Written Answers Nos. 1699-1725
1699. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the average subsidy per passenger rail journey paid by CIE to Iarnród Éireann in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33811/14]
View answerThe allocation and payment of the subvention to all operators, including the amount payable to Iarnród Éireann, is decided by the NTA in accordance with their PSO contracts with the companies. 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 ten working days.
1700. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the proposal to set up a regional marketing fund on a public-private basis to promote increased business and tourist traffic to the south of Ireland through Cork Airport; the funding he plans to contribute to this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33816/14]
View answerThe Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) is the body with statutory responsibility to manage, operate and develop Dublin and Cork airports. In relation to Cork airport, I am aware that the DAA's focus is currently on stabilising traffic, winning back routes and developing new routes and services and initiatives to support sustainable growth. A high level stakeholder body – the Cork Airport Development Council – has also been established to provide a forum for stakeholders from a range of sectoral and geographic backgrounds who have an interest in the development of the airport to engage with airport management and to help contribute to traffic and route growth. Cork Airport, in common with the other State Airports, is subject to EU regulations on State Aid and does not receive State funding.
From a tourism perspective, all of my Department's allocation for tourism is provided for the use of the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, and I do not have discretionary funding available for individual marketing initiatives. Tourism Ireland, the agency with responsibility for the overseas marketing of Ireland as a tourist destination already undertakes significant cooperative marketing activity with carriers serving Cork Airport to promote flights to Cork and boost travel to the wider region. Recent activity in this regard includes cooperative marketing campaigns with Aer Lingus in Germany France, Spain, The Netherlands and Great Britain, and a cooperative campaign with Ryanair in Great Britain. The agency will continue to monitor developments at Cork airport and work with the airport and relevant stakeholders to maximise the numbers using existing services and to help to make the case for additional new services with potential tourism benefits for the Cork region.
1701. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to plans to ease traffic congestion in Galway city, in view of the reported increase in traffic on certain routes in the city during the school term; if bus routes and timetables could be synchronised with school locations and start times to encourage greater use of the bus network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33883/14]
View answerThe provision of bus services is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days. Traffic management is a matter the relevant Local Authority.
1702. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to review the speed limit on the N67 as part of the new appeals mechanism for inappropriate speed limits and the recommendation that every speed limit will be audited every five years contained in the speed limits working group's 2013 recommendations. [33884/14]
View answerThe Road Traffic Act 2004 established default speed limits that apply to defined categories of roads. These limits may, however, be amended by the Elected Members of local authorities by means of Special Speed Limit Orders, and Section 9 of the 2004 Act sets out the range of special speed limits available to local authorities for that purpose. To assist in setting Special Speed Limits, my Department issued Guidelines for the Application of Special Speed Limits to all local authorities in January 2011 and the onus is on all local authorities to take the Guidelines into account when setting special speed limits.
The Speed Limits Review was published by my predecessor on the 21st November 2013. It contains eighteen actions designed to address a number of matters relating to the operation of speed limits on Irish roads. The recommendations contained in the Report will be implemented over a two year period. Specific provision for the updating of speed limits on the National road network, including the N67, is included in action point 4 of the Review.
1703. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the numbers of persons who have had fines or legal proceedings issued against them for non-compliance with taxi regulations; and the measures taken to tackle illegal activity in the taxi industry. [33965/14]
View answer1704. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the numerous cases of taxis operating in Dublin with tinted windows and taking a number of passengers in excess of what is legal or safe; the action his Department is taking to tackle this illegal activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33966/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1703 and 1704 together.
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector is the responsibility of the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act, 2013.
Enforcement is undertaken both by the NTA's Enforcement Officers and by An Garda Síochána - members of An Garda Síochána are authorised persons for the purposes of enforcement of the regulations governing SPSV services.
Statistics in relation to fixed-charge penalties and prosecutions in respect of SPSVs are available on the NTA website at www.nationaltransport.ie.
