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Tuesday, 18 Dec 2012

Written Answers Nos. 677 - 697

Rail Network

Questions (677)

Seamus Healy

Question:

677. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the track and infrastructure alterations proposed at the railway station in Carrick-on-Suir County Tipperary and the timescales involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56349/12]

View answer

Written answers

The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann.  I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.  Please inform my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.

School Equipment

Questions (678)

Regina Doherty

Question:

678. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if she will consider the mandatory inclusion of defibrillator equipment in all secondary schools and sports club facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56409/12]

View answer

Written answers

The installation of equipment in sports clubs is a matter for those clubs. Such equipment has however been funded under the Sports Capital Programme. The installation of equipment in secondary schools is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Education and Skills.

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Questions (679)

Robert Dowds

Question:

679. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the parameters that were used to allocate sports capital grants in 2012. [56430/12]

View answer

Written answers

All applications received under the 2012 Sports Capital Programme were first checked to ensure eligibility and then eligible applications were initially assessed against the following criteria (the final 4 criteria only apply to regional and national projects):

 

Selection Criteria

Increase in the levels of active participation/ improved standards of sporting performance, especially among women and older citizens

Level of socio-economic disadvantage in the area

Technical merits of the project

Financial viability of project

Level of own funding available

Extent to which applicant will be able to maintain project after completion

Current and planned levels of sport and/or recreational sport facilities in the area

Current or proposed sharing of facilities with other sporting groups or schools

Level of SCP (or other Government) funding received in the past

Strategies to be used to attract people from disadvantaged areas

Priority of proposed improvements/ facility in relation to existing facilities

Priorities as identified by the NGB (national/regional projects only)

Priority as identified by the Irish Sports Council (NGB and third level only)

Location of facility within the network of national, regional and municipal facilities (non-local projects only)

Linkages with Local Authorities Swimming Pools Programme (municipal multi-sport only)

In deciding the final allocations of funding to local projects within each county I had regard to a number of additional factors, including:

- the performance of each application during the assessment process;

- ensuring a geographic spread of projects within each county;

- ensuring an appropriate spread of projects between rural and urban areas within each county; and

- ensuring that there is a spread of projects among different sports.

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Questions (680)

Robert Dowds

Question:

680. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is any specific aspect of sport or of club governance which should be made clear in every application for sports grant funding. [56431/12]

View answer

Written answers

Under the Sports Capital Programme all applicants must fill out the application form and provide certain minimum supporting documentation to meet the eligibility requirements. Details of the most recent application form and the guide to filling out the application form can be found on my Department's website www.dttas.ie. 

Part of the application form relates to issues of governance. All applicants must provide evidence of non-discrimination. School applications must be made jointly with at least one sports club or community group and the Programme does not provide funding for private or commercial operations.

My Department will be writing to all applicants in the coming weeks and the reasons why applications were deemed invalid will be outlined to the relevant applicants. 

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Questions (681)

Robert Dowds

Question:

681. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there will be a further call for applications for sports capital funding in the foreseeable future, and if so; when this may happen. [56432/12]

View answer

Written answers

There are no plans to advertise another round of the Sports Capital Programme at the moment. However, I hope to be in a position to announce a further round as soon as funding becomes available.

Taxi Regulations

Questions (682)

Finian McGrath

Question:

682. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the proposed Taxi Bill. [56470/12]

View answer

Written answers

Overall the thrust of the reforms arising from the Taxi Regulation Review will mean better services for consumers and improvements to the operating environment for taxi drivers generally. The Taxi Regulation Bill 2012 will support measures to ensure that operators and drivers can operate under a robust regulatory framework that is supported by an effective enforcement regime. 

As proposed in the Taxi Regulation Review Report, it is envisaged that there will be a prohibition on the transfer of small public service vehicle (SPSV) licences. The underlying principle for this proposal is that a licence should determine a person's suitability to carry out a function and it should have no monetary value or be traded on the open market. There is a legislative provision concerning the prohibition on transfer of such licences in the Taxi Regulation Bill 2012.

I understand that the NTA is considering the option, for the purposes of ensuring the continuity of a taxi business upon the death of the vehicle licence holder, that an application by the next of kin for a licence can be facilitated. 

Under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003, the setting of maximum taxi fares is a statutory function of the NTA. Following a consultation process on the proposal for increase of the order of 3.5% to 4% in maximum fares, the NTA announced last week that there would be no modification to the existing maximum fares.

