Written Answers Nos. 615-633
615. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the future plans for metro north to provide rail transport for Swords and north County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42128/13]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), such as Metro North, comes under the remit of the NTA. Following the comprehensive review of capital expenditure carried out in 2011 and against the background of difficult funding realities a decision was taken to defer the Metro North project together with a number of other proposed new projects. Given the limited funds available, the decision was taken that the main priority to 2016 is to protect investment made to date, to maintain safety standards and to progress affordable projects such as Luas Cross City which add value to the existing network.
In early 2011 arising from its statutory remit, the NTA published a “Draft Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2011 – 2030” . That Draft Transport Strategy identified that Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) schemes could play a significant role in the provision of public transport in the Dublin region.
Subsequent to the publication of the Draft Transport Strategy, the Authority published, in October of last year, a report titled “Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) - Core Dublin Network”. That report identified two key BRT routes: Blanchardstown to N11 (UCD); and Malahide Road (starting at Clongriffin) to Tallaght.
In addition, it identified that while a third corridor - the Swords/Airport to City Centre corridor - would require a rail-based solution in the longer term, a BRT scheme along this corridor could cater for the projected transport demand in the short term.
The Authority is currently progressing initial designs for the three BRT schemes including the Swords /Airport Corridor, with the objective of reaching the stage of public consultation on route options later this year or early next year. In terms of progression to possible construction, the current capital programme up to 2016 only has funding for design and planning costs and does not include any funding provision for construction.
I have asked my officials to prepare a Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport which will inform future investment plans and in particular the next capital plan from 2017. This work, which will include a review of Metro North as well as other projects such as BRT, is underway. This plan will address the needs of the Swords /Airport Corridor and establish overall priorities having regard to available funding.
As the Deputy will appreciate, given the funding constraints I face, my priority is on maintaining and modernising existing infrastructure rather than building new infrastructure.
616. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider the mandatory introduction of speed limiters in cars for persons under the age of 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42271/13]
View answerEarlier this year, a study was carried out on behalf of the European Commission into the implementation of Directive 92/6/EEC (as amended by directive 2002/85/EC) on speed limitation devices and relevant effects. The study asked Member States to comment on the effectiveness of the Directive and its possible extension to include light goods vehicles and cars in the scope of vehicles requiring speed limiters to be fitted. Ireland has taken the position, expressed through the Road Safety Authority, that there is currently no justification to extend the scope of this Directive to other categories of vehicles. While I accept that younger drivers contribute disproportionately to road collisions, I am not convinced that the mandatory introduction of speed limiters would be either effective or practical.
617. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on mutual recognition of Irish driving licences with the province of Ontario, Canada, where numerous Irish persons currently reside; if he will provide an update on activities by the Road Safety Authority and the Irish embassy in Ottawa on having their Irish driving licences recognised and setting up a reciprocal recognition scheme between the jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42278/13]
View answerAn exchange relationship on driving licences with other jurisdictions involves a mutual examination of the driver licensing regimes to make sure that they are compatible. On the Irish side, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). Following engagement with the Irish Embassy in Ottawa, a number of provinces in Canada were identified where progress might be made, and it was decided to prioritise Ontario as it is now home to a large community of Irish people.
I understand from the RSA that it has provided the authorities in Ontario with comprehensive details of the driver licensing system in Ireland and that it has received details of the Ontario system from the authorities there. I also understand that there is regular contact through the Irish Embassy and that clarifications are being sought by both sides. Indications are that there are unlikely to be difficulties in reaching an agreement with Ontario so far as the Irish side is concerned, although, of course, any agreement must be mutually accepted. The RSA is continuing to pursue these matters with a view to reaching an agreement as soon as practicable.
In addition, the RSA asked the Irish Embassy to forward the material on the Irish licensing system which they prepared for the authorities in Ontario to all the other licensing authorities in Canada. The RSA has recently been informed that progress has been made with the authorities in Newfoundland and Labrador, who have examined the Irish licensing system and are satisfied that progress can be made. The RSA has now received material from the authorities in Newfoundland and Labrador on their licensing systems, which are now being studied.
618. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has completed the national review of speed limits; when it is anticipated that this report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42286/13]
View answerMy Department established a stakeholder group to progress a review of speed limits nationally. The Automobile Association, An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority, the National Roads Authority, representatives of local authorities and the National Transport Authority accepted my invitation to participate in the Working Group. As the Deputy will appreciate, this is an issue which requires detailed consideration. I anticipate that the Group will report to me shortly and I will give careful consideration to any recommendations contained in their Report.
619. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the increase of 25% on parking fees at the Luas park and ride facility at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 14; the reasons for this sudden increase; if the 25% increase will be utilised to improve parking facilities at the park and ride; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42327/13]
View answerThis is an operational matter for the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the RPA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
620. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to a draft report from Fáilte Ireland which indicates that the presence of wind farms has a negative impact on the future likelihood of visiting Ireland for 24% of tourists surveyed at various locations here, which was completed in 2013 when just 1,200 or so on shore turbines are in place; his views on whether the plans by wind power companies to treble this number and significantly increase the number of tourists who will indicate a negative view on returning; his views on whether that since the current tourism market is valued at €5.7 billion, that this will represent a significant price to be paid for such on shore wind developments across Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42337/13]
View answerFáilte Ireland is a prescribed body under Planning and Development legislation for all planning applications which may have a significant impact from a tourism perspective. In 2007 in order to inform tourism policy on wind farm developments Fáilte Ireland undertook significant research amongst both overseas and domestic visitors, to determine visitor attitudes towards wind farms. This research was repeated in 2012, to determine any changes in visitor attitudes over that period. This research is about to be published as a position paper by Fáilte Ireland and allows an evidence based approach to be taken to the evaluation of the potential tourism impact of wind farm applications in Ireland by the National Tourism Development Authority.
As part of this research visitors were asked to comment on a variety of preferences in relation to the number, size, and location of wind farms. The results indicate that visitors prefer wind farms with larger turbines, but in smaller numbers, to offset the size of the individual farms. Inland sites, away from immediate accommodation views are seen as more acceptable for visitors compared to coastal locations, which are less favoured for the development of wind farms.
Visitors were also asked to comment on their likelihood to return to an area should further wind farms be built. The most widely held view is that this would not impact the likelihood of returning to the area, with a slightly greater majority saying that this would have a positive rather than a negative impact. However importantly 24% (a slight increase on 2007 at 21%) did state that this would have a negative impact on their likelihood to return to the area in the future. It is considered that potential impacts such as this could possibly be avoided or mitigated if future wind farms are designed and located appropriately to take visitor preferences in to consideration.
It is based upon these visitor preferences that Fáilte Ireland advocates for the appropriate design and siting of wind farms in Ireland on behalf of the tourism industry.
621. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline Irish Rail's new policy of less carriages per journey during off-peak hours as an energy saving measures; if he will provide in tabular form the number of carriages on each train commencing from, passing through, or arriving at stations (details supplied) in County Wicklow on the DART timetable; if a review by Irish Rail of the new policy has taken place, in view of the overcrowding that has occurred on some of the journeys with less carriages. [42342/13]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction, as appropriate, with the National Transport Authority and I have referred 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.
622. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding provided to the Road Safety Authority and the way it is spent. [42350/13]
View answer623. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the initiatives the Road Safety Authority has taken yearly from 2011 and how much have they cost. [42351/13]
View answer624. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of co-operation that exists with the road safety agencies in Northern Ireland. [42352/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 622 to 624, inclusive, together.
Exchequer funding allocated to the Road Safety Authority in 2013 is €7,802,000. Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility its own expenditure and the way it is allocated. Inter agency relations are also a matter for the Road Safety Authority. Noting this I have referred the Deputy's questions to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
625. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the application of the one bag rule is having an adverse impact on airport shopping; if he has considered supporting a proposed change to EU legislation to allow passengers to bring on board a reasonable quantity of their shopping purchased in airport shops; his views on whether some airlines operating here are currently applying a very stringent one bag policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42357/13]
View answerThis question refers to the so-called 'one bag rule' imposed by some airlines whereby they restrict to one, the number of bags that can be brought into the cabin of an aircraft by passengers.
