Annual Report

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Contents

Statement of the Minister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Statement of the Secretary General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Policy Objectives and Strategies

�Road Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

�Public Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

�Air Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

�Integration and Cross Cutting Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

�Organisational Objectives and Strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Appendices

A. Financial Estimates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

B. Legislation passed in 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

C. Publications in 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

D. Bodies under the aegis of the Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

E. Transport Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

F. Staff numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

G. Ministerial and Management Board Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

H. Organisational Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

2004

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It is my pleasure to introduce myDepartment’s AnnualReport for 2004 whichreports on progressagainst our ambitiouscommitments andobjectives set down inour Statement ofStrategy 2003-2005.

Significant progress on implementing the AgreedProgramme for Government has been made by theDepartment in the course of 2004.

The enactment of the State Airports Act 2004 was amilestone development. This provides a frameworkfor the establishment of the three State Airports asindependent and autonomous authorities under Stateownership. Cork and Shannon Airport Authoritieswere incorporated in September and the DublinAirport Authority established in October. This providesa solid framework for future development and I wantto acknowledge the commitment and effort of allinvolved in this major success.

Continuing development in the roads sector saw thecompletion of ten major road schemes with a com-bined length of 76 kilometres, while work com-menced on a further twelve projects.

In public transport the high profile development wasthe completion of what I expect will be Phase 1 of theLUAS (Dublin Light Rail System) with the Sandyfordto St. Stephens Green (Green) Line commencingservice in June and the Tallaght to Connolly Station(Red) Line launched in September. Other publictransport projects included Dublin Bus opening a newGarage at Harristown with capacity for 240 buses.This will allow for further fleet expansion and alleviate

capacity problems. Refurbishment of Cork BusStation at Parnell Place was completed and 40 new DART carriages delivered. The end result of allthis investment will be a transport network of the highest quality leading to reduced journey times and more comfortable and safer journeys throughout the network.

January to June 2004 was also the period of Ireland’sPresidency of the EU which brought additional challengesand opportunities for the Department. The primaryfocus of the Department was to advance the transportagenda in Europe. The Irish Presidency achievedagreement with the European Parliament on revisedGuidelines for the Trans-European TransportNetwork and concluded a successful conciliation withthe Parliament, leading to the adoption of the SecondRail Package. Political agreement on road transportdrivers' hours and agreement on management structures for the Galileo satellite navigation projectfollowed at the June Council. Productive effort alsowent into the Eurovignette and EU-US Open Skiesproposals which will bear fruit in the future.

I want to acknowledge the work done by SeamusBrennan T.D. as Minister and Jim McDaid T.D. asMinister of State in the period to September 2004.Finally, on behalf of myself and my Ministerial colleagueIvor Callely T.D., I would like to express my appreciationand thanks to both the management and staff of theDepartment for the continuing efforts they make towardsthe achievement of the Department’s objectives.

Martin Cullen, T.D.Minister for Transport

Statement of the Minister

Foreward by the Secretary General

This is the second fullyear Annual Report ofthe Department ofTransport, which was established inJune 2002.

The mandate for the Department ofTransport derivesfrom the Agreed

Programme for Government and our basis for delivering on this is set out in our Statement ofStrategy 2003-2005. This Annual Report reports on the delivery of the key targets contained in thatStatement of Strategy. Our latest Statement ofStrategy (published in 2005) covers the years 2005–2007 and will provide the basis for reporting onprogress for the next three years.

Our responsibility as civil servants is to deliverresults on foot of that mandate, either directly orthough our agencies, with an emphasis on providing a quality service to our Ministers, the Governmentand our customers and on giving value for money tothe people of Ireland.

Part of our contribution in 2004 was the ongoingmanagement of the largest ever programme ofinvestment in this country on transport infrastructureand services in roads, public transport and aviation.During the year, the total level of expenditure by the Department reached almost €2 billion. The continuing high level of Exchequer spend in thetransport sector is showing positive results in termsof providing additional capacity and tacklingcongestion. By taking on board the lessons learntfrom the experience of the early years of theinvestment programme, more and more majortransport investment projects are now being deliveredon or ahead of time and on budget.

We also have a challenging programme of reformunderway of our regulatory and institutional structures to better position our State agencies todeliver transport infrastructure and serviceseffectively and efficiently for the Irish economy andsociety. Significant progress was made on reform of

the aviation sector in 2004. Such radical changesrequire effective collaboration between staff of theDepartment and our colleagues in State agencies andacross the civil service. The reform programme alsorequires a positive and constructive approach and awillingness by all involved to grasp the opportunitiesprovided by change.

Transport safety also falls within our remit and whilea good track record was maintained on air and railsafety, the level of road fatalities is an ongoing concern. We will continue to work towards the objective of reducing road fatalities, with the supportof colleagues in other Departments and Agencies,including the Garda Siochána. We are also working to reduce the unacceptably long waiting times fordriving tests.

As was the case across the public service, staff in theDepartment of Transport put a sustained effort intoensuring a successful Presidency of the EU in theperiod January to June 2004.

Throughout the year, staff continued to tackle difficulties in a spirit of partnership, which ensuredthat targets were achieved not only on a national levelbut also on an international stage. It was a good timeto be a civil servant and I want to take this opportunityto acknowledge and thank those working in theDepartment of Transport for their continuing enthusiasmand flexibility. Their efforts ensure that the Departmentcontributes to an improvement in Ireland’s overalleconomic growth and competitiveness and to socialdevelopment as envisaged in our Statement of Strategy.

In concluding I would like to express my thanks toMinisters Martin Cullen T.D. and Seamus BrennanT.D., and Ministers of State, Ivor Callely T.D. and Dr.James McDaid T.D. for their leadership and supportduring the year.

Julie O’NeillSecretary General

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Annual Report

OBJECTIVETo upgrade the national road network and expand its capacity thereby improvingmobility, reliability and accessibility, leading to reduced transport costs andabsolute journey times.Responds to High Level Goal: Investment

Strategy:Promote, oversee and support the efficientand cost-effective implementation throughthe National Roads Authority (NRA) of the national roads improvement and main-tenance programmes.

The pace and momentum of the national roads development programme was maintained in 2004.Exchequer investment in the programme amountedto €1.230 billion, €1.179 billion on improvementworks and €51 million on maintenance. This broughttotal Exchequer investment in the improvement programme over the period 2000-2004 to €4.962 billion. The benefits of this continued level of invest-ment are increasingly evident throughout the countryin the elimination of major bottlenecks on the keyinter-urban routes resulting in a higher standard of road type, substantial journey time savings and a greater degree of road safety.

In April 2004 the Comptroller and Auditor General(C&AG) published a report on the increased cost ofthe National Roads Programme. The C&AG identifiedthe main reasons for the increase in the cost of thenational primary routes programme as being

� 40% due to price movements (construction inflation),

� 24% due to project specific increases such as the Dublin Port Tunnel and the South EasternMotorway,

� 20% due to changes in the scope of projects

� 16% due to failure to cost certain elements atplanning stage

The Public Accounts Committee adopted the report at a meeting in July attended by the Department andthe NRA. The conclusions and recommendations ofthe report have been taken into account in the ongoing implementation of the national roads programme. It is worth noting that since 2002 mostmajor road projects have been completed ahead ofschedule and within budget.

Key Developments in 2004

� Ten major schemes completed comprising 76km of high quality road infrastructure.

� 170km of motorway now in place between Dundalkon the M1 and south of Portlaoise on the M7.

� M7 Heath-Mayfield (Monasterevin Bypass) motorway scheme opened eleven months ahead of schedule, while the N8 Cashel Bypass, N11Ashford/Rathnew and N22 Ballincollig Bypassschemes were also completed significantly aheadof schedule.

� Thirteen major schemes commenced constructionduring the year and seven other schemes continued construction during 2004.

Road TransportPolicy Objectives and Strategies

Table 1r Progress on Roads Programme – 2000 to end 2004

Progress No. of Projects Kms

Completed (since 2000) 47 332.4

Under Construction 20 198

At Tender Stage 8 140

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Annual Report

� Commencement of construction on two PublicPrivate Partnership schemes – M1 DundalkWestern Bypass and the M8 Rathcormac/FermoyBypass schemes – bringing total private investmentto date in the national roads programme to €483m.

� Increased road building activity in the BorderMidlands and West (BMW) Region, including thecommencement of construction on six major projects and the opening to traffic of three projectsand one project that spans both the BMW and theSouth and East (S&E) Regions.

� Increased activity on national secondary roadschemes (N52 Mullingar Bypass and N55 CavanBypass commenced) supplementing progress onthe national secondary road Pavement RestorationProgramme.

� Implementation of the crash barrier retrofit programme on inter-urban motorways and dualcarriageways including the M50.

Table 2r National Road Projects completed in 2004

Route Project County Length Estimated Final Cost (€m)

M50/N11 Wyattville Interchange Dublin - 45.0

N4 Hughestown/Meera Roscommon 3 9.2

N5 Strokestown/Longford Longford/Roscommon 8 26.5

M7 Monasterevin Bypass Kildare/Laois 17 132.8

N7 Limerick Southern Ring Road (Phase 1) Limerick 10 108.1

N7 Parkway Limerick 1 5.8

N8 Cashel Bypass Tipperary 7 48.6

N11 Ashford/Rathnew Wicklow 14 181.9

N22 Ballincollig Bypass Cork 12 169.7

N26 Ballina/Bohola (Phase 1) Mayo 5 16.0

Table 3r National Road Projects started in 2004

Route Project County Completion Date Estimated Cost (€m)

M1 Dundalk Western Bypass (PPP) Louth Q1/2006 34.5

N2 Ashbourne Bypass Meath Q3/2006 207.0

N4 Sligo Inner Relief Road Sligo Q1/2006 72.65

N6 Loughrea Bypass Galway Q4/2005 18.5

N8 Fermoy Bypass Cork Q3/2007 144.6

N15 Ballyshannon/Bundoran Bypass Donegal Q3/2006 79.7

N18 Ennis Bypass Clare Q2/2007 191.5

N21 Castleisland/Abbeyfeale Kerry Q3/2006 28.7

N22 Gortatlea/Farranfore Kerry Q1/2006 15.2

N30 Enniscorthy/Clonroche Wexford Q2/2006 21.7

N52 Mullingar Bypass Westmeath Q3/2006 19.6

N55 Cavan Bypass Cavan Q2/2006 11.9

Table 4r National Road projects scheduled to start in 2005

Route Project County Completion Date Estimated Cost (€m)

M1 Drynam Interchange* Dublin 2007 5.0

M3 Clonee/Kells (PPP) Meath 2008 453.4

M50 Improvements (Phase 1) Dublin 2007 259.0

N1 N.I. Border/Dundalk Louth 2007 114.3

N2 Monaghan Bypass (Phase 1) Monaghan 2007 27.8

N2 Castleblaney Bypass Monaghan 2007 112.3

N4 Edgeworthstown Bypass Longford 2007 16.5

N5 Charlestown Bypass Mayo 2007 61.6

N6 Kinnegad/Athlone (Phase 1) (Kinnegad/Kilbeggan) Westmeath 2007 150.0

N8/N73 Mitchelstown Relief Road Cork 2006 28.8

N11 Enniskerry Junction Improvements Wicklow 2007 4.2

N11 Arklow/Gorey Bypass Wicklow/Wexford 2008 179.8

N25 Waterford City Bypass (PPP) Waterford 2008 226.2

N25 Kinsalebeg Cork 2006 10.6

N25 Kinsale Road Interchange Cork 2007 47.7

N51 Navan Inner Relief Road (Phase 2B) Meath 2007 7.0

N52 Mullingar/Belvedere Westmeath 2007 15.0

N56 Mountain Top/Illistrim Donegal 2008 18.0

N77 Kilkenny Ring Road Extension Kilkenny 2007 31.0

*NRA contribution

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StrategyPromote the use of PPPs as a means ofdelivering the national roads programme.

StrategyDevelop alternative and additional sources of funding for the national roadsprogramme.

The National Development Plan provides for signifi-cant private sector investment in the national roadsdevelopment programme. In line with this policy, anumber of major road upgrade projects throughoutthe country are being implemented by the NRA bymeans of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), withthe private sector being remunerated (in part) by usertolls. This ongoing investment will ensure earlierdelivery of vital national road infrastructure. ThroughPPPs, private sector innovation is being harnessed inthe areas of scheme design, construction and long-term operation and maintenance.

Multi-Annual National Roads Funding Plan

Following the publication of the Multi-Annual CapitalInvestment Framework by the Minister for Finance inDecember 2003, the NRA prepared a Multi-AnnualFunding Plan to facilitate better project planning andprogramming. The level of funding envisaged by thePlan will maintain the pace and momentum of thenational road building programme built up over thelast number of years.

The main features of the multi-annual plan in relation to national roads are as follows:

� total Exchequer investment of €8.396 billion overthe period 2004-2009 plus

� private finance obtained through toll based PPPschemes estimated at €1.514 billion over the period 2004-2009.

Phase 2 of the M50 upgrade is being procured as aPPP concession based on the state’s share of theWestlink toll revenue and post 2020 toll revenues.Other options for alternative and additional sourcesof revenue are being kept under review by the NRA.

StrategyReview and, if necessary, consolidate legislation relating to road openings.

A review of the effectiveness of statutory road opening controls identified the need for greater consistency regarding charges, procedures, etc.,

Table 5r PPP Concessions Awarded 2004

Route Project County Year Awarded Completion Date Estimated

Private Funding

M1 Dundalk Western Bypass Louth February 2004 Q1/2006 €137.3m

N8 Fermoy Bypass Cork May 2004 Q4/2006 €120.5m

Table 6r PPP Concessions to be awarded in 2005 - 2009

Route Project

N25 Waterford City Bypass

N3 Clonee/South of Virginia Bypass

N6 Ballinasloe Bypass/Galway

N7 Limerick Southern Ring Road (Phase 2)

N8 Portlaoise/Cullahill/Castletown

relating to road openings. In 2004, Circulars wereissued by the Department to all Local Authorities rec-ommending agreed charges and timeframes to beimplemented on a pilot basis following considerationby the Utilities and Statutory Bodies Working Group(USBWG) chaired by the Dublin Transportation Office(DTO). This Group is working on the agreements(between the various USBWG representatives) on longterm damage charges.

OBJECTIVETo promote safer use of our roadsResponds to High Level Goal: Safety

StrategyDevelop a three-year road safety strategy.

Government Road Safety Strategy

The Agreed Programme for Government contains acommitment that a three-year Road Safety Strategywill be developed which will target speeding, drink-driving, seat belt wearing and pedestrian safety inorder to reduce deaths and injuries.

Following preparation by the High Level Group onRoad Safety, a new strategy for the period 2004 –2006 was published on 24 September 2004 entitled“Road Safety Strategy 2004 – 2006”.

In preparing the new strategy account was taken ofthe achievements in meeting the targets set out inthe Road Safety Strategy 1998-2002, a comprehensivereview of that strategy, further positive trends estab-lished in 2003 and the evolving developments in relation to the EU Third Road Safety Action Planwhich has set a target of a 50% reduction in roaddeaths across the EU by 2010.

The Road Safety Strategy 2004 – 2006 outlines arange of issues that it is intended will be pursued inthe period to 2006. In overall terms, measures willfocus on the areas of education, enforcement, engi-neering and legislation and will target the key areasof speeding, driving while intoxicated and seat-beltwearing.

The primary target of the strategy is to realise a 25%reduction in road collision fatalities by the end of2006 over the average annual number of fatalities inthe 1998 – 2003 period. Achievement of the targetwould result in no more than 300 deaths per annumby the end of the period of the Strategy and wouldassist in the achievement of the longer term EU target.

The aim of our policies in relation to road safety is tobring us closer into line with the best performingnations in the EU.

The principle measures set out in the new strategy were

� An appropriate form of random preliminary breathtesting is being considered, with the followinglinked proposals:

- an increase in disqualification periods for thoseconvicted of drink driving offences, and

- consideration of an administrative disqualifica-tion for certain drink driving offences,

� A network of speed cameras to be operated by aprivate company will be developed,

� The full system of penalty points will be rolled out.

Progress has been made on a number of the meas-ures set out in the strategy. Preparation of a revisedspeed limit structure expressed in metric values wasprogressed in 2004 with a view to implementation in 2005.

The establishment of a Traffic Corps was announcedin 2004 and work progressed on full implementationof a system of penalty points and fixed charges as setout on following page.

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The results of National Roads Authority (NRA) speedand seat belt surveys, carried out in 2003, were pub-lished in November 2004. The research shows thatwhile compliance with speed limits on some cate-gories of road has improved, significant scope stillexists for greater observance by drivers. The NRA’sfindings also identify higher rates of seat belt wear-ing in the front seats of cars. However, the extent towhich seat belts are worn in the rear of cars remainsworryingly low.

Road Fatalities 1997 – 2004

Between 1997 and 2003, road deaths reduced from472 road fatalities in 1997 to 335 in 2003 – a fall of29%. This was achieved over a period when the num-ber of vehicles, drivers and kilometres travelled onour roads have increased significantly. The increasein road deaths in 2004 places the challenge of meet-ing the target set in the Government Strategy forRoad Safety for the end of 2006 into stark focus.

StrategyIn conjunction with the Department ofJustice, Equality and Law Reform and theGarda authorities, develop proposals toimplement the commitment in the AgreedProgramme for Government relating to theestablishment of a dedicated Traffic Corps.

Garda Traffic Corps

A Garda strategic review on the current arrange-ments applied to traffic management and enforce-ment was published in November 2004. TheDepartment of Transport contributed to the review,which was carried out on the basis that Garda num-bers would increase to 14,000 by 2007 as outlined inthe Agreed Programme for Government. Approval forthe increase in Garda numbers was received in late2004.

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reformand the Garda Commissioner are proposing that ofthe 2,000 additional Gardaí, 700 would be assigned toa new Traffic Corps, to be headed up by an AssistantCommissioner. Approximately 500 Gardaí are alreadyinvolved in traffic duties so the proposal would bringthe total number of Gardaí in the Traffic Corps to1,200. The Assistant Commissioner responsible forthe Traffic Corps has been appointed and the recruit-ment process of new Garda Members has com-menced.

The Traffic Corps was launched in November 2004and a new fleet of Garda vehicles badged with thetitle “Garda Traffic Corps” was unveiled at the launch.

StrategyCommence the provisions in the RoadTraffic Act 2002 relating to road safety.

Penalty Points

The Road Traffic Act, 2002 provides the legislativebasis for the introduction and operation of the penaltypoints system. Penalty points are being applied to thedriving licence records of those convicted of speeding(introduced 31 October 2002) insurance offences (1June 2003) and seat belt wearing (25 August 2003),and to those who pay a fixed charge to the Gardaí (in

Table 7r Road Fatalities

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004*

472 458 413 415 411 376 335 375

*provisional

the case of speeding and seat belt wearing offences)in order to prevent the instigation of court proceed-ings. Penalty points were extended to careless drivingoffences on 4 June 2004.

The full application of the penalty points system willbe achieved when the relevant IT systems beingdeveloped by the Department of Justice, Equality andLaw Reform and the Gardaí are completed.

Fixed Charge System

The Road Traffic Act, 2002 provides the legislativebasis for the introduction of fundamental changes tothe penalties and deterrents that apply to offencescreated under the Road Traffic Acts generally.Through that Act the new concepts of fixed chargesand penalty points were introduced and the Act alsosaw significant changes to all of the financial penal-ties that apply to offences.