Action 31 of the Taxi Regulation Review Report in 2011 proposes the introduction of a distinctive branding on taxis and wheelchair accessible taxis by means of a semi-permanent decal (vinyl adhesive material printed with a particular design) to be applied to the doors on either side of the vehicle, incorporating the umbrella 'Transport for Ireland' design. The aim of the branding is to provide greater recognition of taxis, promote greater professionalism of the industry and to reduce the potential for unlicensed vehicles to operate as taxis.

The Taxi Advisory Committee, which I appointed during this summer, includes representatives of small public service vehicle and driver interests in line with the provisions of Section 54 of the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003.There were two working taxi drivers on the review group.

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Questions (683)

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

683. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention been drawn to the request by Dublin City Council for the €300,000 allocation from the sports capital programme under the allocations to local projects scheme that was to kickstart the long promised development of club facilities for clubs (details supplied) in Dublin 12; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that Dublin City Council were prepared to contribute €600,000 to these projects provided that the €300,000 was secured his Department; if he will confirm that the €250,00 held by his department in abeyance pending the accumulation of sufficient resources to kickstart these projects in Pearse Park is secure and ready for drawing down at some future date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56537/12]

View answer

Written answers

Under the 2012 Sports Capital Programme, Dublin City Council applied for funding of €300,000 for facilities at Willie Pearse Park. This application was unsuccessful. 

There are 2 grants for facilities at Willie Pearse Park outstanding from 2003 and 2004 with a total value of €250,000. If Dublin City Council wish to use these grants for a different purpose they should contact the Department to seek a change of purpose. 

European Council Meetings

Questions (684)

Simon Harris

Question:

684. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the formations of the EU Councils of Ministers on which he sits; the number of meetings of that Council held from 9 March 2011 to date in 2012; the number of those meetings he attended; the number attended by a Minister of State; the number attended by an Irish official; and if he will provide the names of those who attended in tabular form. [56555/12]

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Written answers

I  participate at the Transport formation of the Transport, Telecoms and Energy Council. Since March 2011, there have been 7 formal Transport Council meetings and I have attended all of these. Transport Council meets on 20 December and I will attend this along with officials from my Department and the Irish Permanent Representation to the EU.

Minister of State Michael Ring T.D. has delegated responsibility in relation to EU matters relating to Sport and he has attended three of the four formal Council meetings of Sports Ministers scheduled since March 2011. He was unable to attend the Council meeting in May 2011 owing to diary commitments associated with the visit of HM Queen Elizabeth II. The Deputy Permanent Representative attended the meeting in his place.

The Competitiveness Council deals with tourism-related issues from time to time. My colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, T.D., represents Ireland at the Competitiveness Council. 

The information requested is set out in tabular form as follows: 

Council Meeting

Date

Minister attending

Lead Official attending

Transport Council

31 March 2011

Minister Varadkar

Deputy Permanent Representative (DPR), Geraldine Byrne Nason

Sports Council

19 May 2011

-

DPR Geraldine Byrne Nason

Transport Council

16 June 2011

Minister Varadkar

DPR Geraldine Byrne Nason

Transport Council

6 October 2011

Minister Varadkar

DPR Tom Hanney

Sports Council

29 November 2011

Minister of State Ring

DPR Tom Hanney

Transport Council

12 December 2011

Minister Varadkar

DPR Tom Hanney

Transport Council

22 March 2012

Minister Varadkar

DPR Tom Hanney

Transport Council

07 June 2012

Minister Varadkar

DPR Tom Hanney

Transport Council

29 October 2012

Minister Varadkar

DPR Tom Hanney

Sports Council

10 May 2012

Minister of State Ring

DPR Tom Hanney

Sports Council

27 November. 2012

Minister of State Ring

DPR Tom Hanney

Transport Council

20 December 2012

Minister Varadkar

DPR Tom Hanney

Sale of State Assets

Questions (685)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

685. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to a report in a Sunday newspaper that Coras Iompair Eireann has sold the freehold interest in several properties in Spencer Dock in Dublin city centre for a reported €20m, if he will confirm that a sale has taken place; if he will confirm the detail of what has been sold and the sale price; the marketing and pre-sales activity undertaken by CIE to ensure the maximum price was achieved for the properties; and if he will confirm if the National Asset Management Agency was one of the unsuccessful bidders for the properties. [56558/12]

