Terence Flanagan
Question:573. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of hydraulic fracturing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41703/15]
View answerHydraulic Fracturing
Questions (573)
Written answers
The multi-agency trans-boundary programme of research on the potential impacts on the environment and human health from Unconventional Gas Exploration and Extraction projects is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and co-funded by the EPA, my Department and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, with oversight from a broad based Steering Committee that includes my Department. This All-Island Joint Research Programme is a collaborative approach between Northern Ireland and this jurisdiction and is working very well. I regard the sharing of expertise between the various State Agencies in both jurisdictions as a positive initiative. The research programme is broad in its scope, covering several environmental parameters as well as operational practice and regulatory approaches around the world. The Terms of Reference for this research programme were agreed by a broadly based Steering Committee. The draft Terms of Reference had earlier been published for consultation and more than 1,300 submissions were received. The EPA and the Steering Committee reviewed the submissions and the draft Terms of Reference were amended and strengthened after this public consultation.
I understand that the contract for this programme of research was awarded following a robust evaluation process in compliance with public procurement guidelines, where the tender submitted by the winning consortium was evaluated as being the strongest bid. The constitution of the evaluation panel was approved by the project Steering Committee and included personnel with the capacity to make informed decisions on the tenders received. The evaluation panel consisted of 27 existing and retired personnel from various State agencies spanning four jurisdictions.
One of the key requirements of the tender process was evidence of expertise in the field. The evaluation panel found that in this regard, that the tender led by CDM Smith provided an excellent response. The overall resourcing of the proposal included excellent legal expertise, a strong and experienced hydrogeological team, an excellent peer-review group proposed with high credibility, in addition to a seismology team which was considered to be outstanding. Work undertaken by the consortium is reviewed by the members funding the programme and external experts appointed by them.
As is usual in major and broad ranging projects such as this, the project team involves a wide range of expert institutions and companies. The consortium includes CDM Smith, the British Geological Survey, University College Dublin, Ulster University, AMEC Foster Wheeler and Philip Lee Solicitors. This consortium includes commercial consultancies, academics, a geological research institution and a legal firm, each offering a particular specialism required by the project scope. This broad range of experience and expertise adds to the strength of the consortium.
Members of the consortium (CDM Smith, AMEC and BGS) have extensive practical experience of working for the oil and gas industry, including on UGEE projects in different countries. This experience is essential for the consortium to be able to effectively address the questions that are the subject of this Joint Research Programme.
The programme of research will assist regulators, both North and South, in making informed decisions about hydraulic fracking and I believe that we should leave space for this research to report.
Corrib Gas Field
Questions (574)
Michael Colreavy
Question:574. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the expected profits to the State for 2016 from the Corrib gas field. [41708/15]
View answerWritten answers
The economic benefits to Ireland of the Corrib gas field include the significant economic activity generated from the development stage of the project, a strengthening of Ireland’s security of energy supply and the direct return to the Exchequer through the 25% corporation tax on profits. The operation of the taxation system and the receipt of taxation are matters for the Revenue Commissioners. As such I am not in a position to provide the Deputy with an estimate of tax receipts due to the Exchequer in 2016 in respect of the Corrib gas field.
Road Projects
Questions (575)
Tom Barry
Question:575. Deputy Tom Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will direct Transport Infrastructure Ireland to progress work on the Mallow northern relief road. [41297/15]
View answerWritten 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 national road projects is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with Cork County Council. 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. The timeframe for progressing individual projects included in the Capital Plan is, therefore, a matter for decision by TII taking into account its annual budgets.
Rail Network Expansion
Questions (576)
Bernard Durkan
Question:576. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in the context of future expansion of the Dublin Area Rapid Transit to Leixlip, Maynooth and Celbridge in County Kildare, if he will consider extending the service to Kilcock in County Kildare, and to Enfield in County Meath, given the population expansion in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41215/15]
View answerWritten answers
There are no plans to extend the rail network to Kilcock, Co. Kildare or to Enfield, Co. Meath. The National Transport Authority is currently finalising the draft Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (2016-2035) following a recent public consultation process. This strategy provides a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) for the next two decades. The draft strategy envisages the extension of Dart to the existing rail stations at Maynooth and Hazelhatch. This would provide an enhancement to existing services for commuters from the wider catchment areas in Counties Kildare and Meath, including Kilcock and Enfield.
The extension of Dart to Maynooth and Hazelhatch, which would also necessitate the construction of the Dart Underground Tunnel, would be subject to business case approval and availability of funding in the context of the next Capital Plan post-2022.
Road Network
Questions (577)
Anne Ferris
Question:577. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the interim strategy for managing traffic volumes on the N11 from Bray north to the commencement of the new stretch of motorway at Rathnew in County Wicklow, being a section of national road that is operating significantly above capacity at peak hours, leading to long tailbacks, increased driver frustration, higher accident risk, and reduced productivity for businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41317/15]
View answerWritten 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 N11 is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the relevant local authorities. 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.
Noting the stated position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.
