Wednesday, 15 May 2013

Written Answers Nos. 13-21

Transport Costs

Questions (14)

Dara Calleary

Question:

14. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action he will take to reduce sea transport costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22966/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As the Deputy will be aware, shipping costs are subject to myriad of factors. In particular, they are subject to external global factors such as fuel costs and currency fluctuations. The steady rise in fuel prices has impacted negatively on the shipping industry. In 2011 alone, oil prices rose sharply with bunker prices spiking by 40% over the course of the year. In 2012 oil prices continued to rise, remaining above $100 per barrel for the second year and exacerbating already challenging conditions for shipping. Currency fluctuations also had a negative impact. In 2012 the euro depreciated against both the US dollar and UK pound by 7.6% and 6.5% respectively.

In addition, the shipping industry in EU Member States face the introduction of new lower sulphur limits in marine fuel from January 2015 within designated Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECAs). Although there is no SECA in the seas around Ireland, shipping engaged in voyages to France and other European destinations beyond the Irish sea, will face an increase in the cost of fuel.

In relation to the costs imposed on the shipping industry by port companies, as the Deputy will be aware port companies are required to operate in a commercial fashion and in competition with each other. This position is re-enforced in the recently published National Ports Policy.

The Competition Authority is currently in the process of carrying out a study of the ports sector in Ireland, as part of which it is reviewing inter and intra-port competition. I expect that the Competition Authority will publish the results of this market study in 2013. I have committed that my Department will deliver a reasoned response to any recommendations made to the Department within six months of publication.

All shipping companies servicing routes to and from Ireland are independent commercial companies that are market driven. Many companies have, over recent years, introduced greater efficiencies to reduce their overall operating costs in order to continue to provide services. Despite the difficulties that the industry faces, Ireland offers a diverse range of maritime links to and from the State to facilitate trade and tourism providing vital income streams to the Irish economy. Over 90% of Ireland’s trade moves by sea and Ireland is also one of the best served countries in Europe for passenger ferry services with links that are frequent and competitive. 

There are currently 22 shipping operators providing a mixture of daily to weekly scheduled shipping services from Ireland. This includes 4 companies providing year round scheduled passenger services between Ireland and the UK and France. The Irish Maritime Transport Economist published in April this year by the IMDO is a good source of further information on trade and shipping for those with an interest in this area.

Subsidising international shipping services is contrary to EU State Aid and Competition Law, and the principles of free and fair trade.

Free Travel Scheme Administration

Questions (15)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

15. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions, if any, his Department has had with the Department of Social Protection regarding a review of the operation of the free travel scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22993/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The question relates to the review of the operation of the Department of Social Protection's free travel scheme. With regard to the review, an Inter Departmental Working Group was established  last year to carry out a review of the operation of the current Free Travel Scheme.  The purpose of this review is to examine and report on the current operation and future development of the Free Travel scheme. The Group, chaired by the Department of Social Protection as lead Department, also includes representatives from my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the National Transport Authority (NTA).  The Group has had three meetings and I understand that the work of the Group is expected to conclude by mid-2013.

I note that Deputy Dooley's party proposed a reduction of €5 million or 7% to this scheme in 2013. This proposal was not taken up, and there was no reduction to this scheme in 2013.

Penalty Point System

Questions (16, 88)

John Paul Phelan

Question:

16. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the measures being taken to harmonise the penalty points regime on an all-island basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22940/13]

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

88. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on measures to harmonise the penalty points regime on an all-island basis. [22686/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 88 together.

The work on the mutual recognition of penalty points is focused on the four road traffic offences of speeding, drink/drug driving, non - wearing of seatbelts and using a mobile phone while driving.  A detailed timetable for the process was agreed last October at a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council.  It includes the key milestones for the drafting, passage and enactment of the required parallel primary legislation in both jurisdictions by the 31 December 2014 to allow for the introduction of the process across the island of Ireland.  Although widely accepted as challenging, officials on both sides are committed to the agreed timetable.

Steering and working groups comprising representatives of the relevant stakeholders in both jurisdictions are continuing to meet to bring the required work forward and decide on how the necessary key deliverables will be achieved legislatively and operationally.

Both groups are confident that, despite the fact that disqualifications arising from the accumulation of penalty points are dealt with differently in both jurisdictions, provision can be made in the required primary legislation to deal with such disqualifications.

To achieve the December 2014 deadline, a significant volume of work is required, including putting in place the necessary administrative arrangements and IT systems and agreement on data sharing protocols and procedures.  Complex issues will also have to be addressed in both jurisdictions with a view to establishing a workable system which is perceived as proportionate and equitable and which attracts widespread public support throughout Ireland.