View answer

Written answers

This is an operational matter for Córas Iompair Éireann. I have referred the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Will the Deputy please advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Sports Funding

Questions (686)

Peter Mathews

Question:

686. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide in tabular form a breakdown of Irish Sports Council Funding for each of the Olympic cycle years of 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 by sport; national governing body administration funding; high performance programme funding by sport; the carding scheme totals for each sport; list of athletes and the total amount each received under the carding scheme each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56575/12]

View answer

Written answers

The Irish Sports Council, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the promotion, development and co-ordination of sport, including the allocation of funding for the National Governing Bodies of Sport and for the High Performance programme.

As the Deputy's question relates to the allocation of funding, I have referred it to the Irish Sports Council for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.

Sports Funding

Questions (687)

Peter Mathews

Question:

687. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide in tabular form a breakdown of funding to the Olympic Council of Ireland for each of the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 by podium level, world class level, international level and junior development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56576/12]

View answer

Written answers

The Irish Sports Council, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the promotion, development and co-ordination of sport, including the allocation of funding for the National Governing Bodies of Sport and for the High Performance programme. 

As the Deputy's question relates to the allocation of funding, I have referred it to the Irish Sports Council for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.

Driving Licence Renewals

Questions (688)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

688. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he intends to take the issuing of driving licences from the local authorities; if so, the proposed location of the central issuing office of new licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56615/12]

View answer

Written answers

In May 2011, the Government decided, with the introduction of a plastic card driving licence from 19 January 2013, to centralise the driver licence function. It was also decided that the RSA would become the centralised driver licensing authority. The legislation to provide for the transfer of the function was passed by the Oireachtas earlier this year, and the RSA will officially become the national driver licensing authority with effect from 12 January 2013. There will be a transition period for part of 2013, estimated to be approximately nine months, during which the local authorities will continue to perform some driver licensing functions on behalf of the RSA.

The new system will consist of three outsourced contracts: a 'front office' to engage with the public, a 'back office' to process applications, and a card producer who will produce the new plastic card format licence. The RSA will also establish a central specialist unit to manage and oversee the driver licensing function. The central unit will be based in the RSA headquarters in Ballina.

Question No. 689 answered with Question No. 672.

Cycling Policy

Questions (690)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

690. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will detail on a county basis the spend on developing and maintaining cycle routes for each of the past three years. [56741/12]

View answer

Written answers

The table sets out details of funding made available by my Department for the development of cycling and walking routes during 2009, 2010 and 2011. Almost €34m has been allocated in 2012 for investment between 2012 and 2016 in respect of similar projects details of which can be made available to the Deputy when the funding has been drawndown. Maintenance of routes is a matter for the local authorities concerned and disaggregated information on local authority cycle route maintenance expenditure is not available to my department. 

Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, funding for delivery of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of cycle lanes in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) is a matter for the NTA. Under its Sustainable Transport Management Grants (STMG) Scheme the NTA  also provides funding to local authorities for a range of schemes to benefit cyclists including cycle paths and cycle corridors. The NTA also administer my Department's funding of smarter travel infrastructure in the regional cities. The NTA can provide details of expenditure on cycling routes in the GDA and regional cities  and I have asked them to forward the information to the Deputy directly. If the Deputy has not received a response within 7 days he should contact me again. 

Cycling Investment

Project Name

Location

County

Grant Amount (€)

Status

Project Type

Funding Initiative

2009

Carrigaline Walking and Cycling Network

Carrigaline

Cork

800,000

Completed in 2011

Urban

Initial

Dublin City Premium Cycle Route (DCC)

Dublin City

Dublin

5,500,000

Completed in 2012

Urban cycle network

Initial

Dublin City Cycle lane refurbishment (DCC)

Dublin City

Dublin

800,000

Completed in 2009

Urban cycle network

Initial

Adamstown to Grand Canal (SDCC)

South Dublin

Dublin

2,400,000

Completed in 2011

Urban cycle network

Initial

Fisheries Fields Cycling and Walking Route

Galway City

Galway

398,445

Completed in 2012

Urban cycle network

Initial

Castletroy off-road cycle track (1.6km)