Marine Safety
Questions (578)
Finian McGrath
Question:578. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware that poorly placed lobster pots in Dublin Bay are making sailing dangerous, and could lead to a loss of life; the action he will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41397/15]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is not the licensing authority for commercial fishing (including for lobster) - that responsibility lies with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. However, in relation to maritime safety aspects, mariners are obliged at all times (under the Collision Regulations - S.I. 507 of 2012) to maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the navigational situation and of the risk of collision.
If an object is spotted in the water which is deemed to represent a danger to navigation, that information should be communicated to other vessels in the area and to the Irish Coast Guard or to the local competent authority (such as the responsible port authority - Dublin Port Company in the case of Dublin Bay) so that a hazard warning can be issued if appropriate and any required follow-up action can be taken.
Road Safety Data
Questions (579)
Joe Carey
Question:579. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the statistics he maintains on the age of vehicles involved in fatal and non-fatal car accidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41468/15]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the collection and compilation of statistics on road accidents.
I have referred the Deputy's question to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Tourism Project Funding
Questions (580, 581)
Timmy Dooley
Question:580. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital and start-up costs incurred by his Department, and any other bodies involved in the project, in setting up the Wild Atlantic Way; the estimates of the current and maintenance costs associated with the attraction; and the annual number and value of foreign tourist visits to this attraction, as estimated by his Department and any body under its aegis. [41486/15]
View answerTimmy Dooley
Question:581. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital and start-up costs incurred by his Department, and any other bodies involved in the project, in setting up Ireland's Ancient East; the ongoing current and maintenance costs associated with this attraction; and the annual number and value of foreign tourist visits to this attraction, as estimated by his Department and any body under its aegis. [41487/15]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 580 and 581 together.
While my Department provides the capital funding for investment in tourism propositions such as the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East, it is not directly involved in developing or managing these. The development of the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply.
Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.
Public Transport
Questions (582)
Timmy Dooley
Question:582. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expenditure allocated for accessibility upgrades to train stations, by county, and by local authority, in the years 2011 to 2014 and to date in 2015, in tabular form. [41536/15]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is funding an on-going programme of accessibility improvement grants to upgrade existing public transport infrastructure and facilities. This includes funding for the upgrading of Iarnród Éireann stations to ensure they are accessible to people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments. This programme is being managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) on behalf of my Department. Overall funding in the region of €11 million has been provided to the NTA since 2011 under the Accessibility Grants Programme.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for a more detailed response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Greenways Funding
Questions (583)
James Bannon
Question:583. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the provision of funding to a project (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41546/15]
View answerWritten answers
Funding for the delivery of greenways is fully committed up until 2016. However, the development of a greenway along the Royal Canal from Abbeyshrule to Ballymahon is one of various projects which would be considered for funding should additional resources become available. Officials from my Department along with colleagues from the National Trails Office and Fáilte Ireland visited the location of this proposed greenway recently to assess its suitability. I understand that the results of their assessment, and their assessments of other proposals, will be available shortly.
I understand that planning permission is already in place for this project and this would be helpful should funding become available. Indeed, I would urge other local authorities to follow Longford County Council's lead in progressing projects through the planning phase from their own resources as this will mean that projects are 'shovel ready' and thus easier to allocate funding to.
National Transport Authority
Questions (584)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:584. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the development of a national walking policy based on the recommendation in Smarter Travel: A Sustainable Transport Future A New Transport Policy for Ireland 2009 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41570/15]
View answerWritten answers
The delivery of a sustainable and low carbon transport system for Ireland is an important priority for the Government. "Smarter Travel – A Sustainable Transport Future" lays the policy foundation for achieving that priority.
In creating a culture of walking in Ireland it is important to ensure that walking is a safe and pleasant experience. There is a strong convergence between walking and cycling as alternative and sustainable transport modes. Accordingly, funding resources are aimed at progressing both walking and cycling as means of everyday transport for leisure and commuting.
While my Department is responsible for policy on sustainable transport, delivery of smarter travel programmes is shared by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and my Department. The NTA has provided best practice guidance on how to facilitate demand for walking and cycling in built-up areas. The guidance emphasises the importance of suitable link routes within the urban environment that would allow people to walk from their homes to shops, schools, local services, places of work and public transport stops and stations.
This guidance also assists Local Authorities to draw on the principles of best practice for walking and encourages the transformation of neighbourhoods through providing appropriately designed, safe, well lit facilities where people can walk easily and safely.
Sports Capital Programme Applications
Questions (585)
Timmy Dooley
Question:585. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport why a payment of a sports capital grant to a Gaelic Athletic Association club (details supplied) in County Leitrim has been delayed. [41592/15]
View answerWritten answers
The Department cannot provide formal approval for this allocation until the Chief State Solicitor's Office is in a position to confirm that all the legal requirements have been completed.
The club's solicitor is aware of what is required to enable the legalities to be completed.
