Written Answers Nos 173-176
173. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the ten greenway cycleway projects that received Department funding in May 2014 in terms of commencement and competition dates of the ten projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43406/14]
View answer11 greenway/cycleway projects were awarded funding under the Government Stimulus Package, €10m of which was earmarked for the development of greenways.
Funding was awarded on condition that the local authority could complete the project within 12 months from the date of issue of the letter of offer. In the case of projects not completed within the specified timeframe, my Department reserves the right to withdraw the offer of the grant and seek to be reimbursed for any amounts drawn down during the period. In the event of a local authority indicating that a project will not be completed within the specified timeframe a decision will be made on how to proceed based on the reasons for project delay and the merits of the individual project.
Projects are currently at various stages of delivery and are being monitored on an ongoing basis by my Department.
174. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 611 of 30 September 2014 and 28 of 1 October 2014, if he will provide an update on whether he has referred the matter of the surrender of driving licences upon disqualification from driving and the subsequent tracking of same to the penalty points working group, with a view to ensuring that the most effective arrangements will be put in place to ensure that all licences are surrendered; and, if the working group has considered this matter, to report on its recommendations on how the current and historical arrangements regarding the surrender of driving licences upon disqualification from driving could be improved. [43447/14]
View answerThe Criminal Justice Working Group was established to oversee and facilitate the implementation of the recommendations of the Garda Inspectorate report on the Fixed Charge Processing System (FCPS).
The Group is currently considering the future vision for the system, including any adaptations which may be necessary in legislation or in the procedures of the various State agencies involved, in order to improve the operation of the FCPS. The issue of surrender of licences upon disqualification will be addressed as part of this process.
175. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to bring pre-1980 registered vehicles under a yearly NCT obligation; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many of these vehicles are not used on a regular basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43458/14]
View answerCurrently, vintage cars and motor caravans registered prior to 1st January 1980 are exempt from compulsory roadworthiness testing. However, all commercial vehicles, regardless of their age, have been required to be tested since commercial vehicle testing was first introduced in Ireland in the 1980s. It is also the case that vintage SPSVs (Small Public Service Vehicles) such as wedding and other ceremonial cars used for hire and reward purposes are required to be tested by the National Car Testing Service.
Vintage commercial vehicles can still be used for commercial purposes and this is why pre-1980 commercial vehicles, including vintage SPSVs, are required to be tested. Although there is no exemption for these vehicles, they are tested to the standards that the vehicles concerned were originally designed to meet.
A review of this whole area is included in the Government’s 2013-2020 Road Safety Strategy (Action 59) and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is currently conducting this review. As part of this review, the RSA launched a public consultation process inviting interested parties (individuals, clubs, associations, etc.) to submit their views. Details concerning this public consultation can be found on the RSA website at www.rsa.ie .
It is important that interested parties avail of the opportunity to make their views known to the RSA as part of this consultation process. I understand that the closing date for submissions to the RSA is Friday 14th November 2014.
I will consider the outcome of this review, including any associated recommendations, when completed.
176. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if funding will be available for the provision of 1916 memorials in local communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43402/14]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that I secured an amount of €4 million in the Budget for 2015 to allow for the roll out of an integrated plan focused on the 2016 Commemorations. This €4 million allocation will help support a wide range of activities and events by interested groups, including local community groups and the arts and education sectors. I am, of course, keen to encourage and facilitate the involvement of ‘ground-up’ initiatives to ensure local communities can put their own shape on the commemorations as we move towards 2016.
