Written Answers Nos. 1-110
101. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to street clamping policy, the safeguards he has put in place to ensure that clamping is used primarily to modify driver behaviour, rather than as a revenue-raising measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7672/14]
View answerSection 101B of the Road Traffic Act 1961 provides for the clamping and/or towing of vehicles by local authorities or their agents on public roads.
The current maximum de-clamping fee that may be charged by local authorities was set by Regulation in 1998 at £65 which, with the introduction of the euro, converted to €80. I have no proposals to increase the current fee. As the declamping fee has remained unchanged since 1998 it is clear that clamping is being used to incentivise compliance with parking regulations, rather than as a revenue generating exercise.
When properly used as part of a controlled and responsible parking enforcement regime, clamping is intended to modify driver behaviour so as to encourage the sustainable use of parking facilities, which is by its nature a finite resource intended for the common good. Prior to the introduction of clamping in Dublin, the problems associated with illegal parking were endemic, causing difficulties for residents and traders alike who could not access parking during business hours, as metered spaces were often occupied by all-day commuters. Contrasting Dublin before the introduction of clamping with today, it is evident that the use of clamping as an instrument of public parking policy has been highly effective.
102. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce congestion charges in the city centres of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7725/14]
View answerI have no plans to introduce congestion charging in the cities outlined. Ultimately, any such plans would be a matter for the local authorities concerned.
103. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on representations that have been made regarding the height restrictions for trailers, with specific reference to loads of hay and straw; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7611/14]
View answer107. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on representations that have been made regarding the height restrictions for trailers, with specific reference to loads of hay and straw; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7738/14]
View answer778. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will introduce a derogation to the new HGV height restriction for vehicles transporting bulky agricultural products such as hay and straw; if his attention has been drawn to the financial implications for the transport of such products with the current height restriction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8435/14]
View answer812. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made to get an exclusion from the new load height restrictions for trailers transporting agricultural fodder. [7956/14]
View answer825. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the height restrictions for trailers with loads of hay and straw; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8119/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 103 ,107, 778, 812 and 825 together.
Statutory Instrument 366 of 2008 sets the maximum vehicle height limit at 4.65 m and was signed into law by my predecessor, Minister Noel Dempsey.
These regulations allowed a five year derogation from that limit for vehicles registered, licensed or in use prior to 1 November 2008. The derogation was introduced to allow a 5-year period within which vehicles operating at heights in excess of the new limits could be withdrawn from use or to allow the necessary height reductions by operators. This derogation expired on 31 October last.
Following the expiry of the derogation, specific concerns have been raised with me by the agri-sector in relation to the effect that the 4.65 m maximum vehicle height restriction would have on the cost of transporting fodder. Unfortunately, these concerns were only raised by the sector immediately prior to the expiry of the 5 year derogation in October last, and not prior to the 2008 regulations being signed into law nor in the subsequent five years.
Notwithstanding this, I have considered the various issues involved, consulted with my colleague Minister Coveney, with Irish Rail and the IFA and arising from this have asked my officials to draft regulations to allow for a very narrow exemption for the haulage of agricultural fodder, i.e. straw and hay only, from the height limits brought in by the 2008 regulations.
104. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the current state of Busáras; if he will support greater investment in improving Busáras for bus passengers; his position on the way Busáras could be enhanced to become a first-class bus transport facility; or if a new bus station could be built in Dublin. [7617/14]
View answerGiven our fiscal constraints, the main priority for transport under the Capital Investment Plan to 2016 is to protect investment made to date and to maintain safety standards.
On the bus side the priority is to fund replacement PSO buses. There is also a small allocation provided to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for accessibility improvements at bus stops and bus stations. There is also some funding available to support improvements for bus passengers in the Regional Cities.
In relation to Busáras, I am advised that because of its protected status, permissible changes to the building structure are limited. The NTA has provided some funds in recent years for the provision of enhanced information displays and passenger information systems at Busáras.
I understand that discussions have taken place between the NTA and Bus Éireann in relation to the need for further improvements but that substantial funding is required to proceed with these improvements. Given the limited financial resources currently available both within Bus Éireann and to the NTA under the current capital plan, it has not been possible for these station upgrade proposals to be advanced at the present time. Should funds become available under the next capital plan then any contribution by the NTA would need to have regard to the mixed use of the station for both PSO and commercial operations.
