Patrick O'Donovan
Question:6. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the progress being made to separate Shannon Airport as an independent State airport. [27099/14]
Other Questions
State Airports
Will the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport update the House on the progress made to separate Shannon Airport from the Dublin Airport Authority, DAA, to make it an independent, properly constituted airport?
The Government decided to separate Shannon Airport from the Dublin Airport Authority, DAA, and form a new integrated Shannon entity in public ownership, Shannon Group, comprising the airport and a restructured Shannon Development. The assets, business and employees of the airport were transferred from the DAA to the Shannon Airport Authority, SAA, on 31 December 2012 following approval by both Houses of the Oireachtas of the Shannon appointed day order. The State Airports (Shannon Group) Bill 2014 which provides, inter alia, for the transfer of the SAA and Shannon Development to a public limited company is before the Oireachtas.
A major consideration for the Government in its decision to separate Shannon Airport from the DAA was the serious decline in passenger traffic at the airport in recent years. Shannon Airport was loss making from 2008 to 2012 and passenger numbers plummeted by over 60% from a peak of 3.64 million in 2006 to 1.39 million in 2012.
A consistent decline on this scale was always going to be challenging to address.
The immediate priority for the new SAA board, which I re-established last year, and management at the airport was to halt this decline. The outturn for last year of 1.4 million passengers marginally exceeded that for 2012 and was a major achievement for Shannon in its first year as an independent airport. It is a tribute to its board, management and staff. With the commencement of new routes and increased services, Shannon Airport is looking forward to new and sustainable growth this year and beyond. Figures for the first five months of the year auger well, with passenger numbers up by more than 10% on the same period last year.
I welcome the Government's decision to proceed with the legislation currently before the House. It has significant implications for my constituency, where a substantial landbank in County Limerick will be transferred to Shannon Group from what was Shannon Development. Our aspiration is that Shannon Group would, under the Minister's guidance and assistance, encourage the use of this landbank into the future. It is regrettable that it took so long for Shannon Airport to be separated from the Dublin Airport Authority, but it is better late than never. Shannon Airport experienced 14 years of continuous decline during which passenger numbers almost halved. In fairness to its new chairperson, Ms Rose Hynes, and the chief executive officer, Mr. Neil Pakey, it has turned a corner. My concern, from a Limerick perspective, is that the landbank to which I have referred and the broader asset base which is considerable and spread across the county should receive the same level of attention from the CEO and the chairperson. I realise they have other priorities, but I would like to see the focus moving to a consideration of how the asset base and landbank could make the airport even more viable.
The strategy for Shannon Airport is two-pronged, namely, to develop air services and, second, to develop the landbank, particularly those assets located close to the airport. A great deal of interesting discussion is taking place on the asset base and announcements will be made once decisions are reached. I am confident of progress in this regard.
Since Shannon Airport was given its independence, air services have commenced to Malaga, Bristol, Berlin, Munich, Nice, Paris, Warsaw, Krakow, Faro and Fuerteventura. On 4 June Ryanair confirmed that five of these routes will continue through the winter period. In addition, capacity has increased on routes to Boston, New York, Chicago, Birmingham and Manchester.
Will the Minister give a timeframe for when the legislative process will be concluded in its entirety? In terms of infrastructural improvements required to connect the airport to the wider region, will he provide some detail as to what plans the Department has to make Shannon Airport more accessible to people from the west and mid-west? One of the issues for many years has been the inadequate connectivity from the airport to the wider region. Shannon is not just the international airport for the mid-west but for the entire west coast. Our concern is that it should become the engine and driving force behind real change in the mid-west region. I am interested to hear plans the Minister may have in this regard.
I appreciate that the Deputy is a major supporter of Shannon Airport. However, it is one of several airports in the west, including Ireland West Airport at Knock and Kerry, Cork and Donegal airports. They all have an important role to play. It is not the case, as people might have feared, that Shannon and Knock airports cannot both do well. It looks like this could be Knock airport's best year ever.
In regard to infrastructure, the Gort to Tuam scheme is under way and expected to be completed in 2018. It will improve access to both Shannon Airport and Ireland West Airport at Knock. The other major project in the region involves improvements to the M20, including the link between Limerick and Cork. That project will be in the mix for the next capital development plan which, however, will not be agreed to until next year.