I have referred your questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
1706. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of administrative arrangements, as opposed to contracts for service, his Department is a party to; if he will provide in tabular form the party or parties to the administrative arrangements; the duration of these administrative arrangements; the cost recovery value of these administrative arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34010/14]
View answerMy Department does not have any administrative arrangements in place which match the description provided. The bulk of funding Voted to my Department is channelled through state agencies who are responsible for ensuring procurement requirements are met in relation to specific programmes and projects. The code of practice for state bodies, along with protocols relating to North/South bodies, set out the corporate governance arrangements which apply in relation to the administration of this funding to these agencies, including procedures for procurement and financial controls. For projects and programmes directly funded by my Department, relevant procurement rules are applied as appropriate.
1707. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on all public swimming pools by town and county; the new swimming pools that have been provided in the past ten years; the way they were funded; the proportion of funding that was from his Department; the funds available for new applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34076/14]
View answerUnder the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme grant aid to a maximum of €3.8 million is provided to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. The current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme was closed to new applicants on 31 July 2000. Since 2000, 58 projects have or are being dealt with under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme of which 49 have been completed and the other 9 projects are at various stages of the Programme. Two of these projects (Clara and De Paul Navan Road) have been formally allocated a grant following Tender Report stage. The other 7 projects, namely Castlebar, Dunmanway, Buncrana, Edenderry, Balbriggan, Ballaghadereen and Loughrea, are at various other stages of the programme.
The maximum LASPP grant of €3.8m is subject to the total grant not exceeding 80% of the eligible cost of the project or, in the case of projects located in disadvantaged areas, 90% of the eligible cost.
No decision has been taken on any new round of the Programme. If the Programme re-opens it would be open to each Local Authority to submit an application under the terms that would apply at that time.
The following is the list of the 49 pools that have been completed.
Arklow
Enniscorthy
Navan
Courtown/Gorey
Wicklow
Dundalk
Roscommon
Ennis
Tralee AquaDome
Ballinasloe
Finglas
Grove Island, Limerick
Tralee Sports and Leisure Centre
Clonmel
Churchfield, Cork City
Ballymun
Tuam
Drogheda
Monaghan town
Cobh
Youghal
Jobstown
Monaghan
Ballybunion
Birr
Letterkenny
Askeaton
Longford
St. Joseph's School for Deaf Boys
Portarlington
Portlaoise
Clondalkin
Thurles
St Michael's House, Dublin
Killarney
Bray
Ballyfermot
Greystones
Tullamore
Kilkenny City
Athy
Naas
Dundrum, Co. Dublin
Claremorris
Roscrea
Ferrybank
Loughlinstown
Ballybofey Stranorlar
New Ross.
1708. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will extend funding to the local improvement scheme in 2015 in view of the value for money and significant improvements recent funding of the community involvement scheme has brought about; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34093/14]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) provides funding for roads and laneways that Councils have not taken in charge. However, the maintenance and improvement of these is, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant landowner. There is no separate allocation for the LIS. Instead, local authorities may use up to 15% (up from 7% in 2013) of their initial Discretionary Grant towards local improvement schemes should they wish to do so. The local contribution for these schemes remains at 20% of the total cost of the project.
Details of the 2014 regional and local roads grants were communicated to local authorities on 24 January this year. Furthermore, it is open to local authorities to supplement the percentage of their Discretionary Grant that they can use for the LIS with their own resources.
The above position is likely to extend into 2015. Some local authorities want the LIS while others prefer to put the funding into public roads. I think this decision is best made at a local level.
1709. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the future of Ireland West Airport Knock; if he has received any briefing on the airport and on its plans since he came to office; if he will visit the airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34103/14]
View answerThe Government has given its commitment to assisting our four regional airports, including IWAK, in working towards future financial viability. Exchequer supports will be made available post 2014, subject to budgetary constraints and in accordance with the 2014 EU Guidelines on State aid to airports and airlines.
The recommendations arising from the IWAK Study Group Report have been brought to my attention and in particular, the impact of those recommendations on the future of our regional airports. I expect to visit all four regional airports, including IWAK, at a future date, following the approval by the EU Commission of Ireland's Airport Programme for 2015 - 2019.
1710. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide on a county basis the total number of driver licences issued since the inception of the new NDLS; the revenue incurred by the State and by the managing company; his views on the operation of the scheme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34104/14]
View answerThe operation of the National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.
