Written Answers Nos. 700-720
700. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a final reply will issue to this Deputy's correspondence regarding the building of a stadium (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36308/15]
View answerA reply to the Deputy's correspondence will issue shortly. My officials are in ongoing correspondence with the club and are currently awaiting some documentation from the club.
701. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a licence exchange agreement has been reached with British Columbia in Canada which would allow a Canadian national resident here with a full British Columbia licence to apply for a full Irish licence, given that agreements already exist for other Canadian provinces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36341/15]
View answerIrish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU legislation. On this basis we have mutual recognition for driver licence exchange with all other EU Member States. In the case of non-EU jurisdictions, we can reach bilateral agreements.
It has been a matter of policy for some time to reach bilateral agreements of this kind with Canada. Arriving at such agreements can be a complex process, as it requires the licensing authorities on both sides to study the two systems and satisfy themselves that they are compatible. On the Irish side, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
As driver licensing in Canada operates at provincial rather than national level, we must reach separate agreements with each province. It was agreed from the start to prioritise agreement with Ontario, due to the large number of Irish residents there. I am happy to say that agreement was reached with Ontario, and has been in operation since October 2014. A further agreement, with Manitoba, came into operation in May of 2015.
The RSA is continuing to work towards agreement with the other Canadian provinces, including British Columbia. I understand that good progress is being made, but that it is not possible at this stage to give a date when further agreements will be in place.
702. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is a precedent whereby funding was awarded under the 2013 or 2014 Sports Capital Programme without the relevant Diocesan Trust being party to the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36344/15]
View answerThere was no advertised round of the Sports Capital Programme in 2013, but I can confirm that under the 2014 round of the Sports Capital Programme funding was allocated to schools where the applications were not made by the relevant Trusts. Under the 2014 Programme, it was not a requirement that capital applications from schools be made by the property owner, but this was made a requirement for the 2015 Programme.
703. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an application was deemed invalid (details supplied) for the same reason under the 2014 and 2015 Sports Capital Programme; if this information was communicated to the applicant in 2014; if the criteria changed in 2015; if these changes have been communicated to the applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36345/15]
View answerThe reasons for this organisation's application being invalid under the 2014 Sports Capital Programme were different to the reason their application was invalid in 2015. The reasons for their 2014 application being invalid were communicated to them by email, in common with all those who submitted invalid applications. The terms and conditions were changed for the 2015 round of the Sports Capital Programme and a guide to making applications (detailing the current terms and conditions) was made available to all potential applicants when the application process was opened. Ultimately it is the responsibility of all applicants to ensure that they are aware of the terms and conditions of the Programme.
704. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the percentage of the Dublin Bus fleet that is wheelchair accessible in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36416/15]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Dublin Bus and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a response within ten working days.
705. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has raised the issue of the cost recovery program DATA which has had a major impact on the salaries of Dublin Airport Authority workers in his discussions with management at the company; and his plans regarding same. [36479/15]
View answerWhile DAA keeps my Department informed of its efforts to improve efficiencies in the company, including managing its cost base, decisions and initiatives in this regard, such as the Cost Recovery Programme referred to by the Deputy, are operational matters for daa. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the daa for direct reply. If the Deputy does not receive a reply from the Company within ten working days, she should advise my Private Office.
706. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request Iarnród Éireann to increase the frequency of services between Dublin Connolly and Rosslare Europort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36488/15]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a response within ten working days.
707. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will justify demands for €150 for Freedom Of Information requests regarding exemptions granted under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions Of War Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973. [36493/15]
View answerThe Freedom of Information Act 2014, and S.I. No. 531 of 2014, Freedom of Information Act 2014 (Fees) No. 2 Regulations 2014 provide for fees to be charged for FOI requests. Section 27(1) of the Act states 'Such amount as may be appropriate having regard to the provisions of this section shall be charged by the FOI body concerned under this subsection and paid by the requester concerned to the body in respect of the grant of an FOI request. The amount of a charge under this subsection shall be equal to the estimated cost of the search for and retrieval and copying of the record concerned by the FOI body concerned for the requester'.
