Written Answers Nos. 22-28
22. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on his decision to abandon plans to progress the DART underground project for Dublin; if he will provide an explanation of the reason he favours the Luas connection to the airport over alternative rail projects; the details of the business case for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31943/15]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my response to Priority Question No. 1.
23. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to deal with overcrowding on the DART during peak times; if Irish Rail has looked for more funding to provide more trains and carriages during peak times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31954/15]
View answerI understand that the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann are actively examining a proposal to increase the DART frequency to 10 minutes in the peak commencing early in 2016 to improve the service to customers and that the necessary funding issues involved are being considered at present. I would point out that I have secured additional funding for rail both this year and last year. For the first time since 2008, the level of PSO funding for rail services is being maintained in 2015 at the same level as in 2014. I was also able to secure an additional €101 million in funding for our public transport companies in a Supplementary Estimate at the end of last year, which included €45 million for Irish Rail's network renewal investment. In July this year, I also announced an additional €100 million for my Department's capital programme. Of this, €29m will deliver much needed maintenance on rail rolling stock and a further €9m is being allocated towards the Rail safety programme.
I will continue to seek necessary PSO funding and increased investment in our rail network to enhance the customer experience.
24. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the positive effect the national aviation policy will have on Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31802/15]
View answerThe National Aviation Policy (NAP) sets out a range of actions aimed at enhancing connectivity and promoting the growth and development of the aviation sector in Ireland. The policy recognises the geographic and infrastructure characteristics that differentiate the respective roles of the three State airports, and the differing challenges and opportunities that exist for them. Specifically in relation to Shannon, the NAP confirms that the role of Shannon Airport as a tourism and business gateway to its region, particularly with regard to the development of key niche markets, will be supported by my Department.
In addition, the development of the International Aviation Services Centre, which is already being progressed by Shannon Group, will be encouraged. Shannon is also designated as a 'Centre of Excellence' for Business Aviation.
While the NAP has identified many opportunities for Shannon, it is a matter for the airport itself to attract new business in partnership with the relevant regional, tourism and industry bodies. I believe that the NAP provides a progressive framework for the development, growth and enhancement of Shannon Airport and indeed our entire aviation sector.
25. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the long-awaited new N22 Cork-Kerry road will be prioritised for construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31919/15]
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 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual national road projects is a matter for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act. Due to the national financial position, there have been very large reductions in roads expenditure over the past number of years. Funding in 2008 was €2.3 billion while funding this year is around €764 million for the national, regional and local road network. The reality is that available funds have fallen well short of the amount of work that could be undertaken.
The Government will publish a new Capital Plan shortly. This Plan will take into account the maintenance and strengthening needs of the national, regional and local road network in order to ensure that the existing network is fit for purpose in meeting the needs of the travelling public and of industry and businesses. It will also take account of the need to upgrade certain roads to improve access to poorly served regions, for large scale employment proposals, to complete missing links and to address critical safety issues. I am happy that the Plan will represent a positive response to meeting these various needs.
26. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the development of plans for the DART project; if he will confirm if this will remain under the auspices of Dublin Bus beyond 2018; and if not, if he will provide the rationale for this. [31952/15]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) is finalising its preparation of a draft Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) to cover the period 2015 to 2035 in line with its statutory remit. The draft Strategy will provide a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the GDA for the next two decades and it is understood the draft Strategy will include consideration of BRT routes and bus priority measures. I understand that the NTA intends to publish the draft Strategy for public consultation shortly.
With regard to the operation of any BRT service in the GDA, I understand that Dublin Bus will undertake the operation of any new BRT services that may become operational during the period of its public service contract which expires in December 2019.
27. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware of the lack of amenities for tourists in the Malin Head, Errigal and Dún Luiche areas of County Donegal, as well as in other scenic areas in the county; the support he will provide to enable the development of lay-bys, toilets, seating, and rubbish facilities for visitors along scenic routes across County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31947/15]
View answerWhile my Department provides the capital funding for investment in tourism propositions such as the Wild Atlantic Way, it is not directly involved in developing or managing these, as this is an operational matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland. That said, the provision of basic public facilities such as lay-bys, toilets, seating and rubbish facilities, is primarily the responsibility of Local Authorities rather than Fáilte Ireland. Indeed, the recent tourism policy statement "People, Place and Policy: Growing Tourism to 2025" highlights the central role of local authorities in developing tourism in their areas, as much through such core services as through development of tourism infrastructure.
The Government is fully committed to the development of tourism in Donegal, which forms an integral part of the Wild Atlantic Way. In addition to the funding already invested in signage on the route and in discovery points such as Sliabh Liag, I recently announced an allocation of €299,000 by Fáilte Ireland to the Commissioners of Irish Lights to develop a new visitor facility building on a site adjacent to Fanad Head Lighthouse. The project will incorporate a new car park as well as facilities for visitors, a ticket desk and an interpretation area. Fáilte Ireland is also in discussion with Donegal County Council as to the future development of facilities at Malin Head as a signature discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way.
28. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will engage with the French authorities to seek compensation for Irish hauliers who suffered losses as a result of strike action in the port of Calais in France; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31939/15]
View answerHauliers have faced considerable difficulties and delays in Calais and Dover in recent months, due to attempts by migrants in Calais to board vehicles to the UK, which was exacerbated by industrial action at the Port of Calais over the summer. The industrial action was settled in September, but I am aware that Irish hauliers still face challenges in Calais.
I have raised the issue of the Calais situation with the UK Minister for Transport, the French Minister for Transport and the Commissioner with responsibility for transport. My colleagues, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Justice, have also been liaising with their UK, French and Commission colleagues on the wider issues of migration to the EU.
My Department has liaised with the relevant Member State authorities so that measures are in place to ensure the highest level of security for Irish drivers caught up in delays and also that appropriate measures are taken by UK and French authorities to ensure that enforcement of drivers hours regulations take account of the delay circumstances on both sides of the Channel, and that drivers are not penalised for circumstances beyond their control.
The Irish Road Safety Authority has also stated that it will take a flexible approach to enforcement of drivers' hours where they can prove that they have been delayed in Calais.
I understand that Irish hauliers' representatives are considering seeking damages from the French. This is a matter for the hauliers and my officials will keep the matter under review. I do not intend to lobby the French Government on that specific issue.
