 2006 European Communities(Passenger Car Entry into Service)(Amendment) (No 2) Regulations 2006

S.I. No. 542 of 2006 European Communities

(Mechanically Propelled Vehicle Entry intoService) (Amendment) (No 2) Regulations2006

S.I. No. 576 of 2006 - Railway Safety Act 2005(Fixed Payment Notice) Regulations 2006

S.I. No 578 of 2006 - Harbour Rates (Traleeand Fenit Pier and Harbour) Order 2006

S.I No.. 585 of 2006 – Railway Safety Act 2005(Railway Incidents Regulations 2006

S.I. No. 596 of 2006 – Railway Safety Act,2005 Railway (Kildare Route Project 2006

S.I. No. 605 of 2006 - Sea Pollution(Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006(Commencement) Order 2006

S.I. No. 637 of 2006 - Road Traffic (Signs)Regulations 2006

S.I. No. 638 of 2006 - Road Traffic (Control ofTraffic) Regulations 2006

S.I. No. 639 of 2006 - Road Traffic Act 1994(Control of Traffic – Exemption Permits)Regulations 2006

S.I. No. 648 of 2006 - Railway (Dublin Light RailC1 – Connolly to the Point) Order 2006

S.I. No. 841 of 2006 – Railway Safety Act 2005Part 2 (Establishment Day) Order 2005

Number yet to be assigned - Harbours Act1996 (Annagassan Pier Commissioners)Transfer Order 200

Number 14 of 2006 Road Safety Authority Act2006

A P P E N D I X A ( CO N T I N U E D )


112


113Consultation Paper on Intelligent Transport Systems 13 March 2006

Dublin Light Rail Line B1 Sandyford to Cherrywood – Findings of Inquiry 25 April 2006

ESIOP Progress Report on Programme Implementation to end December 2005 28 April 2006

Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft 24 May 2006

ESIOP Update Evaluation 2005 12 July 2006

Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2005 7 July 2006

Annual Report 2005 7 July 2006

Dublin Light Rail Line C1 Connolly Station to Point Depot - Findings of Inquiry 6 August 2006

ESIOP - Progress Report on Programme Implementation to end June 2006 27 October 2006

Report of the Dublin Transport Authority Establishment Team 9 November 2006

The Marine Safety Working Group published Safety Guidelines for Angling and Guidelines on MEDICOCork for seafarers.

Independent Verifier’s Report – Proposed Terminal Two and associated works Dublin Airport

APPENDIX BPUBLICATIONS IN 2006



AER LINGUS

Aer Lingus was a State owned enterprise (until2006) whose principal business is theprovision of scheduled passenger and cargoservices to a range of points in Ireland, theUnited Kingdom, Europe and the United States.In 1993, the company was restructured into theAer Lingus Group plc.

On 4 April 2006 in line with the Governmentdecision of May 2005, the Minister and theMinister for Finance agreed proposals for theimplementation of an investment transactionfor Aer Lingus by means of an Initial PublicOffering (IPO) of shares and advised theGovernment of these proposals.

The General Principles of the sale of the sharesin Aer Lingus were approved by Dail Eireann on6 July 2006.

Conditional dealings in the shares commencedon the Dublin and London Stock Exchanges on27 September 2006 and formal admissiontook place on Monday 2 October. The State isnow a minority shareholder owning 25.4% ofthe company

Aer Lingus Group plcHead OfficeDublin AirportCo. Dublin

Aviation

DUBLIN AIRPORT AUTHORITY

Dublin Airport Authority (formerly Aer Rianta) isa public limited company,responsible for themanagement and development of Dublin

Airport. Dublin Airport Authority is also chargedwith taking all necessary measures to giveeffect to the restructuring of the State Airportsas provided for in the State Airports Act 2004.However, prior to the completion of therestructuring (i.e. prior to the assets ofShannon and Cork Airports being vested intheir respective Airport Authorities. DublinAirport Authority will remain responsible forShannon and Cork.

Wholly owned subsidiaries of Dublin AirportAuthority include Aer Rianta International whomanage duty-free shops, bars and otherairport management activities in overseaslocations and the Great Southern Hotels Group.

