Written Answers Nos. 617-633
617. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the 2013 Road Transport Bill will be published; the key measures contained in the new legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15159/13]
View answerThe Road Traffic Bill is currently being drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government. I hope to be in a position to publish it in the coming weeks and to introduce it into the Oireachtas soon after.
In the main, the Bill will provide for the adjustment in penalty points, further measures related to the Graduated Driver Licence System, impairment testing of drivers and the testing of incapacitated drivers in hospitals following road collisions. The full content of the General Scheme of the Bill, as approved by the Government, is provided on my Department's website.
618. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current status of the N17/N18 Gort to Tuam motorway project announced under the national stimulus plan; if a contractor has been appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15187/13]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.
619. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current status of the M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy motorway project announced under the national stimulus plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15188/13]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.
620. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the N25 New Ross bypass announced under the national stimulus plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15189/13]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.
621. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current status of the Galway city bypass announced under the national stimulus plan; if he has considered replacing this project with another based on the legal issues surrounding it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15190/13]
View answerThe position remains as set out in the in the Stimulus Package announcement. The Galway Bypass project is a priority project that is currently on hold due to legal proceedings. Depending on the outcome of the legal proceedings it is a possible future Public Private Partnership. I am very supportive of this project given the very significant benefit to cost ratio on assessment.
622. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a potential bid for the rugby world cup by the Irish Rugby Football Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15197/13]
View answer625. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a potential bid for the rugby world cup by the Irish Rugby Football Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15282/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 622 and 625 together.
I have met with the IRFU and I am fully supportive of their preparation of a bid to host the Rugby World Cup in Ireland. It is a matter for the IRFU to prepare and submit a bid. A report has been commissioned by the IRFU on the feasibility of Ireland hosting the Rugby World Cup Minister Ring and I expect to receive a presentation on it shortly.
The support of other sporting organisations shall be an important element in the bid process and I am pleased to note that delegates at last weekend's GAA Congress approved a motion which allow the inclusion of Croke Park and other GAA grounds in the list of venues that would be used for matches if Ireland was selected as the host country for the tournament.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment that event tourism will be prioritised in order to continue to bring major events to Ireland. As well as bringing spectators to our shores, the hosting of sports events can provide a great showcase for Ireland. Fáilte Ireland continues to support the holding of sports and other events that can boost tourism and, where appropriate, will provide advice and assistance to the sporting body which is seeking to secure an international event. I understand that Fáilte Ireland has engaged with the IRFU in this regard.
623. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to work with the Department of Social Protection to introduce leap card technology to the free travel scheme in order to more accurately measure usage on which to base the transfer of public funds to those public transport providers participating in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15227/13]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility to develop, procure, implement, operate and maintain the integrated ticketing Leap card system in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). In addition, the Authority’s remit in relation to integrated ticketing has been extended to the rest of the State.
I understand that the NTA and the Department of Social Protection (DSP) have been working closely together to incorporate Leap card technology in the Public Services Card (PSC). I am also informed by the NTA that DSP will be in a position to provide the NTA with prototype Free Travel variant PSCs in April this year. NTA will be extensively testing these cards to ensure they can be processed by the Leap card infrastructure.
Upon receiving confirmation from the NTA that the cards and readers work properly together, DSP will progress to issuing Free Travel variant PSCs to eligible clients. It is anticipated this could commence over the summer of this year if the testing is successful.
624. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on his visit to Japan and Korea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15274/13]
View answerOn behalf of the Government, I represented Ireland in Japan and Korea during the St Patrick’s Day period. The purpose of these visits is threefold:
Firstly, to promote Irish economic and cultural links overseas. Secondly, to use the opportunity of St Patrick's Day to strengthen our bi-lateral relationship with other states. Thirdly, to connect with our diaspora overseas as well as those individuals with a strong connection or affinity with Ireland. With regard to bi-lateral relations, I met with Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport and the Minister for Patriots and Veterans Affairs in Korea. While in Japan, I met with the Minister for Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Minister for Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. I also had the privilege in Japan of attending a meeting of the Japan Ireland Parliamentary Friendship League in their parliament. These meetings gave me an opportunity to discuss matters relating to matters of mutual interest between our two countries and also to promote key Irish interests in Korea and Japan.
In relation to the promotion of Irish economic and cultural interests, I undertook a number of events with the Enterprise Ireland and the IDA offices in Korea and Japan, meeting with IDA client companies with investments in Ireland or those considering an investment. I also met with Enterprise Ireland clients exporting into these economies, as well as meeting with a variety of tourism trade interests in Japan.