The primary purpose of the fixed charge system is toreplace the “on-the-spot fine” system as a means ofproviding an administrative alternative to an accusedperson being required to go to court and face a possi-ble conviction. Learning from the experience with the“on-the-spot fines”, the new fixed charge system pro-vides a more certain operational basis with particularreference to the adoption of a two-tiered payment

option where an alleged offender can pay a fixedcharge within a 28 day period or a higher fixed charge(+50%) between day 28 and day 56 of the date of thenotice, after which time court proceedings wouldapply. The new system will apply to the majority ofpenalty point offences in addition to parking andother minor offences under the Road Traffic Acts, asdetermined by the Minister.

At present the new fixed charge system only appliesin respect of the offences of exceeding speed limitsand failure to comply with requirements relating tothe wearing of seat belts. Proposals are currentlybeing pursued for the system to be extended to awide range of additional offences.

The Road Traffic Act 2004, enacted on 22 December2004, provides primary legislative support for theoutsourcing of administrative operations relating tosome aspects of the fixed charge system.

Table 8r Penalty Points Issued 2002 to 2004

No. of Penalty Points 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 *CUM.TOTAL

No. of Drivers in 2002 Penalty Points for speeding first introduced 30 October 2002 N/a

No. of Drivers in 2003 Nil 88,271 Nil 4,654 Nil 378 Nil 57 Nil 4 Nil Nil 93,364

No. of Drivers in 2004 Nil 87,971 Nil 14,756 250 1,828 9 305 4 62 Nil 15 105,200

Totals** Nil 176,242 Nil 19,410 250 2,206 9 362 4 66 Nil 15 198,564

* Receipt of 12 points results in disqualification for six months

** Totals as at 31 December 2004.

Source: DoEHLG

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Annual Report

Drink/Drug Driving

Medical Bureau of Road Safety

The principal function of the Medical Bureau of RoadSafety is to carry out

analyses, for their alcohol content, of specimens ofblood, urine and breath, provided for the Gardaí bypeople suspected of drink driving offences. TheBureau issues certificates in respect of the results ofthese analyses, which may be used as evidence inprosecutions for such offences.

Other functions of the Bureau include:

� the provision of equipment for the taking of suchspecimens,

� approval, supply and testing of apparatus for indi-cating the presence and the concentration of alco-hol in breath, and

� research on intoxicated driving.

The number of detections in recent years is shown inthe table below.

Drugs Analysis

The Bureau undertook a two-year research pro-gramme of drug analysis of blood and urine samplesin 2001 and 2002. The confirmation analysis of speci-mens continued in 2003 and the data collection andreport was published in June 2004. The completeconfirmatory results of the survey identify trends inthe types of drugs being taken, their combinationwith alcohol, and the incidence of polydrug use.

The study indicates that there is a significant problemin Ireland with regard to driving under the influenceof drugs.

The results of the survey are being considered todetermine if there is a need for possible changes intesting methods for the presence of drugs, changesin enforcement practice and procedures and possiblychanges to existing legislation.

National Safety Council

The National Safety Council's (NSC) general brief isto promote public awareness of road and fire safetythrough promotional campaigns, and the advance-ment of education in these areas.

Education and information in relation to road safety,through hard-hitting advertising campaigns focusingon the key target areas of the Road Safety Strategy,have been developed by the NSC. This includes thepromotion of joint campaigns with the NorthernIreland authorities. Such campaigns play an impor-tant role in improving driver attitudes and behaviours.

In 2004, the NSC continued its Road Safety advertis-ing campaigns targeting speeding, drink driving, seatbelt wearing and pedestrian/driver attention, in addi-tion to its Penalty Point advertisements relating tospecific offences. The Council also produced a newmotorcycle safety leaflet which was launched at theMotorcycle Show in the RDS in February 2004.

During 2004, the NSC developed a multi-media publicinformation and public awareness campaign in rela-tion to the changeover to metric speed limits. Thecampaign, GO METRIC GO SAFE, commenced at theend of December 2004 and was targeted to reach aswide an audience as possible so that all road userswould have sufficient information to adapt with easeto the changes to our speed limit structures.

Both the Medical Bureau of Road Safety and the NSC operate under the aegis of the Department and independently publish annual reports.

Table 9r Drink Driving Detections

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004*

No. of detections 9,787 10,433 12,864 13,441 11,344 12,201

*provisional

StrategyComplete the implementation of the penaltypoint system in co-operation with other relevant Government Departments andlocal authorities

The full application of the penalty points system willbe achieved when the relevant IT systems beingdeveloped by the Department of Justice, Equality andLaw Reform and the Gardaí are completed. TheDepartment of Justice, Equality and Law Reform hasindicated that the systems in question will be opera-tional following the completion of a live pilot opera-tion, which is currently being applied in a number ofGarda Divisions.

StrategyDevelop the regulatory frameworks for theenhanced control of traffic, speed limits,standards for the construction and use ofvehicles, driver licensing, driver trainingand driver testing.

Seat Belts

The Minister for Transport removed the exemptionwhich allowed drivers of taxis, hackneys and limou-sines not to wear seat belts. The exemption ceasedon 30 June 2004 and followed a recommendation tothat effect to the Minister by the National TaxiCouncil.

Buses

Regulations to transpose Directive 2002/7/EC relatingto the maximum weights and dimensions of motorvehicles were made by the Minister on 18th March2004. The effect of the regulations is to increase themaximum permitted length of a bus to 15 metres andto 18.75 metres in the case of an articulated bus.

Vehicle Height

The Minister of State published a consultative paperon a possible height limit for motor vehicles inDecember 2004. The paper outlined a range of fac-tors of national importance to be taken into accountin coming to a decision on the matter. Submissionson the consultative paper were invited from interest-ed parties and the public. The closing date for sub-missions is 28 January 2005.

Driver Licensing

Driving licences are issued by local authorities as thelicensing authorities. The Department continued tosupport the operation of the driver licensing systemby the licensing authorities by providing advice andinformation on new regulations.

Records of driving licences issued are held in theNational Vehicle and Driver File which is operated bythe Department of the Environment, Heritage andLocal Government. The number of driving licencescurrent at the end of 2004 was 2,285,323 of which380,347 were provisional licences.

Table 10r Licences Current 2000 - 2004

Provisional Full % increase in no. of full licences

2000 497,002 1,517,294

2001 462,133 1,574,491 3.76

2002 352,524 1,758,142 11.66

2003 367,807 1,849,269 5.18

2004 380,347 1,904,976 3.01

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Annual Report

StrategyUndertake, in co-operation with otherDepartments and agencies, a cross-departmental review of road safety publicexpenditure.

The Department is undertaking a review of expendi-ture on road safety across all relevant agencies. Thisshould result in a better understanding of the bene-fits of road safety initiatives in general and of specificprogrammes, and should also help the Departmentestimate the cost of road collisions. A steering grouprepresenting relevant Departments, as well as theCommittee for Public Management Research, hasbeen established in order to oversee the review. Itsmandate is as follows:

� to identify public expenditure (by implementingbodies) on measures outlined in the GovernmentRoad Safety Strategy 1998 – 2002,

� to provide a basis for evaluating the effectivenessof that expenditure in terms of Value for Moneyand to oversee the carrying out of such an evaluation,

� to examine the impact of road safety performanceon areas which are not direct recipients of roadsafety funding but for whom an increase in fatali-ties, serious injuries and breaches of road trafficlaw results in increased costs, in particular healthand emergency services and the Courts Service,

� to recommend a re-prioritisation of road safetypolicies and measures, if necessary, based on theeffectiveness of existing public expenditure, andhaving regard to stated policy.

As part of this review, the NRA, on behalf of theDepartment, engaged a consultant in 2004 to analysedata received in respect of road safety expenditure.The steering group expects to finalise its report earlyin 2005 taking on board the results of this analysis.

StrategyOperate a fair and efficient Driver Testingservice and establish the Driver TestingAgency.

Activity in 2004

In 2004 the driver testing service celebrated its 40thyear. The first driving test was conducted on 18 March1964 at Parkgate Hall and a function to mark theoccasion was held there. In June 2004 the Ministeropened a new driving test centre in Castlemungret inLimerick.

However, the delivery of the service as reflected inthe waiting times for driving tests (see tables 11r and12r below) was not to the standard that the Depart-ment would regard as satisfactory. At year end theaverage waiting time had risen to 30 weeks, dramaticallyup on the 10 week average achieved in 2002. TheDepartment continued to facilitate those who neededa test urgently and by year end the Department wasdeveloping proposals to address the overall backlog.The expectation is that these measures will start totake effect in 2005 but that it will take longer to reacha 10 week waiting time.

In October 2004, the Driver Testing and StandardsAuthority Bill 2004 commenced Second Stage in theDáil. The Bill provides for the setting up of anAuthority to deliver the driver testing service, driverlicensing and implement a system to regulate drivinginstruction. The Authority will have a Chief Executiveand a Board to direct its affairs.

StrategyEnsure satisfactory operation of PPParrangements for driver theory testing andongoing development of driver theory testquestions.

The operation of the Driver Theory Testing Service,which is a PPP with Thomson Prometric, is monitored bythe Department on an ongoing basis and is operatingsatisfactorily.

Table 11r

2002 2003 2004

No of Applicationsreceived 192,016 233,889 178,000

Driving TestsConducted 148,983 156,415 154,000

Applicant did notattend for Appointment 16,873 14,742 16,000

Number on waitinglist at end of year 65,302 118,902 116,000

Average waiting timefor test at end of year 10 weeks 29 weeks 30 weeks

Average Pass Rate 54.3% 54.5% 54%

Number of Testers employed at end of year 114 119 117*

*including six retired

Table 12r Waiting Times at Driver TestingCentres at Year End

Centre 2002 (weeks) 2003 (weeks) 2004 (weeks)North LeinsterFinglas 15 43 36Dundalk 16 48 41Mullingar 18 45 37Navan 20 52 50Raheny 20 53 55

South LeinsterChurchtown/Rathgar 27 52 49Gorey 22 51 44Naas 29 56 51Tullamore 18 42 42Wicklow 25 53 45Tallaght 26 54 48

West Athlone 14 17 31Birr 14 32 35Castlebar 21 48 40Clifden 15 15 20Ennis 12 17 20Galway 14 36 35Loughrea 13 18 25Roscommon 17 28 26Tuam 13 33 26

North West Ballina 23 45 32Buncrana 17 21 36Ck-on-Shannon 16 43 33Cavan 22 52 41Donegal 20 34 35Letterkenny 14 43 45Longford 17 45 37Monaghan 18 45 40Sligo 15 37 31

South East Carlow 24 53 52Clonmel 15 48 50Dungarvan 16 54 52Kilkenny 18 53 44Nenagh 14 52 49Portlaoise 24 52 47Thurles 17 54 52Tipperary 21 53 51Waterford 20 54 41Wexford 17 47 40

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

Table 13r Licences Current 2000 - 2004

Year No. of Tests Pass RateConducted

2002 101,428 82.9%

2003 118,425 82.78%

2004 137,016 82.72%

2004

16

Annual Report

StrategyContinue to align Irish vehicle standardswith international best practice, with particular emphasis on EU standards fornew vehicles.

During the year, new standards for type-approval of vehicles, relating to pedestrian friendly fronts, mirrors, speed limitation devices and heating systemswere implemented through statutory regulationswhich implement the relevant EU directives, viz theEuropean Communities (Motor Vehicle Type Approval)(Amendment) Regulations, 2004 and the EuropeanCommunities (Motor Vehicle Type Approval)(Amendment)(No. 2) Regulations, 2004.

New vehicles entering into service are required tomeet type-approval standards. New mandatory standards for entry into service for new passengercars and other vehicles were also implemented bymeans of the European Communities (Passenger CarEntry into Service) (Amendment) Regulations, 2004,the European Communities (Passenger Car Entry intoService) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations, 2004, theEuropean Communities (Mechanically PropelledVehicle Entry into Service) (Amendment) Regulations,2004 and the European Communities (MechanicallyPropelled Vehicle Entry into Service) (Amendment)(No. 2) Regulations, 2004. These regulations providedfor new standards relating to mirrors, pedestrianfriendly fronts, heating systems and reverse andspeedometer equipment.

StrategyEnsure compliance with the specified per-formance standards for the provision of thenational car testing service and continuethe development of the commercial vehicletesting service.

Car Testing

During 2004 the car testing service was delivered by National Car Testing Service Limited (NCTS) inaccordance with the terms of the Policy Agreementwith the Minister.

Details of the tests carried out by NCTS in 2004 and the pass rates at these tests together with the equivalent data for the years 2000 to 2003 are set outin the table which follows:

An independent appeals mechanism to review decisionsof NCTS in cases of disputed test outcomes was intro-duced on a pilot basis in the Dublin area in September2004. The scheme, which is operated by the AutomobileAssociation (AA), is designed to strengthen publicconfidence in the car-testing scheme by providing an informal independent mechanism to resolve grievances. The right of appeal to the District Courtcontinues to be available to aggrieved customers irrespective of whether or not they avail of the AA option.

Commercial Vehicle Testing

Substantial progress was made in 2004 in imple-menting the reform programme, approved by theMinister of State in 2003, for modernising andenhancing testing arrangements for commercialvehicles. Specific reforms implemented during 2004included –

Table 14r NCT Tests

Year No. of Full NCT Pass rate at No. of NCT Pass rate attests carried out Full NCT retests carried out NCT retest

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%

� replacing design gross vehicle weight (dgvw) for unladen vehicle weight (uw) as the basis fordetermining vehicle classification for testing purposes, to reflect the requirement of the EUDirective on roadworthiness testing,

� changing the weight threshold for light goods vehicles (LGVs) from 1,524 kilograms uw to 3,500kilograms dgvw,

� increasing the frequency of testing for LGVs so thatthey are liable to testing annually in line with othercategories of goods vehicles,

� introducing a number of sub-categories within theHGV classification for test fee purposes,

� introducing a retest,

� adopting higher standards for test premises andequipment,

� requiring all new test centres to be capable oftesting both LGVs and HGVs,

� introducing enhanced training arrangements forvehicle inspectors, and

� revising the scale of test fees.

Details of the tests carried out in 2004 on HGVs(including trailers and semi-trailers, buses andambulances) and LGVs and the pass rates for these vehicles, together with the equivalent data for the years 2000 to 2003, are set out in the tablewhich follows:

StrategyEnsure improved access by victims of roadaccidents to compensation by way of com-pulsory motor insurance.

A new Agreement between the Motor Insurers’Bureau of Ireland and the Minister was signed on 31March 2004 and came into effect on 1 May 2004. Thisnew Agreement establishes the Motor Insurers’Bureau of Ireland as the Information Centre andCompensation Body under the Fourth MotorInsurance Directive (2000/26/EC). This facilitatesresidents of Member States settling accident claimswhich occur in a Member State, other than theMember State of residence, to be settled with theassistance of a claims representative appointed bythe insurance company which accepts liability for theaccident. The main purpose of this provision is toallow victims settle claims in their own language andin their country of residence. Provision is also madein the Agreement for the compensation of victims ofunidentified or untraced vehicles, frequently knownas “hit and run” accidents. Property damage, withsome exclusions, is also included in the newAgreement.

Road Traffic Act, 2004

Section 34 of the Road Traffic Act, 2004 inserted anew Section 56 into the Road Traffic Act, 1961, whichdeals with motor insurance. This new Section con-solidates all previous amendments made to Section56 of the 1961 Act and also increases the penalty fornon-compliance with the compulsory motor insur-ance requirement to €3,000.

Table 15r

HGVs LGVs

Year No. of Pass No. of Passvehicles tested rate vehicles tested rate

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%

2004

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Annual Report

OBJECTIVE:Promote the development of a more professional and viable road haulage sector.Responds to High Level Goal: Competition,

Regulation and Reform

StrategyOversee implementation of the recommen-dations of the Strategy for the SuccessfulDevelopment of the Irish Road HaulageIndustry and the Programme of Action forthe Road Haulage Industry in partnershipthrough a Steering Group representing thekey interests in the sector.

During 2004 the Department continued to progressits work on implementation of the Strategy andProgramme of Action for the road haulage industry.Particular emphasis was placed on combating illegalhaulage operations. Enforcement initiatives focusedon the effective targeting of suspected offenders andvisits to freight forwarders and haulage operators.

These measures involved close liaison and co-opera-tion with industry sources and enforcement agenciesat home and abroad. Central to this co-operation isthe structured system set up by the Department fordealing with complaints and other information onpossible breaches. This system, which includes aconfidential free-phone service, is continuing to provehighly successful in the effective targeting of illegaloperations.

In addition, the Department carried out increasedmonitoring to ensure that operators continue to sat-isfy the requirements of their Road Freight Carrier’sLicence or Road Passenger Operator’s Licence. As aresult of this a number of licences were revoked orsuspended.

Work also progressed towards the introduction ofwindscreen Licence Disks to replace the VehiclePlates that are currently issued by the GardaSíochána. This facility will commence in 2005 and willstreamline the licensing of vehicles by providing aone-stop-shop for operators.

StrategyIncrease co-operation with enforcementagencies in Britain, Northern Ireland andother EU Member States.

The Department continued to foster its links withenforcement agencies at home and abroad, throughits bi-lateral contacts and participation in interna-tional organisations such as Euro Controle Route. Atotal of 104 multi-agency checkpoints were scheduledfor 2004 compared to 98 in 2003 and 44 in 2002.

StrategyProvide financial support for the implemen-tation of a development plan for the IrishRoad Haulage Association (IRHA).

During the year funding of €146,998 was provided tosupport development projects undertaken by the IrishRoad Haulage Association.

StrategyReview national legislation to eliminatepotential barriers to effective licensing andenforcement and to take account ofchanges in EU law.

During 2004 significant progress was made on pavingthe way for the introduction in 2005 of digitaltachographs and associated smart card technology. Inaccordance with EU law, these digital devices willeventually replace the existing analogue recordingdevices used in the cabs of trucks and buses to

record information on the driving time, breaks andrest periods of commercial drivers. The digital tacho-graph system will deliver significantly improved infor-mation to operators and enforcers and will providegreater security against unlawful tampering.

By end 2004 contracts had been awarded for thethree key elements of the digital tachograph project:

� Card Management Solution,

� Provision of smartcards and associated per-sonalisation services,

� Provision of a Certificate Authority.

The timely award of these contracts will facilitateIreland in meeting the deadlines set at EU level forthe introduction of digital tachograph and the associ-ated smart cards during 2005.

During the year work also progressed on the develop-ment of a system of on-the-spot fines for breaches oflicensing and tachograph offences. When the systemis introduced in 2005 it will provide a significantdeterrent to offenders and will free up enforcementresources by reducing the time spent preparing casesfor court prosecutions.

At EU level, Ireland was successful, during itsPresidency, in achieving political agreement on twoimportant legislative measures affecting the roadtransport sector.

Firstly, on the basis of a Presidency proposal, theCouncil reached political agreement on a commonposition for a proposed new Regulation governingdriving time, breaks and rest periods for commercialdrivers. This new regulation is designed to replacethe current rules which have been in place since1986. The objective is to provide clearer and more upto date rules that will be easier for operators tounderstand and easier to enforce.

In addition, the Council reached political agreementon a draft Directive governing the enforcement of

drivers’ hours and tachograph rules. The purpose ofthe Directive is to improve the quality and level ofenforcement of EU legislation on driving and restingtimes. The Directive aims to increase gradually thepercentage of working days of drivers checked andseeks to promote greater co-operation and exchangeof information between Member States.