Dublin Airport Authority plcHead OfficeOld Central Terminal BuildingDublin AirportCo. Dublin

Telephone: 00-353-1-8141111Email:[email protected]

www.dublin-airport.com

SHANNON AIRPORT AUTHORITY

Shannon Airport Authority plc wasincorporated on 16th September 2004 and willin due course own and operate ShannonAirport. At present the board of ShannonAirport Authority is charged with preparing toassume responsibility for the managementand development of Shannon Airport as wellas being empowered to undertake anyfunctions delegated to it by, and in agreementwith, Dublin Airport Authority during the interimperiod.

APPENDIX CBODIES UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE DEPARTMENT IN 2006


114


115Shannon Airport Authority plcShannon AirportCo. Clare

Telephone: 00-353-61-712000Email: [email protected]

www.snn.aero

CORK AIRPORT AUTHORITY

Cork Airport Authority plc was incorporated on16th September 2004 and will in due courseown and operate Cork Airport. At present theboard of Cork Airport Authority is charged withpreparing to assume responsibility for themanagement and development of CorkAirport as well as being empowered toundertake any functions delegated to it by, andin agreement with, Dublin Airport Authorityduring the interim period.

Cork Airport Authority plcCork AirportCo. Cork

Telephone: 00-353-21-4313131Email: [email protected]

www.cork-airport.com

IRISH AVIATION AUTHORITY

The Irish Aviation Authority carries out arange of operational and regulatory functionsand services relating to the safety andtechnical aspects of civil aviation.

The Authority ensures that the Irish CivilAviation operates to international andEuropean safety standards and systems inaccordance with international agreements.

Irish Aviation AuthorityAviation HouseHawkins StreetDublin 2

Telephone 00-353-1-6718655Fax: 00-353-1-6792934

www.iaa.ie

COMMISSION FOR AVIATIONREGULATION

The principal function of the Commission forAviation Regulation is to regulate airportcharges and air traffic control charges at Irishairports, which have an annual throughput of inexcess of one million passengers. TheCommission also has responsibility for slotallocation at Dublin Airport, licensing of aircarriers under EU regulations, regulation of thegroundhandling market and licensing of travelagents and tour operators.

Alexandra House,Earlsfort Terrace,Dublin 2

Telephone: 00-353-1-6611700Fax: 00-353-1-6611269 (general)Fax for Travel Trade Licensing: 00-353-1-6612092

www.aviationreg.ie

A P P E N D I X C ( CO N T I N U E D )



Marine

HARBOUR AUTHORITIES

Arklow HarbourArklow Harbour CommissionersHarbour OfficeArklowCo. WicklowTel : 0402-32466Fax : [email protected]

Baltimore and Skibbereen HarbourBaltimore and SkibbereenHarbour CommissionersHarbour OfficeBaltimoreCo. CorkTel : 028-20106Fax : 028-20266

Dingle HarbourDingle Harbour CommissionersDingleCo. KerryTel : 066-9151629Fax : [email protected]

KinsaleKinsale Harbour CommissionersHarbour OfficeKinsaleCo. CorkTel : 021-4772503Fax : [email protected]

Tralee and Fenit HarbourTralee and Fenit PierHarbour Commissioners

Harbour OfficeFenitCo. KerryTel : 066-7136231Fax : [email protected]

Bantry BayBantry Bay Harbour CommissionersWolfe Tone SquareBantryCo. CorkTel : 027-53277Fax : [email protected]

Kilrush U.D.CKilrush Urban District Co.Town HallKilrushCo. ClareTel : 065-9051047Fax : [email protected]

River Moy (Ballina)River Moy CommissionersThe QuayBallinaCo. MayoTel : 096-21208Fax : 096-70240

YoughalYoughal Urban District Co.Town HallYoughalCo. CorkTel : 024-92926Fax : 024-92690



116


117WestportWestport Port and Harbour CommissionersAltamountWestportCo. MayoTel : 098-25439Fax : 098-28997

WexfordWexford Harbour CommissionersHarbour OfficeWexfordTel : 053-22376Fax : 053-47782

PORT COMPANIES

Port of CorkPort of Cork CompanyCustom House StreetCorkTel : 021-4273125Fax : [email protected]://www.portofcork.ie/

Drogheda Port CompanyDrogheda Port CompanyMaritime HouseThe MallDroghedaTel : 041-9838378Fax: [email protected]

Dublin Port CompanyDublin Port CompanyPort CentreAlexandra Road

Dublin 1Tel : 01-8550888 or 01-8555771Fax : [email protected]://www.dublinport.ie/

