Written Answers Nos. 238 to 245
238. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps being taken to ensure the implementation of the Destination Dublin Strategy 2020 through the Grow Dublin Tourism Alliance; the way in which organisations and cultural institutions can get involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2907/15]
View answerIn line with its regional tourism development functions, Fáilte Ireland has operational responsibility for the development of tourism in Dublin. In this context, it is pursuing the implementation of "Destination Dublin: A Collective Strategy for Tourism Growth to 2020", which was developed by the Grow Dublin Taskforce, representing all the key tourism stakeholders in Dublin.
Last November, I announced the establishment of the Grow Dublin Tourism Alliance, which has been set up under Fáilte Ireland to implement the Taskforce’s recommendations. Chaired by Michael Carey, this group includes branding specialists and representatives from the tourism agencies, local authorities and commercial stakeholders. It has been charged with developing a brand identity for Dublin to target those market segments with greatest promise for growth. In this way, the group aims to grow tourism to the capital and allow us compete better with rival city destinations in Europe.
In addition to regularly plenary meetings of the Grow Dublin Tourism Alliance, I understand that sub-groups and committees will also be established to focus attention on key priority areas.
I have asked Fáilte Ireland to provide the Deputy with any further relevant information relating to its “Destination Dublin” tourism strategy and the new Grow Dublin Tourism Alliance, including guidance on how other organisations might seek to be involved. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
239. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Bus Éireann plans to withdraw bus services to Pelletstown, County Meath, from Dublin, leaving those without a car unable to travel to and from their employment in the capital city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2916/15]
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.
240. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question of October 2014, relating to drivers who are disqualified in court, he states the following, where a case results in the individual being required to surrender their licence, the licence can therefore be retained by the court at the end of the process; if he will confirm this statement as this Deputy has been informed that the driver must be allowed a time to appeal the conviction before any request to surrender that licence can be made. [2944/15]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's Parliamentary Question in October 2014, I indicated that the Courts would retain the driving licence where an individual is disqualified and therefore required to surrender his or her licence. I provided this information in good faith and on the basis of long standing practice in the Courts. I have since had the matter re-examined and am informed that the response provided is not correct and that the procedure operated by the Court Service whereby a driving licence is retained in court following a disqualification no longer applies.
Under Statutory Instrument No. 6 of 2013, in cases where a person is disqualified from driving following court proceedings, the person who has been disqualified is required to forward the licence to the Road Safety Authority, as the National Driver Licensing Authority. This must be done 6-10 days following the coming into operation of the disqualification order unless an appeal is lodged.
241. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the development of a long-term strategic plan for the N11 in order to cater for merging with the M50 and secondary exits, as agreed by the National Road Authority; if the review group for southbound and northbound proposals has been established in order to assess suitability for greater traffic volumes, maximise the value of existing infrastructure and review traffic management measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2948/15]
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 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 including the N11 and M50 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 to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
242. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a guarantee that the Government will ensure that Ireland’s Heathrow slots will be protected if it goes ahead with the sale of its stake in Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2965/15]
View answerAirport slots are a right granted to an airline which allows the airline to schedule a landing and departure during a specific time period. The slots are not 'owned' as such by the airlines or the State. However, at congested airports, such as Heathrow, a secondary market has developed that has allowed airlines trade slots to meet their changing business needs.
The allocation of slots at congested airports in the EU is governed by EU Regulation. Aer Lingus has access to a significant portfolio of slots at London Heathrow on the basis of so-called 'grandfather rights' under the Regulation. The airline has these rights because it has been operating services to Heathrow for many decades. As long as Aer Lingus continues to use these slots, it will retain the rights to them from season to season.
Following 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.
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 it 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.
243. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the grants that are available from his Department to assist with associated costs in the running of a club (details supplied) in County Limerick; and the details of grant schemes that can be provided, that is, deadlines for applying and so on. [2999/15]
View answerWhile the Sports Capital Programme does not provide assistance with the operating costs of sports clubs and organisations, the Programme does provide grants towards the development or refurbishment of sports facilities and the provision of sports equipment. More information on the Programme is available at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie.
In 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.
244. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will support a matter (details supplied) regarding roads and cycling facilities in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3004/15]
View answerResponsibility for the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the GDA such as those funded by my Department under the Sustainable Transport Grants Programme comes within the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA). This rolling programme of measures facilitates investment in various QBCs, cycling/walking, safety and traffic management projects throughout the seven local authority areas in the region.
The GDA local authorities will shortly be notified of the programme of projects, which will include cycling projects, approved for funding in 2015. The cycling projects will be based on the NTA GDA Cycling Strategy which is available on the following link: http://www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Proposed_Network_Dublin.pdf.
Where possible a considerable number of the key cycle routes will be developed with cycle lanes segregated from other traffic.
245. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding Dublin Bus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3006/15]
View answerThe maintenance of the Dublin Bus fleet is an operational matter for the company.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for public transport infrastructure in the GDA including the funding of the Dublin Bus PSO fleet. My Department provides funding to the NTA each year for public transport projects and programmes including a rolling programme of fleet replacement and refurbishment for Dublin Bus PSO buses.
Over 2014/2015, funding of c€60m will be provided to Dublin Bus for the purchase of 155 PSO buses. The aim in the provision of this funding is to maintain the age profile of the Dublin Bus PSO fleet at an appropriate level to ensure a safe and modern bus network. A further amount of c€2.5m was provided in 2014 for the refurbishment of 100 buses.
I have referred the Deputy's specific query re emissions to Dublin Bus for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
