Written Answers Nos. 980-97
980. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will forward a report on the number of accidents that have occurred on Irish roads with trailers being the cause of the accidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49545/14]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority has carried out an analysis of collisions involving trailers, and an overview is provided in Table 1. The collision data provided to the RSA by An Garda Síochána relates to the specific vehicle types i.e. ‘Goods, rigid and trailer’ and ‘Goods, artic with semi-trailer’. Other vehicles towing trailers are not recorded in the data. Over the period 1996 to 2012, there has been a decline in the number of fatal, serious and minor injury collisions involving at least one of these vehicle types in line with the overall decline in collisions during this period. There were 248 incidents in 1996, and this reduced to 48 in 2012. Collisions involving goods vehicles with trailers represent 7% of all fatal collisions occurring over the period 1996-2012 and 4% of all serious injury collisions over the period. (see Table 1)
Table 1: Collisions by severity involving at least one Goods Vehicle with Trailer
|
- |
- |
- |
Collision Type |
- |
- |
- |
- |
No. of Collisions |
- |
|
- |
- |
Fatal |
Serious |
Minor |
Total |
Fatal Collisions |
% |
Serious Injury Collisions |
% |
|
Year |
1996 |
30 |
55 |
163 |
248 |
415 |
7.2 |
1651 |
3.3 |
|
1997 |
42 |
70 |
159 |
271 |
424 |
9.9 |
1544 |
4.5 |
|
|
1998 |
32 |
62 |
187 |
281 |
408 |
7.8 |
1345 |
4.6 |
|
|
1999 |
37 |
50 |
190 |
277 |
374 |
9.9 |
1302 |
3.8 |
|
|
2000 |
28 |
64 |
184 |
276 |
362 |
7.7 |
1189 |
5.4 |
|
|
2001 |
30 |
46 |
143 |
219 |
360 |
8.3 |
1034 |
4.4 |
|
|
2002 |
22 |
26 |
118 |
166 |
346 |
6.4 |
827 |
3.1 |
|
|
2003 |
21 |
28 |
124 |
173 |
301 |
7.0 |
796 |
3.5 |
|
|
2004 |
30 |
15 |
102 |
147 |
334 |
9.0 |
662 |
2.3 |
|
|
2005 |
21 |
23 |
111 |
155 |
360 |
5.8 |
787 |
2.9 |
|
|
2006 |
19 |
25 |
94 |
138 |
321 |
5.9 |
653 |
3.8 |
|
|
2007 |
17 |
26 |
108 |
151 |
309 |
5.5 |
618 |
4.2 |
|
|
2008 |
18 |
19 |
104 |
141 |
254 |
7.1 |
613 |
3.1 |
|
|
2009 |
12 |
14 |
94 |
120 |
220 |
5.5 |
463 |
3.0 |
|
|
2010 |
4 |
18 |
74 |
96 |
186 |
2.2 |
409 |
4.4 |
|
|
2011 |
9 |
3 |
43 |
55 |
172 |
5.2 |
348 |
0.9 |
|
|
2012 |
7 |
6 |
35 |
48 |
152 |
4.6 |
333 |
1.8 |
|
|
Total |
379 |
550 |
2033 |
2962 |
5298 |
7% |
14574 |
4% |
Over the period 1996-2012, where responsibility for the collision was attributed by a Garda at the scene, responsibility was attributed to the driver of a goods vehicle with trailer in 38% of cases (1,112 drivers), and, in 27% of cases (800 drivers), responsibility was attributed to a private car driver. Responsibility for any given collision can be assigned to more than one of the drivers involved.
The number of fatal collisions involving trailers attached to other vehicle types is shown in Table 2 as follows for the period 2012-2014. In one of the eight collisions as follows, responsibility for the collision was attributed to the driver of the vehicle towing the trailer.
Table 2
|
Year |
No. of fatal collisions involving vehicles with trailers |
Vehicle type |
|
2012 |
4 |
2 Tractors with trailers 1 Jeep with trailer 1 4x4 with trailer |
|
2013* |
3 |
2 tractors with trailers 1 jeep with trailer |
|
2014* |
1 |
1 Tractor with trailer |
*Data is provisional and subject to change
981. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason persons who received their full licence prior to 1989 are exempt from doing the trailer driving test and persons who passed their driving test after that date are not exempt; if persons that passed prior to 1989 are more qualified than the persons that passed after 1989; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49546/14]
View answerPrior to November 1989, there was a single driver licensing category which covered driving a car and driving a car with a trailer. In that month, new regulations split this into two categories, one for a car and one for a car with trailer. The requirement to do a test in order to have the trailer category added to a licence has existed since then.
People who held a full licence before the change were entitled, when renewing their licences after November 1989, to retain the right in relation to trailers. It appears that some people applied for the car category only, and therefore unintentionally gave up their trailer entitlement.
