Written Answers Nos. 589-602
589. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department or any agency of his Department have awarded any contracts to a company (details supplied) since 9 March 2011. [45354/14]
View answerMy Department has not awarded any contracts to the company mentioned. The awarding of any contracts by agencies is a matter for the agency themselves, I will forward your query to them for direct reply to you as soon as possible.
Please contact my Office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
590. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details on his Department's plan for an eastern seaboard version of the Wild Atlantic Way; if he will provide a breakdown of lessons learned from the construction of the Wild Atlantic Way that will be applied to this new route; his plans to introduce a eurovelo route along the proposed eastern way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45371/14]
View answerWhile my Department provides the capital funding for investment in tourism projects such as the Wild Atlantic Way, it is not directly involved in developing or managing them. The development of the Wild Atlantic Way and similar initiatives is a matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland.
Fáilte Ireland is currently developing a similar tourism proposition for the east and south. These areas share a strength in the richness of their historic built environment such as Viking Waterford, Medieval Kilkenny and Brú na Bóinne. This is a work in progress and is intended to form a complementary tourism proposition to the Wild Atlantic Way. It is intended that the research, brand development and consumer testing will be completed during 2014, and the new proposition will be launched in early 2015.
As regards Eurovelo routes, these have been developed by the European Cyclists’ Federation. Two of the 14 cycling routes, which connect the whole continent of Europe, will traverse through Ireland. The Eurovelo 1 route travels from Norway to Portugal and enters the Republic of Ireland at Donegal and exits at Wexford. The Eurovelo 2 will begin in Galway, cross to Dublin and terminate in Moscow. These routes are prescribed by the ECF and it is not within my remit to designate an eastern cycleway as a Eurovelo route. However, I am open to exploring proposals for cycleways, within the context of the National Cycle Network Funding Programme, from local authorities in all parts of the country.
591. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the imposition of 50 kilometres per hour speed limit zones along the Wild Atlantic Way in areas where there is no separate provision for cyclists in order to increase cyclist safety along the route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45372/14]
View answerSpeed limits exist to promote safe usage of our roads. The legislation prescribes different classes of speed limit for different classes of roads, It also allows some leeway to local authorities, in their capacity as road authorities, to determine the appropriate speed limit for particular roads or stretches of road.
Where the law does allow options to local authorities to determine appropriate speed limits, it is entirely a matter for local authorities to make those decisions, having regard to all the relevant factors. Central Government has no role in this process, and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the best speed limit for a particular road.
I would add that, in making decisions on speed limits, the most important consideration for local authorities must always be road safety.
592. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 925 of 30 April 2014, his views on cyclist safety in view of the controversial plans to create a cycle way with the N86 in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45373/14]
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 is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
I support the NRA’s commitment to make provision for all road users (including cyclists) when designing new roads. In rural areas new or realigned roads are designed in accordance with a comprehensive road design standard known as the NRA’s Design Manual for Roads and Bridges. In urban areas the requirements of the Department’s Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets apply. In general the latter standards apply where the speed limit is 60 km/h or less.
593. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the creation of local traffic only areas to improve cyclist enjoyment of rural routes in view of safety concerns from cyclists sharing roadways with high speed traffic. [45374/14]
View answerI think we can all agree on the need to make cycling as safe and attractive a mode of transport as possible.
In other jurisdictions, the 'local traffic only' option is often used in urban rather than in rural areas, and is mostly seen as an anti-congestion measure. It is mainly a method of routing non-local traffic on to by-passes and out of built-up areas.
In principle, public roads are open to all legitimate users. While restricting the use of public roads in certain urban areas might have some merit, it would be a more difficult proposition in non-urban locations. In the case of rural roads, there may not be easy alternatives available to traffic. In addition, if we are thinking in terms of roads in scenic and tourist areas, it would be difficult to contemplate closing them to non-local traffic.
Finally, there is the question of enforcement. An attempt to limit traffic in certain rural areas to locals only would require a considerable commitment of resources.
However, low trafficked roads in rural areas do provide great potential for the development of cycle routes through signage and marketing. These routes are often used exclusively by local traffic, in any event, without the need to designate them a ‘local traffic only’ road. Ireland has a substantial network of low trafficked local roads and, with proper marketing and awareness raising, such routes could provide safe passage for cyclists along the length and breadth of Ireland.