For the FOI request to which the Deputy refers, my Department has estimated the costs to be €150. The Act provides that if the final amount of fees actually due is less than the estimate, then it is the actual amount which is charged. The Act furthermore provides that if the actual amount is less than the deposit paid, the balance must be refunded.
708. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ask Iarnród Éireann to indicate the number of Dublin Area Rapid Transit services with four carriages departing from Howth station in County Dublin between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. during each working day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36546/15]
View answer709. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will contact Iarnród Éireann to ensure that audio announcements on all Dublin Area Rapid Transit services are clearly audible and working fully; the frequency in which Iarnród Éireann monitors the audio announcements to ensure they are working fully; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36547/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 708 and 709 together.
The issues raised are matters for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the company for direct reply. The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a response within ten working days.
710. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a primary school can apply for a Sports Capital Grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36559/15]
View answerI recently announced allocations under the 2015 round of the Sports Capital Programme. No decision has been made on the timing of any future rounds of the Programme. Any future rounds of the Programme will be advertised in the national press.
Grants are available to sports clubs, voluntary and community groups, national governing bodies of sport and local authorities. Third level colleges, Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and schools may only apply for funding jointly with sports clubs.
Any interested group should register now on www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie as this will be the only way to apply under any future rounds of the Programme.
711. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the conversion of Irish driver licences in Alberta in Canada; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36614/15]
View answerIrish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU legislation. On this basis we have mutual recognition for driver licence exchange with all other EU Member States. In the case of non-EU jurisdictions, we can reach bilateral agreements.
It has been a matter of policy for some time to reach bilateral agreements of this kind with Canada. Arriving at such agreements can be a complex process, as it requires the licensing authorities on both sides to study the two systems and satisfy themselves that they are compatible. On the Irish side, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
As driver licensing in Canada operates at provincial rather than national level, we must reach separate agreements with each province. It was agreed from the start to prioritise agreement with Ontario, due to the large number of Irish residents there. I am happy to say that agreement was reached with Ontario, and has been in operation since October 2014. A further agreement, with Manitoba, came into operation in May of 2015.
The RSA is continuing to work towards agreement with the other Canadian provinces, including Alberta. I understand that good progress is being made, but that it is not possible at this stage to give a date when further agreements will be in place.
712. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expected commencement date of the Tralee to Daingean Uí Chúis County Kerry road improvements; if the work will be completed for the 2016 tourist season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35994/15]
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, such as the N86 is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
713. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will confirm the position of the upgrading of the bus stop in Bandon in County Cork to make it wheelchair accessible on the National Transport Authority's roll-out list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36033/15]
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.
My Department is also funding an on-going programme of accessibility improvement grants to upgrade existing public transport infrastructure and facilities. This programme is being managed by the NTA on behalf of my Department.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in the matter I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
714. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport given that a Lucan LUAS line, LUAS F, has been in planning since 2000 and that the development would have had 10.5 km of rail with capacity to carry 4,650 persons in each direction per hour and could carry over 20 million passengers per year, with a significant reduction in vehicle traffic along the N4 corridor and given that the proposed line had significant development work completed and was at the stage to proceed to construction when work was suspended and given that the capital investment plan, Building on Recovery 2016 to 2021, makes no mention of what is seen as a vital transport link, if he will confirm that this project remains under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36077/15]
View answerGiven the constraints on the public finances, a number of public transport projects, including the extension of the Luas to Lucan, were deferred under the Government's last Capital Plan published in November 2011. While we are making good strides in restoring the public finances, constraints still exist and it has not been possible to provide funding under the the new Capital Plan (2016-2021) for all of the projects that were deferred.
The National Transport Authority (NTA), which has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), has just published a draft Transport Strategy for the GDA covering the period 2016 to 2035. The draft strategy includes a review of the public transport requirements for the Lucan area and the N4 corridor. It envisages the development of an east-west Luas line, commencing in the residential areas of Lucan to the south of the N4 national road, and connecting into Dublin City Centre.
