Written Answers Nos. 674-692
674. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the investments planned for upgrading the deteriorating road surface along Blackhorse Avenue, Dublin, at two sections, the first between Darling Estate and the Hole in the Wall pub and the second between Nephin Road and Villa Park. [18248/13]
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. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities own resources supplemented by State road grants.
I announced the 2013 regional and local road grant allocations on 25 January 2013. Over €349 million is being provided to local authorities for works on regional and local roads in 2013. From these allocations Dublin City Council has been allocated over €6.2 million. Included in this funding is an allocation of €5.1 million under a discretionary Block Grant which may be used for road resurfacing works. The selection and prioritisation of works under this Block Grant is a matter for decision by the local authority.
From the overall funding Dublin City Council is also receiving an allocation of €440,000 towards works on Blackhorse Avenue between Springfield and the Cabra Gate entrance to the Phoenix park under the Specific Improvement Grants Scheme. The commencement date for these works is a matter for Dublin City Council.
675. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an application for funding (details supplied) was received from the National Roads Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18385/13]
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 do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
676. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the legal position in respect of the widespread use of quad bikes by young persons; if these bikes come within road traffic legislation; if it is legal for minors or adults to ride these bikes on public roads or public open spaces; the person who is liable in respect of injury to persons or to property caused by one of these bikes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18508/13]
View answerFor the purposes of road traffic legislation 'public place' means any public road, and any street, road or other place to which the public have access with vehicles whether as of right or by permission and whether subject to or free of charge. Road traffic legislation does not extend to the use of mechanically propelled vehicles on private property. Road traffic legislation does not extend to the use of mechanically propelled vehicles on private property. The definition of a mechanically vehicle for the purposes of road traffic legislation includes quadricycles.
A range of requirements must be satisfied in relation to both the vehicle and the driver in order to use a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place. A vehicle must comply with the requirements of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963, as amended. These Regulations prescribe the requirements in relation to essential matters, such as brakes, steering, mirrors and lighting.
A driving licence is required in order to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place. A person under 16 years may not hold a driving licence or a learner permit. The minimum age for a driving licence for vehicles of category AM (includes light quadricycles) is 16 years while for a category B licence, which includes quadricycles not covered by category AM, it is 17 years. It is a further requirement of road traffic legislation that to use a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place the driver must have third party insurance cover to meet personal injury and property damage caused by their negligent driving.
In addition to the above requirements under road traffic legislation, a mechanically propelled vehicle for use in a public place is required to be registered and is liable to motor tax, which are matters for the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.
677. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which rural transport schemes in County Roscommon are likely to be affected by proposed changes to the operation of the scheme; if due consideration is being given to the importance of this service in addressing rural isolation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18557/13]
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. €94,661 of the 2013 RTP budget has been allocated to Ardcarne Kilmore Roscommon Rural Transport Limited from January to June 2013, with a further proposed allocation of €94,661 from July to December 2013. This represents a total 2013 allocation of RTP funding of €189,322 for the provision of RTP services in the County Roscommon area.
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. Addressing rural isolation is a key component of the Rural Transport Programme. 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 1 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 the County Roscommon area 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.
678. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which rural transport schemes in County Leitrim are likely to be affected by proposed changes to the operation of the scheme; if due consideration is being given to the importance of this service in addressing rural isolation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18558/13]
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. €150,011 of the 2013 RTP budget has been allocated to Leitrim Integrated Development Company (Rural Lift) from January to June 2013, with a further proposed allocation of €150,011 from July to December 2013. This represents a total 2013 allocation of RTP funding of €300,022 for the provision of RTP services in the County Leitrim area.
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 the County Leitrim area 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.
679. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which rural transport schemes in County Galway are likely to be affected by proposed changes to the operation of the scheme; if due consideration is being given to the importance of this service in addressing rural isolation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18559/13]
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. €105,643 of the 2013 RTP budget has been allocated to Bealach Páirtnnéireacht Iompar Áiriúil Chonamara Teo from January to June 2013, with a further proposed allocation of €105,643 from July to December 2013. €94,404 of the 2013 RTP budget has been allocated to Galway Rural Development Co from January to June 2013, with a further proposed allocation of €94,404 from July to December 2013. €94,404 of the 2013 RTP budget has been allocated to South East Galway Integrated Rural Development Limited from January to June 2013, with a further proposed allocation of €94,404 from July to December 2013. This represents a total 2013 allocation of RTP funding of €588,902 for the provision of RTP services in the County Galway area.
