Written Answers Nos. 1-34
12. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had any communications with the Department of Justice and Equality regarding the tourist experience in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46387/14]
View answerI am aware of the negative impact that incidents of anti-social behaviour and other problems on the streets of Dublin city centre can have on visitors’ holiday experience and on their impressions of our country. I have previously raised my concerns with both the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Dublin City Manager and I understand that the Garda Síochána and the civic authorities in Dublin are working to tackle these problems.
Dealing with this behaviour is wider than just the criminal justice system as it involves issues such as drug dependency, homelessness and begging. It requires a coordinated approach from state agencies involved in social, housing, health and drug treatment services, as well as through partnership with business, community and voluntary groups.
In that regard, I am informed by my Ministerial colleague of a recent initiative to establish a High Level Group involving Dublin City Council, An Garda Síochána, the Dublin Region Homeless Executive and the HSE to oversee strategic and coherent responses to issues in the city centre. She plans to meet with the Group soon to see how the ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and the overall environment of the city centre can be further supported and strengthened.
In relation to improving the tourist experience in Dublin, following the report of the Grow Dublin Taskforce, which dealt with the impact of anti-social behaviour on tourists, I recently established the Grow Dublin Tourism Alliance to implement the report's recommendations. The Group, which is being set up under Fáilte Ireland, will be led by the Chairman of Bord Bia, Michael Carey.
Thankfully, Ireland remains a very safe destination generally for holidaymakers and the rate of crime against tourists is relatively low. Research has shown that the vast majority of our overseas visitors are happy to recommend Ireland as a holiday destination to others.
13. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views that the recent prices increases in the cost of public transport will be reconciled with the need to encourage greater use of public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46344/14]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my response to Question number 9 of today in relation to fare increases. As I stated in my earlier reply, the National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for determining fares in respect of publicly funded bus and rail services and I have no role in the setting of public transport fares. However, I am aware that the changes in bus and rail fares recently announced will cause hardship for many commuters in this city and this country. I am also aware how they may lead to some people questioning the value of public transport vis-à-vis the cost of running a car.
The maintenance of subsidy funding for public transport for 2015 at present levels has enabled the NTA to moderate the fares’ increases necessary so that the operators can maintain as far as possible the current level of services and can also respond to sectors where demand is growing and capacity needs to be increased. It is welcome to note that, following some years of declining passenger numbers, growth in passenger numbers across all the public transport operators has returned with an average 3.6% increase to September this year. I note that the NTA has stated that it takes into consideration a number of factors in the fares determination process but primarily the objective is to find a greater match between the costs of operating public transport to the revenues accruing from it, while also protecting public transport services themselves.
The NTA is also engaged in the development and deployment of technologies to make it easier to use public transport. Public transport service quality is also an important factor that influences passenger demand and the NTA has delivered a number of significant cross-operator initiatives such as real time information at bus stops, on Apps and online, the National Journey Planner, the Leap Card, investment in the bus fleet and on-board Wi-Fi, improved public transport maps and the reconfiguration of regional city bus services that to date includes Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.
14. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to work with Dublin City Council to expand the Dublin bike scheme into areas of Dublin 4 and Dublin 8; his views that there has been a delay in expansion of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46332/14]
View answerAs I am sure the Deputy is aware, the development and delivery of walking and cycling infrastructure in the Greater Dublin area is a matter for the National Transport Authority in conjunction with the relevant local authority, in this case Dublin City Council. A major expansion of the dublinbikes scheme has recently been completed in Dublin City with approximately €5.2 million provided in funding by my Department and administered by the National Transport Authority through Dublin City Council. This brought expansion of the scheme to Dublin 8 including Kilmainham and Heuston Station, and including Barrow street and South Dock Road in Dublin 4. I am not aware of any delay in the recent expansion of the scheme.
Further to this, the Deputy will be aware of Dublin City Council's plans to further extend this scheme which are outlined in the Council's "Dublinbikes Strategic Planning Framework 2011 - 2016" document which was published in 2011.
