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Tuesday, 6 Oct 2015

Written Answers Nos. 767-791

Rail Network Maintenance

Questions (767)

Derek Keating

Question:

767. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport given that the new capital plan includes an allocation in the order of €3.6 billion for public transport and and given that €6 million has already been spent on a train station at Kishogue in Lucan in County Dublin, which is already constructed and lying idle, his plans to ensure that this station is completed and opened within the lifetime of the plan, in order that the journey time for a 7 km trip can be reduced from the current 1 hour and 45 minutes by bus to the area where Kishogue is located; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34336/15]

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Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and the overall funding of public transport. Responsibility for the development public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including train stations, 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.

Tourism Promotion

Questions (768)

Michael McGrath

Question:

768. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the body responsible for promoting Cork city and its environs as a tourist destination; the investment that is being made to promote Cork city for tourism; the relationship between Cork city and county, the Wild Atlantic Way and the Ireland's Ancient East initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34406/15]

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Written answers

My Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of developing national tourism policy, whereas the tourism agencies have operational responsibility for the implementation of this policy.  As regards the division of those responsibilities, Tourism Ireland is responsible for the overseas promotion of the island of Ireland as a tourism destination, whereas Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, has responsibility for national investment in and development of quality tourism product, domestic tourism marketing, tourism standards, enterprise support, capability building and human resource development for the tourism industry.  Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to the tourism agencies for direct reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not hear from them within ten working days.

However, the Government's recent policy statement "People, Place and Policy: Growing Tourism to 2025" highlights the central role of local authorities in developing tourism in their areas and clearly Cork County and City Councils are important partners, along with the local tourist industry and local communities, in doing so.  It is universally recognised that tourism is developed by strong partnership across a range of stakeholders and no one body or person can do so on its, his or her own.

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Questions (769)

Robert Troy

Question:

769. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will approve an application under the sports capital grant scheme for a sports club (details supplied) in County Cavan. [34433/15]

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Written answers

I can confirm that an application has been submitted by the organisation referred to by the Deputy under the 2015 Sports Capital Programme and the Deputy's support for the project is noted.

I expect to announce allocations shortly.

Legislative Programme

Questions (770)

Finian McGrath

Question:

770. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the national tourism development authority (amendment) Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34436/15]

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Written answers

The National Tourism Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2015 will be presented to the Dáil shortly. 

Taxi Licences Renewals

Questions (771)

James Bannon

Question:

771. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider extending a pending taxi licence renewal from a ten-year class to a 15-year class, on the basis of an illness experienced by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34463/15]

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Written answers

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) 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.

Wild Atlantic Way Project

Questions (772)

Robert Troy

Question:

772. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason there are no midlands greenway signs erected to date, given that there are 2,500 signs erected for the Wild Atlantic Way. [34469/15]

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Written answers

I understand that the Mullingar to Athlone Greenway which is due to be officially opened by An Taoiseach, on October 18th, will have signage on the route in place on opening. As the signage to be used will set a template for other Greenways in the country, it is important that we have signage in place that will work in a myriad of different locations whilst also avoiding visual clutter. This is taking somewhat longer than expected, but I understand that there will be further signs directing people to the route during November.

I am delighted to see this opening and I understand that many local people are already using the route even before it is officially open. It will show the benefits of a greenway to the local community and get more people out on their bikes, walking and being active and providing a focal point for communities along the route.

Rail Services Provision

Questions (773)

Finian McGrath

Question:

773. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount that Iarnród Éireann collected from charging customers for reservation of their seats on intercity services in 2014 and in 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34556/15]

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Written answers

The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Rail Services Provision

Questions (774)

Michael McNamara

Question:

774. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a lift for access to platform two at Ennis Railway Station in County Clare for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34567/15]

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Written answers

It is understood from the National Transport Authority (NTA) that the original access bridge at Ennis Station was in poor condition and had to be replaced. The replacement bridge is constructed to modern standards and has been designed to accommodate a lift or ramp in the future.