The Road Haulage Division of the Department is dueto decentralise to Loughrea under the Government’sDecentralisation programme and work continued onthe project during 2004.

More information available in the Section on OrganisationalObjectives and Strategies.

2004

20

Annual Report

Public TransportPolicy Objectives and Strategies

Table 1p

Capital Investment 2001 €m 2002 €m 2003 €m 2004 €m 2001-2004 €m

Exchequer Investment in CIE Public Transport Safety and Development 217.817 262.376 302.367 165.67 948.23

Public Transport Projects 0.369 7.830 7.807 10.642 26.648

LUAS Investment 126.672 126.975 128.948 130.000 512.595

DTO Capital Expenditure 33.458 28.601 40.000 37.000 139.059

Agreed CIE Borrowings 94.666 94.666

TOTAL 378.316 425.782 479.122 437.978 1721.198

OBJECTIVETo expand the capacity , improve the utilisation and enhance the quality of thepublic transport system and therebyimprove modal split and attract increasedpatronage on to public transport.Responds to High Level Goal; Investment

StrategyDevelop a planning strategy and implementa prioritised investment and revenue supportprogramme for public transport which expandscapacity, improves quality and utilisationand value for money in the context of theNational Spatial Strategy, the NationalDevelopment Plan, the DTO’s, A Platform for Change, and other regional land use andtransport strategies.

StrategyContinue to monitor and review progress onthe delivery of the public transport invest-ment programme to ensure value formoney and the achievement of targets andoutcomes.

National Development Plan

The Department has invested over €1.7 billion ofExchequer funds in public transport in the period2001 to 2004.

Under the Railway Safety Programme, trackworkacross the network has been upgraded and the entireintercity network now has continuously welded track.A major network resignalling programme has beenundertaken. With the upgraded infrastructure inplace, Iarnród Éireann is undertaking a rolling stockacquisition programme, which will take place over anumber of years and will result in the removal fromregular service of the life-expired rolling stock in itsfleet.

Bus Átha Cliath purchased 460 new buses under theNDP, of which 93 are additional (purchased in 2000)and 367 were replacement buses. These buses improvethe quality and reliability of the fleet, as well as providing for increased services.

Bus Éireann has purchased 391 new buses under theNDP, 65 of which are additional to the fleet.

Investment in Public Transport

During 2004, significant improvements in the publictransport network were achieved in line with theobjectives of the National Development Plan (NDP).

2004

22

Annual Report

Table 2p

Current Expenditure 2001 €m 2002 €m 2003 €m 2004 €m 2001-2004 €m

Exchequer subvention to CIÉ for the provision of socially necessary but non-commercial services 222.204 233.314 244.98 257.229 957.727

RPA Administration 12.373 12.5 10.28 35.153

Light Rail Expenses 2.063 2.573 2.427 18.556 25.619

DTO Current Expenditure 0.858 0.882 0.948 1.006 3.694

TOTAL 225.125 249.142 260.855 287.071 1022.193

Table 4p Bus Átha Cliath Subvention and Passenger Statistics 2001- 2004

2001 2002 2003 2004

Exchequer Subvention (€million) 54.316 56.063 53.867 61.81

Number of Buses 1,062 1,062 1,062 1,062

Number of Passenger Journeys (millions) 143 147 149 149.8

Percentage increase/decrease over previous year 2.79% 1.3% 0.5%

Table 3p Key projects delivered under the National Development Plan (NDP) in 2004:

Harristown Bus Garage

The Harristown Bus Garage has been operational since October 2004. The new garage, with a capacity for 240 buses,

allows for further fleet expansion and the transfer of buses/routes from existing depots to alleviate capacity problems.

Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) and Automatic Vehicle Location and Communications System (AVLC)

2004 saw approval for expenditure on digital Closed Circuit TV systems on board the total Dublin Bus fleet. These systems, once installed,

will allow for improved security on board. This will see the deployment of an AVLC on the entire Dublin Bus fleet, primarily as a fleet

management and control tool. It will also provide a platform on which an integrated passenger information system can be developed.

Bus Átha Cliath

Bus Éireann

Table 5p Key project delivered under the National Plan (NDP) in 2004:

Cork Bus Station

The refurbishment of the Cork Bus Station at Parnell Place was completed at the end of 2004. This €4 million project, funded from the

company’s own resources, involved a major redevelopment of the bus station with a complete internal refurbishment of the two-storey

building, a re-designed passenger concourse, a more efficient bus marshalling area, new passenger information systems and significantly

improved accessibility.

Iarnród Éireann

Table 7p Key projects delivered under the National Development Plan (NDP) in 2004:

DART Upgrade Project

• As part of this project, 40 new DART carriages were delivered in 2004 and have been in service since November 2004. The delivery of

these carriages completes Iarnród Éireann’s plans to practically double the DART fleet in four years – up from 80 to 154.

• Phase 1 of the DART Upgrade Project is due to be completed in 2005. The project will permit the operation of 8-car DART trains offer-

ing an immediate capacity increase of over 30%.

80 Diesel Railcars

80 Diesel Railcars entered into service during late 2003/early 2004, and have increased the Passenger carrying capacity of the Outer

Suburban System (Northern line +43%, South East line +30%, Western line +24%, South Western line +130%).

DART Refurbishment

2004 saw significant expenditure on the DART Refurbishment project. This project provides for the complete mid-life overhaul of the origi-

nal DART fleet of 76 units, allowing each set to be fully compatible with the rest of the DART fleet and meaning that each unit will have all

its electrical and mechanical equipment totally overhauled and have the latest public address and safety features fitted.

Overhaul of Diesel Locomotives

This project involves the overhaul of the fleet of diesel locomotives used on intercity services. This overhaul will improve the overall relia-

bility of the fleet, which has become a problem in the past few years, and will also extend the life of the vehicles.

Resignalling

This project provides for the replacement of mechanical signalling with a centralised computer controlled system over the entire intercity

network and in particular on the Galway, Waterford, Tralee and Sligo lines. It will provide increased efficiencies in terms of staffing levels

and available train paths to cater for projected demand for rail transport.

Table 6p Bus Éireann Subvention and Passenger Statistics 2001- 2004

2001 2002 2003 2004

Exchequer Subvention (€million) 24.157 21.766 22.856 23.998

Number of Buses 694 680 680 682

Number of Passenger Journeys – excluding schools (millions) 43.8 46 48.4 47.8

Number of Passenger Journeys – schools only (millions) 43.6 43.3 43.6 42.4

Total Number of Passengers Journeys (millions) 87.4 89.3 92 90.2

Percentage increase/decrease over previous year 2.05% 3% -1.97%*

* reduction in school transport numbers due to continuing decline in national school-going population while other

journeys show small decline, principally due to traffic congestion.

2004

24

Annual Report

Iarnród Éireann New Project Approvals (2004 Onwards)

A new fleet of 120 rail cars for the intercity network, ordered for delivery in 2007, will allowclock-face departures at two hourly frequenciesand faster journey times on intercity routes.

Preparatory work on the further development of the Cork commuter rail service, involvingconstruction of a rail line from Cork to Midleton,was also advanced in 2004.

Table 8p Iarnród Éireann Investment and Passenger Statistics 2001- 2004

2001 2002 2003 2004

Exchequer Investment in Railways (€million) 175.9 232.5 245.9 240.2

Exchequer Subvention (€million) 143.8 155.4 168.2 171.4

Number of Diesel Railcars 64 64 144 144

Of which New Diesel Railcars - - 80 -

Number of DART Cars 102 114 114 154

Of which New DART Cars 16 12 - 40

Number of Intercity Carriages 224 224 224 224

Number of Passenger Journeys DART (millions) 20.802 21.467 21.628 20.683*

Percentage increase/decrease over previous year +3.2% +0.75% -4%

Number of Passenger Journeys Dublin Suburban (millions) 2.57 2.65 2.67 2.557*

Percentage increase/decrease over previous year +3% +0.75% -4%

Number of Passenger Journeys Kildare Suburban (millions) 0.640 0.593 0.606 0.646

Percentage increase/decrease over previous year -7% +2% +6.6%

Number of Passenger Journeys Intercity (millions) 10.194 10.659 10.653 10.664

Percentage increase/decrease over previous year +4.56% -.056% +0.10%

Total Number of Rail Passenger Journeys (millions) 34.2 35.4 35.6 34.55

Percentage increase/decrease over previous year +3.5% +0.56% -2.95%

*Decrease due to DART upgrade work weekend closures

CIE Fares

In December 2004, the Minister approved a faresincrease which resulted in an increase of 3.5% infares revenue yield. Bus Átha Cliath fares went up byeither 5 cent or 10 cent and a range of increaseswere introduced across the board in Bus Éireann andIarnród Éireann.

Light Rail

Passenger services on the Sandyford to St. Stephen’sGreen (Green) Line commenced 30 June 2004. Theline is 9kms in length, serving 13 stops with a journeytime of 22 minutes. The Red Line (Tallaght toConnolly Station) was launched on 28 September2004. The Red Line is 15kms in length, serving 23stops, with a target journey time of 43 minutes. Thejourney time achieved at the end of 2004 was 46 min-utes.

The Red and Green Lines carried approximately 6.6million passengers between July and December 2004.RPA estimates suggest a total annual patronage onboth lines of approximately 20 million passengers ina fully operational year (approximately 7 million onthe Green Line and 13 million on the Red Line). Thisrepresents a daily LUAS patronage of over 60,000passengers per day. Trams on both lines operatebetween 5.30 a.m. and 12.30 a.m.

The contract for the operation of LUAS betweenConnex and the RPA is for five years with an optionfor renewal for a further five years.

The final cost of the LUAS project is on target to bewithin the approved budget of €775 million as advisedto Government in December 2002. The approvedbudget includes a contribution of €82.5 million fromthe European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)towards the capital cost of the Tallaght to ConnollyStation line.

The fare structure for the LUAS system is based on azonal system with a minimum charge of €1.30 forboth lines. The minimum fare is slightly higher thanbus, but reflects the higher quality service and fasterjourney times of LUAS. All free travel pass holderscan avail of unlimited access to LUAS services.

Plans for extensions of LUAS to Cherrywood and theDocklands are being advanced by the RailwayProcurement Agency (RPA). The Department is await-ing business plans from the RPA in order to assist inits evaluation of both extensions. The RPA is alsoundertaking detailed consideration of the feasibilityand cost of linking both LUAS lines in the city centre.

Table 9p

Red Line Green Line

Length of Line 15 km 9 km

Actual Journey Time 46 minutes 22 minutes

No. of Trams 26 (30mtr) 14 (40mtr)

Capacity of each Tram 235 310

Passengers 6.6 million (July – Dec 2004)

2004

26

Annual Report

StrategyFurther develop a transparent and robustevaluation framework for project appraisaland investment in public transport.

StrategyEvaluate projects on completion to reviewperformance against strategic objectives.

The Department adheres to the Department ofFinance Guidelines for the appraisal and manage-ment of capital expenditure proposals in the publicsector, and ensures all investment projects are sub-ject to robust examination and evaluation.

A review of the Department’s Transport InvestmentAppraisal and Monitoring systems is currently underway.

The Railway Procurement Agency is carrying out a look-back study to review the development of theLUAS Red and Green lines.

StrategyEnsure value for money and transparency inthe provision of State subvention for publictransport services.

Subvention

State subvention to CIE for the provision of sociallynecessary, but non-commercial services, increased by5.3% in 2004 to €257 million from €244 million in 2003.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) andService Levels and Targets for CIE OperatingCompanies

MOUs have been introduced between the Departmentof Transport and the CIE group of companies. They

reflect the general principles of transparency andaccountability for subvention payments to the CIEcompanies for the provision of public service obliga-tion transport services. As well as accounting forpublic expenditure, they provide a reporting structureusing agreed performance indicators modelled onefficiency, effectiveness and quality of customer serv-ice from each of the companies on a quarterly basis.

OBJECTIVECOMPETITION, REGULATION AND REFORM

To enhance the efficiency and effectivenessof the delivery of public transport servicesthrough competition, economic regulationand structural reform. Responds to High Level Goal: Competition,

Regulation and Reform

StrategyEstablish independent structures to procureand regulate public transport services.

StrategyImplement reformed market regulatoryframeworks for the (i) long distance inter-regional (ii) provincial city and (iii)regional/local bus markets, replacing theRoad Transport Act, 1932.

Strategy:Implement franchising of bus services inthe Greater Dublin Area on the lines set outin the Minister’s Statement of 7 November2002.

Strategy:Establish Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus andIarnród Éireann as independent State companies with strong commerciallyfocused boards.

In 2004 a considerable amount of work on thedetailed technical aspects of a restructuring of CIEwas carried out, with a particular emphasis on theCIE pension schemes.

Public Transport – Regulating Better

Preparatory work on modernising the regulatoryframework governing public transport continued dur-ing 2004. Extensive discussions took place on thereform of public transport between officials in theDepartment and CIE trade unions during 2004. Thesetalks, which were held under an independent chairappointed by the Labour Relations Commission, wereadjourned in mid-September, 2004. The Ministersubsequently met with the management of Bus Éire-ann and Dublin Bus as well as CIE Unions and ICTUon the reform of the bus market.

Bus Route Licensing

Pending the bringing forward of the necessary pro-posals for modernising the regulation of bus routelicensing, the Bus Route Licensing Section of theDepartment continues to administer the existingarrangements for the licensing of routes for privatebus operators, and the administration of a notifica-tion system for proposed service changes for theState bus companies, taking due account of the rele-vant legislation and the most recent legal advicesavailable. It also issues authorisations and journeyforms under European Union Regulations andAgreements, in respect of cabotage, cross border and the international carriage of passengers by coachand bus.

In 2004, the Department observed a developing andgrowing interest in bus operations and this is reflect-ed in the increase in the volume of licence applica-tions and in applications for amendment of licences.A project to standardise the expiry date of existingannual passenger licences so that all annual licenceswill expire in either August or October of each yearwas undertaken in 2004. The main reason for theproject was to facilitate operators, many of whom hadlicences due for renewal at various times during theyear, and to use the Department’s resources moreeffectively. The measure is part of an ongoing pro-gramme of improving customer service andDepartmental efficiency in bus route licensing.

StrategyEstablish the Office of the National TaxiRegulator (ONTR) in respect of licensing,standards and the quality of service.

The Commission for Taxi Regulation was establishedas an independent public body under the TaxiRegulation Act 2003 with effect from 1 September2004. Following an open recruitment competitionundertaken by the Civil Service and LocalAppointments Commission, Mr Ger Deering was rec-ommended for appointment as Commissioner for TaxiRegulation and took up his position with effect from 1September 2004. Mr Deering was a former Directorof Community and Enterprise, EconomicDevelopment and Environment with Carlow CountyCouncil and also worked in the local developmentsector and private enterprise.

At year-end, the Commission had identified suitableoffice accommodation at 35 Fitzwilliam Square,Dublin 2 and was in the process of recruiting staff inconjunction with the Public Appointments Service.

2004

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Annual Report

StrategyOversee the development, through theONTR, of a new qualitative/customer orientated licensing system for all smallpublic service vehicles, licence holders and drivers within a liberalised taxi market.

StrategyImplement, through the ONTR, Governmentpolicy in relation to taxi services includingthe further promotion of accessibility for allmobility impaired people.

The Commission for Taxi Regulation commenced abroad consultative process in 2004 on a nationalreview to assess the extent and quality of servicescurrently provided by small public service vehiclesand examine existing quality and safety regulations inrelation to small public service vehicles and their drivers.

StrategyAddress personal financial hardship experienced by taxi licence holders arisingfrom liberalisation through implementationby the ONTR of the Report of the TaxiHardship Panel.

In accordance with the Government decision to implement the recommendations of the Taxi HardshipPanel Report, Area Development Management Limited(ADM) continued the administration and managementof the Taxi Hardship Payments Scheme on behalf ofthe Department during 2004.

A total of 1,936 applications were received by ADMunder the Taxi Hardship Payments Scheme by theclosing date of 30 April 2004. Hardship paymentstotalling €14,892,000 had been approved in respect of1,274 qualifying persons under the Scheme up to 31December 2004. 193 applicants had not qualified fora hardship payment and a further 95 application fileshad been closed where the applicant did not submitthe requisite information or documentation to facili-tate the consideration of their application. The timetaken to process applications and to make paymentsdepended on the completeness of the informationand supporting documentation in each individualapplication.

StrategyNegotiate and implement EU Legislationand international agreements

EU Legislative Proposals Concerning the Rail Sector – 2nd Railway Package

Under the Irish Presidency, the second railway pack-age was agreed in conciliation between the EuropeanParliament and the Council on 16 March 2004. Thispackage of five legislative measures was aimed atadvancing the liberalisation of the rail market andextends it to national rail freight operations. In addi-tion, it provided for a common approach to safety. Italso includes measures aimed at increasing theinteroperability of the European rail network and thesetting up of a European Agency for Rail Safety and

Table 10p Year 2001 2002 2003 2004

Total number of licensed taxis* 9,257 11,630 12,845 13,563

Total number of licensed hackneys* n/a n/a 4,868 4,938

*based on figures supplied to the Department by local licensing authorities

Interoperability. The adopted version of these propos-als was published on 30 April 2004. The necessaryinstruments to transpose these Directives into IrishLaw, by the end of 2005, are currently being drafted.

3rd Railway Package

The third railway package, published on 3 March2004, was presented to the Transport Ministers on8/9 March, shortly before agreement was reachedbetween the Parliament and the Council on theSecond Railway Package. This package of a furtherfour legislative measures proposes to continue thereform of the railway sector by opening up interna-tional passenger services to competition within theEuropean Union. It also includes measures aimed atimproving the rights of passengers using internation-al rail services, the establishment of a certificationsystem for locomotive drivers (essentially a train driver’s licence) and measures aimed at improvingthe quality of rail freight services. Agreement on traindriver certification was reached at the Council ofMinisters meeting in December and the draftDirective referred to the European Parliament forconsideration under the co-decision process. It isproving more difficult to reach a consensus positionamongst Member States on the other proposals. Inparticular, the proposal for EU rules on rail freightquality is highly contentious.

OBJECTIVE – RAIL SAFETY To ensure that railway infrastructure andservices are provided, managed and used in a manner that protects people fromdeath and injury. Responds to High Level Goal: Safety

StrategyEstablish and implement an independentregulatory framework for railway safetyappropriate to the developing industry envi-ronment and best international practice insafety and risk management.

Railway Safety Bill 2001

In February 2004 the Government approved theMinister’s proposal to bring forward significant policy amendments relating to intoxicants, at DáilReport Stage. Work on drafting Dáil Report Stageamendments was completed in 2004.

StrategyEnsure that arrangements are in place for effective monitoring and auditing of the safety of railway operations including those of Iarnród Éireann, LUAS, Metro and heritage railways.

StrategyEnsure effective implementation of a prioritised safety investment programmefor the improvement of Iarnród Eireann’sinfrastructure and safety management systems.

Railway Safety Investment

The first Railway Safety Programme was completedin 2003. The Railway Safety Task Force, reconvenedin 2003, completed its work during 2004 on recom-mendations for Government for a second 5-year railway safety investment programme for the period2004-2008. This new Programme commenced in 2004.