The RSA informs me that since the inception of the NDLS on 29 October 2013 until 31 August 2014, 413,790 driver licence applications have been processed and RSA has recognised revenue of €16.2 million in respect of driving licence applications over this period.
There are three distinct outsourced contractors involved in providing the service and the Authority has advised that it will not be disclosing any commercially sensitive outsourced cost information on these contracts.
On the broader issue of the operation of the NDLS to date, while there were a number of difficulties initially, I am satisfied that the NDLS has the appropriate measures in place to address the problems which arose. In particular, the NDLS has taken a number of measures to address demand at its public offices since opening. These include: providing extra staff at centres experiencing high demand; additional training (which will increase efficiency and therefore throughput of customers); and the setting up of an online booking facility to make appointments. In addition, it has recently opened two new centres, one in Dublin and one in Cork. I am satisfied that the RSA continues to work with the contractors to promote a positive customer experience and to ensure that properly presented applications for licences are issued within a five to eight working day period.
With regard to the question on the number of driver licences issued on a county basis, I have referred this part of the Question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
1711. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the NDLS has plans to open a centre at Ballina, County Mayo, in view of the fact that it has recently opened new centres at Clarehall, Dublin 17, and Mallow, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34105/14]
View answerThe operation of the National Driver Licensing Service, including location of front offices, is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore forwarded the question to the Authority for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
1712. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the policy used by the National Roads Authority in situating road direction signs; the reason they specify certain towns over others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34106/14]
View answerThe construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993-2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. More specifically, the NRA has responsibility for the provision of signage under Section 19 of the Act.
Directional signage on national roads is provided in accordance with guidelines set out in the Traffic Signs Manual, published by my Department. The Traffic Signs Manual provides details of the traffic signs which may be used on roads in Ireland, including their layout and symbols, the circumstances in which each sign may be used and rules for positioning them. This Manual was updated in November 2010 replacing the 1996 edition.
Within the framework of the Traffic Signs Manual it is a matter for the NRA and relevant road authorities to determine the extent of signage on roads. When undertaking this function it is important to have regard to road safety and to provide clear and consistent signage. This assists in avoiding roadside ‘clutter’ and reduces the potential for distracting drivers by providing too much or inconsistent information.
1713. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a road project (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and the current plans for that project. [34107/14]
View answerThe planning, design and implementation of individual national road projects (such as the N5) 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.
1714. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of money designated by his Department for flood damage repair to projects in County Kerry following last winter's floods and storms; the locations of these projects; the position regarding the progress on each; the percentages of the moneys designated that have been spent by Kerry County Council to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34141/14]
View answerAs a result of the severe weather in the December/January period the Government confirmed additional funding of €16.8 million for repairs to roads damaged during the period 13 December 2013 to 6 January 2014. This funding is separate to the regional and local road individual grant allocations made by my Department to local authorities. Local authorities were notified of their allocations under severe weather on the 1st April 2014. Kerry County Council was allocated €575,291 for road repairs of which €172,265 (30%) has been drawn down to date. In addition, a further amount of €26,772 has been approved for payment this month.
The table details the locations and costs of the road projects in Kerry. As regards the progress on each, I suggest the Deputy makes contact with the local authority who are best placed to assist.