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 the County Galway area 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.
680. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has any concerns about the impact that poor/substandard tyres have on road safety; and if he will consider introducing penalty points for such tyres. [18591/13]
View answerI am acutely conscious of the hazards posed by substandard tyres. The Road Traffic Act, 2010 provides for a number of amendments to the Schedule of the Road Traffic Act, 2002, in relation to penalty points, including those for defective or worn tyres. I am planning to commence those provisions shortly in consultation with the relevant stakeholders.
681. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to a previous Parliamentary Question, if he will confirm the future of the eastern bypass; if works will no longer begin on the bypass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18677/13]
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. 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 do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
682. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure the continuence of the rural transport scheme in view of contracts being reduced from 12 months to six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18684/13]
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.
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 the County Kerry area 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.
683. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide in tabular form the number of civil/public servants under the remit of his Department who earn more than €500,000, between €400,000-€500,00, €300,000 - €250,000, €250,000 - €200,000, €200,000 - €150,000, €150,000 - €100,000, €100,000 - €80,000, €80,000 - €60,000, €60,000 - €40,000 and less than €30,000. [18876/13]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to civil service staff in the Department is set out in Table 1 below. This is gross income, before pension levy, tax and other statutory deductions. This is gross income, before pension levy, tax and other statutory deductions.
Table 1
|
Earnings at 31st Dec 2012 |
Number (headcount) |
|
€150,000 - €200,000 |
1 |
|
€100,000 - €150,000 |
18 |
|
€80,000 - €100,000 |
57 |
|
€60,000 - €80,000 |
73 |
|
€40,000 - €60,000 |
157 |
|
€30,000 - €40,000 |
106 |
|
Less than €30,000 |
79 |
I have asked the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department to provide the Deputy with the information requested. If you do not receive a reply from the agencies within 10 working days please advise my private office.
684. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the savings he intends to make and the proposed budget in respect of the rural transport programme for the period 2013 to 2015. [18881/13]
View answerThe Rural Transport Programme (RTP) was launched in February 2007 and developed from the Rural Transport Initiative (2002 -2006) which was a pilot project to address issues of unmet transport need from a social exclusion perspective. The RTP is now operational in every county with 35 community transport groups currently being funded under the Programme.
Funding for the pilot Rural Transport Initiative and its successor the RTP increased significantly over the years, rising from €3 million in 2003 to €11 million in 2010, with small decreases in 2011, 2012 and 2013 to €10.62 million, €9.77 million and € 9.133 million respectively. The increased funding for the RTP has led to increases in the level of services provided rising from 40,000 services in 2003 to 217,686 services in 2012. The number of passenger journeys recorded on those services also increased from 151,000 in 2003 to 1.73 million in 2012.
Since 1st April 2012 the National Authority (NTA has been managing the Programme with Pobal administering it on the NTA’s behalf.
Value for Money and Policy Review of the RTP
- The RTP was selected for a Value for Money and Policy Review in line with a commitment given at the launch of the Programme in 2007. The Review covered the period 2002 to 2009.
- Key findings of the Review include:
- Concerns over the value for money in the context of a rate of increase in Programme funding without an accompanying equivalent increase in passenger numbers or services
- The current organisational structure for delivery (35 RTP groups) is a key factor in the lack of cost efficiencies being achieved both in administration and operations
- The cost of administration has been and remains very high as a proportion of total RTP group expenditure (22% in 2009)
- Substantial increases in operating costs – between 2007 and 2009 wages and salaries doubled as a consequence of increased staffing and salary levels
- Lack of data to measure the benefits of the Programme in terms of addressing social inclusion objectives and data gaps in the framework of performance monitoring and evaluation.
