Written Answers Nos. 1350 - 1371
1350. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if and when the required funding will be made available to Kildare County Council to facilitate the urgently required upgrading of the bridge at Collinstown, Leixlip, County Kildare, a pivotal piece of local infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16170/13]
View answer1351. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if and when the necessary works including bridge realignment will take place to alleviate traffic congestion at Liffey Bridge, Celbridge, County Kildare; if his Department has received proposals from Kildare County Council for such works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16786/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1350 and 1351 together.
The 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.
In July last year local authorities were invited to submit applications for consideration for funding in 2013 under the Specific Improvement Grants Scheme. Kildare County Council applied for funding for four projects under this grant category but no application for consideration for funding was included for either the Liffey Bridge, Celbridge or the bridge at Collinstown, Celbridge.
The Specific Improvement Grants Scheme is being discontinued from 2014 onward in order to maximise the funding available for repair and strengthening work. In lieu of the Specific Improvement Grant Programme, applications will be sought in mid-2013 for minor bridge repair works (which is a subset of the current Specific Grant Programme) for 2014. This is in line with focusing monies on road and bridge maintenance and strengthening and the council may wish to prioritise any strengthening aspects of these projects and submit them for consideration for funding in 2014.
Alternatively, it is open to the Council to fund these works from their own resources or from its Discretionary Grant.
The 2013 regional and local road grants have now been fully allocated and there are no further funds available from which an additional allocation could be made.
1352. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will clarify the rules, protocols or regulations that private clamping firms operate under; if there is a national body through which his Department talks with clamping firms; the agreements, formal or informal under which they operate; if there is a level of discussion or understanding ongoing; the way complaints to his Department in relation to perceived abuse of power are dealt with; the forum that is used for exchanging views; his plans to formalise matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16887/13]
View answerWhile Section 101B of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, (inserted by Section 9 of the Dublin Transport Authority (Dissolution) Act, 1987) provides for the clamping and/or towing of vehicles illegally parked on a public road or in local authority car parks, there is currently no regulation of clamping companies nor of the activity of clamping on private land.
In line with the commitment contained in the Programme for Government to “legislate to regulate the vehicle clamping industry”, I have received Government approval for the drafting of a Regulation of Vehicle Immobilisation Bill and have published the Heads of the Bill on my Department's website.
Under the provisions of this Bill, the National Transport Authority will be given powers to licence clamping companies, set clamping-release fees, establish an appeals process and separate complaints procedure, as well as introducing an industry-wide code of practice.
Following drafting of the Bill over the coming months, I hope to introduce it in the Oireachtas by the end of the year.
1353. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if under the Road Traffic Act 2011 it is a mandatory or a discretionary power for a Garda to test a driver at a Garda station after arresting them at the scene of an injury-related collision; if he is considering amending section 7 of the 2011 Act in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17146/13]
View answerSection 7 of the Road Traffic (No. 2) Act 2011 substitutes section 9 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, provides for mandatory preliminary breath testing at the roadside where injury has been caused following a road traffic collision. It is not discretionary, however a Garda can make decision not to carry out a breath test where it could be injurious to the drivers health or if the drivers is deceased, for example. I do not have any plans to further amend section 9.
Where a person has been arrested following a preliminary breath test under section 9, a member of the Garda Síochána may, under section 12 of the 2010 Act, require the person under arrest to provide either an evidential breath specimen or a blood/urine specimen or both. A person who refuses or fails to comply with such a requirement commits an offence under section 12 and is liable to a maximum fine of €5,000 and/or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 6 months following conviction.
1354. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are controls in place to prevent persons from making multiple applications to different authorities for driving licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17675/13]
View answerResponsibility for driver licensing has recently transferred from local authorities to the Road Safety Authority (RSA), with the introduction of the plastic card licence in January.
The system will operate through three outsourced contracts that the RSA has awarded. While the plastic card production facility is already in operation, the companies involved in providing back office processing and front-office customer interface services are currently gearing up and will not be fully operational until later this year. In the meantime, during the transition period, local authorities will continue to perform some driver licensing functions on behalf of the RSA.
Once processed, all driver licences are recorded on the National Vehicle and Driver File, held by my Department. This ensures that multiple licences will not be issued to the same individual.
