Written Answers Nos. 561-575
561. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the credit rating of Ervia; if it has issued any bonds in 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; if it has plans for future bond issuance; if its credit rating is subject to review following the changes to the Irish Water revenue model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45391/14]
View answerI am advised that Ervia’s current credit ratings are BBB+ (S&P) and Baa1 (Moody’s). I understand that Ervia issued a five year €500m Eurobond in November 2012 at a competitive coupon of 3.625%. The transaction received total orders of more than €6.5bn, demonstrating strong demand for Ervia debt issuance. No public bonds were issued by Ervia in 2013 or 2014. Ervia is looking at the possibility of issuing a new Eurobond in 2015, and preparation for such an issuance is currently ongoing.
I am advised that the change in the Irish Water charging regime, which is not expected to materially change Irish Water’s allowed revenue (as determined by the CER) is not expected to affect Ervia’s credit rating given that, from a financing perspective, Ervia is ring fenced from Irish Water. Irish Water will apply for its own credit rating in the coming years once the revenue model and regulatory backdrop become more established. The achievement of an investment grade rating is a core principle of Irish Water’s long term funding strategy.
562. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will put in place a system whereby persons with off-road vehicles are reminded on an annual basis to confirm whether those vehicles remain off the road in order to avoid incurring fines. [44923/14]
View answerThe Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Act 2013, introduced new arrangements for declaring the non-use of a vehicle for motor tax purposes. The system requires a non-use declaration (off road declaration) for a vehicle to be made in advance of its motor tax expiry date and thereby avoid payment of motor tax. To facilitate this, my Department, through the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) system, issues motor tax renewal/reminder notices in advance to those vehicle owners whose non-use declaration is due to expire. The notice contains a Personal Identification Number (PIN) which enables the motor tax payment or non-use declaration, as appropriate, be made online at www.motortax.ie.
The renewal/reminder notice is also accompanied by Form RF150 (declaration of non-use form) and this enables the vehicle owner to submit the non-use declaration at the local motor tax office, thereby assisting motorists who do not wish to use the online facility. An information leaflet setting out the requirements for renewal of a non-use declaration is also included with the renewal notice.
563. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, as part of carbon emissions targets, he will incentivise the conversion of cars from petrol to liquid petroleum gas; if he will deal in particular with the issue of cars registered pre-2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45300/14]
View answer579. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the laws that currently exist here regarding the regulation of the industry relating to the liquid petroleum gas conversion of cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45293/14]
View answer580. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the view of the Road Safety Authority on the practice of converting petrol engines to liquid petroleum engines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45294/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 563, 579 and 580 together.
My Department is currently preparing the transport sector’s input into the National Low Carbon Roadmap, which is being co-ordinated by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. A low-carbon vision for the sector is required and measures to develop a robust and cost-effective policy platform for the delivery of that vision will need to be evaluated. It is within this context that measures to incentivise alternative fuels will be considered. Alternative fuels that have the greatest emissions reduction potential will be viewed more favourably but certainty of supply and cost will have to be taken into account also. Such measures would have to be agreed, in the first instance, with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, which is the lead Department for all energy related matters in Ireland.
In relation to cars registered pre-2008, I presume you are referring to the motor tax and Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) systems. Any plans to amend these charging systems would have to be agreed with, and approved by, the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government in conjunction with the Minister for Finance.
Separately, and in line with the recently adopted EU Directive on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, my Department will be required to prepare a National Policy Framework over the next two years to support the uptake of alternative fuels in Ireland. Liquid petroleum gas (LPG) is among a suite of alternative fuels listed in the Directive, which is to be considered from the perspective of long term oil substitution potential within the EU.
In relation to the regulation of the industry that converts cars to liquid petroleum gas, I have no function in this matter.
I have asked the Road Safety Authority to contact you directly with their views on the practice of converting petrol engines to liquid petroleum engines. Please advise my Office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
564. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the National Transport Authority may specify from what date it has in place an internationally recognised independent system for monitoring the delivery of every service in the landing boards or routes in accordance with the specified obligations in the Bus Éireann public service obligation contracts since 1 December 2009; the number of breaches of contract if any recorded and the sanctions imposed on Bus Éireann for such breaches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44773/14]
View answerThe issue raised 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.
565. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the National Transport Authority will indicate if Bus Éireann has been paid for services under public service obligation contracts since 1 December 2009 that were not delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44774/14]
View answerThe issue raised 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.
566. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the review of the recommended route for the N28 road scheme; the work that is under way in this regard; when an announcement is expected; when he expects the project to proceed to statutory planning; the estimated cost of the construction of this road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44813/14]
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 such as the N28 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.
It is my understanding that the planning work for this scheme is underway and 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.
567. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he believes vintage vehicles are not the cause of road traffic accidents in the main; and his further views on providing a special national car test dispensation for these vehicles in the future as they are largely used for appropriate recreation and fund-raising activities. [44927/14]
View answerAs the Road Safety Authority (RSA) do not have road traffic collisions statistics available for vehicles registered prior to 1988, I cannot provide a definitive view on the number of incidents involving vintage vehicles. That was the year in which number plates changed to the YEAR-COUNTY-NUMBER format. However, I understand that the report arising from the review of Roadworthiness Testing for Vintage Vehicles which is currently underway by the RSA will include statistics received from the insurance industry in relation to claims involving vintage vehicles.
With regards to the Deputy's suggestion of a special NCT dispensation for vintage vehicles, I would point out that vintage cars and motor caravans registered prior to 1st January 1980 are currently 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.
The review of this area which is currently underway was included in the Government’s 2013-2020 Road Safety Strategy (Action 59). As part of this review, the RSA held a public consultation process and invited interested parties (individuals, clubs, associations, etc.) to submit their views prior to 14th November last.
I will consider the outcome of this review, including any associated recommendations, when completed.
568. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the engagement he has had to date to ensure the viability of Cork Airport; his views on a recent announcement that Aer Lingus intends to suspend two routes from its summer 2015 schedule; his further views on fears expressed for the future of the airport which has experienced a 5% fall in traffic so far this year; the steps he will take to ensure the future of this airport given that it is critical to the overall economic growth and development of the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44944/14]
View answer574. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to maximise Cork Airport's potential as a hub for improving business and increasing tourism in the Cork region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45217/14]
View answer575. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to concerns regarding Dublin Airport Authority's management of Cork Airport; and his views on same. [45218/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 568, 574 and 575 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, the DAA is the body charged with statutory responsibility to manage, operate and develop Dublin and Cork Airports. In these circumstances, responsibility for addressing the fall in passenger numbers and the viability of the airport is a matter for DAA and Cork Airport management, and is not a matter in which I have a direct role.
Since the Government decision to maintain Cork Airport as part of the DAA Group, the DAA has put in place arrangements for the airport to be run as a stand-alone business unit within the Company, properly resourced at management level locally. In addition, two of the members of the DAA Board represent Cork, thereby ensuring that issues pertaining to Cork Airport are considered at the highest level.
Since coming into office, I have met the Chair and Chief Executive of DAA and, last September, I visited Cork Airport and met with the Managing Director and some local public representatives to discuss the challenges and opportunities for growth that exist for the Airport. I have also had the opportunity in recent weeks to meet with Cork Chamber of Commerce and Cork Airport was discussed at that meeting.
I am very aware of the importance of Cork Airport for business and tourism in the Cork region. I am also aware of the continuing decline in passenger numbers over recent years at the Airport. This is why, at the request of my predecessor, a high level stakeholder body, the Cork Airport Development Council (CADC), was established by DAA. The aim of the CADC is to provide a forum for senior stakeholders from a range of sectoral and geographic backgrounds who have an interest in the development of Cork Airport to engage with management at the airport and to help contribute to traffic and route growth. The Council is chaired by DAA Chairman and comprises senior representatives from the tourism and business sectors in the Cork region who are actively engaged in achieving the goals set for the Council.
I believe that there are opportunities, particularly in the tourism sector, to grow incoming passenger numbers to the Cork region. I am calling on all relevant stakeholders to work together to exploit those opportunities and to deliver benefits not just for the airport but for the wider region.
In relation to the intention of Aer Lingus to suspend routes from its summer 2015 schedule, it should be noted that it is a matter for the airline to decide which routes they will serve based on their own commercial judgements, taking account of the demand for services. Any decision to suspend a route is an operational decision for Aer Lingus management. I am nevertheless disappointed by the decision of the Company in this instance.
I am aware that the DAA's objective is to halt the decline in passenger numbers in the short term and to return Cork Airport to growth in the future. I am confident that the DAA and Cork Airport management, working with the stakeholders in the region, can achieve this objective.
569. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a breakdown of the average waiting times for those booking an appointment for a national car test in County Donegal; if he believes these waiting times are acceptable in view of the fact that it is an offence for a vehicle not to have a valid NCT; the steps he is taking in order to reduce current waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44981/14]
View answer571. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the reported backlogs experienced at present by the national car testing service; the way the application of road traffic penalties for non-display of a current NCT certificate will be managed in the cases of motorists who fail to secure a testing slot in adequate time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45055/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 569 and 571 together.
It should be noted that it has, for some time, been an offence to use a vehicle on public roads without a valid NCT certificate. Currently, this is a 'straight-to-court' offence which attracts 5 penalty points on conviction. The change I will be implementing shortly - by commencing section 10 of the Road Traffic Act 2014 - is to bring this offence within the Fixed Charge Payment System so that persons will have the option of receiving 3 penalty points on payment of the Fixed Charge rather than automatically being required to go to court.
The RSA has overall responsibility for the operation, oversight and delivery of the National Car Test, and as such, statistics relating to waiting times for any location is a matter for the Authority. I have therefore referred this part of the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply. Please advise my Office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Contrary to some recent media reports that there is a backlog of up to three months to book an NCT, I understand from the RSA that, while the demand for tests is currently high, there is no such backlog.
I am advised that the vast majority of car owners will receive an NCT appointment within 28 days with the average currently within 2 weeks. I understand that, in order to meet this standard, in some cases, the National Car Testing Service holds requests on a waiting list until a suitable slot is found. In the majority of cases, customers are given a slot within the required timescale. However, if a slot is not found within 28 days, the test should be offered free of charge.
To further facilitate demand, an NCT may now be undertaken up to 90 days in advance of the test due date without affecting the expiry date of the new certificate. This system is in place to ensure that owners have ample time to have their vehicle tested before their current NCT certificate expires. The RSA has run a significant advertising campaign since September to highlight this and informs me that it is in a favourable position to deal with current demand.
The application of penalties for the use of a vehicle on the public road without a valid NCT Certificate is a matter for An Garda Síochána who are responsible for the enforcement of road traffic legislation.
570. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the N4 Longford, Rooskey to Mullingar route; when funding may be made available to progress same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45031/14]
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, including the N4 is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
I have therefore referred the matter to the NRA for directly reply. Please contact my office if you do not receive a response within 10 days.
572. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will confirm if there is a contractual obligation on the providers of the national car testing service to provide an online booking service for NCT customers; if so if he will confirm the way the contractual obligation is monitored; if the State has applied contractual penalties on the NCT service provider on any occasions when the online booking service has not been operating in a satisfactory manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45056/14]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has overall responsibility for the delivery and oversight of the National Car Test.
Under the Project Agreement in place between the RSA and the National Car Testing Service (NCTS), the NCTS contractor is required to accept bookings made by personal caller, post, telephone, facsimile, e-mail or using a web based booking system. On average, 35% of NCTS bookings are made online.
The RSA informs me that this year the NCTS has experienced the highest demand since the introduction of testing and therefore must manage the allocation of staff and the release of test slots very carefully. I understand that this may mean that, on occasion, there is not the availability of test slots online.
However, the availability of appointments on the NCT website is not a reflection of the total number of slots available for customers. Customers are advised that if they cannot obtain a suitable slot online they should contact the NCTS call centre directly on (01) 4135992.
Any owner who requires a test quickly should receive an appointment within 28 days. To meet this standard, in some cases, the NCTS holds requests on a waiting list until suitable slots are found. In the majority of cases, customers are given a slot within the required timescale. However, if a slot is not found within 28 days the test should be offered free of charge. I am advised that currently, customers requesting a test are getting an appointment, on average, within 2 weeks with the vast majority getting appointments within 4 weeks. Retest appointments are, on average booked within 3 days.
NCTS met all performance standards in regard to booking times in 2013 and to date in 2014 and accordingly, no contractual penalties were applied.
The RSA has comprehensive supervision arrangements in place to ensure that NCTS adheres to key performance indicators and service level agreements including test bookings and customer service.
573. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an assurance from the chief executive officer of Iarnród Éireann to provide full time security at Howth Junction-Donaghmede DART station over the Christmas-new year period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45140/14]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Irish Rail and I have forwarded 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.