The Review made a number of recommendations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Programme. The NTA was tasked with implementing the findings of the Review.
The main recommendations of the report are:
- Reduce overall Programme costs particularly the administration costs
- Improve efficiency of the Programm
- Address the status of the Programme within the context of public transport regulation in Ireland
- Develop a detailed appraisal plan for an organisational restructuring to achieve greater programme efficiencies
- Better alignment to be established between the voluntary county-based RTP groups involved and the Local Authorities
Administration costs to the Programme were reduced by 33.5 % by end 2012. Combined with the reduction in Pobal’s costs, the threshold administration proportion of 17% recommended in the VfM Review was also achieved by end 2012. In order to achieve the recommended administration costs of 13%, the proposed restructuring of the RTP is required. 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.
The RTP budget for 2014 - 2015 will be determined as part of the estimates and budgetary process for these years.
685. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reasons hackneys cannot use bus lanes and if there will be any attempt to change this regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18911/13]
View answerThe use of bus lanes is provided for in the Road Traffic (Traffic & Parking) Regulations, 1997, as amended. The primary purpose of providing bus lanes is to facilitate and promote bus based public transport. The regulations generally limit the use of bus lanes to buses and, in the case of with-flow bus lanes, to cyclists.
Having regard to the role of taxis in providing on-street immediate hire services, an exemption to that limitation is allowed in respect of taxis when they are being used in the course of business.
There have been many requests over the years to extend the use of bus lanes to other categories of road user. These include limousines and hackneys, motorcycles, multi-occupancy vehicles and ambulances for cats. My Department has rejected these requests in light of the original reason for the creation of bus lanes, at the taxpayer’s expense, i.e. the prioritisation of public transport and the fact that hackneys and limousines, unlike taxis, are not available for on-street hire.
My view remains that the use of bus lanes should not be extended in any way which would undermine their original purpose through adding to congestion in these lanes.
686. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the work that has taken place with his Department, Dublin City Council, the National Transport Authority and Railway Procurement Agency to plan for the provision of sufficient taxi ranks during the construction of the new Luas line. [18917/13]
View answer687. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the work that has taken place to plan in conjunction with bodies such as Dublin City Council, the National Transport Authority and Railway Procurement Agency where taxi ranks will be restored and the new ranks that will be required for taxi following the completion of the new Luas line in order to provide the best link up transport provision possible. [18918/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 686 and 687 together.
The provision of taxi ranks during and after the construction of the Luas Cross-City project is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Dublin City Council. Noting this I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
688. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the requirement that new small public service vehicles operating as taxis must be at most three years old when entering the market and must be retired after 14 years, the measures he will take to help encourage the provision of wheelchair friendly taxis which are very expensive to purchase and replace in this timescale. [18923/13]
View answerThe regulation of the taxi industry, including issues pertaining to vehicle age limit, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Public Transport Regulation Act, 2009.
I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
689. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a breakdown of those groups in County Waterford that have been granted Exchequer funding specifically set aside for The Gathering to date; and the amount that has been approved in each instance. [19053/13]
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.
690. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reasons the ticket office at a station (details supplied) in Dublin 13 is closed at the weekends; and if there are plans to have it opened at weekends. [19060/13]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
691. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Dublin Bus plans to have a third phase of its Network Direct Programme. [19061/13]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Dublin Bus in conjunction with the National Transport Authority and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
692. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding rural transport developments in County Donegal. [19105/13]
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. €114,634 of the 2013 RTP budget has been allocated to Seirbhís Iompair Tuaithe Teoranta from January to June 2013, with a further proposed allocation of €114,634 from July to December 2013. €103,395 of the 2013 RTP budget has been allocated to Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teo (MFG) from January to June 2013, with a further proposed allocation of €103,395 from July to December 2013. €114,634 of the 2013 RTP budget has been allocated to Inishowen Development Partnerhsip from January to June 2013, with a further proposed allocation of €114,634 from July to December 2013. This represents a total 2013 allocation of RTP funding of €665,326 for the provision of RTP services in the County Donegal area.
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 the County Donegal area 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.