There are no plans to construct a new bus station in Dublin at present. However, in relation to off street parking for coaches, following a review by the NTA, a site owned by CIE has been identified and the NTA in conjunction with CIE is currently engaging with Dublin City Council in relation to planning. Subject to approval the aim is to have the coach park ready for use in the autumn. This facility is targeted at coaches with a layover period in the city greater than about two hours.
Dublin City Council and the NTA are also currently examining alternative locations for on street parking to facilitate tourist coaches as some existing spaces will be removed arising from the construction of Luas Cross City. Final proposals are expected to be provided shortly.
I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA in relation to further details regarding improvements at Busáras and coach parking provision. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
105. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the footfall to date on the Wild Atlantic Way and the Green Way in the west of Ireland; his plans to support SMEs and entrepreneurs along these routes offering tourism related services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7716/14]
View answerThe Wild Atlantic Way is still being developed with the signposting of the full route due for completion by April 2014. Accordingly it is too early to assess or comment on what changes may emerge in terms of the level of use or footfall. Of course, the route links what are already central attractions for the overseas visitor to Ireland. From this year the Fáilte Ireland Visitor Attitude Survey will include a section on the Wild Atlantic Way and the results will be published in 2015.
Fáilte Ireland will support tourism SMEs along the route of the Wild Atlantic Way in a variety of ways. For example, the marketing of the Wild Atlantic Way will complement any marketing undertaken by local communities of their own areas. A full range of marketing material is being produced which will include on-line information as well as maps, brochures and other material. Other supports being put in place for tourism-related businesses along the route include digital platforms, sales plans, trade and community engagement, international publicity, domestic marketing and visitor engagement. In addition, in order to drive international business, the tourism agencies last year introduced the route to overseas buyers for the 2014 tourism selling season.
With regard to the Greenway in Co. Mayo, according to Mayo County Council, who have installed electronic counters along the route, the footfall on the Greenway was 170,000 visitors in 2011, 190,000 in 2012 and 208,000 in 2013.
106. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason public transport workers have endured a significant erosion of their wages and terms and conditions of employment on cost-cutting grounds, while the State hands over €50 million per annum to the developers of the Westlink toll bridge which has already been paid for many times over and millions more to consortia which built motorways that not enough cars are using. [7522/14]
View answer113. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on management-worker relations and negotiations in Iarnród Éireann, Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann; if he is confident that the financial position of the CIÉ Group will improve in 2014; if he is satisfied with the performance of the boards of the CIÉ Group of companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7612/14]
View answerI propose to answer Question 106 and 113 together.
The Government attaches great importance to the continued operation of Bus Átha Cliath, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann. Their services are vital to many of our citizens and to the Irish economy.
Unfortunately, CIÉ is in a precarious financial situation and is dependent on continued bank funding. The three CIÉ subsidiaries have incurred accumulated losses of €230m over the period 2008 to 2012, a position which is unsustainable. Given the pressure on the public finances, there is no possibility of additional funding by the Exchequer. To compensate for the reduced passenger revenues and PSO subvention, CIÉ has engaged in a cost recovery program over recent years. The cost savings agreed last year by Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus workers had to be implemented and I hope that the discussions with Iarnród Éireann unions, under the auspices of the Labour Relations Committee (LRC) and which are due to be balloted on shortly, will also be successfully concluded.
The total PSO subvention payable to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for 2014 is €209.7m (a reduction of €16.8m from 2013). The allocation of the 2014 subvention, including the amount payable to the three CIÉ subsidiaries, is decided by the NTA in accordance with their PSO contracts with the companies. The CIÉ Group Business Plan has already factored in the expected cut in PSO subvention in 2014 and CIÉ has negotiated improved bank facilities in relation to refinancing of the Group. I intend to propose no further reduction in subvention from 2015.
The Government continues to provide substantial Exchequer investment in the public transport network despite the significant financial challenges. Over the three years 2011-2013, the total Exchequer allocation to the three CIE companies, in respect of PSO services, free travel, school transport and capital expenditure, has been more than €1.5 billion. The priority must be to get a better return from the public transport system, through targeted investment, better use of existing resources and by using technology to make public transport more responsive and user friendly.
While still in a difficult financial position, I have every confidence that the CIE Board and its subsidiary Boards are putting the necessary measures in place to ensure an improving position in 2014 and a return to financial viability. I will continue to support their determined efforts in that regard.
