Pearse Doherty
Question:611. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Fáilte Ireland’s spend on the marketing campaign for the Wild Atlantic Way. [42298/15]
View answerFáilte Ireland Expenditure
Questions (611)
Written answers
The promotion and marketing of the Wild Atlantic Way is an operational matter for both Tourism Ireland (overseas market) and Fáilte Ireland (domestic market). Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to both agencies for direct reply.
Please contact my private office if you do not receive a response from either agency within ten working days.
The Gathering Expenditure
Questions (612)
Pearse Doherty
Question:612. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the spend on the recent marketing campaign for the The Gathering. [42299/15]
View answerWritten answers
The Gathering was an initiative carried out in 2013. A designated budget of €12 million was provided for the project by my Department; €5 million in 2012 and a further €7 million in 2013. The core funding was supplemented by a range of cash and non-cash supports leveraged by The Gathering from key partners. The provision of a substantial range of supports by the Dublin Airport Authority and a €1 million Gathering event fund provided by IPB Insurance Ltd were chief among the partner supports secured.
Independent research undertaken on behalf of Fáilte Ireland indicated that, in 2013, between 250,000 and 275,000 overseas visitors to Ireland travelled specifically because of The Gathering. This growth in visitor numbers, directly attributable to The Gathering, was estimated to be worth approximately €170 million in revenue in 2013.
Any decisions in relation to subsequent marketing activity related to The Gathering would be operational matters for the Tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's Question to the agencies in question for further details. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Airport Development Projects
Questions (613)
Pearse Doherty
Question:613. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is committed to the current application by the Ireland West Airport Knock for 90% Exchequer funding for the expansion plans associated with the operation of the airport, and to further business proposals to facilitate the ongoing development of the airport and the region; and if these expenditure measures are included in the capital expenditure programme. [42302/15]
View answerWritten answers
The Regional Airports Programme 2015-2019 was approved by the EU Commission in August last and is available on my Department's website. This Programme was approved under the 2014 EU Guidelines on State aid to airports and airlines.
The Programme provides for Exchequer support to cover safety and security related projects/activities at the four regional airports in Waterford, Kerry, Donegal and Knock (IWAK) under four separate Schemes - Capital Expenditure Grant Scheme (CAPEX), the Core Airport Management Operational Expenditure Subvention Scheme (OPEX), Public Policy Remit Capital Expenditure Grant Scheme (PPR-C) and Public Policy Remit Core Airport Management Operational Expenditure Subvention Scheme (PPR-O).
My Department is currently assessing the necessary supporting documentation provided by the airport in compliance with the various Schemes, including its Business Plan for 2015-2019.
Under the CAPEX Scheme, the maximum aid contribution allowed under the EU Guidelines for these types of investment is 75% and this is reflected in the latest business plan received from IWAK.
I am aware that IWAK believe that they will require up to 90% grant aid in order to implement the larger safey and security related projects. There is provision under the EU Guidelines that, in exceptional cases, a separate submission may be made to the EU Commission for consideration to exceed that 75% maximum laid down in the Guidelines. Such submissions will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Commission. IWAK are fully aware of these provisions.
This issue will be dealt with as we progress the implementation of the Programme in 2016.
Over the life of the new Programme, almost €18m has been allocated for capital expenditure, and in excess of €28m over the seven years of the Capital Plan. Funding availability in any particular year will be subject to the outcome of the normal Exchequer budgetary process and all airports are aware of this.
Rail Network
Questions (614)
Pearse Doherty
Question:614. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has established the timeframe for the completion of the western rail corridor and its associated cost. [42303/15]
View answerWritten answers
Over the lifetime of the new Capital Plan "Building on Recovery: Infrastructure & Capital Investment 2016 - 2021", the priority for heavy rail infrastructure is to provide the necessary funding for maintenance and renewal programmes to bring the level of funding on the network up to the required steady state level.
In an environment where funding remains constrained, it has not been possible to make exchequer funding available to reopen closed rail lines in the West, or anywhere else on the network. This does not however preclude a third party from providing finance for the development of a railway line or freight services.
The new Capital Plan includes a commitment that, in advance of the Mid-Term Review of the Plan, the Government will commission a feasibility study to examine options for expanding freight transport on the railways. The potential for investment in rail freight in the west can be considered in that context.
Road Projects Expenditure
Questions (615)
Pearse Doherty
Question:615. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has established the cost of upgrading the N4 road between Cloonamahon and Castlebaldwin in County Sligo to enhance the Sligo to Dublin link; and if this cost has been included in the capital expenditure programme. [42304/15]
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 the relevant local authority. 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 transport element of the Capital Plan "Building on Recovery" makes provision for several roads projects to commence which are targeted at removing critical bottlenecks or upgrading inadequate sections of road including the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin upgrade scheme.
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 detailed budget for the scheme will be determined as part of that process prior to the competitive tender process for the scheme.