Dun Laoghaire Harbour CompanyDun Laoghaire Harbour CompanyHarbour LodgeCrofton RoadDun LaoghaireCo. DublinTel : 01-2801311Fax : [email protected]://www.dun-laoghaire.com/

Shannon/Foynes Port CompanyShannon/Foynes Port CompanyHarbour OfficeFoynesCo. LimerickTel : 069-73100 or 069-65473Fax : [email protected]://www.sfpc.ie/

Galway Harbour CompanyGalway Harbour CompanyNew DocksGalwayTel : 091-562329Fax : [email protected]

New Ross Port Company

New Ross Port CompanyHarbour OfficeNew Ross




Co. WexfordTel : 051-421303Fax : [email protected]

Port of Waterford CompanyPort of Waterford CompanyHarbour OfficeGeorges StreetWaterfordTel : 051-874907Fax : [email protected]://www.portofwaterford.com/

Dundalk Port CompanyDundalk Port CompanyHarbour OfficeDundalkCo. LouthTel : 042-9334096Fax : [email protected]

Wicklow Port CompanyWicklow Port CompanyHarbour OfficeWicklowTel : 0404-67455Fax : [email protected]

Public Transport

C.I.E. GROUP

Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) is a statutory bodycharged with the provision of bus and railpublic transport for passengers as well as railfreight transport within the State and the

operation of Rosslare Europort and CIÉ Tours.CIÉ has three wholly owned subsidiary limitedliability companies: Iarnród Eireann, the nationalrail company, Bus Átha Cliath, which operatesbus services in Dublin, and Bus Éireann whichoperates bus services nationally. These wereset up under the Companies Act as providedfor in the Transport (Reorganisation of CIÉ) Act1986.

Córas Iompair ÉireannHeuston StationDublin 8Telephone: 00-353-1-6771871Fax: 00-353-1-7032776

www.cie.ie

IARNRÓD ÉIREANN

The Transport (Reorganisation of C.I.E.) Act1986 sets out the principal objects of IarnródÉireann as to provide a railway service and aroad freight service.It is the general mandate ofthe company to operate commercially to themaximum extent possible, taking account ofthe public service obligations of the companyand to manage, maintain and develop the railnetwork infrastructure.

Iarnród ÉireannConnolly StationDublin 1Telephone 00-353-1- 8363333

www.irishrail.ie



118


119BUS ÁTHA CLIATH

Bus Átha Cliath provides bus services in Dublincity and county and contiguous areas. Itprovides an extensive network of bus routes –Radial, Cross City, Orbital, DART feeder, Airlink,Cityspeed XPRESSO, Nitelink, Railink, Schoolinkand sightseeing tours.

Bus Átha Cliath59 Upper O Connell StreetDublin 1Telephone:00-353-1-8720000

www.dublinbus.ie

BUS ÉIREANN

Bus Éireann operates a wide range of bus andcoach services throughout the country. Theseinclude: Expressway coach services linkingmajor cities and towns; local bus services inrural areas; city bus services in Cork, Galway,Limerick and Waterford and Euroline coachservices to Britain. Bus Éireann is alsoresponsible for the operation andadministration of the national school transportscheme on behalf of the Department ofEducation and Science.

Bus ÉireannBroadstoneDublin 7Telephone: 0-353-1- 8366111

www.buseireann.ie

RAILWAY PROCUREMENT AGENCY

The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) isresponsible for the procurement of new lightrail and metro infrastructure projects through anumber of means including Public PrivatePartnership (PPP). It is also mandated todevelop an integrated ticketing scheme forpublic transport, initially in the Dublin region.

Railway Procurement AgencyRPA HouseBlock CParkgate Street Business CentreParkgate StreetDublin 8Telephone: 00-353-1-6463400Fax: 00-353-1-6463401

www.rpa.ie

THE RAILWAY SAFETY COMMISSION

The Railway Safety Commission wasestablished with effect from 1 January 2006under the Railway Safety Act 2005. TheCommission has responsibility for regulatingthe safety of railway systems carrying fare-paying passengers and commercial freight,and of other railways where they interface withpublic roads. The Commission also hasresponsibility for safety approval of new andmodified passenger-carrying cable railways,cable cars and drag-lifts.

Railway Safety CommissionTrident House,Blackrock,Co. DublinTelephone: 00-353-1-2068110




Fax: 00-353-1-2068115Email: [email protected]

DUBLIN TRANSPORTATION OFFICE

The Dublin Transportation Office wasestablished to coordinate the implementationby relevant agencies of an agreed integratedtransport strategy for the Greater Dublin Area,the Dublin Transportation Initiative. The DTO isalso responsible for carrying out ongoingstrategic transportation planning work,including the regular updating of the transportstrategy. It also administers a trafficmanagement grants scheme on behalf of theDepartment.