With regard to Deputy Daly’s reference to the West-Link toll bridge, a decision was made by the previous Government in 2006 to introduce barrier free tolling on the M50. Under the agreement reached between the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the National Toll Roads (NTR) to buy out the West-Link concession, NTR was to receive annual payments of €50 million, adjusted for inflation, for the years 2008 to 2020. The bridge was built with private funds and not tax euros and the situation is not comparable to public transport. I am advised that the cost of compensating NTR for the buy-out was a matter for determination between the NRA and NTR in line with the 1987 West-Link concession Agreement. I had no role in those decisions.
109. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the roll out of the National Driver Licensing Service; if he is satisfied that the delays which were being encountered at initial stages of the roll-out have been rectified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7529/14]
View answer121. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a full and complete assessment of the reasons the National Driver Licensing Service driving licence renewal process is in utter chaos and is now in the hands of three different companies; the way this can be seen as a cost saving and efficient measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7792/14]
View answer133. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the legislation covering the processing of the new drivers' licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7525/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 109,121 and 133 together.
The National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). Neither I nor my Department is involved in the processing of driver licence applications. However, I do appoint the board of the RSA and they receive some funding from my Department.
The Government decided in May 2011 to create a centralised NDLS under the RSA. This decision was based on an examination of options for delivering driver licensing which showed considerable benefits from centralisation in terms of efficiency, uniformity of service, and security. In addition, centralisation freed up significant numbers of staff in the local authorities for other work.
The NDLS is structured with a central unit in the RSA and three outsourced contractors. These are: a card producer for the plastic card licence; a front office to engage with the public; and a back office to process applications.
There have been a lot of problems with the speed of processing applications in the NDLS since the system came on stream last October. I have had regular discussions with the acting CEO of the RSA regarding the difficulties people have experienced, and how the RSA proposed to address them. The RSA acknowledged that there were teething problems when the service opened. Some were technical and systems issues, while others related to new staff becoming familiar with rules and processes around driving licences and permits. However, the system is improving.
The RSA responded by increasing resources in NDLS centres experiencing delays, as well as in the licence processing centre, and providing further training to staff. There are no major technical difficulties now affecting the service. A booking system to allow for customers to make appointments has been operating in a Pilot Phase which was successful. This system is now being extended on a phased basis to all NDLS offices.
While I understand that there are still some backlogs in relation to applications, the situation has improved. I have been informed that licence applications that are fully and correctly completed are being issued in a shorter timeframe than previously and work is continuing to achieve the target turnaround period of 8 days. The RSA has assured me that the remaining backlog largely has been cleared. The NDLS can also respond to urgent situations where a licence is needed for travel abroad or for work purposes.
I am satisfied that the policy of centralising driver licensing in the RSA is the right one, and that the legislation which the Oireachtas passed to provide for this is appropriate. I have no plans to review the legislation.
110. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has completed his review of the community involvement scheme and if a further allocation will be made for 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7620/14]
View answer787. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has completed his review of the community involvement scheme; if a further allocation will be made for 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7660/14]
View answer813. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has completed his review of the community involvement scheme; and whether a further allocation will be made for 2014. [7957/14]
View answer858. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has completed his review of the community involvement scheme; and if a further allocation will be made for 2014. [8388/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 110, 787, 813 and 858 together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (including footpaths) in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its 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.
My Department launched a pilot Community Involvement Scheme (CIS) in 2013 for works on regional and local roads. The scheme was aimed at works on local roads which would usually only be considered for funding towards the end of a Council’s road programme after more heavily trafficked routes had been dealt with. This is a voluntary scheme and is based on community contributions within the range of 20% to 50%.
I have allocated over €2.3 million to a number of local authorities in 2014 for previously committed CIS schemes. I will consider whether to allocate further funding once the review of the operation of the CIS in 2013 is completed shortly. From the local authority output returns collated to date the indications are that it has been very successful in most areas. A total of 299 schemes were completed in 2013 at an overall cost of approx. €8.7 million, of which, approx. €2.3 million came from local communities either by way of monetary contribution or the provision of materials, labour or machinery. This has resulted in over 173 kms of improved roads.
The reality is we do not have as much funding for road maintenance as we would like, particularly given the recent severe weather which has caused significant damage to our regional and local road network. It is in this context that consideration will be given to whether additional CIS grants are allocated in 2014 while taking into account the impact that CIS grants can make in making available monies go further.