I was pleased to have the opportunity to do all three on my visit to Korea and Japan. With regard to Korea, I was pleased to be able to attend our National Day event in Seoul, as well as to meet separately with members of the Irish community in Korea and members of the Global Irish Network. In Japan, I attended the National Day events in Tokyo and Osaka, and participated in the St Patrick's Day Parades in Yokohama and Tokyo. These events gave me an opportunity to express my Government's support for our links with the diaspora, as well as to learn as to how we can better improve our relationship with Japan and Korea.
626. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures introduced in the tourism industry since the March 2011; his views on whether these measures will have had a positive impact on the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15283/13]
View answerSince March 2011 the Government has implemented a range of measures to support the tourism industry. VAT has been reduced to 9% on accommodation, restaurant and other services and this lower rate of VAT continues in 2013. The Visa Waiver Scheme is encouraging visitors from emerging markets to add Ireland to their trip when they are visiting the UK. The halving of employers’ PRSI for those on modest wages has reduced the cost of employing people. More recently the Governnment has confirmed that the extended Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS) and the new Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) initiatives will apply to tourism accommodation. Tourism and coach operators in particular will also benefit from the recently introduced fuel rebate and small tourism businesses will also benefit from the higher VAT threshold of €1.25 million.
In 2013 the Government will spend almost €140m through its agencies to support the industry, to market tourism at home and abroad and to support product development. Fáilte Ireland also provides a range of business and training supports to tourism enterprises.
These measures put in place to support tourism helped to contribute to growth of almost 8% in visitor numbers in 2011 and, although visitor numbers only experienced marginal growth in 2012, figures released last week by the CSO showed that spending by visitors to Ireland increased by 4.5% last year to €3.68 billion. In addition, according to Failte Ireland, the numbers employed in the tourism and hospitality sectors in Ireland is now 185,000, up 5,000 on their previous estimate.
Finally, as the Deputy is aware, 2013 is the year of the Gathering and this initiative will provide further support for the industry this year as well as a legacy effect for future years.
627. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the current Dublin Tourism Centre on St. Andrews Street, Dublin 2, has fallen into such a state of disrepair and almost dereliction; his plans in relation to this site and its future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15332/13]
View answerThis is an operational matter for Failte Ireland and I have referred the Deputy's Question to them for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
628. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will describe, with respect to rural transport, the expected efficiencies to be achieved from the proposed establishment of transport coordination units to regionalise transport planning and delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15336/13]
View answerSince 1st April 2012, responsibility for managing the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) has been assigned to the National Transport Authority (NTA) as part of new arrangements for integrated local and rural transport approved by the Government in January 2012. The RTP is managed by Pobal in conjunction with the NTA as part of the Programme transition. Thirty-five groups covering thirty-six geographical areas nationwide are currently being funded under the Programme.
Since becoming Minister for Public and Commuter Transport, my aim has been to strengthen the RTP by ensuring a more efficient delivery structure by maximising integration with other state transport services and by making the Programme a sustainable part of the public transport system. This is in line with the Programme for Government commitment to maintain and extend the RTP with other local transport services.
Given that resources are limited and that the Value for Money and Policy Review of the RTP, published last year, recommended organisational restructuring to achieve efficiencies and the better alignment of the 35 RTP groups with local authorities, it is necessary that the current delivery mechanisms and structures are examined and revised.
In summary the current structures of the RTP are not sustainable if the required efficiencies and savings are to be achieved. If these are not achieved then with the limited resources available services will decline. I am not prepared to allow that to happen.
Work is currently underway to determine the optimal structure for the delivery of rural transport from an efficiency and service perspective. One of the proposals being examined is that the RTPs be aligned with local authorities and that a number of Transport Co-ordination Units be established. The anticipated efficiencies to be achieved under the proposed structure include the efficiencies and savings identified in the Value for Money Report.
Central to any new structure will be an acknowledgement of the significant role that the Programme currently plays in combatting rural isolation and enhancing mobility, accessibility and community participation of local people, particularly those at risk of social exclusion.
I would emphasis that no decision has been taken but I am hopeful that I will be in a position to recommend a new structure later this year which will allow for the maxmising of spend on services and the reduction of administration costs.
629. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that persons acquiring driving licences will have the option of supplying their own photo for the licence as is the case for passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15339/13]
View answerThe Government decided in 2011 to centralise driver licence provision, following an examination of the options for driver licensing which found that a centralised system would offer enhanced security and consistency, and be more efficient and cost-effective. The Road Safety Authority (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Act 2012 provides for the RSA to become the central driver licensing authority in Ireland. This came into effect on 12 January 2013.
