Written Answers Nos 611-629
611. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to review the ten-year vehicle age limit relating to taxis; if this limit can be extended to 15 years, with annual roadworthiness checks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32738/15]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle industry, including vehicle age limits, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
612. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the National Roads Authority will finalise the relevant road opening licences in a town (details supplied) in County Kerry to enable a project to proceed. [32758/15]
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 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), formerly 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 TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.
613. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans in place to progress a bypass project (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32770/15]
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 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), formerly 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 TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.
614. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reinstate the national driving licence centre in the Carndonagh public services in County Donegal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32772/15]
View answerThe operation of the National Driver Licensing Service, including the choice of locations for offices, is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.
I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
615. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that the existing rural transport scheme and the Cancer Connect service in west Cork are maintained, as these services are invaluable resources for carers in the area where public transport is inaccessible to many; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32799/15]
View answerResponsibility for the management of the Rural Transport Programme was assigned to the National Transport Authority (NTA) with effect from 1 April 2012.
I have therefore forwarded your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
616. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to set out the legislative and policy provisions that give responsibility for local tourism development and promotion to local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32939/15]
View answerLegislation with regard to the functions of Local Authorities is, in the first instance, a matter for my colleague the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government.
I understand there is no specific legislative provision in local government law that gives responsibility to local authorities for local tourism development. However, section 66 of the Local Government Act 2001, as amended by the Local Government Reform Act 2014, provides Local Authorities with a general power to engage in such activities or do such things as are necessary to promote the interest of the local community, including measures or activities which promote, inter alia, the enterprise and economic development of the local authority concerned.
The 2014 Act also provides that each local authority must make a Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) to provide a strategic framework for the promotion of economic development and local and community development in its functional area. In this context, the promotion of economic development includes promoting the interest of the community with respect to, inter alia, tourism. Significant progress has been made by all Local Authorities in recent months in developing the LECPs with a view to their adoption by the end of 2015. It is understood that the majority of areas are currently engaged in public consultation processes and developing objectives underpinned by clear measurable actions to ensure successful delivery of the plans.
At policy level, the Government’s Tourism Policy Statement “People, Place and Policy – Growing Tourism to 2025” which was launched last March, sets out key policy objectives under a range of headings, including a central role in tourism for Local Authorities and communities.
I have recently appointed a Tourism Leadership Group, to put in place a Tourism Action Plan that will set out the actions required in the period to 2018 in order that the overall objectives in "People, Place and Policy – Growing Tourism to 2025". can be achieved. Amongst the issues being considered by the Group is how to consolidate and enhance the role of Local Authorities in the area of tourism.
I intend to publish the Tourism Action Plan in the first quarter of 2016.
617. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the tourism capital investment programme will reopen later in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32971/15]
View answerWhile my Department provides the capital funding for investment in tourism, it is not directly involved in the operation of the Tourism Capital Investment Programme (TCIP) which is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I am aware, however, that the open call TCIP is now closed. Depending on the resources available, Fáilte Ireland is focusing capital investment in 2016 and beyond on the development of the core experience brands of the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland's Ancient East and Dublin and their officials can be of assistance in this regard. It is matter for the Board of Fáilte Ireland to decide the most appropriate method for the selection of priority projects for investment. I am referring the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply in relation to further details. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
618. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will clarify a number of changes in Aer Lingus pension arrangements (details supplied) and his Department's involvement in same; his views on the impact of changes for the various categories of pensioners, many of whom feel ignored, betrayed and isolated by the changes; if he will indicate the agreement process; who participated in the decision; the reason some pensioner groups were left unrepresented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32986/15]
View answerAn agreed solution was implemented to address the IASS pension funding problems earlier this year. The solution that has been implemented is a matter for the pension scheme trustee, the companies participating in the scheme, the scheme members and the Pensions Authority.
My Department facilitated the establishment of an Expert Panel to examine and address issues that arose during the negotiations between the parties.
This is a very difficult issue which has been the subject of long and protracted discussions over a number of years. My Department is acutely aware of the very negative consequences caused by the problems in the IASS scheme for all its members, however, the reason for the State having any role at all in this private scheme was to facilitate an outcome, which, although not ideal, was preferable than the alternatives, including the likelihood of a wind-up of the scheme.
619. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to extend the Dublin Area Rapid Transit to Drogheda in County Louth; if he will have this proposal examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32995/15]
View answerAs announced on 22 September, the Government intends to progress elements of the DART Expansion Programme under the new Capital Plan 2016-2022. This will include the electrification of the Northern line to extend the DART to Balbriggan and works to increase frequency of existing services.