|
Road Number |
Engineering Area / Municipal District |
Road Name and / or Townland Name |
Cost |
|
L-7529 |
Caherciveen |
Connanna Pier Road |
20,000 |
|
L-7530 |
Caherciveen |
Cooscrome Beach Access Road |
12,000 |
|
L-4006 |
Caherciveen |
Whitestrand Road |
35,000 |
|
L-4005 |
Caherciveen |
Reenard Pier Road |
6,000 |
|
L-11602 |
Caherciveen |
Brackaharagh Road |
6,000 |
|
L-11101 |
Caherciveen |
Ballinskelligs Pier Road |
4,500 |
|
L-11102 |
Caherciveen |
Lighthouse Road, Valentia |
5,000 |
|
L-8020 |
Dingle |
Kilshannig |
31,000 |
|
L-12171 |
Dingle |
Aughills |
15,000 |
|
L-8054 |
Dingle |
Kinard |
100,000 |
|
L-8058 |
Dingle |
Minard |
48,200 |
|
L-12242 |
Dingle |
Coumeenole |
15,000 |
|
L-8202 |
Dingle |
Clogher Strand Access Road |
14,000 |
|
L-12076 |
Dingle |
Dún Síon Access Road |
10,250 |
|
L-7558 |
Kenmare |
Cush Road |
13,000 |
|
L-11100 |
Kenmare |
Reennagcross Access Road |
2,500 |
|
R573 |
Kenmare |
Coast Road |
3,000 |
|
L-4059 |
Kenmare |
Ardea Slip Access Road |
2,000 |
|
L-11682 |
Kenmare |
Maulagullane Slip |
8,000 |
|
N71 |
Killarney |
Dinis |
25,000 |
|
R570 |
Killarney |
Cools |
15,000 |
|
L-11033 |
Killarney |
Leamnaguilla |
21,000 |
|
L-11809 & R-564 |
Killorglin |
Rossbeigh |
100,000 |
|
L-7507 |
Killorglin |
Cromane Road |
7,000 |
|
L-11705 |
Killorglin |
Dooks Pier Access Road |
15,000 |
|
L-6207 |
Listowel |
Ballybunion Men's Beach Access Road |
3,000 |
|
L-10471 |
Listowel |
Ballyheigue |
3,000 |
|
L-10666 |
Tralee |
Cockleshell Road |
5,350 |
|
N86 |
Tralee |
Curraheen |
27,831 |
|
L-10574 |
Tralee |
Kilfenora |
2,660 |
|
575,291 |
1715. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to invest in the huge tourism potential of Malin Head, County Donegal. [34199/14]
View answerWhile the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport provides funding for capital investment in tourism, the allocation of these funds is a matter for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland. An allocation of €24.2 million has been made to Fáilte Ireland in 2014 to administer the Tourism Capital Investment Programme, which provides support for investment in visitor attractions, visitor activities and tourism infrastructure. This includes a special allocation of €8m for the development of the Wild Atlantic Way including the 15 Signature Discovery points, of which Malin Head is the most northerly point.
I am also aware that Tourism Ireland are promoting Malin Head internationally as part of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Accordingly I have referred your question to both agencies for further information and direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1716. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to invest in the tourism potential of the An Grianán of Aileach fort at Burt, County Donegal, as a site of similar historic importance to the Hill of Tara and with stunning scenic views of the surrounding landscape, including five counties of Ulster. [34200/14]
View answerWhile the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport provides funding for capital investment in tourism attractions, the allocation of these funds are a matter for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland.
An allocation of €24.2 million has been allocated to Fáilte Ireland in 2014 to administer the Tourism Capital Investment Programme, which provides support for investment in visitor attractions, visitor activities and tourism infrastructure. This includes a special allocation of €8m for the development of the Wild Atlantic Way. However, due to the high number of existing commitments, the Programme is currently closed for new applications.
I am aware that both Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland are promoting An Grianán of Aileach as part of the Wild Atlantic Way and accordingly I have referred your question to both agencies for further information and direct reply.
Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1717. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has received plans from Donegal County Council for a new bridge at Cockhill, Buncrana, County Donegal; and if he will provide the funding for same. [34202/14]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, including bridges, 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 and bridges are funded from local authorities own resources and are supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority. Donegal County Council applied to the Department in 2010 for funding (subsequent to the announcement of the grant allocations) under the Specific Improvement Grant Scheme for funds for the Cockhill Bridge Scheme. The projected cost of the project was €2.95m. Given the costs associated with the project it was not possible to approve this application, however, it was recommended that consideration be given to lower costs traffic management options. Given budgetary constraints and the need to prioritise funding for repair and strengthening works, the Specific Improvement Grants Scheme has been curtailed.
The Department did recently contact Donegal County Council to ascertain the up to date position in relation to the Council's evaluation of possible traffic management measures at the bridge. The Department understands from the Council that a number of options were prepared for Cockhill Bridge over a number of years including a new bridge, bridge widening, one-way traffic, a new footbridge and the installation of traffic lights and associated measures. The Department also understands that these options were presented to both the Buncrana Council and the Inishowen Area Council Elected Members but members did not favour pursuing options other than a new bridge. It is now a matter for the Council to decide if it wishes to pursue with the Department one of the options other than the new bridge. If the Council wishes to pursue the new bridge option it can of course do so through using its own resources both for design and construction.
