Written Answers Nos. 1 - 30
10. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to make funding available to local community groups that apply for the construction of new greenways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16484/15]
View answerTo date, my Departments's funding initiatives for the delivery of greenways have been open to local authorities only. Local Authorities have staff in place with the right skills, experience and knowledge to plan and procure cycle projects and can ensure that greenways fit in with the Development and Local Transport plans. They also have, generally, a more robust system of financial controls in place.
When community groups contact my Department requesting consideration of funding for local initiatives I would normally suggest that they contact their local LEADER group given the role this body plays in providing advice and funding for community ventures. LEADER can then work with the Local Authority to develop plans for a greenway.
While the current and previous National Cycle Network funding initiatives were solely open to local authorities, my Department will consider widening future funding calls to include other bodies and community groups.
The Deputy will appreciate that the interest in providing Greenways is growing substantially throughout the country and far outweighs the funding available to my Department for that purpose. With this limitation in mind the projects which do succeed in being awarded funding must be of a very high standard with robust cost estimates in place, with a business plan that clearly identifies potential users of the greenway and with the potential to deliver a good return for investment. Cognisance must also be given to how a proposal links into the national cycle network although my Department is open to suggestions as to how this network can evolve over the coming years and this also could provide opportunities to create a role for local communities.
At the moment I would encourage community groups to continue to work with their local authority and/or LEADER group to develop projects which they feel would contribute to their communities so as to be in a position to avail of future funding opportunities.
12. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the recent rise in rail transport use here, if he is satisfied that the provisions laid out in his Department’s document, Investing in Our Transport Future: A Strategic Framework for Investment in Land Transport, adequately address the need for improved and more affordable rail across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16524/15]
View answerThe draft Framework "Investing in Our Transport Future: A Strategic Framework for Investment in Land Transport" was published for public and stakeholder consultation in August last. Having considered the submissions made, my Department has finalised the report and I plan to publish the revised final report soon.
The Framework concludes that the key challenge with regard to investment in land transport is securing investment levels consistent with maintaining, renewing and improving a transport network that can efficiently support the economic and social needs of the country. Exchequer investment for land transport capital expenditure has fallen from a peak of €3 billion (1.6% of GDP) in 2008 to an historic low level of €850 million (0.5% of GDP in 2014). The long run average of land transport capital formation in Ireland stands at 1.13% of GDP. The International Transport Forum has reported that 2011 OECD average investment levels in land transport were estimated to stand at 1%. This suggests that funding levels of recent years are much lower than the OECD average.
Furthermore, based on conservative population projections, the Framework estimates that commuting trips are expected to increase by 35% over current levels by 2040-implying at a minimum 650,000 additional daily trips to and from work, expected to arise largely on corridors to and within the principal cities. Without investment to cater for this demand, our main urban centres will become severely congested which will inevitably act as a barrier to economic growth. Recent experience has shown that the right transport projects provide a good return on investment. Detailed economic appraisal of projects is therefore essential to ensure that public money is being put to its most productive use.
As shown by the Framework, investment levels are not now, nor have they been over recent years, even sufficient to maintain the land transport network in its current state. In that context, the role of rail in meeting transport demand and the cost of maintaining the rail network in its current state was considered. The Framework recommends the development of a new rail policy. Both I and the Steering Group that developed the Framework considered that a new policy needs to have regard to social and environmental considerations uniquely addressed by rail, as well as the economic and investment context established in the Framework. My Department is working with the NTA to progress this proposal. I envisage that a public consultation process will take place in the coming weeks on the current and future role of rail in Ireland. I expect the process to focus on issues such as current usage, transport needs, competition from other modes, wider associated benefits and financial constraints. A key component of new policy will be a focus on where rail's greatest strengths lie. All of these issues will have to be taken into account in formulating our new rail policy.
13. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details on the level of investment that is required to upgrade facilities at Ireland West Airport Knock; his plans to provide a package of State supports to the airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16504/15]
View answerThe options and opportunities for the growth and development of the Airport were the subject of a Study Group established by the Taoiseach in January 2013 and chaired by Deputy John O'Mahony. A range of potential future scenarios for the future viability and growth of the Airport were considered as part of the Group’s deliberations.
