Tuesday, 3 Feb 2015

Written Answers Nos. 642 - 658

Aer Lingus Sale

Questions (642)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

642. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to recognise the pivotal importance of the need to ensure continued and reliable air service in and out of this island nation in the context of any ongoing discussions in respect of the future of Aer Lingus; if he continues to accept the need to provide for future connectivity requirements in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5007/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The travelling public and the economy as a whole have benefitted greatly from the very good competition and connectively that is currently provided in the market for air services in and out of Ireland. Maintaining competition and connectively are key issues for the Government and will be given careful attention in any consideration of the future of the State's shareholding in Aer Lingus.

Transport Infrastructure Provision

Questions (643)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

643. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which road, rail, air and sea transport facilities continue to be measured in the context of overall integration with particular reference to a maximisation of efficiency and availability of services throughout the country thereby maximising the economic benefit to the economy in general; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5008/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

My Department and I constantly monitor our national transport facilities to ensure that, given the resources available, they are achieving their greatest potential. An integrated and co-ordinated transport system is an important consideration when it comes to future decisions on transport investment. In making decisions as to future expenditure, my Department has been active to ensure that a co-ordinated approach is taken and that we do not look at land, maritime or aviation transport in isolation from each other.

A new Statement of Strategy for my Department will be published shortly. The Strategy will set out the actions being taken or planned to deliver an integrated transport network across all transport modes. The strategy will also set out performance indicators to measure the achievements of these actions.

Public Transport Provision

Questions (644, 645)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

644. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which community rail services are available to the majority of towns and villages throughout the country, the residents of which might expect to commute to larger centres with obvious greater job opportunities on a daily basis; if the existing services are adequately tailored to meet their needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5009/15]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

645. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which rail and bus services in County Kildare are co-ordinated in such a way as to meet in full the requirements of the commuters in the various towns and villages throughout the county; the extent to which his Department continues to be appraised in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5010/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 644 and 645 together.

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No.127 and Oral Question 130 which I answered earlier.

I have also referred the Deputy's question to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Road Projects Status

Questions (646)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

646. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to be in a position to provide the necessary funding for the commencement of works in respect of the upgrade of the Naas Newbridge bypass, Newhall interchange, Sallins bypass and Osberstown interchange; if he has received the requisite documentation from Kildare County Council or the National Roads Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5011/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding regarding the national roads programme. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, such as the Naas Bypass widening, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. The assessment and prioritisation of individual national road projects is a matter for the NRA within its capital budget and in accordance with section 19 of the Roads Act.

  With regard to the Osberstown interchange and the Sallins bypass 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 selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is, therefore, a matter for the local authority.

Owing to the national financial position, there have been very large reductions in roads expenditure in recent years. The reality is that the available funds do not match the amount of work that needs to be done to maintain existing road infrastructure or address demands for new road improvement projects. Funding in 2008 was €2.3 billion while funding this year is around €730 million for the national, regional and local road network.  Unfortunately, the current financial realities are such that the budgets proposed for my Department for 2016 and 2017 indicate that capital funding will continue to be very tight, and my ability to progress new projects and PPPs is limited.

I acknowledge it is important to restore over time capital funding for the transport sector to ensure that infrastructure is maintained but, as of now, I am not in a position to give a commitment in regard to funding of the projects in question, although I acknowledge their national and local importance.

Tourism Employment Data

Questions (647)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

647. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects employment in the tourism sector to increase worldwide in the future; the likely economic benefit to this country arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5012/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

In Ireland, the most recent CSO figures show that employment in the key accommodation and food services sector has increased by over 18,000 between the third quarter of 2011 and the third quarter of 2014.  Overall employment in the tourism sector is estimated to be in the region of 200,000 jobs.

A new Tourism Policy Statement entitled “People, Place and Policy – Growing Tourism to 2025” was presented to Cabinet by me on 14th January last and was approved by the Government.  The Policy Statement, which will be published shortly, includes a goal to increase employment in the tourism sector by 50,000 jobs between now and 2025.

Figures published by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation indicate that there were 1.138 billion international tourist arrivals in 2014, and the UNWTO predicts that this will increase to 1.8 billion by 2030.  The UNWTO also estimates that 1 in every 11 jobs worldwide is supported by travel and tourism.

While the focus of Tourism Ireland's overseas marketing activity will continue to be on the consumer segments that are most likely to visit Ireland, obviously the economic situation in Ireland's key overseas tourism markets will always be a significant factor in our own tourism performance.  It is reasonable to expect that growth in employment will reflect overall improved economic performance and hence an increase in outward tourism from any particular country.

Regional Airports Closures

Questions (648)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

648. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied that adequate focus remains on the need to ensure the future of regional airports in the context of a modern economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5013/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As reflected in the Draft National Aviation Policy for Ireland, currently being finalised in my Department, the importance of regional airports currently lies with the level of international connectivity that they bring to a region for tourism and business. That connectivity is seen as being a significant contributory factor underpinning Ireland's economic recovery and sustainable development into the future.

As a result, Exchequer supports for the four regional airports (Donegal, IWA Knock, Kerry and Waterford), where appropriate and in accordance with the 2014 EU Guidelines on State aid to airports and airlines, will continue under the Regional Airports Programme 2015 – 2019.  The draft Programme is currently with the EU Commission for approval.  Following approval, the Programme should provide a level of certainty around support over a multi-annual period, where regional airports can provide a business plan leading to stand-alone commercial viability within a 10-year period. It is envisaged that future funding will ultimately be provided from a mix of local authority, local business and Exchequer sources.