Dublin City Council is continuing to finalise the roll-out of the current programme of expansion and have therefore not sought any additional funding from the National Transport Authority beyond the work currently being undertaken.
15. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason he signed the ministerial order to enable the IAS scheme trustees to amend the terms of the scheme, despite the fact that many of the groups directly impacted by the changes had not agreed and were dissatisfied by the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46312/14]
View answerThe administration of the Irish Airlines (General Employees) Superannuation Scheme (IASS) is a matter for the Trustees of that scheme. Resolution of its funding difficulties is primarily a matter for the Trustees, the companies participating in the scheme, the scheme members and the Pensions Authority.
On 14 November 2014, the Trustee of the IASS applied to the Pensions Authority for a Section 50 Direction and submitted a funding proposal to address the deficit in the IASS. The Trustee also requested me to commence with immediate effect Sections 32(b)(1) and 32(b)(5) of the Air Navigation and Transport (Amendment) Act 1998, as inserted by Section 34(1) of the State Airports (Shannon Group) Act 2014 to facilitate implementation of the funding proposal should the Pensions Authority approve them. The Trustee confirmed to me that it believes that this course of action is in the overall best interests of the members of the IASS as a whole. As you know, this was also the view of the Expert Panel.
Following specific requests on behalf of deferred members that more funding be made available outside the IASS for that group, I subsequently engaged further with the employers in the matter. However, it was clear that the funding proposed by the employers is the maximum that can be achieved. Therefore, having considered the Trustee’s request and reflected on all of the issues relating to the IASS, including the significant deficit of €750m, I signed the Commencement Order on 17 November 2014.
I am very conscious of the difficulties that this will cause for many members but the risks that will arise for all members, the companies and the wider economy in the event of failure of this solution are even greater and this is the reason that I commenced these provisions. I believe that the funding proposal put forward by the Trustee offers the best possible outcome for all members given the acute difficulties and unsustainable circumstances of this fund.
16. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the review of the business case for DART underground by the National Transport Authority is complete; if so, if he will share the findings of the report; the timeframe now envisaged for the project; if it is still the intention to move forward under the existing railway order; if compulsory purchases necessary to the project are envisaged; if so, will the notices to treat process be concluded by September 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46014/14]
View answerDART Underground is now being reviewed and assessed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with other large public transport projects for the Dublin area. The 2010 business case for DART Underground is currently being updated and will be based on the latest data on population, transport demand, construction costs etc. The NTA have advised me that the DART Underground report and the outcome from the Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study and the preliminary Business Case for the BRT to Swords will be available by mid 2015.
Following receipt and assessment of the reports I will then consider the options and priorities for addressing key public transport deficits in the GDA having regard to the costs and benefits and affordability of each project as well as funding sources and options including private funds, EIB loans and EU grants.
Significant additional Exchequer resources will be required to advance any new major project irrespective of the availability of private or EU funds. With existing funding levels the key priority is to protect investment made to date and to maintain safety standards. If additional funds become available, there will be many competing projects from all transport modes in all regions.
I will prioritise any additional funds for projects for which there is a clear need, which are affordable, have a sound business case and add value to existing infrastructure. I would expect that there will be public transport projects in the Dublin region which will meet these criteria if funds are available.
The Railway Order for DART Underground is valid until 2024 but a High Court Judgement in February 2014 determined that the period for serving Notices to Treat for the purpose of compulsory purchase of property under the Order should be 18 months from the date of the Judgement, rather than the 7 years set out in the Railway Order. As a consequence, a decision on whether to proceed with DART Underground under the current Railway Order must be made by September 2015 if the CPO conditions applicable to the project are to be met.
17. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the Galway city outer bypass and if he will reaffirm the commitment and support for this vital project. [46326/14]
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 Galway City Outer Bypass is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
The Galway Outer City Bypass project was identified in the Government's July 2012 Infrastructure Stimulus project as a future priority project.
I understand from the National Roads Authority that the preliminary scheme appraisal for the Bypass is now completed and route selection has been advanced. It is anticipated that the scheme should be ready for submission to An Bord Pleanála by the end of 2015.
18. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he proposes to continue to upgrade the national road network with particular reference to identifying areas such as the M50 or other similar routes that are currently experiencing traffic congestion; the extent to which it may be expected to address such issues in the short, medium and long term; his plans for the continuation of the motorway network to parts of the country not currently served by motorways; his priorities in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46325/14]
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. 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, 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.
19. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied that all members of the IASS pension fund are being treated fairly in view of the current recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46388/14]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to PQ number 15 of today, 4 December 2014, in which I said that the administration of the Irish Airlines (General Employees) Superannuation Scheme (IASS) is a matter for the Trustees of that scheme. Resolution of its funding difficulties is primarily a matter for the Trustees, the companies participating in the scheme, the scheme members and the Pensions Authority.
On 14 November 2014, the Trustee of the IASS applied to the Pensions Authority for a Section 50 Direction and submitted a funding proposal to address the deficit in the IASS. The Trustee also requested me to commence with immediate effect Sections 32(b)(1) and 32(b)(5) of the Air Navigation and Transport (Amendment) Act 1998, as inserted by Section 34(1) of the State Airports (Shannon Group) Act 2014 to facilitate implementation of the funding proposal should the Pensions Authority approve them. The Trustee confirmed to me that it believes that this course of action is in the overall best interests of the members of the IASS as a whole. As you know, this was also the view of the Expert Panel.
Following specific requests on behalf of deferred members that more funding be made available outside the IASS for that group, I subsequently engaged further with the employers in the matter. However, it was clear that the funding proposed by the employers is the maximum that can be achieved. Therefore, having considered the Trustee’s request and reflected on all of the issues relating to the IASS, including the significant deficit of €750m, I signed the Commencement Order on 17 November 2014.
I am very conscious of the difficulties that this will cause for many members but the risks that will arise for all members, the companies and the wider economy in the event of failure of this solution are even greater and this is the reason that I commenced these provisions. I believe that the funding proposal put forward by the Trustee offers the best possible outcome for all members given the acute difficulties and unsustainable circumstances of this fund.
20. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans he has or is aware of in terms of maintaining Dun Laoghaire Harbour, County Dublin, as a functioning transport harbour considering the Stena Line has once again been pulled out of Dun Laoghaire for the winter months; if he will report on the arrangements for the transition period between now and when the harbour is brought under the control of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46343/14]
View answerStena Line, as an independent commercial company, has taken a decision to introduce greater efficiencies and reduce their overall operating overheads in order to continue to provide services at Dun Laoghaire. The HSS Stena Explorer, operating on the Dun Laoghaire Holyhead route, generates most of its turnover during the period May to September. High fuel and operating costs leaves the remaining months unsustainable. Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company issued a press release on 20th November 2014 stating that it had been informed by Stena Line that it will not operate its Holyhead Dun Laoghaire service over the 2014 Christmas period. Passengers and freight customers, however, can still avail of the company's route between Dublin Port and Holyhead. This route has 4 sailings a day in each direction between these ports and the company operates a year round schedule.
The port is actively engaged in discussions with Stena Line in respect of a seasonal service from 2015.
The port company is also focused on building the volume of cruise calls for the 2015 and 2016 seasons, and beyond.
As the Deputy is aware, the proposed transfer of the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company to Local Authority control requires primary legislation. In September this year the Joint Oireachtas Committee considered the draft General Scheme in relation to the Bill and I have since responded to the Committee on its recommendations. The Bill is now with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for legal drafting. I expect a Bill will be ready for publication in Q1 2015.
As with all other relevant port companies, I requested Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company establish a Steering Group comprised of Company and Council representatives to consider and oversee the transition to the new governance structures. Such a group has now been established. An important first step will be a full due diligence process for which my Department has made some funding available. I understand terms of reference for such a process are currently being finalised.
My officials will continue to liaise with the Company and the Council throughout the process.
21. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the status of the N59 - Galway to Clifden, N6 - Galway to M6 and M17-18 - Gort to Tuam road projects in County Galway. [46323/14]
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. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is also a matter 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.
22. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to ensure that the national car test takes due regard of medical adaptations to vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46020/14]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has overall responsibility for the delivery and oversight of the National Car Test (NCT).
The RSA informs me that the service aims to be as flexible as possible in its approach to assessing the roadworthiness of vehicles that have been subject to medical adaptations and procedures are in place to allow such vehicles to be tested at NCT centres.
However, if the vehicle inspector notices a repair or modification which may adversely affect the roadworthiness of any of the test items, including where unsafe “repairs or modifications” are specified in the NCT Manual as a reason for failure, the tester shall seek a Modifications Report in writing, completed by the Vehicle Manufacturer or a suitably qualified individual.
From July 2014 the ‘Reasons for Failure’ under several test items in the National Car Testing Manual were amended to allow for refusal where there is an obviously unsafe repair or modification. Where a safety critical modification (for example, chassis lengthened or shortened, a goods vehicle converted to a passenger car, modifications to braking etc) has been carried out since the last test, the owner will be required to present a Modifications Report. Subject to this, a vehicle with a medical adaptation that does not affect the roadworthiness of the vehicle is able to pass the NCT.
23. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when it is expected to complete the Final Stages of the Roads Bill 2014; if he will include provision in the Bill to allow the National Roads Authority to engage in preplanning consultations with An Bord Pleanála; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46021/14]
View answerThe main purpose of the Roads Bill 2014, which has completed Second Stage in the Dáil, is to facilitate the merger of the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA). The Bill also provides for a number of amendments to the existing provisions of the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007. At present there is no provision in either the Roads Acts or the Planning Acts for the NRA or road authorities to enter into pre-planning application consultations with An Bord Pleanála in relation to proposed road developments.
I believe that there is merit in providing for such consultations and accordingly I will endeavour to introduce an amendment in this regard in the Roads Bill at Committee Stage.
As pre-planning consultations are a function of An Bord Pleanála, and therefore primarily a planning matter, my Department is liaising with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and An Bord Pleanála, as well as with the National Roads Authority, on the matter.
It is expected that the Roads Bill will reach Committee Stage in the New Year and will be enacted as soon as possible thereafter.
24. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on his plans to privatise a percentage of the public transport bus routes currently operated by CIÉ companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46389/14]
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 response within ten working days.
25. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of funding which was allocated to Waterford Council for the year 2014 regarding roads; the portion of this allocation that was spent on resurfacing; his views that the council's current process of spot-fixing potholes is not the most economical way to allocate funds and is not solving the problem; if the allocation for 2015 will be sufficient to begin a wide-scale resurfacing of the most badly affected roads in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45862/14]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads (including national road schemes in County Waterford), is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting this 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.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads 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 are funded from local authorities' 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.
Details of the 2014 regional and local road allocations to all local authorities (including Waterford) are available in the Dail library, including the allocations for maintenance and improvement works. In addition Waterford County Council received an additional special allocation of €3.878 million to repair roads damaged by severe weather. This was the highest such allocation received across all counties. The economic reality of recent years has meant significant reductions in roads budgets across the board and a focus on road maintenance and repair programmes. It is important to reiterate that the role of Exchequer grants for regional and local roads is to supplement local authorities in their spending in this area.
No decision has been made on the 2015 road allocations to date and I expect to announce details in January next year.
26. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the Rugby World Cup bid, the meetings held and the progress to date with various bodies and the elements of the bid. [46015/14]
View answerLast November the Government considered a Memorandum on the discussions and analysis to date on a potential bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023. In response to the Memorandum, the Government expressed strong support for the proposal and for the conduct of further work to get to the stage of making a formal decision to bid.
To progress the matter further, Minister Ring and Minister Varadkar met with Minister Arlene Foster and Minister Carál Ní Chuilín, who are the Ministers respectively responsible for tourism and sport in the Northern Ireland Executive, in Armagh on 22 January 2014. A working group was established to examine key issues further and to report back to Ministers in the Summer.
The working group, on which the IRFU and relevant Government Departments from both jurisdictions were represented, has since reported and, in conjunction with our colleagues in Northern Ireland, Minister Donohoe and I have been examining the report and considering the most appropriate next steps.