In examining potential future scenarios for the future viability and growth of the Airport, an ambitious approach, involving an optimum level of investment and support of about €36 million, was identified by the Group. Notwithstanding any future Exchequer funding, it was agreed that financial contributions from the local authorities in the region and from the local business sector, must constitute a significant part of the future funding of the Airport.
The Study Group Report was presented to Government on 16 December 2013, with its recommendations and their impact on future State supports for regional airports, being noted at that time by Government.
The 2015-2019 Regional Airports Programme, which reflects the recommendations of the Study, provides for the continuation of Exchequer supports under the three main Schemes - Core Airport Management Operational Expenditure Subvention, Capital Expenditure Expenditure Grants and Public Service Obligation air services, where appropriate, to the four regional airports. The Programme limits future Exchequer support to safety and security related infrastructural projects, similar to the policy that has existed for some time.
The Programme has recently been formally notified to the EU Commission for approval, following which my Department will engage with the four airports to identify the specific level of Exchequer supports to be made available to each airport.
14. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to the recently launched south-east tourism initiative which it was estimated could bring €950 million in tourism revenue by 2020, if he will confirm the level of overseas interest; if there have been any commitments made by international agents, currently not programming Ireland, to add Ireland as a destination; how firm are these commitments; the impact this initiative is expected to have on local tourism in County Waterford; if his Department has any estimated figures as to the level of capital funding that will be made available by his Department to adequately advertise the initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16518/15]
View answerWhile my Department provides capital funding for investment in tourism offerings such as Ireland's Ancient East, it is not directly involved in developing or managing these. The development of the Ireland Ancient East Proposition is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly I have referred the question to the agency for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
As this new initiative evolves, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland will be marketing it at home and overseas. Already, at this year’s Meitheal trade show, the new proposition has been introduced to overseas buyers and it was very well received. Marketing expenditure is current rather than capital and overseas marketing of the island of Ireland is an operational matter for Tourism Ireland. Accordingly I have referred the question to the agency for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Fáilte Ireland will be working with businesses and communities to bring the proposition to life, including a series of experience development workshops to assist in the animation of the stories and their locality. There will also be a signage and interpretation programme to bring all the diverse elements of ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ together.
While it is far too early yet to measure its success, it is a compelling offering and has the potential to welcome significant additional visitors, generating revenue and jobs in rural communities. Research suggests that Ireland's Ancient East could deliver 600,000 extra overseas visitors and increased revenue of almost 25% to €950m in total by 2020.
I am confident the initiative will impact positively on Waterford which has such highlights as Lismore, Ardmore, the Copper Coast and the Waterford Viking Triangle - but if it is to reach its potential it will be essential that communities get fully involved. Of course, it is important to recognise that, while local authorities are key partners in tourism, administrative areas are not in themselves tourist destinations. Communities, at every level, along the Wild Atlantic Way have taken responsibility for playing their part and that is why it has been such a big success to date.
15. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the sale of the State's share in Aer Lingus, following advice from the review group on the possible sale of the shares. [16499/15]
View answerI have given an update on the situation in relation to the Aer Lingus shareholding in my response to Priority Question No. 4. I expect that the Steering Group will report back to me shortly and the matter will be considered by the Government, once I have received the final report.
16. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he acknowledges the anxiety and worry the decision to privatise a percentage of Dublin Bus routes is causing staff of the company, and that staff and workers' concerns should be given more priority when taking decisions which in turn could avert the forthcoming industrial action; his views that there are many other models to promote customer experience, standard of service and company income, without resorting to privatisation to create competition; if he has examined any of these models as an alternative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16515/15]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No.1 which I answered earlier.
The NTA has the statutory responsibility under legislation of assessing and judging how best to balance direct award and tendered PSO bus services. International experience confirms that a range of benefits can accrue from tendering in terms of value for money and service quality.