Dublin Transportation OfficeHainault HouseFloor 369-71 St Stephens GreenDublin 2Telephone: 00-353-1-4778100Fax: 00-353-1-4785935

www.dto.ie

Roads

NATIONAL ROADS AUTHORITY

The National Roads Authority has statutoryresponsibility for the management of thenational roads programme and for theallocation of grants to specific projects on thenational roads network.While the Minister forTransport has responsibility for overall policyand funding in relation to the national roadsprogramme, the implementation of individualprojects is a matter for the NRA in conjunctionwith the relevant local authority.The NRA,under Section 17 of the Roads Act, 1993, hasoverall responsibility for the planning andsupervision of works for the construction andmaintenance of national roads. Theresponsibility for the provision of funding tocarry out improvement work on individualprojects also rests with the NRA.

National Roads AuthoritySt Martins House

Waterloo RoadDublin 4Telephone: 00-353-1-6602511Fax: 00-353-1-6680009

www.nra.ie

MEDICAL BUREAU OF ROAD SAFETY

The Medical Bureau of Road Safety wasestablished in 1968 under Part V of the RoadTraffic Act, 1968. The Bureau’s principalfunctions are to carry out analyses, for theirdrug or alcohol content, of specimens of bloodand urine, provided for the Gardaí by people



120


121suspected of drink or drugs driving offences.The Bureau issues certificates in respect of theresults of these analyses, which may be usedas evidence in prosecutions for offences. TheBureau also participates in the EvidentialBreath Testing Programme, providingEvidential Breath Testing instruments andtraining to Gardai. The Bureau is financed by anannual grant from the Department and the fivemember Board is appointed by the Minister forTransport

Medical Bureau of Road Safety

Department of Forensic MedicineUniversity College DublinEarlsfort TerraceDublin 2Tel: + 353 1 478 1723Fax: + 353 1 478 1103

www.ucd.ie/legalmed/mbrs.html

COMMISSION FOR TAXI REGULATION

An Coimisiún um Rialáil Tacsaithe

The Commission for Taxi Regulation is anindependent public body established under theTaxi Regulation Act 2003 with effect from 1September 2004. The principal function of theCommission is the development andmaintenance of a new regulatory frameworkfor the control and operation of small publicservice vehicles (taxis, hackneys andlimousines) and their drivers. In exercising thisfunction the Commission pursues a range ofobjectives which are focused on the promotionof quality oriented services by all small publicservice vehicle operators and drivers.

Commission for Taxi Regulation35 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2Telephone 00 – 353 – 1 – 6593800www.taxiregulator.ie

ROAD SAFETY AUTHORITY (RSA)

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is a newAgency being established to take a lead role inthe area of road safety. The RSA is a bodyunder the aegis of the Department ofTransport and is responsible for-

promotion of road safety

accident and road safety research

driver testing and licensing

vehicle standards

road haulage enforcement functions

registration of driving instructors

driver vocational training

compulsory basic training formotorcyclists

The Road Safety Authority Moy Business ParkPrimrose HillDublin RoadBallinaCo MayoTel. 096 25000orLo-Call 1890 506080Fax 096 25252E-mail. [email protected]




Note: The statistics presented in this Appendix are collected from various sources e.g. the CentralStatistics Office, the CIE group of companies etc. If you would like to know our source for anyparticular statistic please contact us directly. Most of the data presented below refers to theState sector only. We acknowledge that, to get a fuller picture of transport in Ireland under Airand Public Transport in particular, then, data should also be collected from the private sector.Unfortunately such data is not, as of yet, easily or readily available.

