Written Answers Nos. 162-168
162. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which any shortfall in bed accommodation has been identified in Dublin or the various regions throughout the country; his proposals to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32461/15]
View answerAccording to Fáilte Ireland's most recent accommodation occupancy statistics, for January to June 2015, hotel room occupancy in Dublin stood at 72%, whereas hotel occupancy in the rest of Ireland was 59%. Occupancy rates in the same period for other forms of accommodation were mostly higher in Dublin than in the rest of the country, although when the statistics become available for the peak tourist season we would expect a lower differential. Comparing occupancy rates in Dublin/rest of the country respectively, guest house room occupancy was 74%/41% , hostels achieved 73%/47% bed occupancy, B&B room occupancy was 48%/29% and caravan and camping site occupancy was 20%/16%. At 32%, self-catering occupancy levels for the first half of 2015 were the same in Dublin as in the rest of the country.
The overall statistics indicate that the country as a whole has sufficient stock of tourist accommodation to meet the needs of the industry. However, regarding hotel accommodation specifically, analysis of recent trends in occupancy levels and the impact of increasing demand indicates that we will require additional capacity in some parts of the country - in particular Dublin City Centre. Failure to address such capacity constraints could impact negatively on targets set in Fáilte Ireland's "Destination Dublin" strategy and in the Government's Tourism Policy Statement.
To broaden our understanding of the situation and inform consideration of appropriate responses, I understand that Fáilte Ireland recently commissioned an independent assessment of the potential supply of visitor accommodation in Dublin up to 2020 compared to likely demand under several different growth scenarios and I am informed that a full report is expected by November 2015.
164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which his Department continues to examine the various traffic routes with a view to future development such as an extension of the motorway system, upgrading of existing motorways and-or other options for rapid rail transport to and from the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32464/15]
View answerThe Government's Capital Plan will be published shortly. This will include a major programme of road and public transport investment for the coming years.
It is imperative that we invest in our transport system to ensure that we can meet growing demand and tackle congestion to support economic growth. It is also important that in planning our investment strategy, we plan appropriately so that areas which will see major development and population growth in the future will be properly served by public transport. I am confident that the new capital plan will provide the investment required to meet these objectives.
165. 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. [32465/15]
View answerLocal 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 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). Accordingly I am forwarding your query to TII for direct reply in respect of national roads. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
166. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to strive for a fully co-ordinated and integrated transport sector to meet the needs of road, rail, air and sea traffic with particular reference to meeting the needs of passengers and ensuring minimum delays and cost-effectiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32466/15]
View answerMy Department's Statement of Strategy sets out the actions being taken or planned to deliver an integrated transport network across all transport modes. The strategy sets out performance indicators to measure the achievements of these actions.
My Department and I also 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. In this context, my Department published a comprehensive Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport in August 2015 which set out the priorities and key principles for investing in our transport network.
167. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the basis for his reporting of the number of US troops passing through Shannon Airport; and the way he arrived at the number of 55,405 for 2014. [32468/15]
View answerAs stated in the response to Parliamentary Question Ref No.617 of 20th January 2015 the figure 55,405 was based on information provided by Shannon Airport Authority.
168. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will indicate the advance notice required for permit requests for the carriage of munitions under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973; and the procedure followed when considering those requests. [32469/15]
View answerApplications from airlines for munitions of war exemptions under Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order are received by my Department on a standard application form.
The Department requests that such applications are made at least 48 hours before the flight is due to take place. Airlines usually make applications weeks in advance of flights, but on occasion applications have been made less than 48 hours in advance and are processed if feasible.
For all such applications the Department seeks the views of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in relation to foreign policy issues and the Department of Justice in relation to security issues. If the munitions involved are also classified as ‘dangerous goods’ the views of the Irish Aviation Authority are sought in relation to aviation safety issues. A copy of the application is also sent to the Department of Defence for information. Once these bodies have been consulted a decision is made to grant or refuse an application.