This is currently a matter of individual airline policy and is not regulated under EU law. Under proposals published by the European Commission to amend Regulations 261/2004 and 2027/97 concerning air passengers' rights, the Commission has tabled a new Article to Regulation (EC) No. 2027/97 that will make it more transparent what charges will apply for passengers who wish to bring baggage into the cabin of an aircraft and I welcome this proposed change. However, it will remain a matter for airlines to decide on the fares and conditions of carriage for passengers and their baggage. I understand the concerns of retailers at airports.
However, the Commission has not proposed regulating in this area as pricing and conditions of carriage are commercial freedoms for airlines. The greater transparency provisions proposed by the Commission will ensure that passengers are better informed about what restrictions apply as under these proposals, airlines will have to make these known to passengers both on booking and at check-in.
626. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to improve the rail network throughout the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42367/13]
View answerMy Department and the National Transport Authority are working with Iarnród Éireann to increase the efficiency and attractiveness of existing rail services.
The Government continues to provide substantial Exchequer investment in the rail network despite the significant financial challenges. In the past two years a total of almost €385 million has been invested in Iarnród Éireann. Despite the reduced level of funding available, my Department has allocated over €135m towards the rail network this year. In addition to safety related works Iarnród Éireann is undertaking infrastructural works to improve journey times such as removing or upgrading level-crossings, providing automated ticketing machines, improving station facilities - all of which contribute to making the railway more competitive and attractive to passengers.
The overall investment in railway safety is in excess of €1.5 billion since 1999 when the Railway Safety Programme commenced. There has also been significant investment in rolling stock, on upgrading the Kildare route and opening new routes such as Cork Commuter route, Navan Phase 1and Phase 1 of the Western Rail Corridor.
The priority for our public transport network must be to aim for a better return from the existing public transport system, through targeted investment, better use of existing resources and by using smart technology to make public transport more responsive and user friendly. The limited funding available over and above this priority will only be provided for projects which are affordable, meet overall transport objectives and deliver the best return in terms of economic recovery and job creation. Moreover the ability to operate profitably and without the need for any subsidy would also be a key consideration for any new projects.
In addition to capital investment, Iarnród Éireann also received a total allocation of €127m in 2013 for Public Service Obligation (PSO) services. The Board of CIÉ are also pursuing a range of measures to address the financial position, including cost reductions across the three operating companies, so that the CIÉ’s rail and bus services can be provided efficiently and cost effectively over the Plan period.
627. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of any proposals to work with the Six Counties Executive on joint projects to improve the rail network on the island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42368/13]
View answerOfficials in my Department maintain regular contact with their counterparts in the Department for Regional Development in Belfast regarding railway infrastructure issues. For example officials from both administrations met on a number of occasions to discuss the Trans European Network (Ten-T) and Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Regulations during the period when both Regulations were being developed. Both regulations were agreed with Parliament during the Irish Presidency and officials from Belfast were kept informed about the Regulations as they progressed through co-decision.
Other examples of Departmental cross border co-operation include the preparation of joint papers for discussion on railway issues under the North-South Ministerial Council and the successful application for Interreg IVA funding towards the redevelopment of Portadown railway station. My officials will continue to engage with officials from the Department for Regional Development regarding the railway network on the island of Ireland.
628. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has made any application for EU funding relating to the development of the rail network; the detail of any such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42370/13]
View answerUnder the Trans European Network–Transport (Ten-T) 2007-2013, €9.4m has been allocated for expenditure on the Planning & Design phase of the Tunnel element of the DART Underground programme. Three applications relating to the rail network were submitted by my Department this year under the Ten-T 2012 Calls. I understand that the application in respect of the Studies element for the next phase of the City Centre Re-signalling Project has been successful. Formal confirmation of this Decision is expected to be published shortly by the Ten-T Executive Agency. The two unsuccessful applications related to the preliminary planning for the new Centralised Traffic Control Centre and the works to remove the Level Crossing at Reilly's Crossing on the Dublin to Maynooth railway line. Competition for funding under the 2012 calls was very high with 4.25 times the budget being applied for through the Multi Annual Call and for the Annual Call the budget was oversubscribed by 2.09 times.