The new system involves three outsourced elements, a card production facility, a front office for engaging with the customer, and a back office to process applications. All three are overseen by a ‘specialist unit' based in the RSA headquarters. The card licence is standardised across the European Union and therefore there must be consistency in the quality and standard of information used. The photograph is digital and is not stuck on to the card in the way it was on the old paper licence. The capture of the photograph is included in the fee for the licence. As the system develops, the SAFE2 ID standard will be implemented, at which point the only option will be the digital photo taken at the front office network.
At present, and until September next, local authorities will continue to process driver licence applications on behalf of the RSA and will accept non-digital photographs.
The operation of the tender processes for the outsourced elements was a matter for the RSA, I had no power to intervene in it, and the contractors have already been procured.
630. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if construction works are likely to commence in 2013 on the N17 Tubercurry bypass, N21 Abbeyfeale to Adare, N25 Midletown to Youghal and the N59 Westport to Mulranny; if EU funding could be applied for to cover some of these costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15347/13]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design, implementation and funding options on individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.
631. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures introduced in the tourism industry since March 2011; his views on whether these measures have had a positive impact on the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15373/13]
View answerSince March 2011 the Government has implemented a range of measures to support the tourism industry. VAT has been reduced to 9% on accommodation, restaurant and other services and this lower rate of VAT continues in 2013. The Visa Waiver Scheme is encouraging visitors from emerging markets to add Ireland to their trip when they are visiting the UK. The halving of employers’ PRSI for those on modest wages has reduced the cost of employing people. More recently the Governnment has confirmed that the extended Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS) and the new Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) initiatives will apply to tourism accommodation. Tourism and coach operators in particular will also benefit from the recently introduced fuel rebate and small tourism businesses will also benefit from the higher VAT threshold of €1.25 million.
In 2013 the Government will spend almost €140m through its agencies to support the industry, to market tourism at home and abroad and to support product development. Fáilte Ireland also provides a range of business and training supports to tourism enterprises.
These measures put in place to support tourism helped to contribute to growth of almost 8% in visitor numbers in 2011 and, although visitor numbers only experienced marginal growth in 2012, figures released last week by the CSO showed that spending by visitors to Ireland increased by 4.5% last year to €3.68 billion. In addition, according to Failte Ireland, the numbers employed in the tourism and hospitality sectors in Ireland is now 185,000, up 5,000 on their previous estimate.
Finally, as the Deputy is aware, 2013 is the year of the Gathering and this initiative will provide further support for the industry this year as well as a legacy effect for future years.
632. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures introduced in the tourism industry since March 2011; his views on whether these measures have had a positive impact on the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15215/13]
View answerSince March 2011 the Government has implemented a range of measures to support the tourism industry. VAT has been reduced to 9% on accommodation, restaurant and other services and this lower rate of VAT continues in 2013. The Visa Waiver Scheme is encouraging visitors from emerging markets to add Ireland to their trip when they are visiting the UK. The halving of employers’ PRSI for those on modest wages has reduced the cost of employing people. More recently the Governnment has confirmed that the extended Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS) and the new Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) initiatives will apply to tourism accommodation. Tourism and coach operators in particular will also benefit from the recently introduced fuel rebate and small tourism businesses will also benefit from the higher VAT threshold of €1.25 million.
In 2013 the Government will spend almost €140m through its agencies to support the industry, to market tourism at home and abroad and to support product development. Fáilte Ireland also provides a range of business and training supports to tourism enterprises.
These measures put in place to support tourism helped to contribute to growth of almost 8% in visitor numbers in 2011 and, although visitor numbers only experienced marginal growth in 2012, figures released last week by the CSO showed that spending by visitors to Ireland increased by 4.5% last year to €3.68 billion. In addition, according to Failte Ireland, the numbers employed in the tourism and hospitality sectors in Ireland is now 185,000, up 5,000 on their previous estimate.
Finally, as the Deputy is aware, 2013 is the year of the Gathering and this initiative will provide further support for the industry this year as well as a legacy effect for future years.
633. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he is undertaking to ensure that funds for regional and local roads are being targeted at essential maintenance work to the greatest extent possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15201/13]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
The Department has allocated a total of €349.462 million to local authorities for works on regional and local roads in 2013, and increasingly this funding is being directed towards the maintenance and repair of regional and local roads and low cost safety works. This will remain the position in the coming years.
My Department recently wrote to local authorities offering additional flexibility this year by allowing Councils to transfer resources into their discretionary grant from their Restoration Improvement Grant to ensure funding is targeted at the areas which are most in need.
It is also important to reiterate that the role of Exchequer grants for regional and local roads is to supplement Councils in their own resources spending in this area and local authorities need to prioritise increased expenditure from their own resources on their own roads in view of the current difficult situation.