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

ROADS

NATIONAL ROADS

Overall expenditure €1,135.55m €1,222.54m €1,241.40m €1,317.164m €1,742.5m

Capital expenditure on iimprovement work €1,083.54m €1,169.145m €1,190.02m €1,263.77m €1,582.5m

Current expenditure on road maintenance €52.02m €53.396m €51.387m €53.394m €55.064m

Length of National Primary Road Network 2,754km 2,746km 2,740km 2,754kms 2,739kms

Length of National Secondary Road Network 2,681km 2,685km 2,682km 2,682kms 2,676kms

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

ROAD SAFETY

Road Safety Expenditure(only of NSC & MBRS) €4.669m €4.825m €6,291m €8,680m €14,956

Metrication (See alsoCampaign Table 9r)

expenditure) (incl. NSC

Road Deaths 376 335 374 399 368

Penalty Points Issued n/a 93,364 105,200 291,842 392,77531/10/02

–31/12/03

Drink Driving Detections 13,411 11,344 12,307 13,727 17,780

APPENDIX DTRANSPORT STATISTICS


122


123VEHICLE TESTING - NCT

Number of Tests 536,071 631,257 614,227 624,619 681,799

Full NCT Pass Rate 53% 52% 51% 49% 53%

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

State subvention to CIÉ €233.3m €245m €257.23m €270.09m €285.020m

Expenditure on the Rural Transport Intitiative (RTI) €2.95m €3m €3m €4.5m €5.1m

Bus Number of buses (Bus Átha Cliath) 1062 1060 1062 1082 1182

Number of wheelchair accessible Bus Átha Cliathes 360 450 460 553 679

Number of Quality Bus Corridors (QBCs) 9 9 9 11 12

Number of Buses (Bus Éireann) 680 680 680 674 674

Rail State Investment in Railways €232.5m €245.9m €240.2m €279.6m €257.4

Number of Railcars 64 144 144 180 180

Number of DART cars 118 118 154 154 154

PASSENGER NUMBERS

Bus Átha Cliath 147m 150m 149.8m 146m 147m

Bus Éireann 89.2m 92m 90.2m 92.6m 90.09

Rail 35.4m 35.5m 34.55m 37.7m 43.15m

DART & Suburban Rail 24.1m 24.2m 23.24m 26.6m 28.288m

Intercity Rail 11.3m 11.3m 11.3m 11.1m 14.865m

A P P E N D I X D ( CO N T I N U E D )



TAXIS

Total Number of Licensed Taxis 11,630 12,845 13,563 N/A 15,472

Total Number of Licensed hackneys n/a 4,868 4,938 N/A 4,847

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

AIRPORTS

Aid to regional airports (Capital) €2,29m €5,37m €2,28m €1,70m €0.80m

Grants to regional airports (marketing etc) €1,90m €2,24m €2,24m €2,24m €1,66m

PSO Expenditure €18, 537 €19,898 €21,336 €19,173 €15,018

PASSENGER THROUGHPUT AT STATE AIRPORTS (MILLION PERSONS)

Dublin 15.1m 15.9m 17.1m 18.5m 21.19m

Shannon 2.35m 2.4m 2.4m 3.3m 3.64m

Cork 1.9m 2.2m 2.25m 2.7m 3.01m

AIR ACCIDENT

Accidents reported 12 13 9 19 11

Serious Incidents reported 7 16 14 14 8

Incidents reported 30 35 34 34 41

Fatalities 2 1 1 6 3

Injuries 2 4 4 6 0



124


125MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

Number of Freedom of Information requests received 128 156 43 78 92

MALE/FEMALE RATIO BY GRADE

Principal Officer 89.5:10.5 88:12 87:13 94:6 82:18

Assistant Principal 53:47 53:47 55:45 55:45 58:42

Higher Executive Officer 47:53 47:53 55:45 45:55 49:51

Numbers of staff on family friendly policy 103 117 123 136 172

Training expenditure (€m) €1.2m €0.85m €0.92m €0.95m €1.77m

Education Refunds €69,509 €74,925 €81,075 €59,036 €92,449

Late payment of accounts €3,282 €4,239 €2,323 €103 €893




GRADE Numbers at Numbers at Numbers at Numbers at(HDA=Higher Duties Allowance) 31/12/03 31/12/04 31/12/05 31/12/06