The Government has also considered how to proceed, in close cooperation with the Northern Ireland Executive, and we will announce the results of these considerations very shortly.
27. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider ways to offer incentives and compensation to farmers for any loss or inconvenience caused by allowing greenways or walkways through their lands, in view of the huge societal and economic potential that such infrastructure may bring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46300/14]
View answerThe economic and social benefits to local communities from the delivery of greenways in their locality is fully recognised by my Department. In terms of the best land access models for greenway delivery, the use of publicly owned land is advantageous from the perspective of reducing costs. Negotiated permissive access, from the perspective of cost and public ownership, continues to have value but, for projects of national scale, consideration must be given to land purchase by agreement or if necessary by CPO. The process of obtaining permissive access is resource intensive and I would have my doubts that such a process could be deployed on projects of national scale where agreement would need to be secured with hundreds or more landowners. Greater investment is now being provided for greenways and it would be precarious to rely on permissive access where the associated agreements may be withdrawn at any time without recourse to the State. Of course, as already stated, it will be a matter for all developers of cycling infrastructure to consider access to land on a case by case basis and to take a multi-criteria approach in the route selection process.
In the context of developing major cycling infrastructure projects that traverse long sections of privately owned land, I fully support the need to consider negotiated financial agreements or, if required, CPO. However, I certainly recommend that all other options are considered before land purchase is decided upon.
The key consideration should always be to select an approach that will maximise the future use of the amenity concerned.
28. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to engage with international sporting organisations with a view to hosting world cup events in this country; if he has had any discussions with the heads of such organisations in this regard; if he expects to achieve a positive result arising from any such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46324/14]
View answerSport is widely enjoyed across Irish society and is beneficial to our economy, health and culture. The performance of Irish sports people and teams not only boosts the morale of the country but also promotes a positive image of the country overseas with the potential to generate inbound tourism.
The hosting of major sports events can also deliver additional international visits and helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination. The Giro D'Italia and the American Football match between the University of Central Florida and Penn State earlier this year shows that the island of Ireland can successfully host large international events.
I am supportive of the ongoing efforts of the Tourism Agencies and the National Governing Bodies of Sport to attract international events, subject, of course, to an assessment of the costs/benefits involved in any State financial support. In that context, I was delighted that the FAI and Dublin City Council recently won their bid to host part of the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament at the Aviva stadium, a bid which had my strong support and indeed the support of the Government as a whole.
I am sure that the Deputy is aware that a working group was established to examine key issues in relation to the possibility of Ireland hosting the Rugby World Cup in the future. The working group, on which the IRFU and relevant Government Departments from both jurisdictions were represented, has reported and, in conjunction with our colleagues in Northern Ireland, Minister Donohoe and I have been examining the report and considering the most appropriate next steps. The Government has also considered how to proceed, in close cooperation with the Northern Ireland Executive, and we will announce the results of these considerations very shortly.
We continue to look for opportunities to both grow tourism and develop sport in Ireland further by hosting major events with real overseas revenue-generating potential.
29. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way he will ensure that the transport sector meets its carbon emissions reduction targets; the percentage of transport currently fuelled by renewable fuels and non-renewable fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46386/14]
View answerIreland has committed to a very ambitious reduction target of 20% in the non-Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) sector by 2020, the highest in the EU.
My role, as Minister, is to ensure that the transport sector is well positioned to make a cost effective contribution towards this target along with the other sectors in the non-ETS, namely agriculture, energy and the built environment.
The Deputy will be aware of the Government's plan to put in place a low-carbon development strategy to ensure that Ireland can effectively and equitably underpin an effective transition to a low-carbon future by 2050. Transport is a key element of that strategy. The Government has developed a Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill, which sets out proposed statutory obligations in relation to the development of a National Low Carbon Roadmap. I expect the Bill to come before the Houses of the Oireachtas very shortly.
The purpose of the road-mapping process will be to set out a pragmatic and holistic approach aimed at pursuing and achieving transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable economy in the period up to and including 2050. My Department is required to develop the transport sector contribution to the national roadmap and that process is well underway.