Cycling Policy
Timmy Dooley
Question:7. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to a recent research project which finds that a large number of cycling accidents are unreported; the actions he will take to improve cyclist safety; if he is satisfied with the state of disrepair of many urban cycle lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27348/14]
Research carried out by Trinity College College shows that cyclists are eight times more likely to die on the roads compared with other vehicle users. How does the Minister propose to address the situation where so many urban cycle lanes have fallen into disrepair? Will he outline any legislative or investment proposal he has to encourage people to make the shift away from individual motorised vehicles?
I understand the Deputy is referring to a report entitled, The Safety Challenge of Increased Cycling, by Jack Short and Brian Caulfield of Trinity College Dublin. The current road safety strategy which runs from 2013 to 2020 contains a range of measures to ensure greater safety among cyclists. These include education to promote the use of personal protection equipment and high visibility clothing; developing a standardised road safety cycling proficiency training programme for schools; and evaluating the cost-benefit of reducing VAT on personal protection equipment. I will work with the Road Safety Authority, RSA, and the other appropriate bodies to ensure these recommendations are implemented. It is also important that cyclists, like all road users, take responsibility for their own safety.
The National Transport Authority, NTA, is responsible for the provision of public and sustainable transport infrastructure in the greater Dublin area and the regional cities. The NTA provides funding for local authorities for a range of schemes to benefit cyclists, including the provision of much needed infrastructure, and other measures to improve safety for commuters under the sustainable transport management grants programme. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct response. He should contact me if he does not receive that reply within two weeks.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, including urban roads and cycle lanes, are the statutory responsibilities of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act 1993.
There is a clear need for significant investment in cycleways, some of which are entering a state of disrepair, particularly in urban areas. In addition, there is insufficient co-ordination among the various parties when road construction projects are under way where, for instance, different contractors might be digging different sections of roadway. The cyclist is often forgotten. The NTA has responsibility for oversight and co-ordination, but the Minister of State must set out strong policy positions on the protection of cyclists, encouraging the use of cycleways and getting more people to use bicycles as a method of transit. The research clearly highlights the very real difficulties cyclists face on a daily basis. Moreover, it has found that many accidents and incidents go unreported. In other words, there is a problem that is identified and measured but also a greater problem that is not being identified in the statistics because of under-reporting.
This is a useful report which poses a range of questions. We must take an holistic approach to these issues. The numbers of people cycling are hitting record highs, which is fantastic to see. We are working to put the infrastructure in place across the country. The Dublin bicycle scheme has been expanded and schemes are being established in Cork, Limerick and Galway in the coming months. There has been substantial investment in cycling infrastructure in the Deputy's county, including an allocation for the Ennis active travel town initiative, the Ennistymon to Lahinch Road and the Ennis to Drumcliff cycleway. Within each area we are targeting the key locations where cycling infrastructure needs to be improved.
The RSA is undertaking a substantial public awareness effort to promote safety on the roads for cyclists. The major increases in the numbers cycling, particularly in urban areas, means that there is greater awareness among other road users of cycling lanes and cyclists.
Safety equipment for cyclists, such as helmets and high-visibility jackets, has improved too. It is a case of intervening early and that is why we have programmes in schools and universities. We have just had a national bike week which promoted cycling. All in all, these measures are having an impact on cycle safety, but we need to keep monitoring them.
Motor Tax Collection
Pat Breen
Question:8. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the progress of the working group considering the establishment of a road-charging regime for heavy goods vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27225/14]
As the Minister knows, I have been working with the Irish Road Haulage Association, IRHA, and making representations on its behalf to both him and the Minister for Finance. The haulage industry is an important sector to Ireland worth €1 billion a year and employing 50,000 people. We are an island nation and 95% of inward goods are transported by truck. The IRHA would like to see the current road tax regime changed in favour of a pay-as-you-go system, similar to those in other European countries. To add to that, our international fleet is paying on the double when carrying out international haulage work, paying road tax in Ireland and then paying a road-user charge while in Europe, as well as a £10 levy in the UK. There is a disparity in regimes which means it is now more financially rewarding for hauliers to base themselves in Northern Ireland, which has been happening over the past several months. Will the Minister give an update on the working group's deliberations in advance of the October budget?
I established an interdepartmental group last January to assess the implications of introducing a pay-as-you-go road tax system for HGVs, in response to concerns raised by hauliers about the cost of running a haulage operation in Ireland. In particular, the IRHA believes the current motor tax regime is unfair to hauliers with international operations, which have to pay road-user charges in certain other European countries, and would prefer a system based on time on the road or on distance travelled.