Secretary General 1 1 1 1

Assistant Secretary 5 5 5 6

Principal Officers 17 17 17 20.6

Assistant Principal Officers HDA 1

Assistant Principal Officers 43.5 42.5 45 50.7

Administrative Officers HDA 1

Administrative Officers 9 7 7 8

Higher Executive Officers 57 55.5 57 73.4

Executive Officers H.D.A. 1 1 1 0

Executive Officers 65.5 67 72 81.53

Staff Officers 15.5 6.5 15 14.7

Transport Officers 9 9 9 9

Clerical Officers 130 123.5 125 153.4

Ministerial Staff 8 9 5 9

Services Officers / Attendants/Storekeeper 16 17 16 19.3

Telephonists 2.5 2.5 2 2.3

Chief Aeronautical Officer 1 1 1 1

Aeronautical Officer Grade I 2 2 2 1

Aeronautical Officer Grade II 2 1 1 1

Information Officer 0 0 0 0

Accountant Grade 2 1 1 1 1

Legal Advisor 1

Staff Engineer 1 1 1 1

Senior Advisor (Roads) 1 1 1 1

Senior Vehicle Tester 1 1 1 0

Vehicle Tester 2 2 0 3

CEO Designate Road Safety Authority 0 0 1 0

CEO Road Safety Authority 0 0 1 0

Director Irish Coast Guard 0

Chief Engineer 1

Chief of Operations 1

APPENDIX ESTAFF NUMBERS


126


127GRADE Numbers at Numbers at Numbers at Numbers at(HDA=Higher Duties Allowance) 31/12/03 31/12/04 31/12/05 31/12/06

Deputy Divisional Controller 3

Divisional Controller 2

Electronics Officer 3

Engineering & Operations Officer 1

Radio Officer Grade III 27

Regional Controller Grade ICG 3

Station Officer 18

Temp ROIII 2

Training & Operations Officer 2

Chief Surveyor 1

Deputy Chief Surveyor 1

Principal Radio Surveyor 1

Marine Radio Surveyor 1

Senior Engineering & Ops Officer 0

Divisional Controller 0

Surveyor (Officer in charge) 2

Surveyor 20

Chief Driver Tester 1

Supervisor Driver Tester 12

Driver Tester 103 103 100 85.63

Contract Driver Tester 19 19 19 19

Contract Driver Tester Recruited 2006 11

NSC Posts Transferred/RSA Contracts 13

Senior Economist 1 1 1 0

TOTAL 514 505.5 506 692.56

A P P E N D I X E ( CO N T I N U E D )



Martin Cullen (appointed Minister for Transport on 28th September 2004)

Pat the Cope Gallagher (appointed Minister of State on 14th February 2006)

Julie O’Neill (appointed Secretary General of the Department of Transport in June2002)

John Lumsden (appointed Assistant Secretary in February 1990; in 2006 he wasresponsible for the Roads sector and Maritime Transport within theDepartment)

Pat Mangan (appointed Assistant Secretary in June 1995; in 2006 he was responsiblefor Transport 21, Luas/Metro and the Dublin Transport Authority withinthe Department)

Andrew Cullen (appointed Assistant Secretary in March 1999; in 2006 he wasresponsible for Land Transport Regulation and CIE sector within theDepartment)

John Murphy (appointed Assistant Secretary in 2001; in 2006 he was responsible forthe Aviation sector within the Department)

John Fearon (appointed Assistant Secretary in October 2000; he was responsible forthe Corporate Services Sector within the Department until October2006 when he took over responsibility for the Maritime Safety Services)

Maurice Mullen (appointed Assistant Secretary in 2002; he was responsible for theMaritime Safety Services until October 2006 when he took overresponsibility for Corporate Services and Sustainable Transport withinthe Department)

MINISTERS AT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT 2002 - 2006

NAME TITLE FROM TO

Seamus Brennan, T.D. Minister for Transport June 2002 28 September 2004

Martin Cullen, T.D. Minister for Transport 28 September 2004 Date

Dr. Jim McDaid, T.D. Minister of State June 2002 29 September 2004

Ivor Callely, T.D. Minister of State 29 September 2004 9 December 2005

Pat the Cope Gallagher T.D. Minister of State 14 February 2006 Date

APPENDIX FMINISTERS AND MEMBERS OF THE MANAGEMENT BOARD IN 2006


128


129The following is financial information for the year ended 31 December 2006 analysed by strategicobjectives of the Department

Total Budget - By Source of Funding

Budget 2006 2006 Provisional€(‘000s) Outturn €(‘000s)

Voted Expenditure 2,404,779 2,360,797

Non-Voted Expenditure 1 99,000 99,000

Total Gross Expenditure 2,503,779 2,459,797

Appropriations in Aid 36,088 40,603

Net Expenditure 2,467,691 2,419,194

1 By way of the application for capital supply services of unspent appropriations, the surrender of which may be deferred underSection 91 of the Finance Act 2004.