Air Safety
Questions (616)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:616. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report to Dáil Éireann on the public safety regulations he is implementing regarding the growing usage and popularity of drone aircraft and the impact of drones on the local environment and ecosystems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42467/15]
View answerWritten answers
The Irish Aviation Authority has statutory responsibility under the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993 for the regulation of aviation safety standards for civil aviation in Ireland. This includes remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) or as they are more commonly known, Drones. The Irish Aviation Authority, which is responsible for the safety of airspace operators in Ireland, published its policy for regulation of the safe use of RPAS in Ireland in April 2012. There is already in place a regulatory process for licensing and training by the IAA in the area of RPAS. I have also been informed by the IAA of its intention to introduce new regulations for the safe operation of drones very shortly.
It is accepted both internationally and at an EU level that the deployment of RPAS pose new challenges, including those related to public safety, and that the increase in the use of RPAS by hobbyists and enthusiasts requires consideration of regulatory controls in this arena. Such wider public policy issues are in the process of being addressed both at an International and EU level. My Department is committed under the National Aviation Policy 2015 to continue to contribute to the EU rule making and regulatory process concerning RPAS.
Departmental Legal Costs
Questions (617)
John McGuinness
Question:617. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 628 of 17 November 2015, the amount spent by the National Sports Campus Development Authority, now Sport Ireland, in respect of legal advice relating to freedom of information requests since 2012; and if he is satisfied that this was an appropriate use of taxpayers' money. [42536/15]
View answerWritten answers
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct response in relation to expenditure by the Authority or by Sport Ireland on legal advice relating to FOI requests since 2012. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
I am satisfied that expenditure on legal advice was an appropriate use of taxpayers' money, where the Authority or Sport Ireland considered that such legal advice was required.
Public Transport Review
Questions (618)
Clare Daly
Question:618. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he proposes to conduct a review of all public transport services in counties Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon. [42695/15]
View answerWritten answers
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) which administers Public Service Obligation contracts and funds. I have forwarded 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.
Rural Transport Programme
Questions (619)
Clare Daly
Question:619. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to allow the nomination of elected members of local authorities to sit on the boards of the Local Link companies within their region. [42697/15]
View answerWritten answers
Responsibility for the management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) was assigned to the National Transport Authority (NTA) with effect from April 2012. This includes responsibility for the restructuring of the RTP which has involved the establishment of 17 Transport Co-ordination Units under the Local Link brand.
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.
Transport Management Certificate of Professional Competence
Questions (620)
Clare Daly
Question:620. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons who sat the transport management certificate of professional competence examination for each of the three examinations held during 2015, and the number who passed, by centre. [42698/15]
View answerWritten answers
The requested information is set out in the table below and has been provided by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
2015 Transport Management CPC Examinations - Candidate Numbers and Passing Rates
|
January 2015 |
Sat |
Passed |
|
Galway |
24 |
23 |
|
Mullingar |
8 |
8 |
|
Dublin/Green Isle |
73 |
64 |
|
Athlone |
7 |
7 |
|
Maynooth |
9 |
6 |
|
Limerick |
25 |
15 |
|
Cork |
19 |
15 |
|
Tallaght/(Momentum Program) |
20 |
14 |
|
Letterkenny |
9 |
8 |
|
June 2015 |
Sat |
Passed |
|
Galway |
18 |
15 |
|
Mullingar |
11 |
9 |
|
Enniscorthy |
4 |
4 |
|
Dublin/Green Isle |
70 |
57 |
|
Limerick |
16 |
15 |
|
LIT/Limerick |
10 |
6 |
|
Cork |
16 |
14 |
|
Tallaght/(Momentum Program) |
15 |
9 |
|
Letterkenny |
33 |
17 |
|
Curragh Army Camp |
15 |
12 |
|
September 2015 |
Sat |
Passed |
|
Galway |
12 |
7 |
|
Dundalk (Momentum Program) |
15 |
9 |
|
Dublin/Green Isle |
62 |
42 |
|
Limerick |
13 |
10 |
|
Letterkenny |
9 |
4 |
|
Curragh Army Camp |
7 |
6 |
Transport Management Certificate of Professional Competence
Questions (621)
Clare Daly
Question:621. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for reform of the transport management certificate of professional competence. [42699/15]
View answerWritten answers
A review of the administration and organisation of the Transport Management CPC is under way in my Department. In the interim, I have introduced revised criteria in relation to the authorisation of training providers for the Transport Management CPC. These revised criteria are in effect since 1 November 2015 and bring about an opening of the market for prospective training providers who demonstrate compliance with the criteria. The revised criteria are published on my Department's website.