Tourism Promotion

Questions (17)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

17. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase conference tourism awareness of Ireland during the G8 Summit in June 2013 at the Lough Erne Resort, Fermanagh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22979/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

My Department’s role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national policy.  It is not directly involved in the marketing of Ireland as a visitor destination, or in providing support to specific tourism sectors.  These matters are the responsibility of the State tourism agencies.

The hosting of the G8 Summit in Fermanagh will have a positive effect on the island of Ireland as a whole in terms of raising the profile of the island of Ireland, in particular as a destination for hosting high level events and conferences. This has the potential to help boost visitor numbers to the island of Ireland and so help support the tourism industry in 2013 and beyond.

I am informed that Tourism Ireland is already engaged in a marketing programme to capitalise on the event.  For its part, Fáilte Ireland is working closely with the local industry in the Border counties to maximise the opportunities presented by the event.

It is anticipated that the summit may also bring more immediate benefits for the North West and Border Counties as many of the overseas media and officials accompanying the G8 participants will be accommodated in the border region as well as in Northern Ireland.

Question No. 18 answered with Question No. 8.

Cycling Policy

Questions (19)

Brendan Smith

Question:

19. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way he will support initiatives that aim to improve the urban cycling experience for commuters in large urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22975/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Programme for Government set out its commitment to invest in the National Cycle Policy.  As you would expect, the greatest potential for increasing cycling numbers will occur within urban areas and my Department is aiming to improve the urban cycling experience through direct investment in cycling infrastructure.

In 2012, I launched a €65 million multi-annual investment programme for sustainable transport measures to cover the period 2012-2016.  The majority of this funding will be invested in cities and towns around the country under the Smarter Travel Areas and Active Travel Towns Programmes. Cycling infrastructure and the promotion of cycling are key elements of each of these Programmes.

Funding is also being made available for the development of the National Cycle Network with the aim of improving urban, interurban and rural cycling facilities.  Significant investment has already been made in 2012 and 2013 with €7 million allocated to 18 projects across Ireland.  As this phase of the programme will expire at the end of 2013, it is my intention to initiate a new funding call later this year to provide, through a competitive process, a further tranche of funding for the remainder of the years to 2016.

My Department also works closely with the National Transport Authority (NTA) which provides funding to local authorities for the development of cycling infrastructure in the regional cities and Greater Dublin Area.  The NTA has published a comprehensive design manual for the provision of cycle routes, particularly in urban areas, and this is available at www.cyclemanual.ie.  Dissemination of best practice and facilitation of appropriate cycle infrastructure design training are also key roles of the Smarter Travel Local Authority Network developed by my Department.

In addition to all these initiatives, my Department and the NTA are also committed to expanding the very successful Dublin Bikes scheme and work is well advanced on finalising proposals to introduce similar schemes in regional cities.

Question No. 20 answered with Question No. 10.

Road Improvement Schemes

Questions (21, 65, 78, 83)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

21. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the efforts he is making to push forward the A5 road project and ensure that his Department lives up to its commitments in view of recent difficulties. [22898/13]

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

65. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update in his Department's commitment to the completion of the A5 road project; and the money that has already been spent on this project. [22899/13]

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

78. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the communications he has had with the Stormont Executive in view of the recent difficulties halting the A5 road project and its vital role in improving infrastructure in the north west. [22903/13]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

83. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the efforts he is making to progress the A5 road project and ensure that his Department lives up to its commitments in view of the recent difficulties. [22901/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 65, 78 and 83 together.

These relate to the A5 road project. The Government's commitment to the A5 project, as outlined at the North South Ministerial Council in November 2011 remains in place. At that NSMC plenary session it was noted that the Irish Government would provide £25 million in 2015 and in 2016 towards the A5 road project.  This is further to the £22 million that the Irish Government has already contributed to the project as part of the planning process.  This brings the Exchequer commitment to £72 million.

The Northern Ireland Road Service had planned to start construction on two of the approved sections of the A5 in Autumn last year.  However, following publication of the necessary statutory orders in advance of construction, the Minister for Regional Development's decision to proceed with the A5 was challenged by a group known as the Alternative A5 Alliance.

While the Northern High Court rejected the majority of the applicants' grounds of challenge, one was upheld.  The judge found that an appropriate assessment under the Habitats Directive should have been carried out on the scheme.  On that basis at a further hearing on 8 April 2013 the judge confirmed he would quash the Orders relating to the A5 scheme.

The project was discussed at the North South Ministerial Council Transport Sectorial on 17 April 2013 and the Minister for Regional Development now plans to undertake the environmental assessment required under the Habitats Directive.  This is a necessary first step to progress the project and it must be allowed to run its course. Contact between my Department and the Northern Ireland Road Authorities is ongoing under the aegis of the North South Ministerial Council.