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LUAS Approvals

The safety approval of the LUAS light rail system con-tinued in 2004 through the testing, commissioningand trial running phases of the project, culminatingwith the granting of approval under section 51 of theTransport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 for com-mencement of passenger services on the Green Linein June and the Red Line in September.

Pending its enactment, relevant provisions of theRailway Safety Bill 2001 were informally adopted inthe safety approval process. This included the prepa-ration by the operator Connex Transport Ireland of a“safety case”, describing its systems and proceduresfor managing safety, which was approved by theDepartment’s Interim Railway Safety Commission in June.

Iarnród Éireann New Works Approvals

The principal Iarnród Éireann projects approved in2004 by the Department’s Interim Railway SafetyCommission, under section 4 of the Regulation ofRailways Act 1842, were:

� Mini-CTC signalling: Waterford Line and prepara-tion for the Mallow/Tralee Line.

� Two bridges between Dublin Connolly Station andMullingar:

� McNead’s Bridge is a new over-bridge which wasrequired as part of the McNead’s Bridge toKinnegad road improvement scheme.

� Bond Bridge involved the re-construction of anexisting over-bridge to facilitate road improvementworks.

� Generic approval for colour light re-signalling oflevel crossings.

� Phase I of the DART upgrade project involves thelengthening of station platforms and an increase inthe power feed to the overhead lines.

Heritage Railway Inspections

The Department’s Interim Railway Safety Commissioncontinued its programme of monitoring the opera-tions of heritage railways. No issues of safety con-cern arose from those inspections conducted in 2004.

Level Crossing Working Group

The Level Crossing Working Group is an inter-agencygroup chaired by the Department’s Interim RailwaySafety Commission and it met quarterly in 2004.

The Group fosters and encourages safety awarenessat road / rail interfaces, i.e. bridges and level cross-ings. The main focus of the Group in 2004 was inrelation to the striking of bridges by high vehicles

Table 11p Railway Safety Investment

Year 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Track Renewal (miles) 89 84 74 86 67 40

Fencing (miles) 37 67 41 33 42 33

Bridges (number) 41 55 16 16 37 8

Level Crossings (number) 82 207 175 136 129 25

Total Investment (¤million) * 90.1 127.5 167.1 148.9 127.5 100.4

* includes Exchequer and EU funding

(“bridge bashing”), in particular public awarenessand regulatory signage. The Group also worked on aproposal to improve signage at some public roadlevel crossings.

Inter-Departmental Committee on RailwayEmergency Planning

The Inter-Departmental Committee on RailwayEmergency Planning is an inter-agency group chairedby the Department’s Interim Railway SafetyCommission and it met quarterly in 2004.

The Committee is an advisory body only and has noresponsibility for operational matters. TheCommittee provides a forum for exchange of informa-tion and for advice to the two railway operators,Iarnród Éireann and Connex Transport Ireland, ontheir emergency plans.

Cahir Inquiry

In 2003 the Minister ordered the Department’s ChiefRailway Inspecting Officer to conduct a statutoryinquiry under section 7 of the Regulation of RailwaysAct 1871 into the derailment of a freight train whichcaused the catastrophic collapse of the Cahir Viaduct inOctober 2003. The statutory inquiry continued in 2004.

Non-statutory Railway Accident Investigations

In 2004 the Department’s Interim Railway SafetyCommission attended at the scene of various railwayaccidents and incidents on the Iarnród Éireann andLUAS systems in a non-statutory capacity.

The Department’s Interim Railway Safety Commissionis monitoring the internal inquiry being conducted byConnex Transport Ireland into the collision of twoLUAS trams at the St Stephen’s Green terminus inSeptember 2004.

OBJECTIVE To ensure an integrated and sustainable approach to the development and delivery of public transportservices.Responds to High Level Goal:Integration

StrategySupport measures to promote physicalinterchanges, service, information and fares integration across the public trans-port network in the Greater Dublin Area.

Integrated Ticketing

The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA), as statutorybody responsible for the delivery of a smartcard-based integrated ticket system for initial deploymentin the Dublin area, completed Phase 2 (Design) of theagreed four phased project plan, in 2004. The RPAalso commenced Phase 3 (Procurement) and initiatedparticular aspects of Phase 4 (Implementation &Roll-Out) during 2004. The substantive decision onproceeding to Phase 4 awaits completion of the procurement process.

As part of the public consultation process, the RPAengaged consultants in January 2004 to carry outmarket research which resulted in the RPA publicationSmart Card Research Findings 2004, the conclusionsof which indicated strong public support for the introduction of smartcard integrated ticketing.

Smartcards are to be progressively rolled-out on public transport services. In April 2004, a private busoperator (Morton’s) launched a smartcard ticketingsystem on its services. Almost one thousand smart-cards have been introduced on Morton’s services.

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Transport Interchanges

A key strand of the Dublin Transportation Office (DTO) strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), “A Platform for Change”, is the recognition that, inaddition to investment in individual modes of publictransport, better integration between public transportmodes, and between public and private transport, isof major importance. Infrastructure is required sothat the forecast increased rate of interchange withinand between public transport modes takes place in aplanned system that predicts and caters for passen-ger needs. Pedestrian crossings, bus lay-bys, widerfootpaths, cycle parking facilities, shelters, seats,dropped kerbs and other mobility-impaired designfeatures, information etc., are required at many loca-tions to enable transfer between transport modes.The Department has made funding available fordesign studies and, where possible, infrastructure inrespect of possible public transport interchangesaround the city. The funding is channelled throughthe Dublin Transportation Office. Expenditure in 2004came to €0.8m.

Park & Ride

A strategy for the development of Park & Ride facili-ties in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), based on theRail Park & Ride Strategy was adopted by the DublinTransportation Office Steering Committee inNovember 2004. The provision of rail-based Park &Ride in the GDA is essential to take advantage of theplanned increase in rail capacity in the forthcoming10-year transport infrastructure investment pro-gramme, and to ensure that the enhanced rail servic-es in the programme are available to as many peopleas possible who live beyond the natural walkingcatchment of rail services. Research carried out forthe DTO indicates that conventional bus-based Park& Ride has a limited role in Dublin due to the size ofthe city. Nevertheless, some opportunities for bus-based Park & Ride in Dublin are being examined.

StrategyEvaluate public transport investment andservices as to the extent that they serve theneeds of low income households and peoplewithout access to private transport.

StrategyWork with other Departments, local authorities and agencies to facilitate publictransport services in new housing develop-ments and poorly served communities.

StrategyCollaborate with provincial city localauthorities in the development and imple-mentation of the public transport elementsof land use and transport strategies andDevelopment Plans

StrategyWork with other Departments, local authorities and agencies to promote higherdensity and mixed use development alongurban public transport corridors, so as tominimise long distance commuting andreduce urban sprawl.

Regional Planning Guidelines

The Department, through its National SpatialStrategy Cross-Cutting Team, made direct inputs, witha transport emphasis, into the public consultation oneach of the draft Regional Planning Guidelines(RPGs). The Department continues to be representedon the RPG Steering Committees as individual RPGscome to be implemented. The Steering Committeesare, in particular, focusing on maintaining a regionallevel overview of the implementation process andfacilitating any co-ordination activities.

Public Transport in the Cities

The Department is in ongoing contact with the localauthorities in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Waterford andLimerick regarding the implementation and develop-ment of land use and transportation strategies. In itsapproach to such strategies, the Department takesthe view that new public transport proposals shouldonly be considered in the context of land use strate-gies which support and complement them and whichprovide the social and economic justification forinvesting in them.

Dublin: A key element in enhancing public transportin Dublin is being achieved with the provision ofQuality Bus Corridors. So far, there are nine QBCs inoperation in the Dublin area - Malahide, Lucan,Stillorgan, Finglas, North Clondalkin, Rathfarnham,Tallaght, Swords and Blanchardstown. Funding ofover €27m was provided specifically for QBCs in 2004.There are proposals for a further thirteen QBCs tocome into operation over the next few years.

Cork: Cork City Council is implementing a GreenRoute Transport Corridor policy for public transportservices in the City. The Department has been closelyinvolved in the development of the plan for ten GreenRoutes and is now involved in overseeing its imple-mentation. The first two Green Routes werelaunched in 2004. Since 2002, the Department hasprovided €12.8 million in funding for the developmentof Green Routes and Park & Ride facilities in Cork.

Galway: The Galway Transportation and PlanningStudy was adopted in 2003 and the Department isrepresented on the Galway City and CountyManagement Liaison Group, which is overseeing theimplementation of the Study. Work on the first QualityBus Corridor in Galway was substantially complete byDecember 2004.

Waterford: The Waterford Planning Land Use andTransportation Study was adopted in 2004 and the

Department is in close contact with the relevant localauthorities regarding the implementation of theStudy.

Limerick: Land Use and Transport Study forLimerick was being drafted in the course of 2004.The Department provided funding to Limerick CityCouncil during 2004 to install a system for bus detec-tion and prioritisation at key signalised junctions.

Rural Transport Initiative (RTI)

RTI projects provide public transport services forpeople in rural areas who otherwise would not haveaccess to transport. Currently 34 rural transportprojects are being funded under the initiative andfunding of €3m was provided in 2004. The Ministeraccepted a recommendation from an appraisal thatwas completed in 2004 to extend the RTI to end 2006.(See table on the next page)

Public Transport Accessibility

In September 2004, in conjunction with the publication of the Disability Bill 2004, the Departmentpublished its Outline Sectoral Plan for AccessiblePublic Transport. The Plan covers public transportaccessibility issues relating to bus and rail publictransport, taxi services and airport facilities.

The Department continues to fund public transportaccessibility improvement projects in the CIE com-panies. Most of the improvements under this prog-ramme involve the redevelopment of bus and rail sta-tions and bus stop improvements to provide accessfor people with mobility and sensory impairments.Funding was provided to facilitate the provision ofdisability awareness training to appropriate staff inthe three CIE operating companies. LUAS, which hadbeen designed from the outset to be a fully accessiblesystem, commenced operations and appropriate LUASstaff also received disability awareness training.

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During the year the Public Transport AccessibilityCommittee, which is comprised of representatives ofthe CIE operating companies, the Irish Congress ofTrade Unions and a number of organisations repre-senting disabled and mobility-impaired people, con-tinued to meet in order to advise the Minister on theaccessibility aspects of proposed public transportinvestments and public transport issues generally.

Strategic Rail Review

The 2003 Strategic Rail Review, has provided theGovernment with a policy framework for the futuredevelopment of passenger and freight services inIreland over a twenty-year period in a manner consis-tent with the National Spatial Strategy. The Board ofIarnród Éireann considered the findings of theStrategic Rail Review and submitted its prioritisedinvestment programme up to 2008, based on theReview, to the Department of Transport for consider-ation, in the context of the multi-annual envelope forcapital expenditure in transport. The Departmentmeets with Iarnród Éireann on an ongoing basis tomonitor implementation of the Strategic Rail Review.

Public Transport Partnership Forum (PTPF)

The Forum met in plenary session on 11 occasionsduring 2004. The Forum was established in June2000, under the Programme for Prosperity andFairness and is continuing under Sustaining Progress– Social Partnership Agreement 2003-2005. Its pur-pose is to provide a mechanism for consultation withthe social partners on public transport matters.Membership is drawn from the Government, employ-ers, trade unions, farmers and the community andvoluntary sectors.

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

40000

45000

50000

55000

60000

DecNovOctSeptAugJulyJuneMayAprilMarFebJan

38,08838,034 41,089

40,847 41,33741,616 43,124

26,450

45,273 46,347

52,973

48.971

Number of Free Travel Pass Holders

Other Free

Fare Paying Passengers

Passengers Type 2004

>66

26-65

18-25

School Age

<5

Age Breakdown 2004

RTI Passenger Numbers

The Forum Technical Sub Group on Public Transport(Bus) Access to Shannon Airport also met on a num-ber of occasions during 2004. Its remit is to progressimplementation of the recommendations of theForum Report on improving public (bus) access toShannon Airport.

In September 2004, the Forum established a SubGroup on Rural Public Transport and the TransportNeeds of Older People.

The Forum received briefing and presentations on,and discussed and offered advice on, a wide range ofmatters during 2004. These are listed below.

Table 12p

Presented By: SubjectDepartment of Transport Update on the Public Transport dimension of the National Spatial Strategy/Regional Planning Guidelines

National Disability Authority Presentation on Report “Towards Best Practice in Provision of Transport Services for People with Disabilities in Ireland”

Department of Transport EU Legislative Proposals: Third Rail Package and Trans European Transport Networks (TENs)

Department of Transport Presentation on Public Service Vehicle Safety

Irish Senior Citizens Parliament Presentation on Transport Needs for Older People

ADM Presentation on the Evaluation of the Rural Transport Initiative

Dublin Transportation Office (DTO) Presentation on DTO Travel to School Initiatives (including walking and cycling)

Department of Transport Presentation on the Department of Transport’s Outline Sectoral Plan on Accessible Transport

Railway Procurement Agency Presentation on LUAS

Department of Transport Presentation on Public Transport Dimensions of the NDP Mid Term Review

Quality Bus Network Office Update on the Quality Bus Corridors/Quality Bus Network in Dublin

DTO Update on the implementation of the recommendations in the report on Short Term Measures for Improved Public Transport Access to Dublin Airport.

Department of Transport Presentation on the Regional Planning Guidelines adopted by the Regional Authorities

Dublin Bus Presentation on Recent Developments/Future Plans (including oil shortage/costs issues)

Bus Éireann Presentation on Recent Developments/Future Plans (including oil shortage/costs issues)

Waterford City Council Review of Waterford Regional Land Use and Transport Strategy.

Galway City Council Review of Galway Regional Land Use and Transport Strategy

Iarnród Éireann Presentation on Recent Developments/Future Plans (including oil shortage/costs issues)

2004

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Air TransportPolicy Objectives and Strategies

OBJECTIVE To ensure that the principal gateway airportsof the State are in a position to provide costcompetitive and appropriate infrastructureto meet the current and prospective needsof airline and other aviation companies,consistent with a commercial mandate; toassist in optimising the contribution of thecountry’s network of regional airports tobalanced regional development. Responds to High Level Goals: Infrastructure

and Integration

StrategyDevelop proposals to transform Aer Riantaand ensure that Shannon and Cork airportshave greater autonomy and independence

In July 2004 the State Airports Act 2004 was enacted,providing a framework for the establishment of thethree State Airports as independent and autonomousauthorities under State ownership.

The new Cork and Shannon Airport Authorities wereincorporated on 16 September 2004 while the DublinAirport Authority was established on 1 October 2004.

The members of the boards-designate for the newDublin and Cork Airport Authorities were announcedin March and August 2004 respectively. The membersof the Shannon Airport Authority board-designate hadbeen previously appointed in October 2003.

StrategyExamine proposals for a new independentterminal at Dublin airport; implement theoutcome of that examination as decided bythe Government.

The issues surrounding the provision of further terminal capacity at Dublin Airport continued to beconsidered during 2004.

StrategyContinue to operate a programme of measures to support air access to theregions through regional airports

The Department continued to implement a range ofmeasures to support regional airports and regionalair access. Exchequer support for the six regionalairports in Donegal, Sligo, Knock, Galway, Kerry andWaterford falls under two categories.

Firstly, support for essential safety-related capitalinvestment is available under the BMW and S&ERegional Operational Programmes of the NationalDevelopment Plan. Grants are also available towardsoperational expenditure incurred by the airports onmarketing, safety and security.

The total amount paid to each regional airport underCapital and Marketing, Safety & Security Schemes, ineach of the last five years is detailed in charts on thefollowing page.

StrategyReview the cost effectiveness of Exchequer expenditure on the PSO air services programme.

The Department continued to support regional airaccess through the Essential Air Service Programme.The Department is allowed under EU Regulations toprovide financial compensation to air carriers tooperate scheduled services on PSO routes, in order toimprove accessibility and encourage the growth ofbusiness and tourism related activities, and where aircarriers are not prepared to provide such services ona commercial basis. Details of the PSO contractedsubvention levels are detailed in a chart on the following page.

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Table 2a Marketing, Safety & Security Grant Scheme

Airport 2000 € 2001 € 2002 € 2003 € 2004 €

Donegal 126,973 253,947 230,000 280,000 255,000

Galway 158,717 253,947 230,000 230,000 280,000

Knock 723,750 444,408 400,000 400,000 400,000

Kerry 571,382 444,408 400,000 400,000 400,000

Sligo 126,973 253,947 230,000 280,000 255,000

Waterford 196,809 253,947 410,000 650,000 650,000

Total 1,904,604 1,904,607 1,900,000 2,240,000 2,240,000

Table 3a Details of the PSO contracted subvention levels are as follows

Route 2001 € 2002 € 2003 € 2004 €

Kerry 3,441,000 4,479,000 4,497,000 4,916,000

Galway 3,999,000 4,600,000 5,105,000 5,634,000

Sligo 2,725,000 2,681,000 4,800,000* 4,800,000*

Donegal 1,802,000 2,083,000 * *

Knock 1,960,000 2,388,000 3,191,000 3,403,000

Derry 2,306,000 2,306,000 2,306,000 2,583,000

Total 16,233,000 18,537,000 19,898,000 21,336,000

*Sligo and Donegal routes are operated under a combined contract for which the total contracted

subvention is €4.8m

Table 1a NDP Capital Grant Scheme

Airport 2000 € 2001 € 2002 € 2003 € 2004 €

Donegal 0 0 252,779 717,595 0

Galway 258,646 287,807 728,065 944,712 1,276,421

Knock 0 302,610 0 2,030,996 0

Kerry 0 0 838,809 854,876 0

Sligo 0 181,759 470,060 238,694 9,441

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

Total 258,656 827,314 2,289,714 5,373,626 2,283,947

An expenditure review, carried out in 2003/2004under the Government’s Expenditure ReviewInitiative, highlighted the escalation in subvention andvarious options for the future operation of the pro-gramme were explored in 2004. As a result of thisexamination a new approach to the procurement ofPSO requirements was decided by year-end. Thisapproach will influence the renewal of PSO servicesunder EU law in 2005.

OBJECTIVE To facilitate and encourage as wide a range as possible of reliable, regular andcompetitive commercial air services forIrish tourism, trade and industry. Responds to High Level Goal: Competition,

Regulation and Reform

StrategyEncourage the development of new airservices to and from Ireland through theconclusion of liberal regulatory arrange-ments with non-European Economic Area(EEA) States.

Ireland has signed 13 Air Service Agreements withnon-European Economic Area (EEA) States, andnegotiated a further 9 Agreements.

At the end of 2004 Ireland commenced negotiationswith the Kingdom of Bahrain with a view to conclud-ing an Air Service Agreement.

Air passenger traffic at Ireland’s State airportsincreased by 6.6% from 20.44 million in 2003 to 21.77million in 2004.

StrategyEncourage restructuring of Aer Lingus toenable it to compete effectively and deliverprofitable growth.