1718. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide, in tabular form, the grant assistance from his Department for investment in piers and harbours in Donegal for the years 2006 to 2013, inclusive, and 2014 to date. [34203/14]
View answerResponsibility for investing in piers and harbours across Donegal is a matter for Donegal County Council as they do not fall under the remit of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Therefore, my Department has not provided financial assistance for the years in question.
1719. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the annual revenue generated by Bus Éireann in each of the past three years for ticket sales for the carriage of push bicycles. [34268/14]
View answer1720. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide reasoning for Bus Éireann charging passengers for the transport of push bicycles; his policy for promoting the use of push bicycles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34269/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1719 and 1720 together.
My Department is fully committed to promoting cycling as a sustainable means of travel and I am keenly aware of the need to integrate cycling with other modes of travel.
The issues raised by the Deputy are however matters for Bus Éireann and I have referred the Deputy's questions to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1721. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of penalty points given to truck drivers on the Kennelsfort Road, Palmerstown, Dublin 20, for the past five years. [34278/14]
View answerUnder the Road Traffic Act 2002 penalty points are required to be endorsed on the Irish driving licence record held on the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) for a period of 3 years and once expired they are removed from the record to comply with Data Protection requirements.
There are 149 current penalty point instances on the NVDF in respect of offences at the address mentioned. A total of 28 were the holders of foreign driving licences and of the Irish driving licences recorded a total of 10 drivers hold driving licence category(ies) which enable them to drive vehicles in excess of 3,500kgs.
1722. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport ,further to Parliamentary Question No. 587 of 10 June 2014, if the first progress report of the criminal justice working group was presented to the Government in July 2014; and if he will provide a brief outline of the contents of that report. [34292/14]
View answerThe Criminal Justice Working Group was established in March 2014 following publication of the Garda Inspectorate report on the fixed charge processing system.
The main function of the Working Group, which is jointly chaired by my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality, is to oversee and facilitate the implementation of recommendations in the Garda Inspectorate report.
In July, I received a progress report on the work undertaken by the Group to date. This report was also received by the Minister for Justice and Equality. The report will be brought to Government, for information, in the coming weeks.
1723. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on amending the Road Traffic Acts 1961 to 2014 to include a provision whereby members of An Garda Síochána would mandatorily seek to obtain the mobile phone records of all parties involved in a road traffic collision in order to determine if the use of a mobile phone was a contributory factor in causing the road traffic collision. [34295/14]
View answerMy Department is currently working on the preparation of a new Road Traffic Bill which will include provisions to further strengthen the law with regard to the use of electronic devices, including mobile phones, while driving. In the context of the drafting of these provisions, my officials will liaise with all relevant stakeholders, including An Garda Síochána, to consider if existing powers in relation to the compilation of evidence are sufficient.
1724. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position in regard to expressions of interest from potential partners to develop and operate a national diaspora centre; the reason the process has not progressed beyond a preliminary stage; if a timetable has been set for the completion of the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34427/14]
View answer1725. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport arising from the decision to seek expressions of interest from potential partners to develop and operate a national diaspora centre, if the promised committee to assess any recommendations made by Fáilte Ireland has yet been established; if he will elaborate on the chair and the membership of the committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34428/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1724 and 1725 together.
The Government’s Infrastructure and Capital Investment Framework 2012-2016, published in November 2011, includes a commitment of support for a Diaspora Centre or Diaspora Museum should a suitable project and partner be available.
In 2013 Minister Varadkar asked Fáilte Ireland to carry out a feasibility study on the development of a Diaspora Centre or Diaspora Museum and the most suitable means by which it could be financed, developed and managed.
Following receipt of that study Minister Varadkar asked Fáilte Ireland to seek expressions of interest from interested parties in order to identify a suitable project and partner to develop a National Diaspora Centre. Fáilte Ireland called upon interested parties to submit applications for consideration for the development of a Centre by 11 July 2014. These applications have since been received and I am at present considering the most appropriate next stage in progressing the concept, having regard to the wider context of the Government's diaspora policy.