Tourism Promotion

Questions (649)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

649. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which Ireland is marketed abroad as a business conference centre and having particular regard to the economic need of all the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5014/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The issues raised by the Deputy are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland.  I have referred the Deputy's Question to the tourism agencies for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Regional Airports Closures

Questions (650)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

650. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which he sees opportunities to advance the possible development of air transport hubs around some of our regional airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5015/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I understand that the Deputy is referring to development plans to increase passenger numbers at the four regional airports of Donegal, Kerry, IWA Knock and Waterford.  Any plans to increase services or to introduce new routes are entirely commercial in nature and are a matter for the board and management of the individual airports.  I believe that there are opportunities, particularly in the context of growing inbound passengers, and would encourage the airports to use them for the benefit of both the business and tourism sectors in their regions.

In recognition of the contribution that these airports make to balanced regional development, particularly having regard to our economic recovery, the Government has decided to continue providing Exchequer support under a new Regional Airports Programme 2015 - 2019 which is currently with the European Commission for approval.

Road Safety

Questions (651)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

651. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which well-known and identifiable accident black spots remain an issue throughout the country; the extent to which efforts are being made to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5016/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Local authorities  are responsible for mapping and collating available collision data on regional and local roads. Where analysis shows that engineering measures may assist in reducing the collision risk at a particular location then any local authority which is not fully self funding in terms of roads (under the new Local Property Tax regime) may apply to my Department for funding under the Low Cost Safety programme. Each year monies are made available to local authorities for such works with priority given to works that are considered to be most effective in reducing collisions.

Collision data for national roads is mapped and collated by the NRA. Accordingly I am forwarding your query to the NRA for direct reply in respect of national roads. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Inland Waterways Development

Questions (652)

Willie Penrose

Question:

652. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of 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. [4481/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Waterways 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 seven waterways make a vital contribution to tourism, attracting visitors from around Ireland and from 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 for all waterway users. In this context, it is now necessary to update the bye-laws to ensure that the rules governing use of the waterways are fit for purpose and best meet the needs of all waterway users.

I am aware that concerns have been raised regarding certain aspects of the proposed bye-laws. Waterways Ireland undertook a public consultation process in relation to the proposed bye-laws in 2014. I am advised that the main stakeholders, including the Inland Waterway 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, including traditional canal users and canal dwellers, received individual written notices and were given the opportunity to make their views known.

I understand that over 2,000 submissions were made in the course of the public consultation process and that Waterways Ireland has concluded its analysis of the submissions received. A summary of the consultation process and of the submissions received is available on the Waterways Ireland website at http://www.waterwaysireland.org/public-consultation.

My officials are currently liaising with Waterways Ireland with a view to finalising draft bye-laws which will be referred to me, as Minister, with recommendations for consideration and final decision. It is my intention to afford interested Deputies and Senators an opportunity to discuss the proposals with me prior to making a final decision on the draft bye-laws.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (653, 654, 655)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

653. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide, in tabular form, for the years 2007 to 2010 the total photography costs in her Department, including a list of which photographers were booked, the photographers used and breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4487/15]

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

654. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide, in tabular form, for the years 1997 to 2007 the total photography costs in her Department, including a list of which photographers were booked, the photographers used and breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4503/15]

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

655. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide, in tabular form, a list of all external public relations firms hired by her Department and associated costs incurred from 2007 to 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4537/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I propose to take Questions Nos. 653 to 655, inclusive, together.

As my Department was established on 2nd June 2011, the information sought by the Deputy is not available for the earlier periods in question.

Special Protection Areas Designation

Questions (656)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

656. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the plight of farmers whose lands have been designated as special protection areas for the hen harrier; her views that this designation renders these lands worthless, in areas of rural Ireland where people can least afford these restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4571/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I am aware of the concerns of farmers about the designation of Special Protection Areas for Hen Harrier and I have met with representatives of farmers to discuss these matters.

In relation to land value, farmers are able to draw down financial supports under the Basic Payment Scheme on farmed land in these SPAs and I understand that they will also be afforded priority entrance to the new GLAS Scheme, in which Hen Harrier is a Priority Environmental Asset.

An Inter-Departmental Steering Group has been established to draw up a Threat Response Plan for the Hen Harrier. This Steering Group is examining all of the issues at hand, including forestry consents, planning permissions for wind farms, and financial supports for farmers under Pillar 1 and Pillar 2, with a view to determining the appropriate course of further action.

Commemorative Events

Questions (657, 658)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

657. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the studies available within her Department to identify Famine graves as they are dispersed across the country; if a register of these graves exists; if local authorities maintain any records in relation to Famine graves; her plans to mark any as yet unmarked Famine plots; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4594/15]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

658. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will designate a specific day, for example the second Sunday of May, in each year as the national Famine commemoration day; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4595/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I propose to take Questions Nos. 657 and 658 together.

As Chair of the National Famine Commemoration Committee, I am responsible for ensuring that appropriate arrangements are in place to commemorate the Great Irish Famine. While there has been a degree of continuity in the format and scheduling of the National Famine Commemoration ceremony, the date of the ceremony, as well as the artistic and cultural elements, may change from year to year. In 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014, it proved possible to schedule the Commemoration on the second Sunday in May. However, it has not been considered desirable to fix the same date each year, given the circumstances that may arise regarding the arrangements, including the choice of site and the availability of the lead person to officiate at the ceremony in any particular year.

With regard to famine graves, consideration is being given to arrangements to identify such graves and to place plaques at sites that have significant links to the Great Irish Famine, including unmarked graves, as well as docklands and workhouse sites. An authentication and verification process would be required to ensure that only nominated sites with authentic links to that period of history are marked. This will include consultation with local authorities but, of course, any records held by local authorities would be a matter for the authorities themselves.