Table 4a The total number of passengers carried on the PSO are as follows:

Airport 2001 2002 2003 2004

Kerry 77,738 82,045 81,503 90,198

Galway 85,876 97,476 98,794 106,812

Sligo 22,691 26,344 29,934 38,503

Donegal 15,038 18,807 29,698 31,978

Knock 8,405 10,540 14,190 18,051

Derry 20,249 24,244 29,731 29,604

Table 5a Passenger Throughput at State Airports (million persons)

2001 2002 2003 2004

Dublin 14.33 15.08 15.86 17.13

Shannon 2.40 2.35 2.40 2.39

Cork 1.78 1.87 2.18 2.25

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The Company showed an increase of 28.9% in prof-itability in 2004 compared to 2003. In July, the Boardapproved a three-year business plan which built onthe progress made so far in restructuring theCompany. In addition, the company introduced serv-ices on 18 new routes, all from within existingresources, introduced a new fare structure inSeptember on all routes and increased its web usageto over 66%. It also continued the standardisation ofits European fleet with the introduction of 7 newAirbus A320 aircraft (replacing aircraft since disposedof) from the total 17 new aircraft on order fromAirbus. A summary of key elements are as follows: -

The Aer Lingus Act 2004 was enacted on 7 April 2004,allowing for full implementation of the EmployeeShare Ownership Plan (ESOP) with the allocation of a9.9% shareholding issued to staff on 20 August 2004.As a result, the total staff shareholding was 14.9% atend 2004.

StrategyDetermine the appropriate ownershipstructure for Aer Lingus

Following the establishment of a Cabinet Sub-Committee to examine all the issues relating to thefuture ownership of Aer Lingus, Goldman Sachs wasmandated to provide advice and assistance regarding

options for the future of Aer Lingus including adviceon funding needs and strategic issues. TheGoldmans Sachs Report was submitted to theDepartment in November 2004 and was subsequentlypublished. Following consideration of this Reportand other issues relating to the future of Aer Lingusby the Government in December, a process of consul-tation with ICTU in line with the terms of SustainingProgress was initiated.

StrategyDetermine the appropriate access to Irishairports for all airlines providing transat-lantic air services, in the light of the devel-oping EU policy on Europe-United States“open skies”

In response to a European Court of Justice ruling in2002, the Council of Transport Ministers unanimouslyagreed in June 2003 to give a mandate to negotiate acomprehensive air transport agreement with theUSA. Four rounds of negotiations between theEuropean Commission and the United States tookplace in the first half of 2004. It had been hoped thatan EU-US deal could be approved at the June 2004Transport Council under the Irish Presidency, inadvance of the EU-US Summit in Ireland in June2004. During the negotiations, the Commission wasassisted by a Committee made up of representativesof all Member States, including Ireland.

However, agreement was not reached, and negotia-tions were paused to allow the US Presidential elec-tions to take place. Further talks will take place in2005.

A report for the European Commission estimates thatfull open skies between the EU and the US wouldlead to a 10% increase in passenger numbers inIreland, leading to a boost to the economy of between€41m and €99m per annum.

Table 6a

Aer Lingus 2001 2002 2003 2004

Operating Profit/(Loss) (€52.1m) €63.8m €83m €107m

Net Profit (€139.9m) €35.3m €69.2m €1.2m

Average Number of Aircraft 37 33 33 32

Number of Services 42 42 47 61

Scheduled Passengers carried 6.3m 6.2m 6.6m 7m

OBJECTIVETo ensure that Irish aviation safety andsecurity policies and practices comply withor exceed best international standards.Responds to High Level Goal: Safety

StrategySupport the development of an effectiveEuropean Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

During 2004 the European Aviation Safety Agency(EASA) continued to develop its capabilities andmoved to its permanent headquarters in Köln.

A member of the Department’s staff representsIreland on the Agency’s Management Board.

StrategyEnsure that the Department’s Air AccidentInvestigation Unit continues to operate tothe highest international standards.

The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) conductsits investigations of aviation accidents and incidentsin accordance with Annex 13 to the International CivilAviation Organisation Convention, European UnionCouncil Directive 94/56/EC, and Statutory InstrumentNo. 205 of 1997.

Of the total number of occurrences, 54 occurred inthe State, while 14 occurred outside the State. Ofthese occurrences, 24 are being investigated by theAAIU, while 8 are the subject of investigation by otherNational Authorities, with the assistance of the AAIU.

The AAIU published 22 Final Reports in 2004.

The main purpose of the AAIU is accident investiga-tion and prevention. In its latter role many Reportsconclude, where appropriate, with SafetyRecommendations.

A total of 44 Safety Recommendations were made by the AAIU in 2004. These Recommendations weremade to aircraft operators, airport authorities, aircraft manufacturers and government agencies inIreland and abroad. Details of AAIU Reports includingSafety Recommendations are published routinely onthe AAIU website- www.aaiu.ie

StrategyDesignate public safety zones in the vicinityof Irish State airports in conjunction withthe Department of Environment and LocalGovernment for the use of planning authorities.

In their report, completed in 2003, UK consultantsERM recommended the creation of Public SafetyZones near airports in which development should berestricted to limit the number of people affected bypossible accidents involving aircraft. Implementationof the recommendations will be done by the issuingof guidelines by the Department of Environment,Heritage and Local Government to local authorities.Arrangements were concluded during 2004 with aview to Government approval of the final report andrecommendations early in 2005.

Table 7a 2001 2002 2003 2004

Accidents Reported 10 12 13 9

Serious Incidents Reported 6 7 16 14

Incidents Reported 47 30 35 34

Occurrences logged and no further action required 10 10 14 11

Total number of accidents 73 59 78 68

Fatalities 0 2 1 1

Injuries 5 2 4 4

Final Reports Published 19 14 20 22

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StrategyReview the Irish Aviation Authority’s (IAA)role and structure as an air navigation serv-ice provider and safety regulator in light ofnew and emerging EU policies.

The Department is currently examining the separa-tion of the IAA’s two functions (service provider andregulating authority for air navigation services) in thecontext of the Single European Sky legislation and theestablishment of EASA.

StrategyPrepare a new National Civil AviationSecurity Programme (NCASP) and reviewrole and profile of the National Civil AviationSecurity Committee in light of new EURegulations and fall out from 9/11.

In 2004 the Department continued to work on devel-oping and strengthening aviation security measuresrelating to all areas of Irish aviation. The NationalCivil Aviation Security Programme was updated inline with current EU requirements following detailedconsultation with airlines, airports and other relevantparties. A key development in 2004 was establish-ment of a Memorandum of Understanding with theUK Department for Transport concerning mutualrecognition of air cargo security procedures. During2004, a new National Civil Aviation Security TrainingProgramme was adopted.

StrategyReview Aviation Security monitoringarrangements and resource requirements.

The Department is responsible for the ongoing moni-toring of airlines’ and airports’ compliance with

national and international aviation security stan-dards. During 2004, the Department updated themonitoring and compliance arrangements for civilaviation in the State through the adoption of aNational Civil Aviation Security Control Programme.There was an increased level of compliance monitor-ing by the Department of all areas of aviation securityactivity during 2004.

OBJECTIVEEnsure an ongoing strategic and opera-tional role for IAA in the provision of AirTraffic Management (ATM) services.Responds to High Level Goals; Infrastructure,

Integration and Competition, Regulation and Reform

StrategyReactivation of Ireland/UK inter-govern-mental discussions on the future of ATMoperations on the North Atlantic.

These talks have successfully concluded with agree-ment on the creation of a new airspace block off thenorthwest coast of Ireland to be called the NorthernOceanic Transition Area (NOTA). This area is to becontrolled by the IAA and increases Irish controlledairspace by 95,000sq km. Implementation of theAgreement is over 2 phases, commencing 20 January2005 with full implementation from October 2006.

StrategyIn conjunction with IAA, continue to play aproactive part in the development of EU andpan-European proposals for the future ofATM, in particular the EU’s Single EuropeanSky initiative.

Negotiations at EU level to complete the regulatoryframework for the establishment of a SingleEuropean Sky, which is intended to bring about majorstructural improvements to European air traffic man-agement systems, continued during 2004. The EU isseeking to develop strategic capability in satellitenavigation through the Galileo project, Europe’s pro-posed civilian-controlled global satellite system,which is scheduled to be operational by 2008. Irelandis involved at EU level with the project and a numberof important milestones were achieved duringIreland’s Presidency of the EU including an agree-ment on interoperability between Galileo and theUnited States Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) sys-tem and agreement on the structures for the futuremanagement of Galileo. Work on draft Heads of aBill to provide for ratification of the revisedEurocontrol Convention was concluded in 2004.

StrategyArising from the structural review of theIAA proposed under the Safety Objective, toensure that the IAA is best positioned toprovide ATM services of increasing capacityand enhanced cost effectiveness.

In tandem with the review to be undertaken by theDepartment, the Authority, in line with its mandate,continued during 2004 to focus on measures toimprove its efficiency and effectiveness while main-taining the highest level of safety. Among the actionsand initiatives taken by the Authority during 2004,was the completion of a major €115m investmentprogramme in new air traffic management systemsand equipment.

OBJECTIVETo limit the environmental impact of aircraftnoise and emissions while continuing tomeet the business needs of airport/aviationcustomers. Responds to High Level Goal: Competition, Regulation

and Reform

StrategyContribute to the ongoing development ofnew international measures to deal withthe reduction of noise and emissions fromaircraft.

The Department sent a representative to the 35thAssembly of ICAO (International Civil AviationOrganisation) which was held in Montreal 28thSeptember – 8 October 2004. The Assembly request-ed the Council to continue to develop guidance forContracting States on the application of market-based measures aimed at reducing or limiting theenvironmental impact of aircraft engine emissions,particularly with respect to mitigating the impact ofaviation on climate change.

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Annual Report

OBJECTIVETo ensure that the rights of air passengersare safeguarded in the context of continuedgrowth at all levels of air transport.Responds to High Level Goal: Competition,

Regulation and Reform

StrategyContribute to the development of EU legis-lation on passengers’ rights, in conjunctionwith the Department of Enterprise, Tradeand Employment and the Office of theDirector of Consumer Affairs.

StrategyMonitor the voluntary commitments (AirlinePassenger Service Commitment) enteredinto by service providers in the air transportsector to improve service quality to cus-tomers.

In 2004 an EU Regulation was adopted establishingcommon rules on the compensation and assistanceprovided to air passengers by airlines in the event ofdenied boarding, cancellation or long delay of flights.This Regulation will enter into force in February 2005.

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OBJECTIVE:To oversee the effective implementation ofthe investment programme

StrategyAct as a Managing Authority for theEconomic and Social InfrastructureOperational Programme.

The Department of Transport is the ManagingAuthority for the Economic and Social InfrastructureOperational Programme 2000 to 2006 (ESIOP), whichis being undertaken as part of the NationalDevelopment Plan and the Community SupportFramework for Ireland agreed by the IrishGovernment and the European Commission. TheESIOP involves capital investment amounting to €26billion in major infrastructure including nationalroads, public transport, environmental infrastructure,sustainable energy, health facilities and housing.ESIOP expenditure on national roads, public trans-port, environmental infrastructure and sustainableenergy are being part-financed by European RegionalDevelopment Fund (ERDF) assistance amounting to€1.04 billion. A monitoring committee chaired by theDepartment's Assistant Secretary for Roads is over-seeing the implementation of the ESIOP.

Total expenditure on the ESIOP in 2004 amounted toapproximately €4.224 billion which is 6% more thanthe forecast for the year. Total ERDF aid received in2004 for projects under the ESIOP amounted to€165.3 million including €113.4 million in respect ofnational road projects and €36.8 million in respect ofpublic transport projects. In addition, in 2004,Cohesion Fund grant payments amounting to €17.7million were received in respect of national roadsprojects.

StrategySupport the work of the Cabinet Committeeon Housing, Infrastructure and PPPs in giving effect to integrated transport invest-ment policy within an overall strategicframework for investment in infrastructure.

The Department actively participated in the work ofthe Cross-Departmental Team which supports theCabinet Committee. In his Budget speech inDecember 2004 the Minister for Finance announcedhis agreement in principle to a ten year capitalinvestment envelope for transport. The Departmentcommenced work late in 2004 on the preparation of a ten year transport investment framework which willbe considered by the Cross-Departmental Team andCabinet Committee during 2005.

OBJECTIVETo harness the potential of combining publicand private resources in the provision oftransport infrastructure and services to agreater extent than at present.

StrategyDevelopment of non-Exchequer sources of funding, including Public PrivatePartnerships, to support the investmentprogramme.

Integration and Cross Cutting IssuesPolicy Objectives and Strategies

Table 1c Cohesion Fund Grants

Project Grant

Drogheda Bypass €10.436m

Ennis Bypass €7.234m

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Table 2c PPP Concessions Awarded 2004

Route Project County Year Awarded Completion Date Estimated Private Funding

M1 Dundalk Western Bypass Louth February 2004 Q1/2006 €137.3m

N8 Fermoy Bypass Cork May 2004 Q4/2006 €120.5m

StrategyApply a consistent approach to analysis androll-out of PPP projects in conjunction withrelevant State Agencies under theDepartment’s aegis.

StrategyDevelop the most appropriate models forPPPs and incorporate them into overallnational PPP guidelines.

StrategySupport the State agencies in promotingfurther the use of PPPs as a means ofdelivering the transport investment pro-gramme under the NDP.

The Department continued to contribute to the devel-opment of national PPP policy through interdepart-mental fora led by the Department of Finance.

Following a competitive tendering process, ConnexTransport Ireland Ltd was awarded the operatingfranchise for the LUAS system. The contract is forfive years from the commencement of passengerservices, with an option for renewal for a further fiveyears.

A number of major road upgrade projects throughoutthe country are being implemented by the NRA bymeans of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), withthe private sector being remunerated (in part) by usertolls.

Further information on Road PPPs is available in the Road Transportation Section.

OBJECTIVETo provide a policy framework for the trans-parent and effective economic regulation oftransport in Ireland. Responds to High Level Goal: Competition, Regulation

and Reform

StrategyCollaborate within the Department and withother Government Departments to ensure acommon and consistent approach to eco-nomic regulation.

StrategyProvide an effective input to the develop-ment of national regulatory policy, in thecontext of the regulatory policy paper,Governance and Accountability in theRegulatory Process.

The Government White Paper entitled “RegulatingBetter” was published in early 2004. Progress wasmade during the year on developing an action planwhich would implement the six principles of betterregulation across the Department’s activities. TheDepartment also participated in the work of theBetter Regulation Group, chaired by the Departmentof the Taoiseach.

OBJECTIVETo ensure that our State agencies achieveoptimum service delivery and value for the public and conform to the highest standards of corporate governance. Responds to High Level Goal: Competition, Regulation

and Reform

StrategyProvide a clear mandate to each of our

State bodies.

StrategyEnsure that the Chairpersons and Boardsprovide effective and appropriate leadershipfor our State bodies.

StrategyImplement the pay/performance structurefor the chief executives of commercial Statecompanies and oversee remuneration/ con-tract matters for independent regulators.

StrategyEnsure the full implementation of the Codeof Practice for the Governance of State

Bodies by our State bodies.

Work on the revision and updating of guidelines oncontracts and performance related pay for newlyappointed Chief Executives of commercial state bod-ies under the aegis of the Department of Transportcontinued in consultation with the Department ofFinance and other Departments during 2004.

The State bodies under the aegis of the Departmentoperating in the transport sector face increasingcompetition in the delivery of quality and cost-effective services. The overall objective of theDepartment in the area of corporate governance is to drive an agenda to ensure excellent standards ofcorporate behaviour in the commercial state bodies.This is being achieved by ensuring that these bodiesadhere to the standards of corporate behaviour set bythe Department of Finance in the Code of Practice forthe Governance of State Bodies. The Internal AuditUnit completed a study on the level of compliancewith the Code and the recommendations will be followedup in 2005.

The Department of Finance inaugurated a review ofthe Code of Practice for the Governance of StateBodies in 2003. The Department participated in theongoing review process during 2004.

OBJECTIVETo further develop and implement an integrated transport policy for Ireland.Responds to High Level Goal: Integration

StrategyPrepare and adopt a series of policy state-ments that, over time, will build into anintegrated transport policy framework.

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StrategyCollaborate with other GovernmentDepartments, local authorities and Stateagencies to ensure the integration of trans-port policy with other Government policies.

StrategyImprove integration within and acrosstransport modes including air, bus, rail,road (national and non-national) and sea.

The Integration Cross-Cutting Team, chaired by theSecretary General and with representation from theDepartment of Communications, Marine and NaturalResources and from the Department of theEnvironment, Heritage and Local Government, met on11 occasions during 2004. During the year, the Teamadopted policy papers on Best Practice in IntegratedTransport, Integrated Land Use and Transport, ModalShift and Settlement/Transport Trends. This under-pinned the development of a set of Guiding Principlesfor Integrated Transport Policy, work on which wassubstantially completed by end 2004. It also influ-enced initial consideration in late 2004 on the broadoutline and direction of the ten year transport invest-ment framework.

Work on developing a common framework for theappraisal and monitoring of transport investment wasprogressed during the year. The Cross-Cutting Teamwith responsibility for this item engaged a firm ofeconomic consultants to assist it in developing thecommon framework. It is expected that the projectwill be completed during 2005.

StrategyParticipate effectively in EU initiatives forenhancing Trans-European Networks forTransport (TEN-T)

Advancing the Trans-European Transport Networks(TEN-T) was an important priority during Ireland'sPresidency of the EU in the first half of 2004. TheDepartment assisted in achieving Ireland’sPresidency target of agreeing a new list of TEN-Tprojects for an expanded EU and revision of the exist-ing TEN-T Guidelines. Agreement was reached bythe EU Transport Ministers in March, and by theEuropean Parliament in April 2004.

Ireland succeeded in having the Cork-Dublin-Belfastroad corridor and the Cork-Dublin-Belfast rail corri-dor included in the list of TEN-T Priority projects inthe revised TEN-T Guidelines.

OBJECTIVEWork with the Department of Environmentand Local Government as lead Departmentto align transport, spatial and land use policies in a coherent fashion that recognisesthe inter-dependence between transportand land use. Responds to High Level Goal: Integration

StrategyCollaborate with other GovernmentDepartments and State agencies in theimplementation of the National SpatialStrategy.

The Department continues to focus on the provisionof support for the development of integrated land useand transport planning in the context of the NationalSpatial Strategy (NSS). In its approach to such plan-ning, the Department seeks to have new public trans-port proposals considered in the context of land usestrategies which support and complement them andwhich provide the social and economic justification

for investing in them. In the course of 2004, theDepartment’s Cross-Cutting Team on the NSS con-tributed to a consistent and coherent approach to theprovision of transport inputs in the development ofRegional Planning Guidelines (RPGs). These RPGswere formally adopted in the course ofSummer/Autumn 2004 in each region of the country.Furthermore, to ensure that the transport agenda isadvanced in each region, the Department continuesto be represented on each of the Regional SteeringGroups that are in operation.

StrategyEstablish new institutional arrangementsfor strategic land use and transport plan-ning in the Greater Dublin Area.

StrategyReview selected regional and local land-usepolicies and practices to ensure coherencewith transport development.

The establishment of an independent national publictransport procurement and regulatory body is nowconsidered the most effective way of implementingregulatory reform. In the light of recent developmentsit is considered that the policy objectives of effectiveland use and transport planning can, for the present,be successfully addressed within existing structures.It is not, therefore, a priority to establish a strategicland use and transportation authority for the GreaterDublin Area.

StrategyMonitor and oversee implementation of APlatform for Change and other integratedurban transport strategies.

The Dublin Transportation Office (DTO) has responsi-bility for strategic transport planning in the GreaterDublin Area (GDA). In this regard, the DTO has provid-ed a long-term transport strategy for the GDA for theperiod 2000 through 2016, entitled “A Platform forChange”. This strategy has as its objective the reduction in growth in the demand for transport, particularly for private transport, and to reduce theneed for car commuting by improving the reliability,availability and quality of public transport. Work onthe 10-year transport investment framework, whichis being prepared for Government, is being informedby the DTO strategy.