All stakeholders and the travelling public currently have an opportunity to submit their views on the proposals in the draft strategy, which is now available on the NTA website www.nationaltransport.ie.
Delivery of projects prioritised in the final GDA Strategy will be dependent on the availability of funding, including from non-Exchequer sources.
715. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for details of the proposed schedule for commencement of the proposed upgrade of the Macroom by-pass; when this work will commence and be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36099/15]
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, such as the Macroom By-Pass is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act. In this context TII will be drawing up an implementation programme in relation to the projects included in the 7 year capital plan taking into account annual budget allocations. The timeframe for implementation of individual projects will be decided once that programme is in place.
716. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question 1708 of 22 September 2015 seeking clarification of Regulation 25 of the European Communities (Birds and Habitats) Regulations 2011, the way a landowners or their agents may obtain precise lists of the other restrictions applying to the site; if her Department has liaised with the Law Society of Ireland to ensure that conveyancing practitioners are aware of this most stringent obligation on landowners of designated lands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36404/15]
View answerAs outlined in my previous reply, owners or occupiers of land may seek further information with regard to site boundaries, activities that require consent or other relevant matters by contacting local staff of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department. Contact details can be found on www.npws.ie. The Law Society of Ireland is not a statutory consultee in this matter.
717. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she is aware of the cultural and economic importance of an institution (details supplied) in County Mayo, the commercial threat to the future of that institution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36420/15]
View answerMy Department is fully aware of the cultural and economic importance of the institution in County Mayo referred to by the Deputy and of the threat to its future. In the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage for the county, the related building was rated of ‘National’ significance.
In recognition of that significance, conservation works have been undertaken in recent years to the building with public funding support in the region of €2m being channelled through the Heritage Council. This was directed at the vital re-roofing works necessary to secure the survival of the fabric of the asset.
However, as the Deputy can appreciate, the scope for funding for the conservation of the built heritage is currently constrained by the significant reduction in the public finances. Funding for the protection of built heritage continues to be provided by my Department in 2015 via a number of schemes, which are either directly administered or delivered through local authorities or through the Heritage Council. The remainder of my Department’s built heritage capital budget for 2015 is focused on the conservation and presentation of the State's heritage portfolio, which is managed by the Office of Public Works.
I am aware of the growing risk to the sustainable future of the remaining stock of large Irish Historic Houses, where owners have consistently struggled throughout the last century to find sustainable alternative means of meeting the on-going costs of their maintenance. My Department is also aware of the recent economic report commissioned by Mayo County Council by CHL Consulting Ltd showing visitor numbers in relation to the institution referred to.
I am prepared to work closely with the owners of such properties. In February 2015, I approved the establishment of an Irish Historic Houses Committee, with representatives from relevant Government Departments, the Irish Historic Houses Association (a representative body for Historic House owners), Fáilte Ireland, relevant non-governmental organisations and a number of individual house owners.
The Committee’s main objective was to provide me with advice regarding strategies to support the sustainable future of Irish historic houses. There are, in particular, complexities of balancing private ownership with public benefit. I also see the need to examine if existing supports provided by government departments, local government, State agencies and non-governmental organisations could be better co-ordinated in order to better support the owners who are the custodians of these properties.
My Department has now concluded a draft Action Plan in this regard that I hope to publish shortly.
718. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the cost of the Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme; the number of persons provided with turf; the cost of providing and delivering it; the value of cash payments made, in 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36612/15]
View answerExpenditure under my Department’s cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme in 2015 to date is in the region of €3.5 million.
This amount, which includes VAT charged in relation to turf deliveries, is comprised of: Annual Compensation Payments - €3.230 million; Legal Agreement Once-off (€500) Incentive Payments - €0.065 million; and Turf Deliveries - €0.254 million.
Turf deliveries have been provided to 103 individuals under the scheme in 2015 to date.
719. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views that it is acceptable that a person (details supplied) in County Galway is waiting over 17 months for a decision on an appeal for compensation to the Peatlands Council; the steps she is taking to address this situation; her views that it is acceptable that this appeal, having gone before the council again on 1 October 2015, has been postponed until 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36079/15]
View answer720. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of appeals received by the Peatlands Council since it started to accept bog compensation appeal cases; the number on hand; the number decided; the average time taken to decide on each case; the longest period for a case to be decided; the date received of the five longest waiting appeals; the number of times that the Council has held a meeting to assess these appeals; the dates of such meetings; her views that justice delayed is justice denied, particularly given the comments of Mr Justice Quirke that turf cutters have not been treated in a fair or responsible manner by those involved in implementing the European Union Habitats Directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36080/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 719 and 720 together.
In April 2011, the Government agreed to the setting up of an independently chaired Peatlands Council to assist the Government and stakeholders regarding certain issues related to the management of Ireland’s peatlands.
Applicants to the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme administered by my Department may, further to the option of a Departmental review, appeal their case to the Peatlands Council in the event that they are informed that the qualifying criteria of the scheme have not been met. The Council may then make recommendations to me, as Minister, on such cases.
As part of the appeals process the Council has established an Appeals Sub Group consisting of 3 members of the Council. While the terms of reference in relation to the Peatlands Council’s appeals function have been agreed between the Council and myself, as Minister, the operation of the appeals function is a matter for the Council itself.
I am advised that, following agreement on the terms of reference of the Council’s appeals function, the appellant, referred to in the Deputy’s Question, was informed by the Secretary of the Council, on 12 January last, that it was hoped to arrange a consideration of the appeal by the Appeals Sub Group as soon as possible. I am further advised that the Appeals Sub Group considered the appeal on 19 February 2015, 1 April 2015, 22 June 2015 and 19 August 2015.
The Appeals Sub Group reported to the Peatlands Council on this case on 28 April and 1 October 2015 and I understand that the Secretary of the Council recently wrote to the appellant seeking his consent to request relevant documentation from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Once the documentation is received from that Department, I understand that the Appeals Sub Group will consider the appeal further with a view to making a recommendation to the Peatlands Council as soon as possible.
I am informed that the Peatlands Council has received 11 appeals in relation to decisions made by my Department on applications under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme which come within the terms of reference of the Peatlands Council’s appeals function, agreed in January 2015. There are 4 appeals cases currently being considered and in 7 cases the Peatlands Council has agreed on the recommendation of the Appeals Sub Group.
Following agreement on the terms of reference of the Peatlands Council’s appeals function, the average time taken by the Council to agree on a recommendation of the Appeals Sub Group is 24 weeks, from receipt of the appeal. The longest period for the Council to agree on a recommendation of the Appeals Sub Group is 38 weeks, from receipt of the appeal.
Details of the 4 appeal cases regarding which the Peatlands Council has yet to agree on a recommendation of the Appeals Sub Group are set out in the following table.
|
Case Number |
Date Appeal Received by Peatlands Council |
Number of times Appeals Sub Group has met to consider appeal case and date(s) of meeting(s) |
Number of times Peatlands Council has met to consider appeal case and date(s) of meeting(s) |
|
1 |
16 May 2014* |
4 (19 February 2015, 1 April 2015, 22 June, 2015, 19 August 2015) |
2 (28 April 2015, 1 October 2015) |
|
2 |
21 February 2015 |
3 (1 April 2015, 22 June 2015, 19 August 2015) |
2 (28 April 2015, 1 October 2015) |
|
3 |
11 May 2015 |
2 (22 June 2015, 19 August 2015) |
1 (1 October 2015) |
|
4 |
22 May 2015 |
2 (22 June 2015, 19 August 2015) |
1 (1 October 2015) |
*The terms of reference of the Peatlands Council’s appeals function were agreed In January 2015.
In addition, 2 appeals cases have been recently received and were acknowledged by the Secretary of the Council on 16 October last. Another appeal case does not relate to the qualifying criteria of the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme but to the compensation available to the applicant under the scheme.