In 2013, in response to representations from farming organisations, my predecessor decided, on a once-off basis, to allow people who had held a full licence before November 1989 and had mistakenly surrendered their trailer entitlement to reclaim it. The time period for this once-off allowance has long since passed and I have no plans to repeat it.
982. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason it is expensive to do the trailer driving test which is estimated in the region of €500; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49547/14]
View answerThe cost of a driver test for category BE – car with trailer – is €85. This is the same as the cost for a category B (car) test.
Since 2011, it has been a legal requirement that all candidates for a category B test must complete a programme of Essential Driver Training (EDT). This was introduced as part of the graduated driver licensing system, and represents an important step forward in raising the level of driving in the country and therefore contributing to road safety. The regulations governing EDT refer specifically to category B only. They do not apply to those taking a test in category BE who already have a category B licence.
983. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request the National Roads Authority to provide funding to upgrade the public lighting and install a pedestrian crossing on Main Street, Rathmore town, County Kerry to alleviate the current hazards for vehicles and pedestrians on this N72 road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49571/14]
View answerAs I explained to the Deputy in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 612 of 21 October 2014, as Minister for Transport, Tourism and 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 N72 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 regarding the N72 to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
984. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce as a fixed penalty notice offence the offence of historical breaches of EU drivers' hours regulations similar to what the UK authorities are currently contemplating. [49583/14]
View answerAction 92 of the Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020 commits my Department to legislate for the extension of fixed charge notices to other offences including those related to cyclists and drivers' hours. The introduction of fixed charge notices for drivers' hours offences is being examined at present by my Department in consultation with the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána. If these offences are introduced into the Fixed Charge Processing System, historical breaches of EU drivers hours regulations will be not be included, as fixed charge notices and/or penalty points are not issued retrospectively.
985. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of driver CPC training organisations found in breach of regulations during premises inspections conducted by Competence Assurance Solutions during 2012-13 and 2014; and the number of driver CPC trainers whose services were terminated for breaches of regulations following Competence Assurance Services Class inspections during 2012-13 and 2014. [49584/14]
View answerOversight of the driver CPC regime is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred 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.
986. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the width of road space allocated to motorised traffic travelling west on the N16 at Ash Lane and south on Cleveragh Road in County Sligo following the creation of cycle lanes. [49585/14]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and 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 N16 in County Sligo) is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question regarding the N16 to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Cleveragh Road appears to be a local road off the R287 and as the Deputy is aware, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority (in this case, Sligo County Council) 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.
987. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of driver CPC training organisations found in breach of regulations during premises inspections conducted by a company (details supplied) during 2012 , 2013 and 2014; and the number of driver CPC trainers whose services were terminated for breaches of regulations following services class these inspections during 2012, 2013 and 2014. [49589/14]
View answerOversight of the driver CPC system is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred 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.
988. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will direct the National Roads Authority to relocate a large road sign which is located on the N7 to the rear of an area (details supplied) in Dublin 22 and which was recently erected by the NRA during the construction of the Newlands Cross flyover and which is obstructing the view of residents living in the area. [49595/14]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and 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 N7 junction upgrade at Newlands Cross is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question regarding the N7 to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
991. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the financial supports or grants that are available to boxing clubs funded by his Department, directly or via other bodies. [49628/14]
View answerIn 2011 I allocated €1.25m to the Irish Amateur Boxing Association to improve the standard of facilities of boxing clubs throughout the country. This grant was overseen by the IABA and all affiliated clubs could apply for a maximum grant of €25,000 to improve the standard of their premises. In 2013 I decided to continue this successful scheme and allocated an additional amount of €1m to the IABA. In July 2014 I announced a further special allocation of €975,000 to the IABA. Most of the allocation (€750,000) was to further extend the 2011 facilities initiative. A smaller portion of the allocation (€150,000) was to enable the IABA to purchase equipment for boxing clubs, while €75,000 was provided for works at the National Stadium. While all of the grants in this scheme have been allocated, the IABA will still accept applications to place on a waiting list in the event that any existing clubs in the scheme fail to take up their grant.
The Sports Capital Programme is the Government’s primary vehicle for supporting the development of sports facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment. Any organisation interested in applying for a grant under the next round of the Sports Capital Programme should register on OSCAR at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie (if not already registered). OSCAR is the portal on the Department's website which must be used by organisations to register, to apply for funding (when the Programme is open for applications) and to manage the drawdown of any grants allocated. It should be noted that in order to register on OSCAR a tax registration number from the Revenue Commissioners is required. I hope to announce a further round of the Sports Capital Programme in the near future.
It may be possible for clubs to raise funds via the ‘Tax Relief for Donations to Certain Sports Bodies’ scheme (section 847A of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997). This is a Revenue operated scheme which offers tax benefits to individuals or companies who make donations to sports clubs. Further details on this scheme and how it operates can be found on the Revenue Commissioners website.
992. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a progress report on the development of the boxing centre of excellence on Knocknaheeny Avenue, Knocknaheeny, County Cork. [49668/14]
View answerIn the first instance this is a matter for the Cork County Boxing Board. However I can confirm that in April 2014, at the request of the IABA, the Department met with the IABA CEO and the Cork County Boxing Board. Subsequent to that, in July 2014 I also met with the County Board and the IABA. The Board are fully aware of the documentation needed to progress the matter.
993. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to re-open Dunleer railway station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49671/14]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and the overall funding of public transport. Matters relating to the re-opening of railway stations, such as at Dunleer, are a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
I understand from Iarnród Éireann that there are no current plans to re-open Dunleer station and no proposal in that regard has been made to my Department. Under the current capital plan the key priority is to protect investment made to date and to maintain safety standards. This will remain the focus for the foreseeable future with existing funding levels.
I have however referred the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
994. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the provision of a motorway between counties Cork and Limerick; the current status of these plans; when will commencement of works take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49718/14]
View answerI recently responded to a similar question (Parliamentary Question No. 663 of 16 December 2014) regarding the M20 but will clarify the position again.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and 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.
Because of the national financial position, there have been very large reductions in roads expenditure over the past number of years. The reality is that the available funds do not match the amount of work which could be undertaken. For this reason it has not been possible to progress a range of worthwhile projects and the main focus has to be on the maintenance and repair of roads and this will remain the position in the coming years. The scope for progressing new major road improvement projects will be very much dependent on the availability of funding in the future as the economy recovers further.
In 2011 my predecessor indicated to the NRA that it should withdraw its application to An Bord Pleanála for the M20 Cork to Limerick route. I understand Minister Varadkar was concerned that to proceed any further with the scheme to build the M20 would have exposed the NRA to significant costs arising from a consequent requirement to purchase the CPO'd land within a limited timeframe. This would have had to be done without the reasonable prospect of proceeding to the construction stage quickly. Given the scale of the project I would have to consider very carefully whether the basis exists that would give confidence that a project of the scale of the M20 would be affordable or achievable and thereby justify commencing the project through planning again.
995. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reopen the local improvement schemes for rural private roads. [49728/14]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme remains in place and it is not closed. The purpose of this Scheme is to provide 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, in 2014 local authorities were permitted to 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. 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. This position is likely to extend into this year.
Some local authorities want a ring-fenced LIS allocation for private roads while others prefer to put the funding into public roads. I think this decision is best made at a local level.
996. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding recent IAG bids for Aer Lingus; and his plans to protect the vital national connectivity assets of Aer Lingus. [49740/14]
View answerFollowing the announcements on 18 December and more recently on 9 January that IAG had made approaches to Aer Lingus about a possible offer for the company the Irish Takeover Panel has deemed that Aer Lingus is now in an 'offer period'. The Takeover Panel Rules in relation to communications apply to all parties during an offer period, including the Government as a shareholder, and all parties must apply the highest standards of care to any statements made on the matter. The State has a significant but, nonetheless, a minority shareholding in Aer Lingus – we own just over 25% of the shares. In 2012, the Government included this shareholding among the assets to be sold under the State Asset Disposal programme, but agreed that the stake would only be sold when market conditions were favourable and if acceptable terms and an acceptable price could be secured.
Currently, no formal offer has been made to Aer Lingus' shareholders. If an offer is made it will of course be given very careful examination before the Government takes any decision in relation to its shareholding. In late 2012, following a third hostile takeover bid for Aer Lingus, the Government indicated that we would not be prepared to sell the shareholding in circumstances which could significantly impact on competition and connectivity in the Irish market. Such considerations would also be foremost in our minds if a further offer is made for the company.
997. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on recent meetings held with workers and trade union representations in the public transport campaigns regarding the proposed privatisation tendering of some bus routes. [49743/14]
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 2014. 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 contracts that will have been competitively tendered.
At their request, I met with SIPTU, NBRU and TSSA bus unions on 15 December, 2014 during which the opening up of 10% of the bus market to competitive tender was discussed.
At that meeting I reiterated my commitment to supporting a well-funded public transport system into the future, recognising the vital role it plays in our economy and society generally. I pointed to my pledge to avoid further reductions in the Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding and ensured that in Budget 2015 PSO funding for bus and rail services was maintained at current levels. This is the first time this has happened since 2008. I also recently secured €110 million for public transport as part of the Supplementary Estimate for my Department.
However, I believe that this level of support should be given in conjunction with an appropriate degree of competitive tension within the market, in the interests of quality and cost effective bus services for users. This is why I am committed to the tendering of 10% of bus routes. Furthermore, I believe that the engagements with trade unions being facilitated by the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) are the appropriate forum for the further discussion of specific issues relating to the implementation of this policy.