OBJECTIVETo incorporate the economic, social andenvironmental dimensions of sustainabilityin the development and delivery of trans-port policy. Responds to High Level Goal: Integration

StrategyPromote the fuller integration of sustain-able development considerations into trans-port policy.

StrategyCollaborate with the Department ofEnvironment, Heritage and LocalGovernment (DOEHLG) and with otherGovernment Departments to ensure theintegration of transport policy and otherpolicies so as to contribute to sustainabledevelopment.

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The Department participated in the Inter-Departmental Green Tax Group, chaired by theDepartment of Finance, which considered proposalsfor a Carbon Energy Tax. While Government decidedin Autumn 2004 not to proceed with the tax, it agreedthat action should be intensified in relation to othermeasures under the National Climate ChangeStrategy.

The Department also participated in the Inter-Departmental Biofuels Group, chaired by theDepartment of Communications, Marine and NaturalResources, which commenced consideration of policyoptions for the development of a strategy to increasemarket penetration of biofuels in Ireland.

StrategyCollaborate with DOEHLG and with otherGovernment Departments to ensure equi-table treatment for the transport sectorunder the measures adopted to fulfilIreland's Kyoto Protocol obligations.

The Department participated in the Inter-Departmental Committee, chaired by the Departmentof the Environment, Heritage and Local Government,which advised Government on the most economicallyefficient apportionment of Ireland's allowances underthe Kyoto Protocol between those participating in theEU emissions trading scheme (ETS) and those out-side the scheme (including the transport sector). InFebruary 2004, the Government decided on theabsolute tonnage of emission allowances to be allo-cated to participants in the ETS for the pilot phase(2005-2007). The Government also decided on anindicative absolute allocation of allowances to ETSparticipants for the Kyoto commitment period (2008-2012) and, in that context, indicated its intention topurchase allowances to help ensure that Ireland is inpossession of sufficient allowances to comply with

Kyoto commitments for those sectors of the economynot directly engaged in the ETS (including the trans-port sector).

The Department also participated in the review by theUnited Nations Framework Climate ChangeConvention of Ireland's Third NationalCommunication on climate change policy, which wasco-ordinated by the Department of the Environment,Heritage and Local Government.

StrategyParticipate in appropriate international fora(e.g. EU, the European Conference ofMinisters for Transport (ECMT)) to influencethe general development of integrated poli-cies for transport, health and the environ-ment as well as the development of specificpolicies on sustainable transport.

The Department attended the Steering Committeemeeting of the United Nations/World HealthOrganisation Transport, Health and Environment Pan-European Programme which seeks to develop poli-cies aimed at the integration of environmental andhealth aspects into transport policy, and the promo-tion of sustainable mobility.

The Department attended the Energy in Motion HighLevel Conference on energy and sustainable mobilityorganised as part of the Dutch Presidency of the EU.

European Car Free Day

The Department provided assistance for Ireland’sparticipation in European Car Free Day 2004 in col-laboration with the Department of Environment,Heritage & Local Government, Sustainable EnergyIreland, transport operators and local authoritiesthroughout the country. Twenty urban centres tookpart in European Car Free Day.

OBJECTIVETo co-operate with the relevant authoritiesin Northern Ireland and Great Britain indeveloping transport policies in a mutuallybeneficial manner. Responds to High Level Goal: Integration

StrategyWork with the Northern Ireland authoritiesincluding, in particular, within the frame-work of the North/South MinisterialCouncil, on agreed projects within the areasselected for transport co-operation: strate-gic transport planning, road safety, and railsafety.

North / South co-operation was progressed in the fol-lowing key areas, within the framework of the North /South Ministerial Council:

Road Safety - Metrication of Speed Limits

Throughout 2004, the Metrication Changeover Boardliaised with the authorities in Northern Irelandregarding the progression towards the proposed met-rication of speed limits in this jurisdiction in 2005,with particular emphasis on new arrangements oncross-border roads. Work on other Road Safety ini-tiatives is also progressing under the British-IrishCouncil work programme (see BIC, below)

Rail Safety

Department of Transport and officials from IarnródÉireann met regularly with officials in NorthernIreland to discuss safety issues relating to the opera-tion of the Enterprise service. The purpose of theongoing co-operation is to ensure that all issues aris-

ing from the transposition of EU Directives on railsafety in both jurisdictions are dealt with at an earlydate.

The main issues relate to the “Interoperability” andthe Rail Safety Directive. The InteroperabilityDirectives focus on harmonising technical standardsacross Europe to allow trains cross borders easily.The Rail Safety Directive focuses on ensuring that theoperation of a rail service is as safe as possible byputting in place systems and procedures that pro-mote a safety culture. It also proposes the setting upof an independent rail safety authority in each mem-ber state that has responsibility for ensuring all com-panies comply with safety guidelines.

Transport Infrastructure Planning

Proposals for road and rail infrastructure underINTERREG IIIA and Trans-European Networks (TENs)were progressed in close consultation with relevantofficials in Northern Ireland.

Interreg 111A

Department of Transport and Department forRegional Development Northern Ireland are imple-menting bodies under measure 2.1 of the INTERREG111A Programme (an EU special initiative for cross-border and inter-regional cooperation) and havereceived approval for EU funding for a number of jointroad projects including realignment of the N54/A3, afeasibility study for Ballynacarry Bridge (N53/A37)and INSTANT (a multi-modal traffic management andinformation system for cross-border traffic betweenDublin and Belfast).

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Trans-European Networks (TENs)

� TENS- Road

The Dublin-Border section of the Belfast–Dublin cor-ridor has been upgraded to motorway standard tojust south of Dundalk. Construction commenced onthe Dundalk Western Bypass in April 2004 and it isdue for completion in Quarter 1 of 2006.

� TENS- Rail

TENS funding is being sought for improvements tothe Belfast /Dublin/Cork rail corridor. The project isfocussed on the elimination of a number of key speedrestrictions along the corridor. Whilst most of thework will take place on the Dublin-Cork line, twolevel crossings at Dromaskin and Commons, betweenDrogheda and Dundalk are to be upgraded from auto-matic half barrier crossings to full separation onbridges. So far, EU funding of €1 million has beenprovided for feasibility, design and tender prepara-tions in conjunction with Limerick junction andPortarlington improvements.

� City of Derry Airport

In 2004, two proposals for capital funding forCity of Derry Airport were considered by theDepartment of Transport and the Departmentfor Regional Development (DRD) in NorthernIreland. The Department participated on aProject Steering Group, which was establishedby DRD to examine all technical and financialaspects of the main investment proposal.

StrategyWork with other administrations in theBritish-Irish Council (BIC) to implement thework programme and priorities agreed byMinisters.

The Department participated fully with the BIC Co-ordination Group throughout 2004. The Group contin-ues to keep BIC developments under review, in linewith the Memorandum on Supporting and Developingthe Work of the Council and recommendations agreedat the BIC Guernsey Summit in November 2004. TheBIC Co-ordination Group also continues to consider,as appropriate, relevant issues affecting BIC adminis-trations and the Council, including the implications ofFreedom of Information legislation introduced in theUK and Scotland in January 2005.

While the Northern Ireland authorities have the leadrole for co-ordination of BIC co-operation in theTransport Sector, this Department has been activelyinvolved in progressing various Road Safety initia-tives. Work on road safety is primarily being takenforward on two issues; Driving and Drugs Misuse andMutual Recognition of Penalty Points and DrivingDisqualifications.

On the first of these, arrangements are being madeto convene a meeting of road safety researchersspecifically to look at the drugs and driving issue withthe aim of proposing further ideas for collaborativework in this field. It is hoped to hold the first meet-ing of this group in mid 2005.

On mutual recognition of driving penalties, a WorkingGroup, involving representatives from the relevantjurisdictions’ Government, legal and enforcementagencies is being established and intends to meet inmid 2005.

OBJECTIVETo contribute to the provision of safer, moresustainable and more efficient transport of people and goods using intelligent trans-port systems (ITS). Responds to High Level Goals: Investment, Safety

and Delivery

StrategyEmbrace the latest technological developments

in our investment strategies and promote com-

patibility and interoperability among Information

and Communications Technology systems.

StrategyDevelop a Departmental ITS strategy,

consistent with the Government’s Information

Society policies. The ITS Cross-Cutting

Team continued its work on an ITS strategy.

StrategyCreate stronger linkages between central

Government, the European Commission,

local authorities and other public and pri-

vate sector actors in transport in relation to

the development and implementation of a

coherent ITS strategy.

In early 2004, the ITS Cross-Cutting Team facilitatedthe establishment of the ITS Applications Sub-Groupof stakeholders, comprising those business unitswithin the Department and those bodies outside theDepartment involved in ITS implementation.Membership of this Group included the RailwayProcurement Agency, the National Roads Authority,Dublin City Council and the Department of Social &Family Affairs. The initial focus of this Group was onvarious card (including smart card) initiatives.

The Group met on three occasions between April andJune 2004 and a draft report was submitted to theITS Team chairperson in October 2004. The Groupexplored the potential for link-ups between smartcards for transport transactions and for regulation.

OBJECTIVETo promote research that will support thedevelopment of transport in Ireland.Responds to High Level Goal: Integration

StrategyPrioritise research that supports development

and implementation of transport policy.

StrategyEncourage widespread collaboration ontransport research.

Work on the development of a formal Data/StatisticsStrategy commenced in 2004 in pursuance of aGovernment decision requiring the development ofsuch strategies in Government Departments in orderto facilitate evidence-based policy development andanalysis. A Data Strategy Committee was establishedand work commenced to ascertain data needs forpolicy purposes and identify relevant data sourceswithin the Department and its agencies.

In 2004, expenditure of €100,000 was incurred inrespect of the Pilot Transport Research Programmeestablished by the Department under the NDP. TheHigher Education Authority administers theProgramme on behalf of the Department. Fourresearch projects are being funded under theProgramme which started in 2002 and is due to conclude in 2005.

The Department continued to discharge its responsibilities as National Delegate and NationalContact Point in respect of the Sustainable SurfaceTransport element of the Sixth EU FrameworkProgramme for Research and TechnologicalDevelopment 2003-2006.

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OBJECTIVETo ensure that Ireland is well positioned to contribute to the development of EUtransport policy and legislation, that the EU takes due account of our particular circumstances as an open economy and aperipheral island state and to discharge ourEU Presidency responsibilities as effectivelyas possible. Responds to High Level Goal: Integration

StrategyIdentify key Government priorities andmanage the Department’s programme forIreland’s Presidency of the EU in the firstsix months of 2004.

StrategyDevelop a coherent approach across theDepartment in dealing with EU policyissues.

The primary focus of the Department during Ireland’sEU Presidency from January to June 2004 was toadvance the transport agenda in Europe. With theassistance of a special team set up in mid 2003, theDepartment coordinated the strategy for the twoTransport Councils and a number of Ministerialmeetings. The Department also planned and organ-ised ”Transport Day” involving the signing of theEuropean Road Safety Charter in Dublin Castle on 6April 2004. The event was attended by virtually everyTransport Minister of the European Union, thePresident of the European Parliament, the TransportCommissioner and key figures from the motor industry.

The event was successful with positive coverage forthe road safety message in domestic and internation-al media.

The Irish Presidency also achieved agreement withthe European Parliament on revised Guidelines forthe Trans-European Transport Network and conclud-ed a successful conciliation with the Parliament,leading to the adoption of the Second Rail Package.Political agreement on road transport drivers’ hoursand agreement on management structures for theGalileo satellite navigation project followed at theJune Council. Productive effort also went into theEurovignette and EU-US Open Skies proposals whichwill continue to be developed at EU level.

StrategyCollaborate with other Government

Departments to ensure a common approach

to EU issues impacting on transport policy.

Strategy:

Co-operate more closely with other

Member States and the EU institutions, to

meet the requirements of the increasingly

complex and cross-cutting nature of EU

business.

The Department participated in a range of interde-partmental committees to contribute to a consistentand coherent approach across Government on EUaffairs; the Inter Departmental Co-ordinatingCommittee on EU Affairs on management of EU business generally, the Lisbon Group on the overallEuropean economic strategy, and various Department

of Foreign Affairs co-ordinating groups including thePlanning for the Presidency Group. As part of itsPresidency preparations the Department receivedvisiting delegations from the Member States and thethen Accession States. Our transport attaché, who isassigned to Ireland’s Permanent Representation tothe EU in Brussels, was supported with additionalstaff for the increased presidency workload. Theyworked closely with colleagues in the other MemberStates to progress the various EU transport policyproposals that were put forward for consideration bythe European Council.

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Organisational Objectives and StrategiesPolicy Objectives and Strategies

OBJECTIVEA highly motivated, professional and committed workforce with equality ofopportunity working in a positive, harmonious and supportive environment.Responds to High Level Goal: Delivery

StrategyArticulation and implementation of a comprehensive Human Resources Strategy,which includes progressive devolution ofresponsibilities to line managers.

Through a variety of Human Resources initiatives, theDepartment, in 2004, continued the implementationof its strategy of developing a workforce that isfocussed on the achievement of our corporate objec-tives while simultaneously providing the necessarysupports to ensure that every member of staff hasthe required skills and knowledge to fulfil this task.Where necessary, the opportunity to develop orenhance these competencies to greater effect is pro-vided.

In addition to training and development opportunities,other supports included a wide range of HR servicessuch as ongoing promotion/advice on thePerformance Management and Development System(PMDS) and the provision of opportunities to avail ofwork-life balance schemes including term time, worksharing and decentralisation. Harmonious relation-ships with the various staff associations including theconclusion of a significant agreement on internal pro-motions enhanced our opportunities for success onthese fronts.

The support of training and education opportunities,the improvement in the quality and frequency of com-

munications with staff at all levels and the ongoingdevelopment of the Partnership process contributedto the overall positive working environment.

The project to decentralise forty posts in the RoadHaulage Division of the Department to Loughrea con-tinued during 2004. The Central Applications Facilityhas received eighty-four applications for the decen-tralising posts, nineteen from within the Department.

Work is ongoing in relation to the planning of staffingmoves and in liaison with O.P.W. on accommodationmatters.

StrategyA structured approach to the assignment ofstaff to meet evolving business needs andwhich contributes to staff development.

During 2004, staff assignments were made takinginto account the business needs of the Departmentand the development needs of the individual. A com-prehensive staff mobility exercise was undertaken forClerical Officers and Staff/Executive Officers.

StrategyAn equitable system of promotion andadvancement based on recognition of per-formance and capability.

As part of the Action plan for the Department devel-oped under Sustaining Progress a target of 100%competitive merit-based promotions was set.Necessary discussions with staff interests concludedin 2004 for ratification of an agreed policy paper inearly 2005.

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StrategyA good working industrial relations environ-ment and a human resources service,including pay and pensions, which is posi-tive, flexible and supportive of the needs ofstaff.

The Department did not suffer any loss of workdaysin 2004 due to industrial action. The continuing openand proactive approach to IR issues has preserved apositive environment.

StrategyImplementation of schemes that enhancework/life balance opportunities.

The Department promotes and supports family-friendly work initiatives/policies.

The number of staff that availed of the variousschemes is as follows:

In accordance with Government equality policies, theDepartment has targets in relation to the genderbreakdown of key staff grades. These targets are setout as follows:

The number of staff with disabilities employed in theDepartment is 3.7% and this accords with targetsestablished by Government in this regard.

StrategyProvision of appropriate accommodationand facilities and a safe, healthy and welfare-conscious working environment for all staff, including the support and facilitation of staff with disabilities.

The current Departmental Safety Statement wasissued on the 22nd July 2004. Following a compre-hensive report by the Health and Safety Authority, thedocument has undergone significant enhancementwith specific risk assessments for field staff beingconducted. The Safety Statement was also madeavailable online to staff. Copies have been distributedto all Driving Test Centres.

Table 1o Scheme No. of staff participating in

2002 2003 2004

Worksharing 76 80 86

Parental Leave 21 29 23

Term Time 6 8 14

Table 2o Male: Female Ratio in relevant grades 2004

2002 2003 2004 Target byend 2007

HEO 47 : 53 47 : 53 55 : 45 50 : 50

AP 53 : 47 53 : 47 55 : 45 50 : 50

PO 89 : 10 88 : 12 87 : 13 74 : 26

Table 3o

2002 2003 2004

% of staff with disabilities 3.32 3.0 3.7

A series of health promotional activities were alsoundertaken in 2004 including the provision ofSmoking Cessation Classes and Flu Vaccine adminis-tration.

A help desk operates within Property ManagementUnit to deal with all day-to-day accommodationissues including all office maintenance requests, fur-niture and equipment requirements. Several projectswere also undertaken during the year such as therefurbishment/upgrading of offices and communalareas within the Department.

StrategyOngoing promotion, support and review ofthe performance management developmentsystem (PMDS), which informs decisions onassignment, training and promotion.

Upward Feedback training commenced in theDepartment in 2004 as part of the PerformanceManagement and Development System. This trainingwas offered to all staff on a voluntary basis andalmost 15% of staff participated during 2004.

StrategyDevelopment and implementation of atraining plan that provides for formal train-ing and development for staff, with anemphasis on the needs identified throughPMDS, competency development require-ments and promotion of the emergingequality agenda.

Staff Training and Development

The total spend on staff training and development in2004 was €921,691. This represented just over 4% oftotal payroll costs.

A total of 713 training days were delivered to staff in2004. The following chart shows a breakdown of thecategories of training delivered expressed as a per-centage of the overall number of training days.

Education Refunds

The Department encourages staff to pursue thirdlevel qualifications in their own time and will under-take to refund up to 100% of certain third level feecourses, subject to a ceiling.

Performance Management

IT Training

Health & Safety

Interpersonal Skills

Business Skills

Table 4o Third Level Fee Refund Scheme

2002 2003 2004

Refunds Approved 42 43 46

Total Spend €69,509 €74,925 €81,075

3rd level qualifications

Masters Degree 2 2 1

Primary Degree 2 5 3

Diploma 4 3 2

Certificate 2 2 10

5%8%

36%

18%

33%

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Annual Report

Table 5o

Estimate Provision 2004 Provisional Amount spent to 31.12.04

Current Capital Total Current Capital Total

€000’s €000’s €000’s €000’s €000’s €000’s

Administration Subtotal 31,918 118 32,036 31,431 452 31,883

Roads Subtotal 66,439 1,227,244 1,293,683 83,068 1,179,203 1,262,271

Public Transport Subtotal 281,435 365,657 647,092 287,074 343,312 630,386

Aviation Subtotal 23,597 3,000 26,597 26,518 2,284 28,802

Miscellaneous Subtotal 6,885 6,885 8,084 8,084

Total 410,274 1,596,019 2,006,293 436,175 1,525,251 1,961,426

OBJECTIVEFinancial management systems, includinginternal audit, that deliver effective financialcontrol and fully support the aims of theStrategic Management Initiative, particularlyin the change of focus to outputs and outcomes.

StrategySeek sufficient Exchequer funds, and whereappropriate identify private sector funding,to meet the Department’s administrativeand programme expenditure requirements.

Since its establishment in June 2002, the Departmentof Transport has been charged with managing thelargest ever spend in this country on new transportinfrastructure and ensuring that we get value formoney for that expenditure. In 2004 a sum of €1.5billion was voted and spent on capital projects in theroads, public transport and aviation sectors. A further€436 million was voted to fund current and adminis-trative requirements.