In order to provide accessibility for all its customers Iarnród Éireann can make arrangements for access in accordance with arrangements set out on its website http://www.irishrail.ie/travel-information/disabled-access.

I understand a member of staff is made available to safely deploy a wheelchair ramp at Ennis Station once advance notice is provided.

Road Projects Status

Questions (775)

Michael McGrath

Question:

775. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding is committed to completing the construction of the N28 Cork to Ringaskiddy road scheme under the transport section of the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan 2016-2021; under which year this funding is allocated; the estimated cost of the project that has been factored into the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34595/15]

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Written answers

As 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 (such as the N28) is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) formerly the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Decisions on road projects included in the Capital Plan were framed by the conclusions reached in my Department’s Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport. I also recognise that there is a need for targeted investment to support economic development and to address bottlenecks and safety issues across the country. The progression of projects such as the N28 is of course subject to planning approval and I have referred the Deputy's question regarding the cost of the scheme to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.

Wild Atlantic Way Project

Questions (776)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

776. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the Seven Arches at Portsalon in County Donegal, one of County Donegal’s most iconic landmarks on the Wild Atlantic Way, has been excluded from development and promotion, on the basis of limited access; the measures that will be put in place to have this site re-opened to public access, either by land or sea; the person or body which has ownership of the Seven Arches; the length of time it has remained closed; and when the public were last allowed free access to this site. [34633/15]

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Written answers

While my Department provides capital funding to Fáilte Ireland for investment in tourism attractions, it is not directly involved in developing or managing these. The role of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national policy.

I understand that land access to the Seven Arches cave, located in Portsalon, Donegal, is in private ownership, and as such I have no remit over how access to the land is managed.

Aviation Issues

Questions (777)

Tom Fleming

Question:

777. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the health and safety measures in place for the use of drones by members of the public; the licensing requirements; if there are zones where drones may operate or are prohibited from operating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34660/15]

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Written answers

The regulation of the safe use and operation of remotely piloted aviation systems (RPAS) in Irish airspace is a matter for the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).

I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the IAA for direct response. If the Deputy does not receive a response within 10 days, he should contact my office directly.

Road Projects

Questions (778)

Dessie Ellis

Question:

778. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will confirm that an upgrade to the M7 will not include a toll bridge, following the announcement of a €27 billion capital programme. [34663/15]

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Written answers

As 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 - formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

The M7 upgrade scheme will not include the provision of a toll bridge.

Public Transport

Questions (779)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

779. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reasons the taxsaver programme operated by Bus Éireann is not available to commuters for routes operating through County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34704/15]

View answer

Written answers

The issue raised is a matter for Bus Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Railway Stations Upgrade

Questions (780)

Michael McNamara

Question:

780. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when works are due to commence on the installation of a shelter at Ennis Railway Station in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34728/15]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Issues relating to the installation of shelters at railway stations  are an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.

I have referred the Deputy's question to Iarnród Eireann for a direct reply.  If you do not receive a response within 10 working days, please contact my private office.

National Monuments

Questions (781)

Clare Daly

Question:

781. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the 1916 National Monument at 14 to 17 Moore Street has been included in the Project Jewel National Asset Management Agency Portfolio. [34067/15]

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Written answers

The national monument is excluded from the project referred to.

Maoiniú d’Fhoras na Gaeilge

Questions (782, 783)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

782. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sí chun buiséad Fhoras na Gaeilge a choinneáil mar atá nó a mhéadú, leis an gcaint atá ann go mbeidh laghdú de 4.35% ar bhuiséad Fhoras na Gaeilge ón mbliain seo chugainn ar aghaidh; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [34199/15]

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Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

783. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sí chun buiséad Fhoras na Gaeilge a choinneáil mar atá nó a mhéadú, leis an gcaint atá ann go mbeidh laghdú de 4.35% ar bhuiséad Fhoras na Gaeilge ón mbliain seo chugainn ar aghaidh; an bhfuil sí sásta glacadh le moladh a rinneadh ag an gComhchoiste go mbeadh 10% den earnáil phoiblí inniúil sa Ghaeilge; cén plean atá ag an Roinn chun an sprioc seo a bhaint amach; cén sprioc ama atá ann chun an plean seo a chur i gcrích; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [34200/15]

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Written answers

Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 782 agus 783 le chéile.

