Dempsey publishes Dublin Transport Authority Bill

[Brian.Stokes]

RTE News

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Ireland
New body would co-ordinate Dublin transport
Monday, 14 April 2008 14:31
Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey has said he hopes the new Dublin Transport Authority Bill would get through the Oireachtas later this year and that the new Authority would be in place early next year.

The bill was published today.

The new Authority will have overall responsibility for co-ordinating transport in the Greater Dublin Area.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio's News At One, Mr Dempsey said an interim board would be set up in the meantime to ensure the necessary preparations were made.

I had a quick look at the Bill and while there is a lot more in it and and a long way to go, it seems to be a good start.

Main things that caught my eye were;

• power to force operators to carry out decisions of the DTA,
• permission to borrow up to €1 billion,
• right to establish in any operation their own company if they feel the need to so to provide a service.

Interesting times ahead.