I believe that this approach combined with appropriate cycle infrastructure where necessary, education to ensure responsible behaviour by drivers and cyclists, and promotion of lighting and reflective clothing to ensure high visibility for cyclists, offers the best way to improve safety for cyclists.
594. Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update on an application under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [44762/14]
View answerAn application for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme has been received by my Department from the individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question. I am advised that a payment of €1,500 in respect of Year 1 of 15 (2011), €1,500 in respect of Year 2 of 15 (2012) and €1,518 in respect of Year 3 of 15 (2013) have been made to this applicant. In addition, a once-off payment of €500 has been made to the applicant in respect of the signing of a legal agreement under this scheme.
It has come to the attention of my Department that the turf plot on which the applicant now claims to have been extracting turf is different to the one which she had indicated that she had been extracting turf from on her application form. Details in relation to this plot are being assessed to ascertain if the qualifying criteria of the scheme have been met in this instance.
My Department has been in contact with the applicant and is assisting her in relation to this matter.
595. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will ensure that every school under the Government's remit is provided with a proclamation on the run up to the 1916 centenary. [44998/14]
View answerMy Department will be working with the Department of Education and Skills to develop an education programme as part of the 2016 commemoration programme. Following the recent launch of Ireland 2016, a national initiative which includes a programme of events to mark the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising, a period of consultation has now begun. In that context, suggestions and ideas from members of the public and interested groups as to activities and initiatives that might be pursued as part of the 1916 commemorations will be welcome. All such suggestions, as well as the proposal set out in the Deputy's Question, will be reviewed and evaluated in early 2015.
596. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will ensure there is a national day of Famine commemoration, with a fixed date in order to properly commemorate the millions of lives lost during the Famine. [44999/14]
View answerAlthough the annual National Famine Commemoration ceremony retains a degree of continuity in its format, the date and the artistic/cultural elements of the commemoration may change from year to year. In 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014, it proved possible to hold the National Famine Commemoration ceremony on the second Sunday in May. However, it has been agreed that some flexibility should be retained in order to have regard to particular circumstances that may arise regarding the arrangements for the commemoration in any given year. I am satisfied that the retention of such flexibility does not detract from the key aim of the annual commemoration, which is to have a fitting national ceremony to remember and show respect for all those who died or suffered loss during the Great Famine.
597. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 429 of 15 July 2014, pertaining to the proposed Waterways Ireland canal by-laws, when she will make a final decision on the proposed new by-laws; if she will ensure that such proposals are not overly restrictive and punitive for users of the waterways and that user concerns and their submissions are taken cognisance of in her final decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45038/14]
View answerWaterways Ireland proposes to make new bye-laws which are intended to enhance its ability to manage the canals for the benefit of all canal users. There are over 14,000 registered boat owners on the seven waterways managed by Waterways Ireland. These waterways make a vital contribution to tourism, attracting visitors from Ireland and abroad.
The proposed new bye-laws are intended to enhance the ability of Waterways Ireland to manage the Royal and Grand Canals and the Barrow Navigation for the benefit of all canal users. Investment by Waterways Ireland in these waterways has made them more attractive for boat owners and is helping to develop them as a vibrant recreational and tourist amenity. Against that background, it is now necessary to update the bye-laws to ensure that the rules governing the use of the waterways are fit for purpose and can best meet the needs of all waterway users.
I am aware that concerns have been raised regarding aspects of the proposed bye-laws. Waterways Ireland undertook a public consultation process in relation to the proposed bye-laws earlier this year. I am advised that the main stakeholders, including the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland, the Heritage Boat Association, the Royal Canal Amenity Group and the Irish Boat Rental Association, were contacted individually and invited to meet with the Chief Executive and the senior management team of Waterways Ireland prior to submitting their views. The current permit holders on the three waterways concerned, including traditional canal users and canal dwellers, received individual written notices and were given the opportunity to make their views and requirements known.
I understand that over 2,000 submissions were made in the course of the public consultation process. I have been advised that analysis of this process has been completed by Waterways Ireland and is available on the Waterways Ireland website at http://www.waterwaysireland.org/public-consultation, together with the submissions received. Waterways Ireland has submitted a revised set of draft bye-laws to my Department, which is currently being reviewed. When that process has been concluded, the matter will be referred to me, as Minister, with recommendations for consideration and final decision. In line with a commitment given during a debate in Seanad Éireann on 26 February 2014, I will provide interested Deputies and Senators with an opportunity to discuss the proposals with me prior to making a final decision on the draft bye-laws.
598. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 437 and 556 of 27 November 2012 and 625 of 21 October 2014, if there is a discrepancy between the previous two replies and vesting order documentation (details supplied) obtained by Freedom of Information, which refers to an exercised grazing right; if so, if she will explain the discrepancy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45169/14]
View answerMy Department is unable to see evidence of a discrepancy, as referred to by the Deputy.
599. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide details of the National Parks and Wildlife Service farm plan scheme, including when this scheme was introduced; the maximum level of payment available under this scheme; when access to the scheme was terminated; the reason for the introduction of the scheme in the first instance; her plans with regard to a successor to this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45188/14]
View answerThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Farm Plan Scheme was introduced in 2006, to incentivise farmers to manage Natura 2000 land in a manner that went above and beyond statutory requirements and where such necessary measures were not provided for in the national agri-environment schemes that were available at that time. The scheme effectively trialled agri-environment interventions at a relatively small scale to inform measures that could be taken forward in due course at a larger scale under the Rural Development Programme (RDP). It was never envisaged that the NPWS farm plan scheme would replace national, co-financed, agri-environment schemes such as REPS, AEOS, or GLAS.
Farmers were paid upon certification of compliance with an approved NPWS farm plan. These plans were prepared on the basis of either the cost to the farmer of compliance or on the basis of rates per hectare for specific management in adherence to a prescription. Therefore, in all cases, payments were specific to the farm in question and related to the measure in question, the eligible lands in which the measure was applied and the cost of compliance where this was not covered in a rate per hectare. In some cases, there was a tiered approach to payments, with a diminishing rate above certain area thresholds. Where rates per hectare were relevant, these varied depending on the habitat or species being planned. Access to the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme was curtailed in April 2010, due to budgetary constraints.
In general, it is envisaged that future support for farmers within Natura areas should come from the EU co-funded Rural Development Programme, particularly through the new GLAS scheme. My Department has been working with, and made a number of submissions to, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on the Rural Development Programme and the GLAS measures in particular, and has advised on the priority measures for Natura habitats and species. These priorities were identified in Ireland’s Prioritised Action Framework, which was formally published last week. This framework, which has been approved by Government, identifies a range of actions needed to help improve the status of Ireland's habitats and wildlife.
600. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will meet with a deputation from the Irish Farmers with Designated Land and this Deputy in relation to the hen harrier special protection areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45239/14]
View answerMy Department has made contact with the Irish Farmers with Designated Lands in recent days with a view to convening a meeting with my officials. I understand that a meeting is expected to be arranged in the coming weeks.
601. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her Department, or any agency of her Department, has awarded any contracts to a company (details supplied) since 9 March 2011. [45340/14]
View answerI am informed that no payments have been made to the firm in question since my Department was established on 2nd June 2011. With regard to bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group, the Deputy will appreciate that the matter raised is part of the day-to-day operational responsibilities of the bodies in question. I am arranging, therefore, for the terms of the Deputy’s Question to be transmitted to the heads of relevant bodies with a request that they provide information, to the extent feasible, directly to the Deputy.
602. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the point of contact relatives of those who fought in the 1916 Rising should use in respect of the organisation of the 1916 commemoration, to deal with issues such as tickets to events for family members, related issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45379/14]
View answerI have established a 2016 Commemoration Project Office within my Department, tasked with coordinating all activities relating to the commemoration of 1916. The relevant officials are now liaising with the Department of Defence in relation to matters regarding relatives, including the compilation of lists in this regard for other events that are organised to commemorate the centenary of 1916. The project office may be contacted at 2016projectoffice@ahg.gov.ie.
The Department of Defence has responsibility for the maintenance of list of relatives for the annual 1916 State Commemorations. Requests for inclusion on the relatives invitation list for 2016 are being processed in conjunction with my own Department and should be submitted for consideration to 2016projectoffice@ahg.gov.ie. Supporting documentation may be required to verify the relationship between the applicant and a 1916 Volunteer and/or the latter’s 1916 service. Such requests are then verified by the Department of Defence in order to establish the relationship and authenticity of the request before inclusion on the list.