Mar is eol don Teachta, is áisíneacht den Fhoras Teanga é Foras na Gaeilge agus, dá réir sin, is í an Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh Theas a cheadaíonn a bhuiséad. Déantar Foras na Gaeilge a chómhaoiniú ar bhonn 75% ó mo Roinnse agus 25% ón Roinn Cultúir, Ealaíon agus Fóillíochta i dTuaisceart Éireann. Anuas air seo, cuireann mo Roinn maoiniú breise ar leith ar fáil d'Fhoras na Gaeilge i ndáil le nithe imfhálaithe mar a bhaineann le Clár na Leabhar Gaeilge agus Colmcille. Ina theannta sin, faigheann Foras na Gaeilge ioncam ó fhoinsí eile, lena n-áirítear ioncam ó dhíol leabhar.

Ní miste a shoiléiriú go bhfuil sé aontaithe cheana féin ag na Ranna Airgeadais sa dá dhlínse go gcaithfidh na forais trasteorann go léir sábháiltí éifeachtúlachta de 4% ar a laghad in aghaidh na bliana a chur i bhfeidhm ar bhonn carnach thar an tréimhse 2014 go 2016. Dá bhrí sin, ag eascairt as laghdú carnach 8% thar na blianta 2014 agus 2015 agus i gcomhréir le treoracha na Ranna Airgeadais thuaidh agus theas, beidh laghdú 4% le cur i bhfeidhm in 2016 ar na forais trasteorann go léir. San ollchomhthéacs sin, beidh buiséad Fhoras na Gaeilge do 2016 ag brath ar phróiseas na Meastachán sa dlínse seo, an maoiniú a bheidh ar fáil ón Roinn Cultúir, Ealaíon agus Fóillíochta i dTuaisceart Éireann agus ar chinneadh na Comhairle Aireachta Thuaidh Theas i dtráth cuí.

Maidir leis an mholadh atá déanta ag an gComhchoiste um Chomhshaol, Cultúr agus Gaeltacht go mbeadh 10% ar a laghad den fhoireann i gcomhlachtaí poiblí inniúil sa Ghaeilge, ní miste dom a shoiléiriú nach mbaineann freagrachtaí maidir le hearcaíocht don tseirbhís phoiblí le mo réimse freagrachtaí mar Aire Stáit do Ghnóthaí Gaeltachta. An méid sin ráite áfach, is féidir liom a chur in iúl don Teachta go bhfuilim tar éis scríobh chuig Airí éagsúla chun dul i mbun plé leo maidir le tionscnaimh pholasaí áirithe a bhfuil sé mar aidhm acu forbairt a dhéanamh ar sholáthar seirbhísí poiblí i nGaeilge. Tá an méid seo a leanas san áireamh sna tionscnaimh pholasaí seo:

- Na céatadáin íosta do na painéil do dhátheangaigh fheidhmiúla a ardú ón íosmhéid de 6% i gcomórtais earcaíochta do ghráid neamh-speisialtóireachta sa Státseirbhís. Is í an mhianaidhm an céatadán a ardú ar bhonn incriminteach go dtí 20% thar thréimhse ama, ag tosú le hardú go dtí 10% mar thús.

- Treisiú a dhéanamh ar an gcreatlach pleanála don fhórsa saothair do Ranna Rialtais trína gcuirtear iachall orthu mír ar leith a bheith sna pleananna gníomhaíochta don fhórsa saothair a shonraíonn na poist/réimsí oibre ina mbíonn gá le dátheangaigh fheidhmiúla le fócas ar leith ar an nGaeltacht.