The Department had a technical SupplementaryEstimate in 2004 in order to re-allocate funds withinits programmes.

The requirement for additional funds arose primarilyin relation to the LUAS and Taxi Regulation and as theamounts were significant in comparison to the originalestimate, it was necessary to seek a SupplementaryEstimate. The gross total of the SupplementaryEstimate was €36.3 million. This sum was offset byre-allocation of funds from other subheads in theVote. Details are shown in Appendix A.

StrategyEnsure proper accounting for, and monitor-ing of, all expenditure and compliance withvalue for money practices.

The Department continued the process of strengthen-ing its financial systems and procedures and enhanc-ing internal controls. A number of measures wereundertaken during 2004, including:

� Processes and procedures within the FinanceDivision were redefined to ensure optimum controland efficiency,

� The introduction of Web Requisitioning and Invoice Manager, web-based solutions to purchaseordering and authorisation of payments,

� The full rollout of Electronic Travel and Subsistence(ET&S) providing an electronic solution for theclaiming of travel and subsistence,

� The provision of on-line access to managementreporting functionality to Divisions, supportingenhanced budget management and decision-mak-ing,

� Comprehensive financial training provided toFinance Division staff and ongoing financial train-ing provided to Departmental staff dealing specifi-cally with financial management responsibilities,management reporting and financial controlissues.

Prompt Payment of Accounts Act, 1997

The Department has complied with the provisions of the Act during the year ended 31 December 2004.In accordance with the Act, interest payments areincurred in respect of late payments of accounts.

StrategyStrengthen the framework of control within

the Department by undertaking internal

audits and reviews of resource utilisation,

systems and procedures, and by advising

on the implementation of good control

mechanisms to meet EU and Exchequer

requirements.

The Internal Audit Unit is comprised of three staff(Head of Internal Audit – Assistant Principal, 1 HigherExecutive Officer and 1 Executive Officer). The Headof Internal Audit was appointed in October 2004. The

Unit prepares an annual programme of audits basedon risk assessment and reports to the AuditCommittee and Secretary General, as appropriate. Asummary of work completed in 2004 is outlined below:

The following audits were completed in 2004:

� Roads (EU Audit) - M1 Cloghran-Lissenhall (Stage 2)Project

� Roads (EU Audit) - M1 Lissenhall-BalbrigganProject

� Roads (EU Audit)- M50 South Eastern Motorway(Stage 2) Project

� Public Transport (EU Audit)- Heuston Terminal &South West Rail Corridor Development (Stage 1)Project

� Road Haulage Division (audit work completed, auditreport to be presented to Audit Committee in 2005)

In addition to the audits completed, the followingprojects were also undertaken:

� The Internal Audit Charter was reviewed andstrengthened to take account of issues raised inthe Mullarkey Report. The new charter was adopt-ed in October 2004.

� A new Audit Committee was established to replacethe preceding Internal Audit Review Committee.The new Committee is comprised of four members,two of whom are external members. A new AuditCommittee Charter was adopted in October 2004.

� The Department also formulated policy and proce-dures for dealing with fraud in 2004. These wereadopted in October 2004 and have been circulatedto all staff.

� A study of the level of compliance with the Code ofPractice for the Governance of State Bodies bystate bodies under the aegis of the Departmentwas completed in 2004.

Table 6o Late Payment of Accounts

2002 2003 2004

Payments Incurred €3,282 €4,239 €2,323

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� Internal Audit Unit co-ordinated a project to identi-fy and document systems of internal financial con-trol in place across the Department. Work on thisproject commenced in the second half of 2004 andwas well advanced by year-end. It is anticipatedthat the project will be completed by mid-2005.

StrategyFinance Division to evaluate the Q Mark/ISO9000 as a means of benchmarking qualitycustomer service.

A Project team was formed in 2004 tasked with theresponsibility of achieving the Q mark/ISO 9000.Preliminary work to achieve accreditation was com-pleted by year end.

StrategyImplement Administration Budget agree-ment with the Department of Finance.

The Department is currently operating under a threeyear Administrative Budget Agreement 2002-2004with the Department of Finance. Administrative allo-cations issued to Divisions at the end of 2004 for theyear 2005. The current Agreement has been extendedon a rolling basis until end May 2005.

StrategyImplement new Financial ManagementInformation System (FMIS) which addressesthe requirements of resource accountingand budgeting and the developingManagement Information Framework wellwithin the central timeline of 1999-2005.

� The Department, along with the Department ofSocial and Family Affairs and the Department ofAgriculture and Food continued to participate in a

pilot project on resource allocation and businessplanning and completed its initial input for thisproject during 2004.

� Divisions were provided with on-line access tomanagement reports with financial results basedon business plans.

� A major emphasis was placed on training andcommunications throughout 2004.

� Performance indicators to enhance the businessplanning and Statement of Strategy process con-tinued to be developed.

� Progress continued on the Integration of financialand non-financial performance information formanagement reporting purposes.

StrategyTo continually improve procedures in order

to ensure the continued smooth operation

of the Corepay Payroll system.A payroll procedures manual was completed in 2004and is continually critically examined with a view toensuring the smooth operation of the payroll system.

OBJECTIVE A modern, progressive, operating environ-ment that delivers positive outcomes forthe internal and external customers of theDepartment. Responds to High Level Goal: Delivery

StrategyPromote the adoption of the next phase ofthe Civil Service modernisation programmewithin the Department and contribute to theSMI process centrally.

The Department and its staff continued to progressthe modernisation agenda during 2004. As part ofthe Sustaining Progress agreement we are commit-ted to delivering significant improvements in efficien-cy and effectiveness. Our progress is assessed by theCivil Service Performance Verification Group whichdecided that our progress in 2004 warranted the pay-ment of the next phase of benchmarking and otherpay increases to staff.

Freedom of Information (FOI)

During 2004 the Department continued to meet itscommitment to operate within the requirements ofthe FOI Acts, 1997 and 2003.

Requests were received and dealt with as follows:

StrategyMake Information Technology a primaryfacilitator of the change process by using itto significantly increase the Department’sefficiency and effectiveness and also toimprove the work environment.

During the year a number of projects to advance this objective were completed or significantly movedforward.

Specific outputs included the implementation of elec-tronic salary forecasting, risk management, presscuttings, eCabinet and the ongoing enhancement ofthe security and robustness of our infrastructure.

StrategyPromote a strong focus on delivery ofresults to customers, both internal andexternal.

In March 2004 the Department published twoCustomer Charters - one for our road haulage customers and one for the rest of the Department'scustomers. Both Charters set out the standards ofservice our customers can expect to receive from theDepartment. The Customer Service Action Plan,which explains how the commitments in the Charterare to be met, was published in November 2004.

The Department undertook a Quality CustomerService (QCS) Audit in the last quarter of 2004 to findout how well the commitments made in ourCustomer Charters are being met. Pan Research Ltdcarried out the audit. The overall results are as fol-lows:

Telephone calls: Total satisfaction rating for all callsis 86%.

Table 7o FOI ActivityJune to Dec 2002* 2003 2004

Requests Received 128 156 43

Access Granted 22 49 13

Access Part granted 16 50 15

Access Denied 14 29 10

Requests withdrawn or handled outside the Freedom of Information process 16 36 7

Requests transferred to other bodies 3 4 0

Internal Reviews 2 16 5

Appeals to the Information Commissioner 1 4 4

*Department of Transport was set up in June 2002

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Promptness of call answering was very good, with90% of calls answered within 20 seconds as per ourCustomer Charter commitment.

Postal queries: Total satisfaction rating for allqueries is 70%.

Email queries: Total satisfaction rating for allqueries is 67%.

On average, 71% of customers received a full reply totheir query within the response targets as outlined inthe Department’s Customer Charter, i.e. 15 days forpostal queries and 12 days for email queries.

From January 2005 these standards are being moni-tored throughout the Department using varioustracking systems and will be reported on in each sub-sequent Annual Report.

The Department continued to place as much informa-tion as possible on its website - www.transport.ie -with the aim of making it widely available to our cus-tomers.

Strategy:Implement a coherent communicationsstrategy across the Department.

An internal Communications Survey was conductedfor the Department in Autumn of 2004 by InsightStatistical Consulting, which examined the status ofinternal communications within the Department. Themajority of staff rated communications as beingeffective or very effective in the workplace.

4 issues of the internal staff magazine - Inside Track– were published in 2004. The magazine continues tocontribute to the good communications ethos withinthe Department.

The staff intranet site – Staffnet – continues to be themain electronic communication mechanism in the

Department with a large amount of content now inplace. The electronic Bulletin Board facility on thesite has replaced email in many instances as a way ofcirculating information, making internal communica-tions within the Department more efficient and tar-geted.

Strategy:Support the development of the InformationSociety through the application of InformationTechnology to direct service delivery by theDepartment and its agencies.

Good progress is being made on the delivery of theintegrated ticketing project which will provide pas-sengers with the possibility of purchasing smartcards for use across a range of public transport serv-ices. One private bus operator commenced operatinga smart card ticketing system in mid 2004, with thecooperation of the RPA. It is planned that smartcards will be available on LUAS services early in 2005and Dublin Bus will introduce them at a later date.

The Department contributed substantial staffresources to assist the development of a PublicService Card Framework as an opportunity for facili-tating a common approach to the position of cardenabled services in the public sector generally. TheDepartment recognised and welcomed the need toexplore the potential for synergy between card initia-tives.

A report on public transport information and realtime passenger information has been received and isunder consideration. In parallel, some on-the-ground initiatives are progressing. Dublin Bus hasimplemented pilot real-time passenger informationtrials on two routes. Bus Eireann, Dublin Bus andIarnrod Eireann have implemented text-messagingservices that provide timetable/next arrival informa-tion to mobile phones.

Strategy:Support and encourage the Partnershipapproach within the Department.

The Partnership Committee met regularly during2004 and progressed its work through the followingsub groups:

� Customer Service Sub Group

� Performance Verification Sub Group

� Performance Indicator Sub Group

� Merit Award Sub Group

� Irish Language Sub Group

The Customer Service Sub Group assisted in the vari-ous customer service initiatives mentioned earliersuch as the Customer Charters and Action Plan.

The Performance Verification Sub Group produced thereports on performance which are required under theterms of Sustaining Progress to be submitted to theCivil Service Performance Verification Group (CSPVG).The CSPVG awarded the Department’s staff theirbenchmarking pay awards in 2004 based on the infor-mation in these reports.

The Merit Award Sub Group awarded a total of€24,000 to 123 staff members in the Department,both individuals and teams, for exceptional perform-ance in their work area in 2004.

OBJECTIVEAn organisation structure and new ways ofworking which facilitate delivery of policyobjectives.

At the end of 2004 significant changes were made tothe structure of the Department. The revised struc-ture, which is outlined in Appendix H, is intended to:

� Align structure to strategy, focusing resources onissues the Department will be spending most timeon over the next 3 years,

� Ensure balance and internal coherence in sectoralworkloads,

� Facilitate better management of cross-cuttingissues,

� Facilitate flexible and speedy responses to emerging issues and effective decision making and execution of the transport agenda.

The cross-cutting teams established in 2003 continued their work in 2004.

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Appendices

APPENDIX AFINANCIAL ESTIMATES

I. Estimate of the amount required in the year ending 31 December, 2004 for the salaries and expenses of the Officeof the Minister for Transport, including certain services administered by that Office, for payment of certain grantsand grants-in-aid, and certain other services.

One thousand, nine hundred and eighty-one million, nine hundred and sixty thousand euro (€1,981,960,000)

II. Subheads under which this Vote will be accounted for by the Office of the Minister for Transport.

2003 Outturn 2004 Estimate 2004 Provisional Outturn

Current Capital Total Current Capital Total Current Capital Total

ADMINISTRATION €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 €000

A.1 Salaries Wages and Allowances 21,805 - 21,805 23,850 - 23,850 22,869 22,869

A.2 Travel and Subsistence 2,638 - 2,638 2,393 - 2,393 2,718 2,718

A.3 Incidental Expenses 3,594 - 3,594 1,808 - 1,808 2,327 2,327

A.4 Postal and Telecommunications Services 961 - 961 816 - 816 834 834

A.5 Office Machinery and Other Office Supplies 760 426 1,186 1,007 118 1,125 656 452 1,108

A.6 Office Premises Expenses 984 - 984 597 - 597 753 753

A.7 Consultancy Services 1,587 - 1,587 1,447 - 1,447 1,274 1,274

Subtotal 32,329 426 32,755 31,918 118 32,036 31,431 452 31,883

ROADS

B.1 Road Improvement/Maintenance 60,985 1,169,424 1,230,409 61,000 1,227,000 1,288,000 59,780 1,178,959 1,238,739

B.2 Road Haulage Development Programme 180 - 180 259 - 259 162 162

B.3 Vehicle and Driver Licencing Expenses 501 - 501 637 - 637 704 704

B.4 Other Roads Related Services 5,008 237 5,245 4,543 244 4,787 22,422 244 22,666

Subtotal 66,674 1,169,661 1,236,335 66,439 1,227,244 1,293,683 83,068 1,179,203 1,262,271

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

C.1 Public Service Provision Payments to C.I.E. 244,980 - 244,980 260,229 - 260,229 257,229 257,229

C.2 Public Transport Projects - 7,807 7,807 - 13,153 13,153 10,642 10,642

C.3 Expenses Associated with Dublin Light Rail 1,699 728 2,427 8,000 - 8,000 18,556 18,556

C.4 Capital Costs of Dublin Light Rail - 128,948 128,948 - 125,000 125,000 130,000 130,000

C.5 Public Transport Safety and Development - 302,367 302,367 - 187,504 187,504 165,670 165,670

C.6 Railway Safety Commission Administration

and Expenses - - - 1,700 - 1,700 0

C.7 Railway Procurement Agency Administration

and Expenses 12,500 - 12,500 10,500 - 10,500 10,283 10,283

C.8 Dublin Transportation 948 40,000 40,948 1,006 40,000 41,006 1,006 37,000 38,006

Subtotal 260,127 479,850 739,977 281,435 365,657 647,092 287,074 343,312 630,386

APPENDIX BLEGISLATION PASSED IN 2004

Aer Lingus Act 2004 (No. 10 of 2004)

State Airports Act 2004 (No. 32 of 2004)

Road Traffic Act 2004 (No. 44 of 2004)

S.I. No. 11 of 2004 - Córas Iompair ÉireannSuperannuation Scheme 1951 (Amendment) Scheme(Confirmation) Order 2004

S.I. No. 12 of 2004 - Córas Iompair Éireann Spouses’and Children’s Superannuation Scheme (Amendment)Scheme (Confirmation) Order 2004

S.I. No. 209 of 2004 - Córas Iompair Éireann PensionScheme for Regular Wages Staff (Amendment) Scheme(Confirmation) Order 2004

S.I. No. 261 of 2004 - Córas Iompair ÉireannSuperannuation Scheme 1951 (Amendment) Scheme(Confirmation) (No. 2) Order 2004

S.I. No. 262 of 2004 - Córas Iompair Éireann Spouses’and Children’s Superannuation Scheme (Amendment)Scheme (Confirmation) (No. 2) Order 2004

S.I. No. 263 of 2004 - Córas Iompair Éireann PensionScheme for Regular Wages Staff (Amendment) Scheme(Confirmation) (No. 2) Order 2004

S.I. No. 264 of 2004 - Córas Iompair Éireann Spouses’and Children’s Pension Scheme for Regular Wages Staff(Amendment) Scheme (Confirmation) Order 2004

S.I. No. 495 of 2004 - Transport (Railway Infrastructure)Act 2001 (Kilkenny Diversion) Railway Order 2004

S.I. NO. 157 OF 2004 - Road Traffic (Public ServiceVehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2004

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2003 Outturn 2004 Estimate 2004 Provisional Outturn

Current Capital Total Current Capital Total Current Capital Total

CIVIL AVIATION €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 €000 €000

D.1 Aircraft Accident Investigation Insurance 666 - 666 270 - 270 102 102

D.2 Regional Airports 22,007 5,400 27,407 20,002 2,500 22,502 20,089 2,284 22,373

D.3 Payments to the Irish Aviation Authority

in Respect of Exempt Services 2,751 - 2,751 3,100 - 3,100 4,612 4,612

D.4 Miscellaneous Aviation Services - 39 39 225 - 225 1,715 1,715

D.5 North South Co-operation - - - - 500 500 0

Subtotal 25,424 5,439 30,863 23,597 3,000 26,597 26,518 2,284 28,802

MISCELLANEOUS

E.1 Subscriptions to International Organisations 3,786 - 3,786 3,874 - 3,874 4,114 4,114

E.2 Miscellaneous Services 128 - 128 125 - 125 16 16

E.3 National Safety Council 2,758 - 2,758 2,886 - 2,886 3,954 3,954

Gross Total 391,226 1,655,376 2,046,602 410,274 1,596,019 2,006,293 436,175 1,525,251 1,961,426

DEDUCT

F. Appropriations-In-Aid 25,422 - 25,422 24,333 - 24,333 24,156 24,156

Net Total 365,804 1,655,376 2,021,180 385,941 1,596,019 1,981,960 412,019 1,525,251 1,937,270

Net Decrease (€000)

Exchequer pay and pensions included in

above net total 28,695 31,829

Associated public service numbers

and pensioners 681 677

S.I. NO. 260 OF 2004 - Taxi Regulation Act 2003(Section 37(1)) (Commencement) Order 2004

S.I. NO. 523 OF 2004 - Taxi Regulation Act 2003(Part 2) (Establishment Day) Order 2004

S.I. No. 61 of 2004 - Regulations entitled EuropeanCommunities (Interoperability of the Trans-Europeanconventional rail system) Regulations, 2004

S. I. No. 643 of 2004 - Regulations entitledEuropean Communities (Allocation of RailwayInfrastructure Capacity and the levying of Charges forthe use of Railway Infrastructure and SafetyCertification) Regulations, 2004

S.I. No. 116 of 2004 - Iarnród Éireann(Portarlington to Athlone)(Ashfield Level Crossing)Order 2004.

SI No. 71 of 2004 - Transport (RailwayInfrastructure) Act 2001 (Line A – Tallaght to AbbeyStreet Light Railway) (Amendment) Order

SI No. 255 of 2004 - Light Railway (Speed Limits –LUAS Line A) Regulations 2004

SI No. 256 of 2004 - Transport (RailwayInfrastructure) Act 2001 (Line A – Tallaght to AbbeyStreet Light Railway) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order

SI No. 257 of 2004 - Transport (RailwayInfrastructure) Act 2001 (Line B – St Stephen’s Greento Sandyford Industrial Estate) (Amendment) Order

SI No. 529 of 2004 - Transport (RailwayInfrastructure) Act 2001 (Line A – Tallaght to AbbeyStreet Light Railway) (Amendment) No. 3) Order

S.I.No. 18 of 2004 - Roads Act, 1993 (Classificationof National Roads)(Gormanstown to Dundalk andDundalk Western Bypass) Order 2004

S.I. No. 19 of 2004 - Roads Act, 1993 (Classificationof Regional Roads) (Redcow to N52 Link Road) Order2004

S.I. 249 of 2004 - Roads Act, 1993 (Classification ofNational Roads)(Fermoy, Rathcormac andWatergrasshill Bypass) Order, 2004.