While the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is responsible for policy on renewable energy, I understand that 2.8% of the energy in the transport sector was from renewable sources in 2013. This was achieved mainly through the use of biofuels in road transport, and biofuels amounted to 3.5% of the volume of road transport fuels placed on the market.
30. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has conducted an impact analysis on the use of public transport and the recent increase in fares. [46331/14]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my responses to Questions 9 and 13 of today in relation to fare increases. The issues raised are matters 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 response within ten working days.
31. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide financial details on the consultation and tendering process of the proposed bus rapid transit, BRT, system, particularly in view of his present indecision on the issue and the existing body of consultation work that has already been completed on the proposed Metro North rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46390/14]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects.
The NTA's Integrated Implementation Plan 2013-2018 has proposed a Swiftway BRT Scheme as an interim solution to the short term demand needs of the Swords/Airport corridor. BRT would be a fast and efficient form of public transport in some parts of Dublin and would be cheaper to build, operate and maintain than rail. However, BRT will not on its own replace rail-based solutions where a higher capacity solution is required in the long-term, such as on the Swords/Airport corridor.
As a result the NTA is undertaking a technical consultancy (Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study) to assess the longer term rail transport requirements of the North Dublin/Fingal corridor, extending from Finglas to Malahide and including Dublin Airport and Swords. This review will examine existing proposals (heavy rail, metro, Luas extensions) as well as other options for a rail-based transport solution to meet the area’s needs in the long term. The report will be available in 2015 and will be assessed in conjunction with the more detailed proposals for the Swords/Airport Corridor, having regard to available funding and the best value solution over the appropriate time period. A draft preliminary Business case for the Swords BRT will be available shortly.
I will then consider the options for addressing key public transport deficits in the GDA having regard to the costs and benefits of each project and to available Exchequer funding as well as other possible sources of funds. I expect to finalise this review by mid-2015.
With regard to the consultation process, I understand from the NTA that they have held two non-statutory public consultations regarding the Swiftway BRT. The first consultation launched earlier this year, focused on introducing BRT as a new public transport mode for Dublin in terms of both its concept and proposed network. The second consultation launched in relation to the Swiftway BRT network is on the Proposed Scheme, including Preferred Route for the Swords/Airport to City Centre route. The advertisement process and the method of making submissions under this process is a matter for the NTA.
With regard to financial details on consultation and tendering for the proposed BRT system, I understand from the NTA that they have engaged the assistance of a technical design consortium to bring the Swords/Airport proposed scheme to planning consent. The cost of this is in the region of €2.5 million.
32. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport regarding the privatisation of publicly owned bus services and in view of the debacle that was Greyhound, his views that the transfer of undertakings directive, TUPE, is not adequate protection for Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann workers who will be transferred to private operators because of the Government and National Transport Authority decision to privatise 10% of the bus market. [46335/14]
View answerNeither Dublin Bus nor Bus Éireann are being privatised. However, the direct award contracts for the provision of Public Service Obligation (PSO) bus market services held by the two companies expired at the end of November. The awarding of subsequent contracts is the statutory responsibility of the National Transport Authority (NTA). All Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus routes have been included in the new five year direct award contracts between the companies and the NTA for the period to end of November 2019. The NTA announced that 10% of publicly subvented bus services will only remain within the direct award contract until the end of 2016 after which they will be operated under separate contract that will have been competitively tendered, rather than privatised as the Deputy suggests.
It is recognised that there are a number of concerns in relation to potential tendering for PSO services however modest the proposals may seem to some. These include the impact on industrial relations and cost savings measures within CIÉ at a general level and the specific implications of TUPE and related issues surrounding pensions.
I wrote to unions on 18th July welcoming their participation in a process in the LRC to assist with the areas of concern. Five meetings have taken place at the LRC involving unions, companies and the NTA, with the latest on 14th November. A number of unions have also sought a meeting with me to outline their concerns and I have agreed to a meeting to be held on 15th December.
33. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of his announcement to extend the public service obligation contracts for flights to airports in counties Donegal and Kerry from Dublin, if he will now revisit previously discontinued PSO agreements for airports in counties Galway, Sligo and Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46333/14]
View answerA Government Decision to reduce to two the number of routes covered by PSO air services, namely the Donegal/Dublin and Kerry/Dublin routes, was taken in line with the Value for Money Review of Exchequer Expenditure on the Regional Airports Programme, published in 2011. This Review took account of a number of factors including the performance of the services, the requirement to make best use of scarce Exchequer resources, as well as improvements in alternative transport modes and changes in EU legislation covering PSO services. There are no plans to revisit that decision.
34. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views regarding the second public consultation process regarding the Swiftway bus rapid transport from Swords and the airport to the city centre and the reason the advertisement process and method of making submissions was altered; if it would not be preferable to halt this process now and reconsider prioritising Metro North; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46311/14]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects.
The NTA's Integrated Implementation Plan 2013-2018 has proposed a Swiftway BRT Scheme as an interim solution to the short term demand needs of the Swords/Airport corridor. BRT would be a fast and efficient form of public transport in some parts of Dublin and would be cheaper to build, operate and maintain than rail. However, BRT will not on its own replace rail-based solutions where a higher capacity solution is required in the long-term, such as on the Swords/Airport corridor.
As a result the NTA is undertaking a technical consultancy (Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study) to assess the longer term rail transport requirements of the North Dublin/Fingal corridor, extending from Finglas to Malahide and including Dublin Airport and Swords. This review will examine existing proposals (heavy rail, metro, Luas extensions) as well as other options for a rail-based transport solution to meet the area’s needs in the long term. The report will be available in 2015 and will be assessed in conjunction with the more detailed proposals for the Swords/Airport Corridor, having regard to available funding and the best value solution over the appropriate time period. A draft preliminary Business case for the Swords BRT will be available shortly.
I will then consider the options for addressing key public transport deficits in the GDA having regard to the costs and benefits of each project and to available Exchequer funding as well as other possible sources of funds. I expect to finalise this review by mid-2015.
With regard to the consultation process, I understand from the NTA that they have held two non-statutory public consultations regarding the Swiftway BRT. The first consultation launched earlier this year, focused on introducing BRT as a new public transport mode for Dublin in terms of both its concept and proposed network. The second consultation launched in relation to the Swiftway BRT network is on the Proposed Scheme, including Preferred Route for the Swords/Airport to City Centre route. The advertisement process and the method of making submissions under this process is a matter for the NTA.
With regard to financial details on consultation and tendering for the proposed BRT system, I understand from the NTA that they have engaged the assistance of a technical design consortium to bring the Swords/Airport proposed scheme to planning consent. The cost of this is in the region of €2.5 million.
35. Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason children allowance for children attending third level education up to 21 years of age has been stopped. [46709/14]
View answerChildren’s allowance was replaced by Child Benefit in 1986. Child benefit is a universal payment that assists parents with the cost of raising children and it contributes towards alleviating child poverty. It is paid to more than 613,000 families in respect of almost 1.2 million children, with an estimated expenditure of around €1.9 billion in 2014.
Child benefit is paid monthly in respect of all children up to the age of 16 years and in respect of children over 16 years of age up to their 18th birthday who are in full time education, on certain training schemes or have a disability. The current age limit was set under Budget 2009 when the upper age limit that applied then was reduced from 19 years to 18 years with effect from 2010. Child benefit has never been paid to those over 19 years of age.
For families on low incomes there are a number of provisions to social welfare schemes which support children in third level education until the age of 22. These include:
- qualified child increases (QCIs) with primary social welfare payments
- family income supplement (FIS) for low-paid employees with children.
Therefore, I have no plans to make any changes to the age threshold for child benefit.
Budget 2015 increased child benefit by €5, from €130 to €135 per month, which will benefit over 611,000 households with children. In addition, the new back to work family dividend for long-term unemployed jobseekers with children and lone parents who return to work, will provide €29.80 per child in the first year and half that figure in the second year.
