Olivia Mitchell
Question:3 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if legislation will be expedited to control road openings. [6492/02]
Ceisteanna–Questions. Priority Questions. - Road Network.
The Communications (Regulation) Bill, 2002, which will be published shortly, will propose, among other things, to modernise legislation in relation to road openings undertaken by telecommunications operators. It will provide that the regulatory framework applying to telecommunications operators affords appropriate and updated powers to road authorities to regulate road openings in the public interest while recognising the benefits of further investment in telecommunications infrastructure.
I am also considering a wider revision of legislation to deal with road openings undertaken by statutory undertakers generally. In this context, preliminary work on a draft scheme of a Bill on road openings is being undertaken at present by my Department with a view to publication this year. Meanwhile, a utilities and statutory bodies working group, which is chaired by the Dublin Transportation Office – DTO – and is representative of the main utilities sectors, is working towards standardising the approach to road openings through agreed codes of practice.
An integrated transportation strategy for the greater Dublin area over the period to 2016 is set out in A Platform for Change, which was published by the DTO in 2001. The strategy incorporates traffic management as a key element with a view to optimising the use of road space for all users. It also identifies many measures to be taken to this end, including developing a more co-ordinated approach to the planning and management of road works and better monitoring of the quality bus network performance. The steps now being taken in relation to road openings will contribute substantially to the strategy.
I accept the Minister's answer; it has been the same for some years. Is the Minister aware of what is happening on the roads? It is absolute war. These works not only cause dislocation of traffic, but destroy roads, footpaths and open spaces. Ironically, commercial companies such as NTL and Esat are complying with local authorities and paying their way. An unjust situation has arisen whereby State and former State companies such as Eircom are giving the two fingers to local authorities and telling them that they have the protection of the State and will have the protection of the courts because of the importance of our infrastructure.
It is unacceptable that the ESB, Bord Gáis and Eircom can get away with such arrogant behaviour in respect of the local authorities and at great expense to the taxpayer. It is not a case of infrastructure at all costs. This legislation is vital, and not just for private telecom companies. The statutory providers must also be brought under its remit because they are now in competition with each other. The Department is not displaying any degree of urgency. The Minister has been giving me the same answer for at least four years. Will the legislation in respect of the statutory authorities be published this session?
The legislation is being prepared with a view to publication this year, not this session. I accept the Deputy's point that everybody should be treated equally. There is a need to give local authorities more power in relation to statutory undertakers. That is what is happening here. The Communications (Regulations) Bill deals with the telecommunications sector but we have had an input to that and our legislation will reflect the same type of approach.