Written Answers Nos. 839-856
839. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department or agencies under the authority of his Department have performed an assessment of the potential savings to be accrued if current paper-based application processes by members of the public were replaced with a fully online application system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30147/15]
View answerMy Department regularly reviews the potential for online systems to replace existing paper-based processes in order to achieve efficiencies, better customer service and business process improvements generally. Examples of public-facing initiatives which the Department has delivered include the Online Sports Capital Register, which supports the Sports Capital Programme; the Road Transport Operator Licensing Online system; and the Change of Vehicle Ownership online channel available at www.motortrans.ie. These projects are measured against the objectives determined at the outset of the specific project, which may include cost savings. However, while cost savings may accrue, this is rarely the sole, primary objective or benefit of these initiatives, as they can also facilitate customers and citizens and support other operational and management improvements. In relation to agencies, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Department's agencies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
840. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that the views of vintage clubs are given detailed and favourable consideration in relation to their concerns regarding the possible extension of the national car test to vintage vehicles; if he will ensure that no additional financial burdens are placed on these clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30151/15]
View answerAs I explained to the House recently, the review by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) of the arrangements in relation to the roadworthiness testing of vintage vehicles will be examined by my officials. Due to pressure of other work, I do not expect them to be in a position to report to me on this area until later in 2015. Both the National Car Test and the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test are important preventative measures that continue to make a significant contribution to road safety in this country.
However, I do appreciate the value of the vintage and veteran vehicle movement. I am advised that none of the recommendations contained in the RSA's review would involve those who currently enjoy an exemption from compulsory testing; that is, those owners of cars and motor caravans first registered prior to 1 January 1980 and used for social and domestic purposes being brought within the compulsory roadworthiness testing regime.
841. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the swimming pool grant scheme (details supplied); if he will provide, in tabular form, the amount granted to each of the 53 projects approved under the scheme before it closed; the amount of co-funding provided in each case by the local authority and-or the community; the dates each grant was applied for, and approved; and the date of completion of build of each pool. [30172/15]
View answerThe Deputy's question seeks a range of information that is not readily available within the Department. I am not satisfied that the work involved in compiling and collating the information sought would be proportionate. However, relevant available information is contained in the table. If the Deputy has any specific queries relating to a particular project, I would be glad to seek to provide her with relevant information in that regard.
|
- |
Pool |
New or Refurbish |
Grant allocation € |
Year of formal allocation |
Date of opening |
|
1 |
Enniscorthy |
New |
2,693,565 |
1998 |
Jan-00 |
|
2 |
Wicklow Town |
New |
2,679,147 |
1999 |
Jun-01 |
|
3 |
Monaghan town |
Refurbish |
380,921 |
1998 |
Aug-06 |
|
4 |
Arklow |
Refurbish |
2,349,015 |
1998 |
Jan-00 |
|
5 |
Navan |
New |
3,174,345 |
1999 |
Aug-00 |
|
6 |
Ennis |
New |
2,920,398 |
1999 |
Sep-03 |
|
7 |
Dundalk Town |
New |
3,809,214 |
2000 |
Mar-02 |
|
8 |
Roscommon town |
Refurbish |
3,809,214 |
2000 |
Apr-02 |
|
9 |
Gorey/Courtown |
New |
3,809,214 |
2000 |
Oct-01 |
|
10 |
Ballinasloe |
New |
3,809,214 |
2002 |
Oct-03 |
|
11 |
Finglas |
New |
3,809,214 |
2002 |
Apr-04 |
|
12 |
Tralee (Aquadome) |
Refurbish |
86,400 |
2003 |
Oct-03 |
|
13 |
Tralee Sports & Leisure Centre |
Refurbish |
3,809,214 |
2003 |
Jul-04 |
|
14 |
Grove Island |
New |
3,809,214 |
2003 |
Jun-04 |
|
15 |
Clonmel |
Refurbish |
1,641,934 |
2003 |
Dec-04 |
|
16 |
Churchfield |
Refurbish |
3,809,214 |
2004 |
Jun-05 |
|
17 |
Tuam |
New |
3,809,214 |
2004 |
Sep-05 |
|
18 |
Ballymun |
New |
3,809,214 |
2004 |
Jun-05 |
|
19 |
Cobh |
New |
3,809,214 |
2004 |
Aug-06 |
|
20 |
Youghal |