The group is made up of representatives from my Department, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, the Department of Finance, the National Roads Authority, the Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána and Forfás. I hope to receive the final report from the group by the end of July. I do not want to anticipate its findings but I can give Members an update on the work to date.
The group has carried out a review of the current motor tax arrangements for HGVs, including the administrative procedures and the tax raised. The group has examined other charges levied on the domestic HGV operators, such as tolls and fuel costs, and other charges which hauliers face as business operators, including labour costs. The cost to haulage operators carrying loads outside Ireland has been considered. A full review has been carried out of the road-charging regimes in other European states, including the system introduced in the UK this year. The relevant European Union legislation in this area has also been examined. The group has identified various options for changes to the motor tax regime in Ireland to support the haulage industry and ensure transport costs do not have a negative impact on Irish businesses, particularly Irish exporters who are driving our economic recovery. I look forward to receiving this report later in the summer.
I thank the Minister for his fair reply. Obviously, a comprehensive report is being compiled with the various bodies which will identify options and possible changes to the motor tax regime. Up to 25% of hauliers have already gone to Northern Ireland, with 4,000 registered vehicles in Northern Ireland, Bulgaria, Belgium and the UK. We have to stop this because it is causing real problems, with the Revenue Commissioners losing out and other associated costs. It costs €4,000 to tax a truck in Ireland, while in the North it only comes to £850. I welcome the fact the working group will publish its findings by the end of next month and hope it will be positive for the hauliers, as the fuel rebate was.
I thank the Deputy for his comments. The Government’s objective from day one has been to support the haulage industry. It is essential to an island and an exporting economy that we have an efficient and competitive haulage industry that can get our goods to market, as well as transporting imports and other goods around the country. Several measures to support the industry have been introduced, such as increasing the speed limit for trucks on motorways, changes to the weights and measures regime and the fuel rebate. The industry has been very helpful and progressive when it comes to increasing safety standards, whereas other industries like that in principle but not in practice. The haulage industry has always been willing to embrace improvements to working conditions, tachograph times and improvements to safety. I do not want to prejudge the outcome of the report but I look forward to seeing its recommendations.
That was a favourable reply, given the fact that the report will be published at the end of next month. We look forward to a favourable response to the issues in question.
Road Projects Status
Charlie McConalogue
Question:9. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide funding to progress the proposals for the Bonagee link project, which will provide a new inner relief road and bridge across the River Swilly into Letterkenny; the current status of the proposals; the projected cost of delivering the project and the total amount which has been spent to date on this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27381/14]
This question seeks an update on the status of Bonagee link road project in Letterkenny and the Minister’s plans to progress it.
As I indicated in my response on 15 May to Questions Nos. 22 and 49 from the Deputy, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding of the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the NRA under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. The scale of the reduction in the allocations to the NRA under the Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-2016 framework has meant it has not been possible to progress a range of road development projects.
The key priority must be the protection of the existing investment in road infrastructure. The preferred route selected for the proposed N56 Letterkenny relief road encompasses the Bonagee relief road. However, given the reduced level of funding available for major schemes such as this, it has not been possible for the NRA to provide any additional funding to enable the scheme to progress further. The estimated cost of the total project is €45 million. Given the size of the project, it cannot be funded through a PPP, public private partnership, model but rather must be funded by direct Exchequer funding. In that context, €45 million represents a major commitment from central government, given the state of the public finances.
Work has started on the preparation of the next capital programme. As the Deputy will appreciate, I will have to prioritise the maintenance and upkeep of existing infrastructure. Accordingly, the scope for progressing new projects under this programme will very much depend on the level of funding available. The Government is acutely aware of the need to improve the north-west region's transport links. The progression of improvements to the A5 is the most important aspect of that and the Government has committed £50 million to that project. Unfortunately, the A5 has been subject to planning delays, but I am hopeful that these issues can be overcome and the necessary improvements advanced quickly.
I agree with the Minister that the A5 is a key priority project and welcome the Government’s continued funding commitment.
The Bonagee link road is a sizeable project, with an outlined cost of €45 million. I understand the scale of this and the difficulties in pulling the finances together. It is important, however, for the development of Letterkenny that there are sufficient transport links into the town as well as the one that exists currently. The need for another road into the town was highlighted recently when there were tailbacks for three to four hours because a traffic accident had blocked the one bridge that vehicles cross.
