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Choose an Issue:
Transport
I am a member
of the Transport and Tourism Committee in the European
Parliament, and have worked on multiple issues such as road safety,
aviation safety, airline ticketing policy, provision
of rail and the tolling of HGVs. The provision of better
transport infrastructure for the region and the fight
on road safety are two of my key goals during this parliamentary term.
Election Priorities-Transport
We need a fully integrated Transport system at local, regional, national and international levels. The creation of such a transport system will create jobs for drivers, mechanics and in the construction sector. Below are just a few areas that I will work on from 2009-2014.
1) Aviation - We need a strong aviation industry. We need to provide better links to all airports. I will be pushing the Government to drawn down EU funding for multi-modal interchanges at key points such as airports and ports. I will also push the EU to increase funding options for new flight routes and make funding available for airport development and restructuring.
2) Cycling - Irish cyclists have had to put up with inferior facilities and as a result far too many cyclists die on Irish roads. The Government wants more cyclists but won't provide them with the necessary support. I want the EU to provide funds for businesses who want to provide cycle friendly facilities such as secure storage and shower facilities. I will also push for improved cycle lanes and better protection of cyclists on our roads.
3) Maritime Transport - Despite having a very long coastline and Europe's longest inland waterway maritime transport is very much underdeveloped. I will be pushing for the EU to help develop our ports and increase the number of passenger vessels visiting the west coast. I will also be pushing for more EU funds to be provided to support businesses and tourism along inland waterways.
4) Rail - The Western Rail Corridor is hugely important. However, Counties Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan have no rail despite the need to provide every county in Ireland with a railway line. I will be pushing the EU to support the development of rail in the Border Counties and for the Government and CIE to draw down funds to re-open viable stations and to upgrade existing ones. I will also be seeking EU funds for light rail plans in Galway City. I want to see a dramatic increase in rail freight business and will push for EU support.
5) Road Transpor t- The road system in our region simply must be improved. There are hundreds of secondary and local roads which would be deemed unsafe if inspected on today's standards. We need to increase rural transport so that every part of Ireland is covered by Public Transport. We also need a massive increase in investment in public transport in our cities and towns.
6) Road Safety - I am very passionate about road safety. We have made progress but more can be done. In the last 18 months I have begun to focus on technological advances for road safety and I want to see the full roll-out of eCall and Electronic Stability Control. I also want VAT reductions for safety features on all vehicles.
Some areas that I have worked on in the Transport Sector
Child Restraints
The current loop belt that is used to restrain children sitting on an adults lap on planes has been shown to damage the infant in the event of a crash or extreme turbulence. I have raised this issue with the Commission and they are looking into replacing these loop belts as soon as possible with a safer design standard.
Cross Border Rail
The Border Counties have been completely ignored and I have been given a commitment from the EU that if the Government progressed with rail projects in these Counties that the EU would co-finance parts of the work involved through Transport and Regional Development Funds. I am working currently with Donegal County Council in an attempt to bring rail to the County I hope to develop similar relations with Cavan and Monaghan.
European Road Safety Charter
The European Road Safety Charter is a commitment for individuals, groups, public and private bodies to go beyond the legal requirements placed upon them to work towards a greater level of road safety. It highlights the principle that Road safety is a shared responsibility. I first became aware of the initiative in 2007 and was bitterly disappointed that Ireland only had seven signatories, one of the lowest in the EU, with only one local authority having signed up. I have persuaded Donegal County Council, Cavan County, PARC, Cork County Council, and Galway County Council to sign up to the initiative and publicised it leading to 33 Irish signatories.
Price Transparency
The Aviation industry is the worst offender when it comes to misleading consumers over flight prices. With numerous unavoidable surcharges and automatically included extras consumers will rarely if ever pay the displayed price. The industry has been taken on by the EU but many major players still flout the rules. I am pressing for a final and effective clampdown on those that are still lying to consumers over prices.
Transport in the EU
The Transport and Tourism Committee is
responsible for:
- Matters relating to the development
of a common policy for rail, road, inland waterway,
maritime and air transport, in particular:
- common rules applicable
to transport within the European Union
- the establishment
and development of trans-European networks in the
area of transport infrastructure
- the provision of transport
services and relations in the field of transport
with third countries
- transport safety,
- relations with international
transport bodies and organisations;
- Postal services;
- Tourism.
One of the EU's most successful
areas has been in the area of Road Safety:
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/whatsnew/index_en.htm
To
improve behaviour, there are four major initiatives in
which the European Commission is involved:
- Regulating
the conditions for issuing Drivers Licenses
- Co-operating,
co-coordinating and co-funding European campaigns for
road safety
- Training and education, through legislative
work (link to Directive) and projects
- Enforcing existing
traffic rules
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