New |
3,809,214 |
2004 |
Sep-06 |
|
21 |
Ballyfermot |
New |
3,809,214 |
2004 |
Oct-08 |
|
22 |
Drogheda |
New |
3,809,214 |
2004 |
May-06 |
|
23 |
Jobstown |
New |
3,809,214 |
2004 |
Nov-06 |
|
24 |
Letterkenny |
New |
3,809,214 |
2004 |
Jul-07 |
|
25 |
Monaghan town |
New |
3,809,214 |
2005 |
Aug-06 |
|
26 |
Ballybunion |
New |
3,782,896 |
2005 |
Jun-07 |
|
27 |
Clondalkin |
New |
3,809,214 |
2005 |
Jan-08 |
|
28 |
Killarney |
New |
3,809,214 |
2005 |
Jul-08 |
|
29 |
Askeaton |
New |
3,809,214 |
2005 |
Aug-07 |
|
30 |
Portlaoise |
New |
3,809,214 |
2006 |
Dec-07 |
|
31 |
Portarlington |
Refurbish |
3,809,214 |
2006 |
Dec-07 |
|
32 |
Longford |
New |
3,809,214 |
2006 |
Sep-07 |
|
33 |
Thurles |
New |
3,809,214 |
2006 |
Apr-08 |
|
34 |
St Michael's House |
New |
3,700,000 |
2006 |
Apr-08 |
|
35 |
Athy |
New |
3,809,214 |
2006 |
Mar-09 |
|
36 |
Birr |
Refurbish |
1,498,200 |
2006 |
Jul-07 |
|
37 |
Naas |
New |
3,809,214 |
2006 |
Mar-09 |
|
38 |
Kilkenny City |
New |
3,809,214 |
2006 |
Dec-08 |
|
39 |
Tullamore |
New |
3,809,214 |
2007 |
Oct-08 |
|
40 |
Bray |
New |
3,809,214 |
2007 |
Sep-08 |
|
41 |
Greystones |
New |
3,809,214 |
2007 |
Oct-08 |
|
42 |
St Joseph's School |
Refurbish |
300,000 |
2007 |
Nov-07 |
|
43 |
Dundrum |
New |
3,809,214 |
2007 |
Apr-09 |
|
44 |
Claremorris |
New |
3,809,214 |
2007 |
Sep-09 |
|
45 |
Roscrea |
New |
3,809,214 |
2007 |
Sep-09 |
|
46 |
Ferrybank, Wexford |
Refurbish |
3,809,214 |
2008 |
Jun-10 |
|
47 |
Loughrea |
New |
1,700,000 |
2009 |
Project not proceeding |
|
48 |
Loughlinstown |
Refurbish |
3,809,214 |
2010 |
May-13 |
|
49 |
New Ross |
New |
3,809,214 |
2010 |
Aug-13 |
|
50 |
De Paul |
Refurbish |
1,261,000 |
2010 |
Works under way |
|
51 |
Ballybofey/Stranorlar |
New |
3,809,214 |
2011 |
Oct-13 |
|
52 |
Clara |
Refurbish |
784,000 |
2013 |
Works underway |
|
53 |
Dunmanway |
Refurbish |
3,809,214 |
2015 |
Works underway |
|
54 |
Buncrana |
Refurbish |
No formal allocation to date |
||
|
55 |
Castlebar |
New |
No formal allocation to date |
||
|
56 |
Balbriggan |
New |
No formal allocation to date |
||
|
57 |
Edenderry |
Refurbish |
No formal allocation to date |
||
|
58 |
Ballaghaderreen |
New |
No formal allocation to date |
842. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of spending by county, in tabular form, on the rural transport programme; and the details of any departmental studies on the service performance of the programme since the move towards administering it via transport co-ordination units in 2013. [30187/15]
View answerResponsibility for the management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP), was assigned to the National Transport Authority (NTA) with effect from 1 April 2012. This includes responsibility for implementing the restructuring of the RTP announced on 9 July 2013 and the allocation of funding to the 17 Transport Co-ordination Units.
The Department has not conducted any studies into the performance of the Programme since the restructuring was announced in 2013, as that process and the formation of the Transport Co-ordination Units has been ongoing into 2015. The NTA, however, as part of its management role monitors the performance of the Programme.
I have therefore forwarded your question to the NTA for further response to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
843. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of spending on compensation to toll operators on national routes from his Department; and the amount of expected compensation that will have to be paid in 2015 to toll operators. [30189/15]
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 2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.
844. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects to receive the report from the interdepartmental group review on motor tax on heavy goods vehicles; his plans to implement its recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30193/15]
View answerThe interdepartmental group chaired by my Department was initially established to consider the introduction of a pay-as-you-go road tax system for HGVs. The work of the group was subsequently expanded to include a full review of commercial motor tax. The group held a targeted stakeholder consultation which concluded last February and had meetings with stakeholders, including representatives of hauliers and their customers. The report of the group is being finalised for submission to me and to the Ministers for Finance and the Environment, Community and Local Government. I expect to receive the report shortly. If the recommendations in the report are accepted, an Implementation Group will be established with officials from my Department and the Departments of Finance and the Environment, Community and Local Government and stakeholders will be invited to contribute to the development and detail of any such implementation plan.
845. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when his Department's annual report for 2014 will be published. [30220/15]
View answerMy Department's Annual Report for 2014 was published on 30 April 2015 and can be found at www.dttas.ie/corporate/publications/english/annual-report-2014.
846. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will furnish a reply to correspondence (details supplied); if he will ensure financial support is provided for this flagship tourism event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30240/15]
View answerI can confirm that I received the Deputy's correspondence dated 17 June concerning an unsuccessful application for funding under Fáilte Ireland's Festivals and Participative Events Regional Programme 2015.
My Department's role in relation to tourism is concerned primarily with national policy, and it is not involved in the funding of individual events, or the administration of tourism-related funding programmes. These matters fall within the day-to-day responsibilities of Fáilte Ireland, which operates the Festivals and Participative Events Regional Programme.
The provision of funding from these programmes is decided on an annual basis by Fáilte Ireland, based on applications received. It is a competitive grant process and funding is awarded to those applicant events and festivals that best meet the advertised criteria for the relevant programme, including the expected benefit to the economy and tourism.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.
847. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport given that figures are not available online, if he will provide a figure for the number of applications under the Sports Capital Programme 2015; the total value of grant aid sought; the corresponding figures by county; the budget available for such projects; his plans to announce the allocation of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30243/15]
View answerA fund of €40 million is available for Sports Capital Programme allocations. I expect to make allocations later this year. The specific information sought by the Deputy is set out in the table. These figures are subject to change until the assessment process is completed as some organisations may withdraw their applications.
|
County |
Number |
Total Amount Sought |
|
Carlow |
28 |
€2,046,741 |
|
Cavan |
33 |
€2,682,889 |
|
Clare |
50 |
€4,300,038 |
|
Cork |
186 |
€12,848,743 |
|
Donegal |
59 |
€3,823,683 |
|
Dublin |
227 |
€15,937,380 |
|
Galway |
116 |
€9,780,654 |
|
Kerry |
72 |
€5,237,053 |
|
Kildare |
55 |
€4,744,723 |
|
Kilkenny |
37 |
€2,227,296 |
|
Laois |
41 |
€2,045,234 |
|
Leitrim |
20 |
€1,593,444 |
|
Limerick |
59 |
€5,543,303 |
|
Longford |
24 |
€1,498,693 |
|
Louth |
49 |
€3,411,910 |
|
Mayo |
74 |
€5,910,469 |
|
Meath |
62 |
€4,323,970 |
|
Monaghan |
26 |
€1,915,894 |
|
Offaly |
39 |
€2,333,050 |
|
Roscommon |
35 |
€1,563,463 |
|
Sligo |
42 |
€2,304,454 |
|
Tipperary |
75 |
€5,091,103 |
|
Waterford |
40 |
€2,479,808 |
|
Westmeath |
39 |
€2,382,158 |
|
Wexford |
60 |
€4,770,195 |
|
Wicklow |
48 |
€2,514,703 |
|
Total |
1,596 |
€113,311,049 |
Please note that the amounts sought figures include applications where the applicants have sought more than the maximum available grant - €150,000 for local projects and €200,000 for national regional projects.
848. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the position regarding the proposal to build an aviation fuel pipeline connecting Dublin Port to Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30308/15]
View answerMy Department has no involvement with this project.
I am advised by the Department of the Environment , Community and Local Government that it is a matter for the relevant local authorities, Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council.
849. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a proposal for parking bays on the footpaths on a congested residential road (details supplied) in Dublin 4; and proposals for a one-way system on the road. [30319/15]
View answerI am aware of this matter, and have received and responded to correspondence from the local residents' committee.
Under the Traffic and Parking Regulations, parking and partial parking of vehicles on pavements is currently not permitted. In June 2014, following representations on the issue, my predecessor indicated that he would ask the National Transport Authority (NTA) to examine the issue further and to consider the possibility of introducing a pilot scheme for partial parking on pavements.
The NTA responded earlier this year and indicated that, after extensive consideration of the request and consultation with local authorities and informally with An Garda Síochána, the introduction of permitted parking on footpaths is "highly undesirable and problematic". The key concerns arising from permitting any partial parking of vehicles on pavements are that footpaths are intended to provide a safe route for pedestrians and to segregate them from other road users, thereby enhancing road safety and protecting the most vulnerable of our road users, including children, the impaired and the elderly. Furthermore, footpaths are not designed or constructed to take the weight of cars or heavier goods vehicles. Allowing footpaths to be so used for parking will lead to more rapid deterioration of the footpath surface, further increasing maintenance costs and providing greater trip hazards for pedestrians.
The safety of all road users must be at the core of traffic and parking regulations. In light of all the evidence, I am of the view that safety considerations for pedestrians outweigh any benefits from the proposal to allow parking or partial parking on footpaths in any circumstances and I have no plan to change the Traffic and Parking Regulations to allow for this.