Understanding the scale of the project and that it comes within the remit of the NRA, the funding of it is very much a responsibility of the Minister in terms of the amount allocated to it. I ask him to prioritise this project because of its crucial importance to the future development of the town. I would appreciate if he could give more of an indication of what prioritisation he would give this project and how he sees the future capital programme being rolled out.
As I said in my reply, the priority when it comes to access to the north west, and Donegal in particular, is the A5. People living in Donegal will know why that is a priority. To put it in context, the National Roads Authority's budget peaked at €1.75 billion back in 2007 and fell to €371 million this year. From peak to trough, the cut in the NRA budget has been somewhere in the region of 70% or 80% which is enormous, but that was done for a reason. It was done to protect front-line services such as health services, education where there are more teachers than there were when the Deputy's party left office, and in the Garda where we did not reduce the number of gardaí as his party had planned. Even though the roads and road developments have suffered for it, it was done for a reason.
The NRA allocation to Donegal this year, for example, was just over €9 million - €9.4 million to be exact - and that has gone into the improvement and the maintenance of the existing national road network in the county. A €45 million project is five times the cost of that and that is type of context in which we are operating. I will be making a very strong pitch for an increase in the roads budget in the next capital plan but until I know the details of that I cannot make any decisions.
The Minister has just outlined the decrease there has been in the roads capital budget. It is important that the finance committee tries to reverse that trend and I will certainly make a strong pitch and continue to emphasise the importance of prioritising the Bonagee link project. I know the NRA's responsibility in this respect but the Deputy has a role as the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I emphasise the importance of this project and urge him to engage with the NRA to put a timeline on how we take the project forward. As he said, the plans and costings are in place and it is now a question of how to move it forward to implementation. We need to ensure within the period of a short number of years that it is progressed and that the plans for it do not sit on the shelf for many years to come.
Road Safety
Timmy Dooley
Question:10. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the further actions he will take to improve road safety here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27351/14]
The Minister might update us on his position on road safety and on the work of the Road Safety Authority in particular. As he is aware, Gay Byrne, as the chair of that organisation, is about to leave that position. He might reflect on recent comments made by Bob Olsen, the head of the Garda Inspectorate, when he talked about the lack of investment by the Department of Justice and Equality in the Garda fleet of vehicles and the impact that was having on the ability of gardaí to do their work. Obviously that has a significant impact on the ability of the Road Safety Authority to do its work and the Minister might comment on that.
Road fatalities this year are similar in number to the same period in 2013. I am concerned, in particular, that the number of deaths among vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists is very high compared to previous years. The Garda and the Road Safety Authority continue to examine the causes of the collisions that result in deaths and serious injuries on our roads so that greater focus can be applied to any significant trends emerging.
In 2013, I launched the Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020 which identifies a total of 144 actions to be implemented by key stakeholders within the timeframes set. Implementation of these actions will lead to a further significant reduction in fatalities and serious injuries on our roads. I hold regular meetings of all the State bodies involved in implementing the actions to ensure that proposals are proceeding as planned.
The Road Traffic Act 2014, signed into law on 25 February 2014, provides for adjustment of penalty points for certain offences, introduces a concept of novice driver, assists the Garda in determining the presence of intoxicants in drivers through an impairment testing system and provides for the testing for intoxicants of drivers left incapacitated by a road collision. The provisions of the Act will assist in making our roads safer.
Work is under way on preparation of a new Road Traffic Bill, which will address a variety of further issues, including ones identified in the road safety strategy, to improve road safety. One of the key aspects of the Bill will be the enabling legislation for the introduction of roadside testing for drugs.
In the Minister's response to my colleague, Deputy McConalogue, he talked about the strength of the Garda force and that it may be stronger than it might be if we had been in government. Notwithstanding his views in that regard, it is a fact that the level of enforcement of the law as it relates to road safety has been compromised in recent years. He spoke of the trends emerging this year in terms of deaths on our roads as being comparable in number to the same period last year. I have always made it clear that we must take these figures on a five-year average. It is the case that there was a significant increase of road fatalities last year and it appears that trend is continuing this year. While not wanting to get carried away with that particular metric, it is clear that a trend is emerging and it requires decisive action. It seems that road safety strategy is very well prepared and sets out all the right targets. Where we appear to be falling down is on the enforcement side. I trust that the Minister will engage, hopefully in a more favourable way, with the current Minister for Justice and Equality to achieve the appropriate level of investment in order that the road safety strategy, which we all support, can be implemented in full.