1355. Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures introduced to the tourism industry since the March 2011; his views on whether these measures have had a positive impact on the industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15974/13]
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. 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 Government 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 fuel rebate and small tourism businesses will benefit from the higher VAT threshold of €1.25 million.
In 2013 the Government is also providing almost €140m through the tourism agencies to support the industry, to market tourism at home and abroad and to fund product development.
The 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 month 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.
1356. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to address the fact that while tourist attractions in Dublin are reporting a stronger January year on year, attractions outside of the capital especially those in rural areas are struggling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16033/13]
View answerThe matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if a reply is not received within ten working days.
1357. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are more than 300 castles here in a dilapidated state; if he has considered implementing a restoration programme similar to the one enacted by the Spanish Government whereby castles and other historic building were turned into hotels Paradores, with a view to boosting tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16035/13]
View answerI have no funding available to my Department for a programme such as that suggested by the Deputy. I should also point out that both the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) and Fáilte Ireland estimate that there is currently excess capacity in hotel accommodation in Ireland. I should also point out that both the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) and Fáilte Ireland estimate that there is currently excess capacity in hotel accommodation in Ireland.
However, in relation to investment in tourism accommodation generally, including renovations, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the recent provisions in the Finance Bill that allow accommodation providers to benefit from the extension of the Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS) to include tourism accommodation and the confirmation of the eligibility of tourism accommodation to participate in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).
1358. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of a report, Debrief from 2012 Olympic Games which was prepared for the Irish Sports Council by a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16038/13]
View answerThe 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 High Performance programme. The Council also has responsibility for initiating research concerning sport. The Council also has responsibility for initiating research concerning sport.
As the report mentioned by the Deputy was commissioned and paid for by the Irish Sports Council, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Council for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
1359. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will advise on the future of a rural transport programme (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16075/13]
View answerAn overall budget of €9.133 million has been allocated by my Department to the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) for 2013, representing a small decrease on the 2012 allocation of €9.77 million, at a very difficult time financially. €130,099 of the 2013 RTP budget has been allocated to West Cork Rural Transport (WCRT) from January to June 2013, with a further proposed allocation of €130,099 from July to December 2013. Additionally, €31,032.50 of Free Travel Pass (FTP) funding has been allocated to WCRT from January to June 2013, with a further proposed allocation of €31,032 from July to December 2013. This represents a total 2013 allocation of combined RTP and FTP funding of €322,262.50 for the provision of RTP services in West Cork.
My aim is 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. To this end national responsibility for local and rural transport services integration, including the RTP, was assigned to the National Transport Authority (NTA) with effect from 1st April 2012, putting such services in a broader transport context. I also established the National Integrated Rural Transport (NIRT) Committee in April 2012, comprising key stakeholders and chaired by the NTA, to oversee and manage a partnership approach to implementing integrated local and rural transport. I am well aware of the very valuable work done by the RTP Groups in identifying and delivering the transport needs of their local community. However, given 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.
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.
Work is 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 Coordination Units be established. I would emphasise that no decision has been taken regarding West Cork or any other part of the country, but I am hopeful that I will be in a position to recommend a new structure later this year which will allow for the maximising of spend on services and the reduction of administration costs. I will be ensuring that any future structure for the RTP will be based on community input, local flexibility and involving the voluntary sector. Rural Transport by its nature is community-based and this will remain under any new structure.
1360. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the circumstances in which funding for road safety improvement works at Bunratty on the N18 has been withdrawn by the National Roads Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16082/13]
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. 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.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
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.
1361. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will publish the total estimated costs of the construction of a maintenance depot adjacent to exit 13 on the M18; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16083/13]
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. 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.
1362. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the planned start and completion date of the N11 upgrade between the Arklow bypass and the Rathnew-Ashford bypass; if he will confirm if the project will be constructed to motorway standard; if the route will be tolled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16090/13]
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. 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.
1363. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will liaise with the Road Safety Authority on the issue of the appeals process for failing a driving test; if he will consider an alternative appeals process to the current arrangement of a District Court hearing; if he will clarify if there is an appeal process open to drivers in a situation where they are alleged to be late for a test and are not permitted to take a test; and if the procedure of appealing via a District Court hearing still applies in this instance. [16106/13]
View answerAt present I do not have any proposals to amend the appeals procedure in relation to driving tests.