The choice of whether to implement a one-way system on a given road is entirely a matter for the local authority in question.
850. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of investment from capital spending his Department has made in County Kildare since 2011. [30330/15]
View answerDetails of the regional and local road grant payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road grant payment booklets which are available in the Oireachtas Library. Details of the 2015 regional and local road grant allocations to each county council are also available in the Oireachtas Library.
With regard to national roads, details of the allocations to each local authority are also available in the Oireachtas Library. However, details of the actual drawdown of funding for these roads is a matter for the National Roads Authority.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days. Details of Sports Capital Programme Allocations can be found on my Department's website at www.dttas.ie/sport/english/sports-capital-programme-awards-new. Details of other investment in County Kildare are contained in the following table:
|
- |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
|
Bike Week |
4,983.61 |
4,232.73 |
4,913.35 |
3,750.89 |
0 |
|
Stimulus for Greenways |
0 |
0 |
0 |
311,000.00 |
0 |
|
Total |
4,983.61 |
4232.73 |
4,913.35 |
314,750.89 |
0 |
851. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the upgrade of the Maynooth line from Connolly Station will commence; if it will include a new station at Cross Guns Bridge in Phibsboro in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30355/15]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and the overall funding of public transport. Responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure and services in the Greater Dublin Area, including the upgrading of rail lines, is a function of the National Transport Authority (NTA).
Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
852. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will publish a detailed place map showing how title to lands in the vicinity of the Royal Canal from Cross Guns Bridge in Phibsboro, Dublin 7, west as far as the Dublin city boundary is distributed between the different statutory transport bodies and other public bodies, including the Office of Public Works, Waterways Ireland and Dublin City Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30359/15]
View answerI have no role in relation to the publication of title to lands in general, nor do I have any plans to publish a place map of lands for statutory bodies as requested by the Deputy. I have no responsibility for the Office of Public Works, for which my colleague the Minister of State at the Department of Finance is responsible; for Waterways Ireland, for which my colleague the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is responsible; or for local authorities such as Dublin City Council. If the Deputy has particular issues she wishes to know more about in relation to lands owned by the statutory transport bodies, she may wish to contact my private office. More generally, she may wish to contact the Property Registration Authority, given its statutory role, or Dublin City Council, given its planning role, for assistance.
853. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the grant application submitted to his Department in respect of the development of the Leitrim-Cavan greenway; when this application will be approved, and funding allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30362/15]
View answer854. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the grant application submitted to his Department in respect of the development of the Sligo-Leitrim greenway; when this application will be approved, and funding allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30363/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 853 and 854 together.
Cavan County Council (in partnership with Leitrim County Council) and Sligo County Council each submitted proposals under the National Cycle Network Funding Programme 2014-2016 for the development of greenways along the disused Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties railway. While both proposals had considerable merit, it was not possible to award funding for either given that the number of applications submitted far outweighed available resources.
I understand from my officials that in the interim the authorities involved have continued to develop these proposals so as to be best placed to avail of future Department funding calls. It is possible given the popularity and success of greenways delivered to date that funding may become available outside of the Department's structured funding calls. In 2014, €10 million from the €200 million Government Stimulus Package for infrastructural development was earmarked for the development of greenways and 11 projects were selected to receive funding.
Ireland will also have access to EU funding over the period 2014 to 2020 from a number of European Structural Investment funds including the European Regional Development Fund. There will also be a new EU Programme for Cross Border Co-operation (INTERREG V) and a new EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE IV) 2014-2020. There is potential for authorities in the Border counties who have worked up cycle proposals to position themselves for consideration under these funding streams. I feel confident that the project teams associated with these two proposals are investigating every funding avenue and my Department is available to offer any assistance possible.
855. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide, in tabular form, the total amount of funding allocated by Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland to projects in County Donegal for the years 2013 and 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30373/15]
View answerThe matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for the agencies concerned. I have referred the Deputy's question to Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.
856. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding streams in place by which a local authority can make an application to carry out improvements in a town, so as to make the town wheelchair and disability friendly. [30380/15]
View answerMy Department does not provide specific funding to local authorities to make towns wheelchair or disability friendly. However, funding is available from my Department for works on roads and footways on Regional and Local Roads and those works may incorporate measures which improve accessibility. In addition, my Department is advancing improvements in public transport accessibility in the context of Transport Access for All, which is the Transport Sectorial Plan under the Disability Act 2005. In that regard, I understand that the National Transport Authority, with funding from my Department, is progressing the gradual introduction of wheelchair accessible bus stops and coach stops in towns around the country together with accessibility upgrades to bus and rail stations. Accessibility issues are also taken into account as required in the development of a number of road and street schemes.