As to other models of service procurement, the NTA already maximise their ability under the contracts with the bus companies to encourage service quality and efficiency. The NTA has determined that tendering about 10% of the market presents little, if any, risk to Dublin Bus or Bus Éireann’s overall operations while giving the opportunity to test market pricing, offer opportunities to improve efficiency and customer service, as well as the possibility, subject to the outcome of the competition, of bringing new operators into the market, and enabling benchmarking.
Finally, I would point that the procurement process being undertaken by the NTA is not privatisation. NTA have commented on this myth on their website as follows:
"In response to on-going concerns expressed publicly, the National Transport Authority wishes to restate the fact that the tendering of bus routes currently in progress is not ‘privatisation’ and will not in itself result in fare increases, reduced services or any threat to free travel.
Privatisation is about transfer of ownership and loss of public control. This is not the case here at all. The National Transport Authority will specify details of bus services to be delivered – setting out fares, routes, frequencies, environmental standards, customer service standards – and will seek submissions from the market on that basis, from any operator, including the current operators Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann. The Authority will also retain control of the vehicles.
The successful tenderer will operate the specified services in return for an agreed fee, and will remit the collected fare revenues to the NTA. The NTA will maintain full control over service delivery and standards across all routes – in exactly the same manner as now applies to Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann."
17. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which his Department continues to monitor the extent to which various major road networks, as currently constructed, are adequate to meet current and future traffic volumes; if an investigation has been undertaken to identify the most heavily trafficked major routes; if consideration has been given to increasing the capacity of such routes as the M50 and the Naas/Newbridge bypass and the Sallins bypass/Osberstown Interchange/Monread Road roundabout; if the number of traffic accidents on such routes are indicative of deficiency, in terms of traffic capacity; if plans and/or proposals are in hand to address such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16489/15]
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 on the national road network is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. In this context, the NRA monitors traffic flows across the national road network and maps and collates collision data on national roads.
A substantial upgrade of the M50 was completed in 2010. This resulted in the addition of a third lane in both directions from the M1 to Sandyford and a fourth auxiliary lane in places together with the development of freeflow junctions and the introduction of barrier free tolling. This major investment has significantly enhanced the capacity of the motorway. I would also remind the House of the substantial upgrade at Newlands Cross, which allows for a continuous, free-flowing route between the M50 and the cities of Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Kilkenny. There are no proposals at present for further investment in additional capacity.
As outlined to the Deputy in my responses to PQ 10526/15 of 10 March and PQ 6220/15 of 11 February, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads such as the Osberstown Interchange and Sallins Bypass is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. The available funds simply 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.
18. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the much needed new section of the N22 from Ballyvourney to Macroom in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16440/15]
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 (including the N22) 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 NRA has to prioritise expenditure.
As I recently indicated to the Deputy in PQ 7526/15 of 19th February on the same issue, priority has to be given to the maintenance and upkeep of existing infrastructure. The capital allocations proposed for my Department in 2016 and 2017 indicate that funding will continue to be constrained in the next number of years. The scope for progressing new projects will depend on the level of longer term funding available to my Department and the NRA.
19. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has carried out any review with Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus to develop projections of the amount by which the Government subsidy to Corás Iompair Éireann will be cut, following the privatisation of a portion of public service obligation routes in the future. [16512/15]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No. 1 which I answered earlier.
Both bus companies will be able to submit proposals under the procurement process. Regardless of whether they are successful in the procurement process, they have much to gain from forecast growth in the PSO bus market which will benefit revenue growth and employment in the companies.
20. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the pension issue was raised during discussions in relation to the International Airlines Group takeover bid for Aer Lingus; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16490/15]
View answerI have given an update on the situation in relation to the Aer Lingus shareholding in my response to Priority Question No. 4. As I said the engagement with IAG has centred on the considerations set out in my statement of 24 February, which do not include pension issues.
Matters relating to Aer Lingus's main pension scheme, the Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme, are primarily for the scheme's Trustee, the companies participating in the scheme, the scheme members and the Pensions Authority.
21. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans his Department has in place to develop tourist amenities at Malin Head in County Donegal; the level of funding that his Department will make available for the development of facilities there; when this development will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16498/15]
View answerWhile the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport provides funding for investment in tourism, the allocation of these funds is a matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland.
An allocation of €17.35 million has been made to Fáilte Ireland in 2015 to fund tourism capital investment. This includes investment in visitor attractions, visitor activities and tourism infrastructure including the further development of the 15 Signature Discovery points on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Malin Head is one of three designated signature points on the Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal and is of great importance as it marks the northern end of the route. Donegal County Council is working closely with Fáilte Ireland on the development of Malin Head as part of the Wild Atlantic Way.
I have referred your question to Fáilte Ireland for further information and direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
22. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the criteria employed for deciding upon the allocation of funding provided through the sports capital grant programme; if he is satisfied that these criteria are followed in all allocation decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16507/15]
View answerAll applications received under the Sports Capital Programme are assessed by officials in the Department. Every application is assessed by one official and reviewed by another official.
Applications under the 2014 Programme were first checked to ensure eligibility and eligible applications were then initially scored by officials against five criteria:
1. Likelihood of increasing participation and/or improving performance and the sharing of facilities,
2. Level of socio-economic disadvantage in the area,
3. Technical merits of the project,
4. Level of own funding available,
5. Level of Sports Capital Programme funding received in the past.
These criteria were designed to give higher scores to applications that will increase participation where facilities will be shared, that were from designated disadvantaged areas, that had not received substantial funding in the past and that were ready to be progressed as soon as possible.
In deciding the final allocations of funding to projects within each county Minister Varadkar and I had regard to a number of factors, including:
- The performance of each application during the assessment process,
- Ensuring a geographical spread of projects within each county,
- Ensuring an appropriate spread of projects between rural and urban areas within each county, and
- Ensuring that there was a spread of projects among different sports.
I can confirm to the Deputy and the House that I am fully satisfied that all of the criteria that I have mentioned are fully adhered to and that will continue to be the case when I come to make the 2015 allocations.
The arrangements for the assessment of applications under the 2015 SCP are currently being finalised.
23. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a decision will be taken with regard to the best route and infrastructure option in connecting Dublin city with Dublin Airport; his views on a particular option of the six options being examined by the National Transport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16505/15]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the GDA. The Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study currently underway is an independent study commissioned by the NTA to identify the optimum long term public transport solution to meet the needs of the Swords/Airport/City Centre corridor.
Phase one of the Study was published on 8th December and six short-listed project options were identified for further detailed evaluation. A public consultation process was also launched at that time.
Under the current stage of the Study process, the six shortlisted projects are being subjected to further analysis assessing cost, engineering, environmental and usage forecasts. This will form the basis for the selection of the recommended preferred option by the NTA.
The Study, which I understand is close to finalisation, will then be assessed in tandem with analyses being undertaken on other projects and the work being carried out in the preparation of a draft Transport Strategy for the GDA. I expect to finalise this review by mid-2015 in conjunction with the development of the transport strategy for the region. In the meantime it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the proposed shortlisted projects.
Work is ongoing on the Government's capital plan to 2020. When my review is finalised I will submit my proposals relating to public transport projects for inclusion in the next capital plan to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform who is responsible for drafting the plan.
Decisions on what projects will be included in the next capital plan will be a matter for Government having regard to overall priorities for available Exchequer funding and, where appropriate, the availability and suitability of funding from other sources.
24. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to work with public transport companies to help stamp out racism on their services. [16511/15]
View answerI am strongly supportive of measures to prevent racism. I note that an anti-racism campaign entitled "There's no room on board for racism" was launched across the public sector network on 22nd April with the support of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, the National Transport Authority and Transport providers.
I understand that over 2,000 posters and an extensive social media campaign was used to get the message out to report racism wherever it occurs. Through the use of posters on buses, trains and trams as well as the busiest stations in the country it will be informing people who witness or experience racism to come forward and report it.
I greatly welcome and support measures that help to stamp out racism.
25. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he supports the privatisation of 10% of Dublin Bus routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16500/15]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No. 1 which I answered earlier.
26. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the much needed Adare bypass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16441/15]
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, including the Adare Bypass 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.
As the Deputy is aware the decision by An Bord Pleanála in 2012 to refuse development consent for the proposed bypass of Adare meant that the scheme reverted to the route selection stage to reassess alternative options.
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.
27. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the A5 and on his recent engagement with his Northern Ireland counterparts in relation to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16497/15]
View answerImplementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities. The quashing by the High Court in 2013 of the Minister for Regional Development's approval for the construction of two sections of the road has resulted in significant delay. Since the High Court decision the Northern Ireland authorities have been working on the additional evaluations needed in relation to the project. The Department for Regional Development has completed public consultation exercises on four reports intended to address impacts on all areas with Environmental designations, including Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and Ramsar sites, together with proposed mitigation measures.
The A5 project was discussed at the Transport sector meeting of the North South Ministerial Council last week. The Council noted that work on the new draft Statutory Orders and new Environmental Statement is now complete and, when published, will be subject to public consultation which may lead to a further Public Inquiry.
I will continue to liaise with my Northern colleagues on the project through the Transport Sector of the North South Ministerial Council.
28. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the absolute carnage Irish Water is creating on the roads in County Waterford while installing water meters, if his Department will be providing an increased budget to Waterford City and County Council to repair the damage caused to the road surfaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16521/15]
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, is a matter for the National Roads Authority in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
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 road grant budget for regional and local roads has been fully allocated this year.
While there is already a Specification for Trench Reinstatment works in place since 2002, my Department is engaged with stakeholders, including Irish Water, concerning the updating of this document. I understand that significant progress has already been made and that it is hoped to have the new guidelines available by the end of June. In addition, I have recently made new regulations, Road Traffic (Co-ordination of Roadworks) Regulations 2015 (S.I. No. 139 of 2015). The purpose of these Regulations is to enable the 31 existing local authorities in Ireland to exercise functions under section 101D of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 and in particular to issue directions to persons undertaking roadworks on public roads in their functional areas in relation to such matters as timing of roadworks and the manner in which roadworks are carried out.
The objective of these Regulations and the revised reinstatment document is to move to a situation where reinstatements are fully compliant with required standards so that activities by utilities and statutory undertakers do not impose a cost on the roads budget.
29. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the overall revenue spent by his Department and any and all Government agencies, for each of the past five years, on marketing new routes into Cork Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16485/15]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, daa plc has statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop both Dublin and Cork Airports and as such, funding for marketing routes is an operational matter for the Company and I have no function in the matter.
From a tourism persepctive, I am aware that Tourism Ireland, the North-South body with responsibility for the overseas promotion of Ireland as a tourism destination, has been working hard for many years to drive demand for air services to Cork, through co-operative marketing campaigns in conjunction with the airport, the airlines and other partners.
On this basis, I have referred your question to daa plc and Tourism Ireland for direct reply.
30. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to the sports capital programme and the confusion regarding the deadline, the online register having closed on 10 April 2015 despite the fact that the actual deadline was 24 April 2015, if his Department will consider extending the deadlines to ensure that all applicants have their applications accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16519/15]
View answerThe deadline for applications under the 2015 Sports Capital Programme was 5pm on Friday 24 April. I have no intention of reopening the Programme at this stage and to do so would be grossly unfair on organisations that completed their applications on time.
Registrations for the Programme opened in September 2013 and by the registration deadline of 10 April 2015 over 3,800 separate organisations had registered. The deadline for registration was advertised in the national press, displayed prominently on the Sports Capital Programme website (where all applications were made) and emailed to groups such as local sports partnerships and national governing bodies of sport. I am not aware of any confusion with regard to this deadline.
As each registration requires officials in the Sports Capital Programme Unit of the Department to check documentation, associate any previous grants with the organisation and check that the organisation is not previously registered, it would not be possible to keep registrations open until the deadline for applications as this would leave organisations no time to complete their applications. It is also desirable that the Unit is able to give registered organisations their full attention in helping them to complete their applications.