It is expected that a further Call will be announced in December 2013 and my Department will engage again with its agencies to examine the scope for submitting further applications.
In addition to Ten -T funding, €18.15 million in co-funding under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2007-2013 has been allocated in respect of two rail projects in the BMW region, namely for the elimination of speed restrictions and new rolling stock.
629. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has analysed the financial contribution to the Exchequer of sporting clubs and bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42395/13]
View answerSport makes a significant contribution to the economy and is an important driver of growth and employment. The sport sector's contribution to the economy includes sports tourism, ticket sales, subscriptions and the cost of playing sport, together with the purchase of sports equipment and an economic value of time given by volunteers.
The "Assessment of Economic Impact of Sport in Ireland" published in 2010 shows that there is a very significant return on Government investment and expenditure on sport in Ireland. Based on figures for 2008, it estimated that overall Government expenditure on grants, capital investment and other sport-related expenditures amounted to €618.3 million. However the Government sector as a whole received a total of €922.4 million in revenues from taxes on sport-supported expenditures and incomes, in addition to revenues from sports facilities.
Sports clubs throughout the country have a significant impact on the economy, as they generate €733 million per year from areas including subscription fees, green fees and bar and food revenue. The vast majority of these clubs, which number approximately 12,000, are conducted on a voluntary basis, which serves to increase the economic gain generated from their operation.
630. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are penalties imposed on operators of toll roads where the tolling equipment does not function properly; the quality controls and service level reviews that are undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42397/13]
View answer631. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if statistics are maintained for failures of road tolling equipment to read electronic toll tags; if such figures are available, if he will publish same broken down by toll bridge and direction of travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42398/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 630 and 631 together.
As 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.
In addition, the statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in the NRA under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007).
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.
632. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will continue to fund the Dungloe to Kilraine N56 scheme in County Donegal; the timeframe he foresees on the next stage of this scheme going to construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42404/13]
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 don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.
633. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to develop a western arc from Cork to Belfast, which has equal priority to the current eastern arc; if his Department has set out or plans to set out any timeframe for the development of rail, motorway, energy and broadband links for the west and north-west; if any consideration has been given towards the support for the western corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42525/13]
View answerThe Government’s policy in relation to the funding of capital projects to 2016, including the development of rail and road links, is set out in the "Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-16: Medium Term Exchequer Framework". Due to the overall reduction in funding for transport infrastructure the priority to 2016 is to protect investment made to date and to maintain safety standards. The limited funding available over and above this priority will only be provided for projects which are affordable, meet overall transport objectives and deliver the best return in terms of economic recovery and job creation.
I would draw the Deputy's attention to the Programme for Government and in particular the commitment that: "We will insist that major capital projects are subjected to proper cost-benefit analysis and evaluation, improving future productivity and growth prospects, and that the value-for-money obtained is significantly enhanced compared to the most recent period."
Despite the current financial position, a number of key PPP road projects are being progressed as part of the Government’s Stimulus Package, among them, the N17/N18 Gort to Tuam. Subject to the finalisation of funding arrangements for the N17/N18, it is hoped that the project will go to construction in 2014. The development of other national routes, along the Atlantic Corridor remains a longer-term objective of this Government. The motorway to Gort was completed in 2010 and in 2012 the only national road which commenced construction was the N5 Ballaghderreen By-Pass.
In relation to public transport I recently opened a new rail station at Oranmore. Other funds are being devoted to improving and integrating the public transport service in Galway with main rail and bus station upgrades, bus lane extensions, provision of Real Time Passenger Information, a city bikes scheme, and a range of projects to promote walking and cycling. Funding is also being provided for the railway safety programme at around €100m per annum which benefits all the network. I have no plans to extend the Western Rail Corridor as there are no funds to develop new rail links in any part of the country or to provide subsidies for more loss making routes.
Matters relating to energy and broadband come under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Finally, I have indicated to the House previously, there are no plans to develop a so-called "Western Arc", or indeed a so-called “Eastern Arc”.