Museum Projects

Questions (784)

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

784. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the current and planned future funding for the National Transport Museum of Ireland; if she will consider moving the museum to a more central location; and if she will allocate funds to fix a leak in the roof which is causing vehicles to be damaged. [34012/15]

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Written answers

My Department has no role regarding, and does not provide funding to, the National Transport Museum of Ireland.

However, I understand that officials from the National Museum of Ireland and my Department have met with representatives from the National Transport Museum of Ireland to discuss issues in relation to the Transport Museum.

Departmental Staff

Questions (785)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

785. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide details of the numbers of supernumerary positions in her Department and those agencies, organisations or bodies funded by her; the maximum period in each case that supernumerary positions have existed; the total cost in maintaining supernumerary positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34136/15]

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Written answers

I am advised that there are no supernumerary posts either in my Department or in bodies or agencies operating under the aegis of my Department.

National Monuments

Questions (786)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

786. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if an application has been received from Louth County Council or any other body, regarding the opening, maintenance and running of Ardee Castle in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34171/15]

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Written answers

Officials from my Department’s Heritage Division had informal discussions some time ago with representatives of Louth County Council in relation to Ardee Castle. The discussions related to matters such as universal access, archaeological and architectural conservation and fire safety requirements.

No formal proposals have been since been received by my Department, either as statutory consultee under the Planning and Development Acts or under the National Monuments Acts.

Hare Coursing Regulation

Questions (787)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

787. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will exclude a coursing club (details supplied) from the 2015 to 2016 hare coursing licence given that members of the club were caught poaching hares at the State-owed Boora Bog Nature Reserve and pleaded guilty to this serious breach of the Wildlife Act at a court hearing in Tullamore in County Offaly on 28 September 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34233/15]

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Written answers

My Department is examining the outcome of the court hearing in question.

Calafoirt agus Céanna

Questions (788)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

788. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil airgead curtha ar fáil faoin gClár Bonneagair agus Infheistíochta Caipitil, 2016-2021 d’fhorbairt na cé ar Inis Oírr; má tá, cé mhéid tairiscintí a iarrfar don obair seo, agus cén uair a iarrfar iad, ó tharla go bhfuil cead pleanála ann cheana don obair; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [34380/15]

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Written answers

Dírím aird an Teachta ar an bhfreagra a thug an tAire Comhshaoil, Pobal agus Rialtais Áitiúil, Alan Kelly, T.D., ar Cheist Dála Uimh. 703 agus 716 inniu.

School Transport Provision

Questions (789, 790)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

789. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason a 100% grant was not provided for the provision of the school bus link from Cleggan to Galway, given the principle of providing equality of access to education to persons in peripheral areas and islands; the saving involved in looking for a local contribution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34396/15]

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Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

790. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason funding is no longer being provided to the minibus service that linked the early sailing from Inishbofin to Cleggan and to Clifden on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays to enable people to do business there or to link with the bus service to Galway; the method of travel she expects persons from the island, who do not have cars on the mainland, to use to get to Clifden in the absence of this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34397/15]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 789 and 790 together.

As with all other road transport services subsidised by my Department, a maximum fare has been stipulated for the Cleggan to Galway school bus service. The maximum fare is not considered to be unduly onerous given that the service involves a twice-weekly round trip of some 180 km.

In relation to the early morning minibus service from Cleggan to Clifden, to which the Deputy refers, my Department understands that this service was being provided at the discretion of the ferry service operator. It was not funded by my Department.

Arts Funding

Questions (791)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

791. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the average annual expenditure on the arts as a percentage of gross domestic product; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34484/15]

View answer

Written answers

Expenditure on the arts in Ireland comes from multiple sources, both public and private. I understand that the CSO does not produce national statistics that capture the totality of this expenditure as a percentage of GDP. My Department’s expenditure on the arts is, in the main, directed through the Arts Council. That expenditure is published annually in the Revised Estimates Volumes at www.per.ie.

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