S.I. No. 403 of 2004 - Road Traffic (Signs)(Amendment) Regulations 2004

S.I. No. 404 of 2004 - Road Traffic (Traffic andParking) (Amendment) Regulations 2004

S.I. No. 248 of 2004 - Road Traffic Act 2002(Commencement of Certain Provisions) Order 2004

S.I. No. 244 of 2004 - European Communities(Motor Vehicle Type Approval (Amendment)Regulations, 2004

S.I. No. 868 of 2004 - European Communities(Motor Vehicle Type Approval)(Amendment)(No. 2)Regulations, 2004

S.I. No. 245 of 2004 - European Communities(Passenger Car Entry into Service)(Amendment)Regulations 2004

S.I. No. 866 of 2004 - European Communities(Passenger Car Entry into Service)(Amendment)(No.2) Regulations 2004

S.I. No. 246 of 2004 - European Communities(Mechanically Propelled Vehicle Entry intoService)(Amendment) Regulations 2004

S.I. No. 867 of 2004 - European Communities(Mechanically Propelled Vehicle Entry intoService)(Amendment)(No. 2) Regulations 2004

S.I. No. 98 of 2004 - European Communities(Random Roadside Vehicle Inspection) (Amendment)Regulations 2004

S.I. No. 99 of 2004 - Road Traffic (Construction andUse of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2004

S.I. No. 243 of 2004 - European Communities(Vehicle Testing) (Amendment) 2004

S.I. No. 402 of 2004 - Road Traffic (Removal ofExemption from Wearing Seat Belts by Taxi Drivers)Regulations 2004

S.I. No. 771 of 2004 - European Communities(Vehicle Testing) 2004

S.I. No. 858 of 2004 - Road Traffic (Constructionand Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations2004

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APPENDIX CPUBLICATIONS IN 2004National Car Test Manual 2004

Light Goods Vehicle Testers Manual 2004

Heavy Goods Vehicle Testers Manual 2004

Consultative Paper on a Possible Vehicle Height Limit

Road Safety Strategy 2004 – 2006

Annual Report 2003

Customer Charter and Action Plan

APPENDIX DBODIES UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE DEPARTMENT

Aviation

Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus is a state owned enterprise whose princi-ple business is the provision of scheduled passengerand cargo services to a range of points in Ireland, theUnited Kingdom, Europe and the United States. In1993, the company was restructured into the presentAer Lingus Group plc.

Aer Lingus Group plcHead Office, Dublin Airport, Co. DublinTelephone: 00-353-1-8862222Fax: 00-353-1-8863832www.aerlingus.com

Dublin Airport Authority

Dublin Airport Authority (formerly Aer Rianta) is apublic limited company, responsible for the manage-ment and development of Dublin Airport. DublinAirport Authority is also charged with taking all nec-essary measures to give effect to the restructuring ofthe State Airports as provided for in the StateAirports Act 2004. However, prior to the completion ofthe restructuring (i.e. prior to the assets of Shannonand Cork Airports being vested in their respectiveAirport Authorities) Dublin Airport Authority willremain responsible for Shannon and Cork.

Wholly owned subsidiaries of Dublin Airport Authorityinclude Aer Rianta International who manage duty-free shops, bars and other airport management

activities in overseas locations and the GreatSouthern Hotels Group.

Dublin Airport Authority plcHead Office, Old Central Terminal BuildingDublin Airport, Co. Dublin

Telephone: 00-353-1-8141111Email: customer.relations@dublinairport.comwww.dublin-airport.com

Shannon Airport Authority

Shannon Airport Authority plc was incorporated on16th September 2004 and will in due course own andoperate Shannon Airport. At present the board ofShannon Airport Authority is charged with preparingto assume responsibility for the management anddevelopment of Shannon Airport as well as beingempowered to undertake any functions delegated to itby, and in agreement with, Dublin Airport Authorityduring the interim period.

Shannon Airport Authority plcShannon Airport, Co. ClareTelephone: 00-353-61-712000Email: feedback@shannonairport.comwww.snn.aero

Cork Airport Authority

Cork Airport Authority plc was incorporated on 16thSeptember 2004 and will in due course own andoperate Cork Airport. At present the board of CorkAirport Authority is charged with preparing toassume responsibility for the management anddevelopment of Cork Airport as well as being empow-ered to undertake any functions delegated to it by,and in agreement with, Dublin Airport Authority dur-ing the interim period.

Cork Airport Authority plcCork Airport, Co. CorkTelephone: 00-353-21-4313131Email: feedback@corkairport.comwww.cork-airport.com

Irish Aviation Authority

The Irish Aviation Authority carries out a range ofoperational and regulatory functions and servicesrelating to the safety and technical aspects of civilaviation.

The Authority ensures that Irish Civil Aviation operates to international and European safety standards and systems in accordance with international agreements.

Irish Aviation AuthorityAviation House, Hawkins Street, Dublin 2Telephone: 00-353-1-6718655Fax: 00-353-1-6792934www.iaa.ie

Commission for Aviation Regulation

The principal function of the Commission for AviationRegulation is to regulate airport charges and air traffic control charges at Irish airports which have anannual throughput of in excess of one million passen-gers. The Commission also has responsibility for slotallocation at Dublin Airport, licensing of air carriersunder EU regulations, regulation of the ground-handling market and licensing of travel agents andtour operators.

Alexandra House, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2Telephone: 00-353-1-6611700Fax: 00-353-1-6611269 (general)Fax for Travel Trade Licensing: 00-353-1-6612092www.aviationreg.ie

Public Transport

C.I.E. Group

Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) is a statutory bodycharged with the provision of bus and rail publictransport for passengers as well as rail freight trans-port within the state and the operation of RosslareEuroport and CIÉ Tours. CIÉ has three wholly ownedsubsidiary limited liability companies: IarnródEireann, the national rail company, Bus Átha Cliath,which services Dublin, and Bus Éireann which oper-ates bus services nationally. These were set upunder the Companies Act as provided for in theTransport (Reorganisation of CIÉ) Act 1986.

Córas Iompair ÉireannHeuston Station, Dublin 8Telephone: 00-353-1-6771871Fax: 00-353-1-7032776www.cie.ie

Iarnród Éireann

The Transport (Reorganisation of C.I.E.) Act 1986 setsout the principal objects of Iarnród Éireann as to provide a railway service and a road freight service.It is the general mandate of the company to operatecommercially to the maximum extent possible, takingaccount of the public service obligations of the com-pany and to manage, maintain and develop the railnetwork infrastructure.

Iarnród ÉireannHead Office, Connolly Station, Dublin 1Telephone: 00-353-1- 8363333www.irishrail.ie

Dublin Bus

Dublin Bus provides bus services in Dublin city andcounty and contiguous areas. It provides an extensivenetwork of bus routes – Radial, Cross City, Orbital,DART feeder, Airlink, Cityspeed XPRESSO, Nitelink,Railink, Schoolink and sightseeing tours.

Dublin Bus59 Upper O Connell Street, Dublin 1Telephone: 00-353-1-8720000www.dublinbus.ie

Bus Éireann

Bus Éireann operates a wide range of bus and coachservices throughout the country. These include:Expressway coach services linking major cities andtowns; local bus services in rural areas; city busservices in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford andEuroline coach services to Britain. Bus Éireann isalso responsible for the operation and administrationof the national school transport scheme on behalf ofthe Department of Education and Science.

Bus ÉireannBusaras, Store Street, Dublin 1Telephone: 00-353-1- 8366111www.buseireann.ie

Railway Procurement Agency

The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) is responsi-ble for the procurement of new light rail and metroinfrastructure projects through a number of meansincluding Public Private Partnership (PPP).

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It is also mandated to develop an integrated ticketingscheme for public transport, initially in the Dublinregion.

Railway Procurement AgencyRPA House, Block C, Parkgate Street BusinessCentre, Parkgate Street, Dublin 8Telephone: 00-353-1-6463400Fax: 00-353-1-6463401www.rpa.ie

RoadsNational Roads Authority

The National Roads Authority has statutory responsi-bility for the management of the national roads pro-gramme and for the allocation of grants to specificprojects on the national roads network.

While the Minister for Transport has responsibility foroverall policy and funding in relation to the nationalroads programme, the implementation of individualprojects is a matter for the NRA in conjunction withthe relevant local authority.

The NRA, under Section 17 of the Roads Act, 1993,has overall responsibility for the planning and super-vision of works for the construction and maintenanceof national roads. The responsibility for the provisionof funding to carry out improvement work on individ-ual projects also rests with the NRA.

National Roads AuthoritySt Martins House, Waterloo Road, Dublin 4Telephone: 00-353-1-6602511Fax: 00-353-1-6680009 www.nra.ie

Dublin Transportation Office

The Dublin Transportation Office was established tocoordinate the implementation by relevant agenciesof an agreed integrated transport strategy for theGreater Dublin Area, the Dublin TransportationInitiative. The DTO is also responsible for carryingout ongoing strategic transportation planning work,including the regular updating of the transport strat-egy. It also administers a traffic management grantsscheme on behalf of the Department.

Dublin Transportation OfficeHainault House, Floor 3, 69-71 St Stephens GreenDublin 2

Telephone: 00-353-1-4778100Fax: 00-353-1-4785935 www.dto.ie

Medical Bureau of Road Safety

The Medical Bureau of Road Safety was establishedin 1968 under Part V of the Road Traffic Act, 1968.The Bureau's principal functions are to carry outanalyses, for their drug or alcohol content, of speci-mens of blood and urine, provided for the Gardaí bypeople suspected of drink or drugs driving offences.The Bureau issues certificates in respect of theresults of these analyses, which may be used as evi-dence in prosecutions for offences. The Bureau alsoparticipates in the Evidential Breath TestingProgramme, providing Evidential Breath Testinginstruments and training to Gardaí. The Bureau isfinanced by an annual grant from the Department andthe five member Board is appointed by the Ministerfor the Environment and Local Government.

Medical Bureau of Road SafetyDepartment of Forensic Medicine, University CollegeDublin, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2Tel: + 353 1 478 1723Fax: + 353 1 478 1103www.ucd.ie/legalmed/mbrs.html

National Safety Council

The National Safety Council was established inDecember 1987 under the Local Government Services(Corporate Bodies) Act, 1971. Its function is to pro-mote road safety, water safety and fire preventionthrough education, training programmes and publici-ty campaigns.

The Council, comprising 12 members, was funded in1999 by grants from the Department of theEnvironment and Local Government and theInsurance Federation together with sponsorships,donations, subscriptions from voluntary local effort,local authorities, commercial firms and from a largenumber of persons who are dedicated to the promo-tion of safety.

National Safety Council,4 Northbrook Road, Ranelagh,Dublin 6.Tel: + 353 1 496 3422Fax: + 353 1 496 3306 www.nsc.ie

APPENDIX ETRANSPORT STATISTICSNote: The statistics presented in this Appendix arecollected from various sources e.g. the CentralStatistics Office, the C.I.E. group of companies etc. If you would like to know our source for any particu-lar statistic please contact us directly. Most of the

data presented below refers to the State sector only.We acknowledge that to get a fuller picture of trans-port in Ireland under Air and Public Transport in par-ticular then, data should also be collected from theprivate sector. Unfortunately such data is not, as ofyet easily or readily available.

Roads 2001 2002 2003 2004

National Roads

Overall expenditure €958.65m €1,135.55m €1,222.54m €1,241.40m

Capital expenditure on improvement work €907.86m €1,083.54m €1,169.145m €1,190.02m

Current expenditure on road maintenance €50.79m €52.02m €53.396m €51.387m

Length of National Primary Road Network 2,754km 2,754km 2,754km 2,754km

Length of National Secondary Road Network 2,681km 2,681km 2,681km 2,681km

The National Road Network comprises both National Primary Roads & National Secondary Roads. While the National Road Network

makes up 5% of the total Road Network, 46% of total road travel takes place on the National Road Network.

Road Safety

Road safety Expenditure (only includes

expenditure of NSC & MBRS) €4.237m €4.669m €4.825m €6.291m*

Road Deaths 411 376 337 380

Penalty Points issued n/a n/a 93,364** 105,200

Drink driving detections 12,841 13,411 11,344 N/a

*incl. NSC Metrication Campaign expenditure

**31/10/02 –31/12/03

Vehicle Testing – NCT

Number of Tests 536,071 631,257 614,227

Full NCT Pass rate 53% 52% 51%

Driving Test Service

Number of applications for Driving Test 181,000 192,500 234,000 178,000

Number of Driving Tests 172,376 148,983 156,415 154,000

Test pass rate 55.4% 54.3% 54.5% 54%

Average waiting time at year end in weeks 17.7 10 29 30

Driver Licensing

Number of full licences held 1,574,491 1,758,142 1,849,269 1,904,976

Number of provisional licences held 325,000* 352,524 367,807 380,347

*Estimated

Road Haulage Licences Issued

Road Freight Carrier’s Licences 735 610 364 187

National Road Freight Carrier’s Licences 586 570 255 152

Community Licences (International Road Passenger Transport Operator’s Licences) 118 248 137 97

National Road Passenger Transport Operator’s Licences 125 389 230 110

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Public Transport 2001 2002 2003 2004

State Subvention to CIE €222.3m €233.3m €245m €257.23m

Expenditure on the Rural Transport Initiative (RTI) n/a €2.95m €3m €3m

Bus

Number of Buses (Dublin Bus) 1062 1062 1060 1062

Number of wheelchair accessible Dublin Buses 307 360 450 460

Number of Quality Bus Corridors (QBCs) 9 9 9 9

Number of Buses (Bus Éireann) 694 680 680 680

Rail

State Investment in railways €175.9m €232.5m €245.9m €240.2m

Number of Rail cars 64 64 144 144

Number of Dart cars 118 118 118 154

Passenger Numbers

Dublin Bus 143m 147m 150m 149.8m

Bus Éireann 87.4m 89.2m 92m 90.2m

Rail 34.2m 35.4m 35.5m 34.55m

DART & Suburban Rail 23.4m 24.1m 24.2m 23.24

Intercity Rail 10.8m 11.3m 11.3m 11.3m

Taxis

Total number of Licensed Taxis 9,257 11,630 12,845 13,563

Total number of Licensed hackneys n/a n/a 4,868 4,938

Air 2001 2002 2003 2004

Airports

Aid to regional airports (Capital) €827,314 €2,289,714 €5,373,626 €2,283,947

Grants to regional airports (marketing etc) €1,904,607 €1,900,000 €2,240,000 €2,240,000

PSO Expenditure €16. 233m €18.537m €19.898m €21.336m

Passenger throughput at State Airports (million persons)

Dublin 14.3m 15.1m 15.9m 17.1m

Shannon 2.4m 2.35m 2.4m 2.4m

Cork 1.8m 1.9m 2.2m 2.25m

Aer Lingus

Number of aircraft 39 32 34 32

Number of routes 32 33 43 65

Air Accident

Accidents reported 10 12 13 9

Serious Incidents reported 6 7 16 14

Incidents reported 47 30 35 34

Fatalities 0 2 1 1

Injuries 5 2 4 4

Management Support

Number of Freedom of Information requests received 128 156 43

Male/female ratio by grade

Principal Officer 89.5:10.5 88:12 87:13

Assistant Principal 53:47 53:47 55:45

Higher Executive Officer 47:53 47:53 55:45

Numbers of staff on family friendly policy 103 107 123

Training expenditure (€m) €1.2m €0.85m €0.92m

Education Refunds (€000) €69,509 €74,925 €81,075

Late payment of accounts €3,282 €4,239 €2,323

It is not possible to give Management Support data for 2001, as the Department of Transport was established in June, 2002.

2004

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GRADE Numbers at 31/12/02 Numbers at 31/12/03 Numbers at 31/12/04

Secretary General 1 1 1

Assistant Secretary 5 5 5

Principal Officers 17 17 17

Assistant Principal Officers 41 43.5 42.5

Administrative Officers 10 9 7

Higher Executive Officers 52 57 55.5

Executive Officers H.D.A. - 1 1

Executive Officers 64 65.5 67

Staff Officers 15 15.5 16.5

Transport Officers 9 9 9

Clerical Officers 124 130 123.5

Ministerial Staff 8 8 9

Services Officers / Attendants 19 16 17

Telephonists 3 2.5 2.5

Information Officer 1 - -

Accountant Grade 2 1 1 1

Senior Economist 1 1 1

Chief Railway Inspecting Officer 1 1 1

Railway Inspecting Officer 2 2 2

Chief Aeronautical Officer 1 1 1

Aeronautical Officer Grade I 2 2 2

Aeronautical Officer Grade II 1.5 2 1

Staff Engineer 1 1 1

Senior Adviser (Roads) 1 1 1

Senior Vehicle Tester 1 1 -

Vehicle Tester 2 2 2

Driver Tester 126 103 103

Contract Driver Tester - 19 19

TOTAL 509.5 517 518.5

APPENDIX FSTAFF NUMBERS

APPENDIX GMINISTERS AND MEMBERS OF THEMANAGEMENT BOARD IN 2004

Martin Cullen(appointed as Minister for Transport on 28thSeptember 2004)

Seamus Brennan(appointed as Minister for Transport in June 2002;served until 28th September 2004)

Ivor Callely(appointed as Minister of State on 29th September2004)

Dr. Jim McDaid(appointed as Minister of State in June 2002; serveduntil 29th September 2004)

Julie O’Neil(appointed Secretary General of the Department ofTransport in June 2002)

John Lumsden(appointed Assistant Secretary in February 1990; in2004 he was responsible for the Aviation sector with-in the Department)

Pat Mangan(appointed Assistant Secretary in June 1995; in 2004he was responsible for the Public Transport sectorwithin the Department)

Andrew Cullen(appointed Assistant Secretary in March 1999;in 2004he was responsible for the Public Transport sectorwithin the Department)

John Fearon(appointed Assistant Secretary in October 2000; in

2004 he was responsible for the Corporate Servicessector within the Department)

John Murphy(appointed Assistant Secretary in 2001; in 2004 hewas responsible for the Roads sector within theDepartment)

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APPENDIX HORGANISATION STRUCTURE

Julie O’NeillSecretary General

Andrew CullenAssistant SecretaryPublic TransportRegulation & Reform

Martin DiskinRoad HaulageRegulation & BetterRegulation

Michael HarperBus and TaxiRegulation

Dermot McCarthyPublic TransportRegulatoryDevelopment and CIECorporate Affairs

John FearonAssistant SecretaryCorporate Services

Matt BenvilleCommunications &Information

Dan CommaneFinance

Liam DolanDriver Testing &Licensing

Jean KellyPersonnel Officer

Austin McGarryStrategic HumanResources

John LumsdenAssistant SecretaryRoads

John BrownInvestment MonitoringDivision

Des CoppinsVehicle Standards &Motor Insurance

Jim HumphreysRoad Policy

Kevin O’ConnorEngineering Support

John WeaferRoad Safety

Pat ManganAssistant SecretaryIntegrated TransportPolicy and PublicTransport Investment

Tom FerrisPublic Transport(Planning)

Peter McEvoyPublic Transport(LUAS/METRO)

Maev Nic Lochlainn& Tom SneydIntegrated TransportUnit

Maurice TreacyPublic Transport(Railway Safety &Investment)

John WelsbyInterim Railway SafetyCommission

John MurphyAssistant SecretaryAviation

Liam DalyAirports

Kevin HumphreysAir AccidentInvestigation Unit

Fintan ToweyAer Lingus & IAA

Robin McKayAviation Regulation &International Relations,& Aviation Security

Ciaran WhelanInternal Audit

Annual Report

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