Castletroy to UCC and Plassey Park

Limerick

185,000

Completed in 2009

Urban cycle network

Initial

Great Western Greenway Phase 1

Newport-Mulranny

Mayo

620,000

Completed in 2010

national cycle network

NCN

Westport Town Greenway Stage 1

Westport Town

Mayo

465,000

Completed in 2009

Urban cycle network

Carbon reduction measures

Enfield Safe Cycleway

Enfield

Meath

9,963

Completed in 2009

Urban cycle network

Carbon reduction measures

Trim-Navan-Drogheda Cycleway

Trim/Navan/Drogheda

Meath

49,815

Completed in 2009

Urban cycle network

Carbon reduction measures

Project Name

Location

County

Grant Amount (€)

Status

Project Type

Funding Initiative

2010

Cycleways Carrick-on-Shannon

Carrick-on-Shannon

Leitrim

775,000

Completed

urban cycle network

Demonstration Fund

Skerries Balbriggan Cycle Route (Fingal Co Cl)

Skerries Balbriggan

Dublin

766,293

Due for completion 2013

urban cycle network

Demonstration Fund

Great Western Greenway Phase 2

Westport - Mulranny

Mayo

1,050,000

Completed

urban cycle network

Cycle Route projects

Great Western Greenway Phase 2

Mulranny - Achill

Mayo

700,000

Completed

urban cycle network

Cycle Route projects

Walking and Cycling to school

Dundalk

Louth

801,500

Due for completion 2013

Cycle Route projects

Demonstration Fund

Westport Town Greenway Stage 2

Westport Town

Mayo

110,000

Completed

urban cycle network

Carbon Reduction Measures

Project Name

Location

County

Grant Amount (€)

Status

Project type

Funding Initiative

2011

2.6km of 1.5m Cycle lanes on the Eastern approach to Cavan Town; and bike parking in 10 towns

Cavan Town & County

Cavan

304,835

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs Initiative Round 1

2 way cycle lanes (9km) and associated parking

Sligo City to Strandhill

Sligo

244,428

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs Initiative Round 2

Killarney Town Cycle lane (1.7km Phase 1)

Killarney Town

Kerry

218,545

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs Initiative Round 1

Killarney Town Cycle Lane (1.2km Phase 2)

Parallel to the N72 Killorglin Road

Kerry

209,923

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs Initiative Round 2

Pedestrian and cycle links with associated infrastructure

Kilkenny City

Kilkenny

100,000

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs Initiative Round 1

300m Granges Road to Dean Street cycle link (300m)

Granges Road to Dean Street

Kilkenny

36,847

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs Initiative Round 3

Dublin Road Cycleway

Dublin Road

Kilkenny

125,000

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs initiative Smarter Travel Areas Funding

College Road "off-road" 2 lane cycle way

Kilkenny Ring Road to Ormond Road

Kilkenny

65,471

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs initiative Round 2

Limerick/Nenagh Cycle Track

Limerick to Nenagh

Limerick /Sth Tipp

600,000

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs Initiative Round 1

Great Southern Trail (further development)

Rathkeale to Castlematrix; Abbeyfeale to Barna

Limerick

306,000

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs Initiative Round 2

Nenagh loop walkway/cycleway (6km)

Dromin Road junction to the Portroe Road Roundabout

Limerick

150,000

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs initiative Round 2

Royal Canal cycle and walkway

Longford Town

Longford

133,440

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs Initiative Round 1

Longford Town Walking and Cycling path

Farannyhoogan/ Cartrongeeragh

Longford

94,727

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs Initiative Round 2

Newtown Road cycle track

Newtown Road

Louth

29,465

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs Initiative Round 3

Tom Belview Ave pedestrian and cycleway

Tom Belview Avenue

Louth

65,945

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs initiative STA Funding

Ballina Urban Cycle Network

Ballina

Mayo

194,300

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs Initiative Round 1

Castlebar Cycling and Walking links

Castlebar

Mayo

110,883

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs initiative Round 2

Completion of Northern Greenway

Westport

Mayo

155,000

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs initiative STA Funding

Tullamore Town Cycle Route

Tullamore Town

Offaly

239,452

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs Initiative Round 1

Smarter Travel Trail (5 km extension)

Sligo City

Sligo

281,741

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs Initiative Round 1

Lough Gill Loop Cycle Route

Lough Gill

Sligo

58,267

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs Initiative Round 3

Walking and cycling route

Clonmel

Sth Tipp.