APPENDIX GFINANCIAL INFORMATION



Expenditure by High Level Goal


INTEGRATION

Programme Expenditure 31,082 6,853

Administration 1,099 898

Support Expenditure 329 252

Total Gross Expenditure 32,510 8,003

Appropriations in Aid - -

Net Objective Expenditure 32,510 8,003

INVESTMENT

Programme Expenditure 2,341,815 2,327,673

Administration 3,049 3,021

Support Expenditure 1,511 1,156



Net Objective Expenditure 2,328,350 2,313,275

A P P E N D I X G ( CO N T I N U E D )


130


131SAFETY







COMPETITION, REGULATION AND REFORM







Total 2,467,691 2,419,194




Roads Objectives

To upgrade the national road network and expand its capacity thereby improvingmobility, reliability and accessibility, leading to reduced transport costs and absolutejourney times


INVESTMENT (ROADS)

PROGRAMME EXPENDITURE

Current 68,144 68,144

Capital 1,452,221 1,582,500

Total 1,520,365 1,650,644

ADMIN EXPENDITURE

Pay 937 934

Non-Pay 33 60

Total 970 994



Appropriations-in-Aid 18,025 18,575

Net Objective Expenditure 1,503,758 1,633,406

2007Number of Staff (including allocation of Executive and Corporate Support Staff) 21

Budget figures includes Capital Carryover of €96.5m



132


133Roads Objectives (Contd.)

To promote safer use of our roads


SAFETY (ROADS)


Current 11,599 9,455

Capital 7,255 7,191

Total 18,854 16,646

ADMIN EXPENDITURE

Pay 10,936 10,901

Non-Pay 3,452 4,880

Total 14,388 15,781









Roads Objectives (Contd.)

To promote the development of a more professional and viable road haulage sector


COMPETITION, REGULATION & REFORM (ROADS)


Current 356 157

Capital - -

Total 356 157

ADMIN EXPENDITURE

Pay 1,319 1,315

Non-Pay 242 163

Total 1,561 1,478



Appropriations-in-Aid 595 1,438

Net Objective Expenditure 2,045 750




134


135Public Transport Objectives

To improve the capacity, safety and usage of Ireland’s public transport system


INVESTMENT (PUBLIC TRANSPORT)


Current 325,238 311,058

Capital 464,026 347,984

Total 789,264 659,042

ADMIN EXPENDITURE

Pay 1,189 1,185

Non-Pay 299 280

Total 1,488 1,465



Appropriations-in-Aid - 1


Number of Staff (including allocation of

2007

Executive and Corporate Support Staff) 37




Public Transport Objectives (Contd.)

To enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of public transportservices through competition, economic regulation and structural reform


COMPETITION, REGULATION & REFORM (PUBLIC TRANSPORT)


Current - -

Capital - -

Total - -

ADMIN EXPENDITURE

Pay 1,565 1,560

Non-Pay 878 604

Total 2,443 2,164

Support Expenditure 1,104 843


Appropriations-in-Aid 6 34





136


137Public Transport Objectives (Contd.)

To ensure that railway infrastructure and services are provided, managed and used inconformity with relevant EU requirements and in a manner that protects people fromdeath and injury


SAFETY (PUBLIC TRANSPORT)

EXPENDITURE

Current 1,786 2,272

Capital - -

Total 1,786 2,272

ADMIN EXPENDITURE

Pay 116 115

Non-Pay 35 37

Total 151 152









Public Transport Objectives (Contd.)

To further develop and implement an integrated transport policy for Ireland and toincorporate the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainability intothe development and delivery of transport policy


INTEGRATION (PUBLIC TRANSPORT)

EXPENDITURE

Current 1,082 1,082

Capital 30,000 5,771

Total 31,082 6,853

ADMIN EXPENDITURE

Pay 710 708

Non-Pay 389 190

Total 1,099 898



Appropriations-in-Aid - -





138


139Aviation Objectives

To ensure State airports are in a position to provide cost competitive and appropriateinfrastructure on a timely basis to meet the current and prospective needs of airlines,passengers and other users, consistent with DAA’s commercial mandate and toassist in optimising the contribution of the country’s network of regional airports tobalanced regional development.


INVESTMENT (AVIATION)


Current 17,186 17,186

Capital 15,000 801

Total 32,186 17,987

ADMIN EXPENDITURE

Pay 460 459

Non-Pay 131 103

Total 591 562









Aviation Objectives (Contd.)

