Written Answers Nos. 203-7
204. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the process that will be undertaken to appoint a new chief executive officer to the Road Safety Authority; and if he will provide details of the timeline of this process. [47311/13]
View answerThe process for appointing a chief executive officer to the Road Safety Authority is set out in the Road Safety Authority Act 2006. Section 17(2) of the Act provides that the Board shall appoint the chief executive with the consent of the Minister.
I understand that the Board of the Authority initiated a selection process with the assistance of the Public Appointments Service and that a decision on an appointment is imminent.
205. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the six-month backlog to have the trailer adjustment work undertaken, if he will extend the implementation date by six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47337/13]
View answerStatutory Instrument 366 of 2008 - Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations, 2008 sets the maximum height limit of vehicles in this country at 4.65 metres.
Following public consultation undertaken prior to the completion of the Regulations, the intention to introduce a 4.65m limit was announced in January 2007. Following representations from the industry, it was agreed that a five year derogation from that limit would apply to vehicles registered, licensed or in use prior to 1 November 2008. The derogation was introduced to allow a five-year period within which vehicles operating at heights in excess of the new limits could be withdrawn from use in Ireland or to allow for the necessary height reductions by operators. This derogation expired on 31 October 2013.
While I appreciate that there are delays in having these adjustment works implemented, this is primarily a function of some operators not having availed of the considerable latitude and notice they have been given and only seeking to update their fleet in the last number of months rather than having such work carried out in good time.
206. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which it is expected that air travel routes and options will improve as a result of the abolition of travel tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47402/13]
View answerThe zero rate travel tax initiative is part of a process aimed at generating new airline routes into Ireland and will come into effect from April 2014. There has been a positive response to the initiative from airlines so far with Ryanair and Aer Lingus Regional both announcing details of new routes and increased services from Dublin, Shannon, Cork and Knock.
I would like to see further announcements of this kind from other airlines. More flights into Ireland at more locations will mean more visitors from oversees, and a bigger tourism dividend. The airports and Tourism Ireland have attractive incentive and marketing programmes available which will help support new services and build on the success of The Gathering in the months ahead.
207. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he and his Department continue to promote the use of this country to host major international sporting events; the extent to which he continues to engage with sporting organisations in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47403/13]
View answerThe Programme for Government includes a commitment that event tourism will be prioritised in order to continue to bring major events to Ireland. The hosting of major sports events, both participative and spectator sports, can provide a great showcase for Ireland, drive international visitor numbers and the media coverage of sports tourism events helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination. In this regard, I look forward to the Giro d'Italia coming to Ireland next year.
I am supportive of the ongoing efforts of the State Tourism Agencies and the National Governing Bodies of Sport to attract international events, subject, of course, to an assessment of the costs/benefits involved in any State financial support.