169,574

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs Initiative Round 1

Phase 1 of "The Track" cycle and walking route: 2 m 2 way cycle track.

Clonea Road, Sallybrook crossing to Walton Park

Waterford

277,396

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs Initiative Round 1

Phase 2 of "The Track" cycle and walking route 2 way cycle track (2kms).

The Banks

Waterford

274,559

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs initiative Round 2

600m dual direction cycle way

Duck's Pool

Waterford

56,518

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs Initiative Round 3

Youghal Road Cycleway

Business Park/residential areas in Dungarvan link

Waterford

125,731

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs initiative STA Funding

Mullingar Cycle Network (extension)

Ballinagh to Shandonagh

Westmeath

150,000

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs Initiative Round 1

"Missing link" in footpath and cycle network

Athlone

Westmeath

58,172

Completed

Urban cycle network

Jobs Initiative

Project Name

Location

County

Grant Amount (€)

Status

Project type

Funding Initiative

2012

Carlow Town and Craiguecullen Village Active Travel Town

Carlow Town and Craiguecullen Village

Carlow

939,850

Approved

Creation of ATT through a combination of infrastructural and soft supporting measures

ATTs

Carlow Co Co /Kilkenny Co Co

Carlow to Paulstown to Kilkenny

Carlow/ Kilkenny

463,500

Approved

Cycle Network

National Cycle Network

Cavan Co Council Active Travel Town

Cavan Town

Cavan

675,000

Approved

Creation of ATT through a combination of infrastructural and soft supporting measures

ATTs

Clare Co Co

Ennistymon to Lahinch

Clare

400,000

Approved

Cycle Network

National Cycle Network

Letterkenny Active Travel Town

Letterkenny

Donegal

232,120

Approved

Creation of ATT through a combination of infrastructural and soft supporting measures

ATTs

Donegal Co Co

Donegal Town/Newtoncunningham

Donegal

497,000

Approved

Cycle Network

National Cycle Network

Fingal Co Co

Ashtown to Blanchardstown/Castleknock

Dublin

600,000

Approved

Cycle Network

National Cycle Network

Oranmore Active Travel Town

Oranmore

Galway

100,000

Approved

Creation of ATT through a combination of infrastructural and soft supporting measures

ATTs

Kerry Co Co

Killarney to Fossa

Kerry

142,773

Approved

Cycle Network

National Cycle Network

Quaylink City Centre Pedestrian Bridge

Kilkenny City

Kilkenny

400,000

Approved

Infrastructural measure which is part of overall plan by Kilkenny Co Council to create a smarter travel city.

ATTs

Carrick-on-Shannon Active Travel Town

Carrick-on-Shannon

Leitrim

400,000

Approved

Creation of ATT through a combination of infrastructural and soft supporting measures

ATTs

Limerick STA

Limerick City & Co

Limerick

9,000,000

Approved

Combination of infrastructural and soft supporting measures

STAs

Limerick Co Co

Abbeyfeale town to Rathoran

Limerick

289,875

Approved

Cycle Network

National Cycle Network

Louth Co Co

Dundalk to Carlingford

Louth

687,000

Approved

Cycle Network

National Cycle Network

Westport STA

Westport

Mayo

5,500,000

Approved

combination of infrastructural and soft supporting measures

STAs

Castlebar Active Travel Town

Castlebar

Mayo

120,000

Approved

Creation of ATT through a combination of infrastructural and soft supporting measures

ATTs

Mayo Co Co

Castlebar to Turlough

Mayo

725,000

Approved

Cycle Network

National Cycle Network

Meath Co Co

Drogheda, Navan Trim

Meath

500,000

Approved

Cycle Network

National Cycle Network

Monaghan Co Co

Clones to Monaghan

Monaghan

621,000

Approved

Cycle Network

National Cycle Network

Nenagh Active Travel Town

Nenagh

North Tipperary

290,000

Approved

Creation of ATT through a combination of infrastructural and soft supporting measures

ATTs

Nth Tipperary

Nenagh N52 Cycle/Walkway extension

Nth Tipperary

334,530

Approved

Cycle Network

National Cycle Network

Offaly Co Co

Tullamore to Moate

Offaly

400,000

Approved

Cycle Network

National Cycle Network

Roscommon Co Co

Athlone to Ballinasloe

Roscommon

470,000

Approved

Cycle Network

National Cycle Network

Sligo Town Active Travel Town

Sligo Town

Sligo

955,000

Approved

Creation of ATT through a combination of infrastructural and soft supporting measures