Road Projects Status
Questions (586)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:586. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the A5 motorway, and any agreement concerning it with the Northern Ireland Executive, following the recent Stormont deal. [41655/15]
View answerWritten answers
"A Fresh Start – the Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan" concluded on 17 November states that the Irish Government remains supportive of the commitment to co-fund the construction of the A5 and notes that the planning issues related to the project are currently being addressed by the Northern Ireland authorities. Under the Agreement the Government reaffirms its commitment to provide funding of £50 million for the A5 project and has committed to provide an additional £25 million to ensure that Phase 1 of the project (Newbuildings to north of Strabane) can commence as soon as the necessary planning issues have been resolved by the Northern Ireland authorities. In keeping with the revised project timeline, the Government funding will be provided in three tranches of £25 million in the years 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively.
Freedom of Information Requests
Questions (587)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:587. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 636 to 638, inclusive, of 17 November 2015, if he will clarify a number of matters contained in his replies (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41665/15]
View answerWritten answers
As I informed the Deputy in my reply of 17 November 2015, Sport Ireland is a public body for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act and is responsible for the processing of FOI requests relating to the body, including decisions regarding the release or withholding of records. I have no role in the process. However, I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct response in relation to his question on the nature of the documents that were withheld. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days. I can assure the Deputy that I have full confidence in the Executive and the Board of Sport Ireland, which I appointed with effect from 1 October 2015, and that I also had full confidence in the previous Executive and Board of the then Authority. I am satisfied with the conduct of Sport Ireland and of the then Authority and with their use of taxpayers' money. I am informed that the decisions made by the then Authority in considering this FOI request were influenced by the advice of its legal team.
I am confident that Sport Ireland will comply with the decision of the Information Commissioner.
Roadworthiness Testing
Questions (588)
Jim Daly
Question:588. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce testing of agricultural machinery for safety on the road, such as for emissions, braking systems, lights, hitches, tyres, etc; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41666/15]
View answerWritten answers
Vehicle roadworthiness testing is governed by Directive 2009/40/EC as last amended by Commission Directive 2010/48/EU. Currently there is no requirement to subject agricultural tractors to compulsory roadworthiness testing. However, the new EU Roadworthiness Testing Directive (Directive 2014/45/EU) which is effective from May 2018 requires Member States to introduce compulsory testing for tractors with a maximum speed rating exceeding 40km/h and used for commercial road haulage purposes.
My Department will work with the Road Safety Authority to implement this requirement in line with the May 2018 deadline. At present there are no plans to subject tractors used purely for agricultural purposes to compulsory testing.
Freedom of Information Requests
Questions (589)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:589. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a request under freedom of information legislation submitted by this Deputy, which was due to be decided on and replied to by 13 November 2015, will be decided upon; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41690/15]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to apologise to the Deputy for the fact that he did not receive a reply by the 13th November. The section responsible for the roads programme, which has a small staff complement, is particularly busy at this time of year liaising with Councils in relation to completion of this year's works programme, the drawdown of grant funding and end of year financial procedures.
This has now been addressed and a reply has issued to the Deputy.
Road Network
Questions (590)
John Paul Phelan
Question:590. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has received the report on congestion in the Dublin area which he requested the National Transport Authority to prepare earlier in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41697/15]
View answerWritten answers
In June 2015 the National Transport Authority and Dublin City Council jointly published the “Dublin City Centre Transport Study” for consultation purposes.
The study set out various proposals to enable the City Centre to accommodate the increase in commuters travelling into the City Centre each morning by 2023, while facilitating the operation of Luas Cross City and enhancing the overall environment of the City Centre for visitors, shoppers, residents and workers. The study covered all modes of transport - walking, cycling, public transport, car – and it also considered how opportunities to improve the appearance of the city could be provided by reconfiguration of street space on certain streets.
The consultation period concluded in August and elicited almost 7,800 submissions and these submissions are currently being assessed by Dublin City Council in conjunction with the NTA.
Turbary Rights
Questions (591)
Colm Keaveney
Question:591. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when Transport Infrastructure Ireland will compensate persons for their loss of turbary rights at a location (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41702/15]
View answerWritten 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. Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
Greenways Funding
Questions (592, 593)
Robert Troy
Question:592. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of an application for funding of €500,000 to develop a cycle route greenway from Abbeyshrule to Ballymahon in County Longford. [41710/15]
View answerRobert Troy
Question:593. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide signage for the blueway trail along the Royal Canal, listing features and potential walking and cycling routes in proximity to the canal, to ensure users are aware of these amenities in the local area. [41712/15]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 592 and 593 together. All Department funding for the delivery of greenways is fully committed up until 2016. However, the development of a greenway along the Royal Canal from Abbeyshrule to Ballymahon is among those projects to which my Department will give serious consideration in the event of additional funding becoming available. Any funding award would include provision for the installation of signage and direction markers to highlight the existence of and assist users of the greenway.
Officials from my Department along with colleagues from the National Trails Office and Fáilte Ireland visited the location of this proposed greenway recently and its suitability and I expect to have the results of their assessment of this and a number of other proposals shortly.
I understand that planning permission is already in place for this project and this will certainly be of benefit should funding become available. Indeed, I would urge other local authorities to follow Longford County Council's lead in progressing projects through the planning phase from their own resources as this will mean that projects are shovel ready and thus easier to allocate funding to.