To facilitate and encourage as wide a range as possible of reliable, regular andcompetitive commercial air services for Irish tourism, trade and industry


COMPETITION, REGULATION & REFORM (AVIATION)

EXPENDITURE

Current 615 6,659

Capital - -

Total 615 6,659

ADMIN EXPENDITURE

Pay 591 590

Non-Pay 175 100

Total 766 690








140


141Aviation Objectives (Contd.)

To ensure that Irish aviation safety and security policies and practices comply with orexceed best international standards


SAFETY (AVIATION)


Current 500 568

Capital - -

Total 500 568

ADMIN EXPENDITURE

Pay 844 841

Non-Pay 389 315

Total 1,233 1,156









Aviation Objectives (Contd.)

To ensure an ongoing strategic and operational role for the Irish Aviation Authority inthe provision of Air Traffic Management (ATM) services


COMPETITION, REGULATION & REFORM (AVIATION)


Current 9,236 8,731

Capital - -

Total 9,236 8,731

ADMIN EXPENDITURE

Pay 197 197

Non-Pay 51 35

Total 248 232




Net Objective Expenditure 2,555 371




142


143Maritime Objectives

To establish, promote, regulate and enforce maritime safety & security standards,provide emergency response services and safeguard the quality of the marineenvironment


SAFETY (MARINE)


Current 36,553 36,204

Capital 4,561 2,801

Total 41,114 39,005

ADMIN EXPENDITURE

Pay 10,026 9,994

Non-Pay 1,128 1,030

Total 11,154 11,024



Appropriations-in-Aid 450 893






Maritime Objectives (Contd.)

To provide a framework for port infrastructure and to oversee the transfer of regionalharbours to local authority or port company control and to foster maritime sectoractivity at sea and on shore


COMPETITION, REGULATION & REFORM (MARITIME)


Current 139 21

Capital 4,365 894

Total 4,504 915

ADMIN EXPENDITURE

Pay 257 256

Non-Pay 137 148

Total 394 404








144


Julie O’NeillSecretary General

Andrew CullenAssistant Secretary

Public TransportRegulation & CIE

John FearonAssistant Secretary

Maritime Safety Services

John LumsdenAssistant Secretary

Road, Ports and Shipping

Maurice MullenAssistant Secretary

Corporate Services &Sustainability

John MurphyAssistant Secretary

Aviation

Pat ManganAssistant Secretary

Transport 21

Jim Humphrey’sP.O.CIE

Investment/CorporateAffairs & Railway Safety

Martin DiskinP.O.

Maritime Safety &Environment

Michael HarperP.O.

Roads Policy

Dan CommaneP.O.

Finance Division

Fintan ToweyP.O.

Air Navagation Services& Air Services

Development Division

Matt BenvilleP.O.

Dublin TransportAuthority Establishment

Division

Eddie BurkeA.P. (HDA)

Road Transport OperatorLicence/Motor

Insurance./IntelligentTransport Systems

Brian HoganChief Surveyor

Marine Survey Office

Mary LallyP.O.

Road Safety & Traffic

Doreen KeaneyP.O.

PermanentRepresentative Division

Liam DalyP.O.

Airport Division

Dermot McCarthyP.O.

Luas/Metro Division

John WeaferP.O.

Public TransportRegulation

Des CoppinsP.O.

Public Transport Access

VACANCYDirector

Irish Coast Guard

Fintan O’Brien P.O.

Maritime TransportDivision

Liam DolanP.O.

Human Resources,Customer & Management

Services

Austin McGarryP.O.

Information ServicesDivision

Dave FaddenP.O.

Strategic Planning &Policy Division

Maev NicLochlainnP.O.

High Level Business &Governance Support

Services

Michael DreelinLegal Advisor

Ethna BroganP.O.

Aviation Reg & InternationalRelations & Aviation Security

Jurgen WhyteChief Aeronautical OfficerAir Accident Investigation

Unit

Maurice TraceyP.O.

Transport 21

John BrownP.O.

Managing AuthorityDivision (Economic &

Social InfractureOperational Programme)

ORGANISATIONAL CHART

Ciaran Whelan A.P.Internal Audit

Lorcan O’ConnorFinancial Advisor

Jean KellyPersonnel Officer

Department of TransportTransport House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

Tel 01-6707444 Fax 01-6709633Email: [email protected]

Website: www.transport.ie

Documents

2006 Annual Report - Minister for Transport, Tourism and … · My Department’s Annual Report for 2006 records the progress made in the fourth year since the Agreed Programme for