The current appeals process, involving a hearing in the District Court, is set out in Section 33(5) of the Road Traffic Act 1961. The legislation refers to an appeal following a decision under Section 33(4) of the Act, which in turn is a decision on granting or refusing a certificate of competence after a test. For further clarity, Section 33(5) refers to challenges as to whether the test was ‘properly conducted’. I understand that in a court case last year it was established that this meant that the appeal goes to the manner and procedure relating to the test carried out but not to the actual marks incurred on test.
It is therefore clear from the law that this procedure does not deal with cases where a person is not permitted to take a test, whether for lateness or any other reason.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) have an informal procedure when a candidate is 10 minutes or less late for the test, and if the driver tester believes that the test can be completed without inconveniencing the next candidate, the tester will use his/her discretion to bring out the late-arriving candidate.
The RSA will come under the Ombudsman in May, and people wishing to object to proceedings relating to driver tests may at that point wish to raise the matter with the Ombudsman’s office.
1364. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the train timetable changes for the Dublin-Sligo service effective from 20 January 2013; and if he will outline the criteria whereby it was decided to cut some of these services. [16125/13]
View answer1365. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will reconsider the amalgamation of the 17.00 and 19.00 train services from Sligo to Dublin as there is currently no train service to Dublin after 8pm in County Longford. [16126/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1364 and 1365 together.
The scheduling and timetabling of trains are operational matters for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1366. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an up to date report on the timescale for the opening of the Kishoge train station for Lucan and Clondalkin, Dublin, to residents. [16142/13]
View answer1372. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report in detail the reasons for the delays in opening Kishogue railway station, Lucan, Dublin; and the revised time scale for its opening. [16312/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1366 and 1372 together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Matters relating to the opening of individual railway stations are day-to-day operational issues for Iarnrod Eireann in the first instance and I have no function in such matters. In the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), funding for Public Transport infrastructure projects, such as the railway station referred to by the Deputy, is provided for by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
Noting this I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days
1367. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of disabled parking permits issued for the periods 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16161/13]
View answerDisabled parking permits are issued on behalf of my Department by the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland (DDAI) and the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA). Neither I nor my Department have any direct role in this process, and these figures are not available within the Department. I would advise the Deputy to contact the DDAI and IWA directly on this matter.
1368. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will investigate the possibility of a public transport bus route for the tourist season for the scenic Skellig Ring drive in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16165/13]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for the relevant public transport provider in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1369. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 1235 of 6 November 2012, if he will now provide the details requested. [16289/13]
View answer1370. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to the purchase of the Ireland.com domain name from The Irish Times for €495,000 in October 2012 by Tourism Ireland Limited which operates under the auspices of his Department, if he is concerned that DiscoverIreland.com is still the website most promoted by Tourism Ireland in traditional marketing. [16290/13]
View answer1371. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to the purchase of the Ireland.com domain name from The Irish Times for €495,000 in October 2012 by Tourism Ireland Limited which operates under the auspices of his Department, if he is concerned that according to website rankings published by Alexa.com that Ireland.com is ranked 86,595 in the world in terms of global traffic while DiscoverIreland.com is ranked higher at 81,470 in the world. [16291/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1369 to 1371, inclusive, together.
As I have previously stated, the decision to purchase the domain name “Ireland.com” to promote the island of Ireland overseas on the web, and an analysis of a business case in this regard are operational matters for Tourism Ireland Limited and its Board. I understand that the agency has previously written to the Deputy outlining the rationale for the purchase.
In respect of the Deputy's questions, it is important to note that Tourism Ireland is not a body that operates exclusively under my Department's auspices. Tourism Ireland was established under the framework of the Belfast Agreement of Good Friday 1998. It is a body that is jointly funded by the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive, and operates under the auspices of the North/South Ministerial Council through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland and my Department here. The board is appointed by the North-South Ministerial Council which includes members of the Deputy’s party.
With regard to the other specific issues raised by the Deputy, as these are again operational matters, I have referred them to Tourism Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