ATTs

Clonmel Active Travel Town

Clonmel

South Tipperary

456,276

Approved

Creation of ATT through a combination of infrastructural and soft supporting measures

ATTs

Dungarvan STA

Dungarvan

Waterford

7,200,000

Approved

Combination of infrastructural and soft supporting measures

STAs

Waterford City Council

Tramore Road R675

Waterford

289,000

Approved

Cycle Network

National Cycle Network

Waterford Co Co

Ring Road at Ballindud to Somerville Roundabout in Tramore

Waterford

310,500

Approved

Cycle Network

National Cycle Network

Westmeath Co Co

(a)Boardstown to Meath Border (b)Coolnahay Bridge to Longford Border

Westmeath

(a)451,250 (b) 473,750

Approved

Cycle Network

National Cycle Network

Vehicle Registration Issues

Questions (691)

Dara Calleary

Question:

691. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a national approval registration system will be introduced for 01 and 02 trailers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56747/12]

View answer

Written answers

Unlike other categories of vehicles, light trailers do not require registration or licensing.  I am advised that unilateral introduction of such an approval system by Ireland would constitute a contravention of EU anti-competitiveness legislation in relation to the sale and free movement of such trailers throughout the European Union. I have, therefore, no proposals at present to introduce a national approval system for light trailers.

Vehicle Registration Issues

Questions (692)

Dara Calleary

Question:

692. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the physical tests carried out on 01 and 02 trailers during a European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval that are carried out in a NSSTA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56748/12]

View answer

Written answers

The subject matter of this question is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and I have referred the question to them for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my Office if a reply has not been received within ten days.

Rural Transport Services Provision

Questions (693)

James Bannon

Question:

693. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will reverse the decision to cancel the number 22 Bus Éireann service through Kinnegad, County Westmeath, in view of the negitive effect on Kinnegad, the third largest town in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56805/12]

View answer

Written answers

The issue raised is a matter for Bus Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Will the Deputy please advise my private office if a reply is not received within ten working days.

Air Services Provision

Questions (694)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

694. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason passenger numbers at Shannon Airport fell from 3.6 million in 2007 to 1.5 million in 2012 notwithstanding the substantial State supports to the airport over this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56925/12]

View answer

Written answers

The fall in passenger numbers at Shannon Airport in the period in question has been attributed to the general economic decline, which has of course affected all airports to various degrees, and to the substantial withdrawal of air services from the airport by a major airline. The State provides no Exchequer support to Shannon or the other two State Airports at Dublin and Cork.

Heritage Council Funding

Questions (695)

Micheál Martin

Question:

695. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the successful completion of the Malahide Castle project County Dublin and the importance of heritage to economic growth, if he will make funding available to complete works on Swords Castle and St. Columba's Church of Ireland, belfry and round tower; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56935/12]

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Written answers

Funding for tourism product development is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. If the Deputy does not receive a reply from Fáilte Ireland within ten working days, will he please contact my private office.

Haulage Industry Regulation

Questions (696)

Michael McGrath

Question:

696. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in the context of the road haulage operator licensing system, if there is a list of approved persons or bodies that will provide a road worthiness for a tractor in order to meet the road haulage licensing requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56946/12]

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Written answers

Any vehicle to be authorised under a Road Haulage Operator’s Licence needs to have all vehicle documentation in order, including motor tax, insurance, tachograph calibration, and certificate of roadworthiness. Certificates of roadworthiness are issued by the relevant Local Authority, which is also responsible for authorising the test centres that carry out roadworthiness tests.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (697)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

697. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of the KPMG evaluation on behalf of the Steering Group and his Department upon the separation of Shannon Airport from the Dublin Airport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56964/12]

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Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, the Government has decided to proceed with the separation of Shannon Airport from the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) on 31st December 2012 and to merge the airport with a restructured Shannon Development to form a new integrated Shannon entity in public ownership (‘Newco’).

Business plans were prepared and submitted both to myself and to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in respect of the proposed new Shannon entity, including Shannon Airport, and in respect of the DAA (post separation).

KPMG was engaged to provide an independent evaluation of these business plans and the cost of their work was €152,305.06 (including VAT).

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