I would be reluctant to describe an increase in one year as a trend. We had a downward trend certainly for seven years, last year there was an increase and this year it is flat. I do not think one move up or down constitutes a trend but, nonetheless, it is important to be vigilant. As the Deputy pointed out, I am glad he was willing to concede that had Fianna Fáil stayed in power Garda numbers would have been reduced by even more than they have been reduced. That was its plan and the election of this Government put a stop to that plan.
The Government has starved them of resources.
The number of gardaí peaked in the traffic corps in 2008 and road deaths were much higher in 2008 than they are now. I do not think it is correct to say there is a direct correlation between the number of traffic gardaí and enforcement.
The Minister's description of a trend applies there too.
I accept and agree that we would all like to see more Garda enforcement, more gardaí and their equipment upgraded. I have a very good and close working relationship with the new Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald. Only yesterday we jointly met representatives of PARC, who as some of the Members will know, are campaigners on road safety. The Departments and the two Ministers have never been working better together.
Sports Events
Eoghan Murphy
Question:11. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the proposed bid for the Rugby World Cup. [27316/14]
Will the Minister give an update on the proposed bid for the Rugby World Cup in 2023?
Last November the Government considered a memorandum on the discussions and examinations to date on a potential bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023. While the memorandum identified a number of challenges, the great potential of the event is also clear and I believe that hosting the Rugby World Cup on a cross-Border basis in 2023 would be a great opportunity for Northern Ireland and Ireland. In response to the memorandum, the Government expressed strong support for the proposal and for the conduct of further work to get to the stage of making a formal decision to bid.
To progress the matter further the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, and I met with Minister Arlene Foster and Minister Carál Ní Chuilín, who are the Ministers, respectively, responsible for tourism and sport in the Northern Ireland Executive, in Armagh on 22 January. We established a working group to examine some key issues further and to report back to Ministers in the summer.
The working group, on which the IRFU and relevant Departments from both jurisdictions are represented, has held a number of meetings to date and indeed is meeting again tomorrow. I look forward to receiving its report later in the summer.
The Minister of State has been doing a good deal of work on this exciting project and it is progressing very well from what we have heard. He said in his reply that he expects to receive a report in the summer. Does that mean we can expect to see it in July or is it more likely to be in August or September? Do we know what that report will look like? Will it be one that will say "Yes, we are going for the bid" or "No, we are not going for the bid" or can we assume that we are going for the bid and that this report will be something of a roadmap as to how we get there? Do we know what the next stages will be if that is the conclusion of the report? What will then happen to the committee that has been established?
As the committee will have the knowledge about this, will it make the formal bid or will it be made by another body?
I thank the Deputy for his questions. I know that he has a great personal interest in this matter. We would all love to see this happening. As the Deputy said, the committee will meet tomorrow, following which we will probably receive a further update on when its report will be available. As the Deputy is aware, a joint bid is being made by the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government. When the report is received, it will be considered by both Governments and a decision made on whether to submit a formal bid. I thank the committee for the great work it is doing and I am sure it will produce a substantial report for us.
As announced by the International Rugby Board, the tender process for Rugby World Cup 2023 will be launched in 2016, including detailed timelines, hosting criteria, delivery structures and so on. We now have a timeline for the holding of the Rugby World Cup. This will be followed by the criteria to be met in hosting the event, following which a decision will be made on whether to submit a formal bid. The outcome of the bidding process will be known in 2017. There will be strong competition from countries such as South Africa and so on, but this is a great opportunity for Ireland. We have hosted many major events. One of the greatest things that could ever happen to the country would be for it to be successful in its bid to host this event. However, we must await receipt of the committee's report. Both Governments are supportive of the proposal, but they must await details of the criteria, the costs involved and so.
I hope the committee will have a further role to play following completion of its report because, as the Deputy rightly said, it will have the expertise in this regard. I hope it will continue to have a role and that we will be in a position to make a formal bid.
We are well placed to make a bid. It is good to know that the International Rugby Board will publish the criteria in 2016 because we will have already completed the work and know if we are ready to make a bid. Has there been any discussion yet of funding or is it too early for it?
It is too early yet for a discussion of funding. We must await receipt of the report, following which a decision will be made on whether to make a formal bid. If we do make a bid, the big issue will be from where the funding will come.