Funding for the electrification of the line onwards to Drogheda will not be available under the new capital plan but the project remains part of the overall DART Expansion Programme and, in that context, the project will remain under review with a view to inclusion under the next Capital Plan post-2022, subject to business case approval and availability of funding.
620. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a timeframe during which Transport Infrastructure Ireland will commence work on the N67 road at Clonbony Bridge in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33060/15]
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 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), formerly 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 TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.
621. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide funding to Westmeath County Council from the National Roads Authority for the provision of traffic calming measures at Portnashangan Cross on the N4 road outside Mullingar in County Westmeath (details supplied). [33136/15]
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 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), formerly 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 TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.
622. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current position regarding the plans to develop the N2-A5 road into a dual carriageway from south of Monaghan town, and serving counties Tyrone, Derry and Donegal; the reasons for the project being postponed; his plans to progress this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33158/15]
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. Work on the new draft Statutory Orders and new Environmental Statement is complete and, when published, will be subject to public consultation which may lead to a further Public Inquiry.
The Government remains supportive of the project. The timeframe for the project is dependent on planning issues which are currently being addressed by the Northern authorities. Once the planning, timing and costs related to the project are settled, consideration will be given to the funding implications.
623. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a full breakdown, in tabular form, of the areas in which money has been spent on for the shelved Dublin Area Rapid Transit underground project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33234/15]
View answerFirstly, I would point out to the Deputy that the DART Underground project has not been shelved. As I announced last week, based on the outcome of the updated business case for the project, the National Transport Authority (NTA) recommended that the project be redesigned to provide a lower cost technical solution and Government has accepted this recommendation. Funding is being provided in the new Capital Plan for redesign and planning for the project and it remains a key element of integrated transport for the Greater Dublin Area.
Approximately €45m has been spent on the project to the end of 2014. It is estimated that a large portion of this spend will have value when the project proceeds. I have referred the Deputy's request for a detailed breakdown of the expenditure on this project to date to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
624. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the metro north project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33235/15]
View answerDecisions in relation to public transport infrastructure to serve the Swords/North Dublin corridor are being announced today in the context of the Government's new Capital Plan. This will include a major programme of transport investment for the coming years. In particular, the Plan will set out a comprehensive response to the public transport needs of the Greater Dublin Area, based on the updated analysis carried out by the National Transport Authority over the past year or so, including the Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study.
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 such as Fingal will be properly served by public transport. I am confident that the new capital plan will provide the investment required to meet these objectives.
625. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on when the Sandycove to Sutton cycle path in County Dublin will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33278/15]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) is the competent authority responsible for the provision pf cycling infrastructure for the Greater Dublin Area. I have forwarded your request to the NTA for attention and direct reply to you. If you have not received a response within 10 working days please contact my office.
626. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the decision to restore metro north to the 2016 capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33306/15]
View answerDecisions in relation to public transport infrastructure to serve the Swords/North Dublin corridor are being announced today in the context of the Government's new Capital Plan. This will include a major programme of transport investment for the coming years. In particular, the Plan will set out a comprehensive response to the public transport needs of the Greater Dublin Area, based on the updated analysis carried out by the National Transport Authority over the past year or so, including the Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study.
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 such as Fingal will be properly served by public transport. I am confident that the new capital plan will provide the investment required to meet these objectives.
627. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of metro north to date; the anticipated final cost of metro north by 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33307/15]
View answerDecisions in relation to public transport infrastructure to serve the Swords / North Dublin corridor are being announced today in the context of the Government's new Capital Plan. This will include a major programme of transport investment for the coming years. In particular, the Plan will set out a comprehensive response to the public transport needs of the Greater Dublin Area, based on the updated analysis carried out by the National Transport Authority over the past year or so, including the Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study.
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 such as Fingal will be properly served by public transport. I am confident that the new capital plan will provide the investment required to meet these objectives.
Approximately €170 million has been spent on Metro North to date.
628. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will liaise with Bus Éireann to provide a bus shelter in sráidbhaile Baile an Fheiréartaigh in Corca Dhuibhne in Contae Chiarrai, which is a prime tourist area, with Bus Éireann transport crucial to the local population and to visitors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33323/15]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for developing public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). In addition, its functions have been extended to include securing or providing bus stops, bus shelters, bus stations, stands and bus fleets throughout the country.
Therefore, 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 ten working days.
629. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of his recent announcement concerning the extension of the Galway bikes scheme, if he will provide the usage statistics for each docking station, per month, to date in 2015; the data on the point to point journeys from each station; the number of persons who have joined the scheme; and the number of temporary passes that have been issued, per month, to date in 2015. [33377/15]
View answerThe administration and expansion of the Galway regional bike scheme is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in cooperation with Galway County Council. I have forwarded your requested to the NTA for attention and direct reply to you. If you have not received a response within 10 working days please contact my office.