The Deputy is correct that much of the ground work has been done. The big decision was taken last year by the GAA at its congress in terms of its facilities being made available for the event. That was the most important decision. We have the required infrastructure, North and South. Major redevelopment of facilities is under way in Northern Ireland and the stadium in Cork is to be redeveloped. Croke Park would also be available to us. I hope we will have an opportunity to host this event. As the Deputy said, the committee has set out the roadmap for what needs to be done. We need to make a decision on whether to make a formal bid. I hope we will make it and that we will be successful. Ireland would be an ideal country in which to hold the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The country as a whole would buy into it. It would be a great occasion for the country and show to the world that we were able to host major international events.
As Deputy Jerry Buttimer is not in the House to take Question No. 12, we will move to Question No. 13 in the name of Deputy Sandra McLellan.
Question No. 12 replied to with Written Answers.
Sports Capital Programme Administration
Sandra McLellan
Question:13. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of sports funding that remains outstanding from previous rounds. [27091/14]
The sports capital programme has been very successful, with many groups and organisations benefiting from it. What is the amount outstanding from previous rounds?
At close of business last Friday the amount of outstanding sports capital commitments was €53 million, as compared with a figure of €71 million at the end of 2012. The corresponding figure at the end of 2008 was €191 million. For a variety of reasons, it can take grantees several years to draw down allocations. Some of the more common reasons include: delays in finalising the legalities required to protect the State’s investment; delays in the planning process and-or construction and difficulties in raising the required matching funding.
Where delays are excessive or a project has ceased, the Department has sought to withdraw allocations. This is a labour intensive and time consuming process, although in 2011 it was possible to withdraw €2.8 million of previous years’ allocations from 112 separate projects. Some withdrawals are of a complete allocation where projects are not going ahead, while others may only be for a small amount where projects have been completed and the grantees cannot draw down the remainder of the allocation. Owing to resource issues there was no withdrawals process in 2012 or 2013. However, one grantee was informed in 2013 that an allocation of €500,000 was being withdrawn.
I was delighted to be able to launch the 2014 round of the sports capital programme earlier this year, for which €40 million is available. Applications received under the 2014 sports capital programme are being assessed by officials in my Department. Every application will be assessed by one official and reviewed by another. Given the number of applications received and the detail contained therein, this process will take a number of months to complete. I hope to announce allocations shortly.
Large sums of money remain buried under red tape, while groups wait in anticipation for funding to be released. An office of full-time accountants and lawyers would find it difficult to work its way through some of the red tape involved in this area. Money allocated to one particular club in 2007 has not yet been released, although I understand the Department is awaiting further documentation from Dublin City Council. What does the Minister of State propose to do to ensure money from previous rounds is released as soon as possible?
I must give credit where credit is due. Consecutive sports capital programmes have been a lifeline for many clubs and organisations. Many clubs in my community have benefited from sports capital funding and are awaiting decisions on current applications. The Minister of State has said a decision on allocations this year will be made soon. Will it be made prior to the summer recess and can he ensure any money not drawn down for whatever reason will be freed and used for other projects?
The Deputy is correct that having €53 million in grant aid outstanding makes it difficult for me to obtain funding from the Government for further rounds. I agree with her that this funding has been a lifeline for sports organisations. There was no scheme in place from 2008 to 2012. The new scheme introduced last year worked well.
On the moneys not yet drawn down, I appeal to those clubs and organisations countrywide that have been approved to receive grant aid and are not in a position to use it to communicate with the Department in that regard because in so doing they are not precluded from making future applications. Many organisations granted funding in the past were unable to secure matching funding because projects were too large. However, clubs are now more realistic.
Many are of the opinion that the staff complement in the sports section in Killarney is huge, but that is not true. There are only a small number of staff in the section and they work very hard. I compliment them on the excellent work they are doing and have great confidence in them. Following up on issues with clubs is very time consuming.
On the last found of funding, clubs and organisations approved to receive grant aid have been given two years from the date of approval - which runs to next January - within which to draw down the funding. Those clubs that do not draw down the funding by that date will have it withdrawn from them. Also, for those clubs undertaking extensive projects, a time extension may be granted. Where no work is done and funding has not been drawn down, it will be withdrawn. In the meantime my officials will examine how the €53 million outstanding can be reduced.
Written Answers follow Adjournment.