Parliamentary Questions
Questions (622)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:622. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to a previous parliamentary question (details supplied), if he will address a matter regarding the National Sports Campus Development Authority and Sport Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42742/15]
View answerWritten answers
This is a matter for Sport Ireland and I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct response. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
Tourism Project Funding
Questions (623)
Michael McCarthy
Question:623. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding a submission for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42859/15]
View answerWritten answers
Arrangements for the provision of tourist information offices are an operational matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to them for further information and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Public Transport Fares
Questions (624)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:624. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take to ensure parity of bus transportation costs to the consumer (details supplied). [42860/15]
View answerWritten answers
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Road Projects Expenditure
Questions (625)
Brendan Smith
Question:625. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the proposals to provide a substantial increase in the non-national road network grant allocation to Monaghan County Council for 2016; if he is aware of the concerns expressed by councillors at Monaghan County Council and at Carrickmacross and Castleblayney municipal district in relation to the urgent need to upgrade substantial parts of the road network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42975/15]
View answerWritten answers
The improvement and maintenance of its regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of Monaghan County Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is, therefore, a matter for the Council.
Ireland has just under 100,000 kilometres of road in its network and the maintenance and improvement of national, regional and local roads places a substantial financial burden on local authorities and on the Exchequer. Because of the national financial position, there have been very large reductions in Exchequer funding available for roads over the past number of years. Funding in 2008 was €2.3 billion while funding this year is around €760 million for the national, regional and local road network. The reality is that funding will continue to be tight for the next number of years.
Local authorities are aware that it is a matter for each Council to determine its priorities and to allocate funding accordingly. Given funding constraints, my objective has to be to allocate funding to local authorities on as equitable basis as possible. The main grant categories are, therefore, based on road lengths in each local authority's area of responsibility.
The RLR allocations for next year have yet to be decided but I expect to announce the details early next year. It is important to reiterate that State grants are intended to supplement local authorities' own resources. In this context, I am emphasising to Councils that the commitment of local authorities to contribute significantly from their own resources, towards the cost of improving and maintaining the regional and local roads, network is essential.
Road Safety Strategy
Questions (626)
Terence Flanagan
Question:626. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a national speed limit campaign will take place (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42978/15]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Safety Authority has statutory responsibility for the promotion of public awareness in relation to road safety and the safe use of our roads.
It must be remembered that speed limit signs cannot be interpreted as representing a target, or that it is safe to drive up to the limit displayed. It is the driver's responsibility to exercise judgment and to drive at a safe speed having regard to the prevailing road conditions.
Reiterating this point, one of the recommendations of the 2013 published Speed Limit Review was the need for more awareness and communications on the futility of speeding. I understand that this is something the RSA will address in 2016. In addition, I am informed that this will be supplemented with updated education and training on the issue of speeding in the RSA's road safety programmes being delivered in schools and also in the delivery of Essential Driver Training lessons for learner drivers.
While accepting that irrespective of the location on our road network there needs to be frequent reminders for drivers that speed limits are maximum limits and not targets, I would also highlight that ensuring drivers do not break these limits is the responsibility of An Garda Síochána.
Road Projects Status
Questions (627)
Jonathan O'Brien
Question:627. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the construction of the north ring road in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43021/15]
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 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 in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above 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.
Compulsory Purchase Orders
Questions (628)
Jonathan O'Brien
Question:628. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a number of compulsory purchase orders are needed to progress the construction of the north ring road in Cork; the estimated cost of completing these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43022/15]
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 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 in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above 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.
Departmental Legal Cases Data
Questions (629)
Billy Timmins
Question:629. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of legal cases currently ongoing against his Department, including State agencies under his aegis; the number of cases that took place during the years 2011 to 2014, inclusive; the cost of those that were contested and what damages were involved; the costs and damages of those that were settled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43272/15]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested by the Deputy is being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy within ten working days. If you do not receive the information within the ten working days please contact my private office.
Departmental Staff Data
Questions (630)
Regina Doherty
Question:630. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of employees under his remit who are classified under a contract of indefinite duration; the number of these who are receiving incremental salary payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43285/15]
View answerWritten answers
There are no employees of my Department who are classified as being employed under a Contract of Indefinite Duration.
I have asked the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department to provide the Deputy with the information requested. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days please advise my private office.
Noxious Weeds
Questions (631)
Eric J. Byrne
Question:631. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she is aware of the increasing presence of Japanese knotweed in urban areas, particularly in Dublin; how individual citizens can report and have a remedy to the ever-increasing presence of this noxious weed, much of which is to be seen in the Kilmainham area of Dublin, and in particular on some sites which are to be developed for social housing (details supplied); if she will offer public information on how to collectively eradicate this noxious alien from urban areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42477/15]
View answerWritten answers
I am aware that there is a growing public awareness and concern about the impact of invasive species here, including Japanese Knotweed. In this regard, I wish to advise that my Department is responsible for the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477/2011), both of which prohibit the spreading of invasive species.
In general, control of invasive species such as Japanese knotweed is a matter for landowners, and my Department carries out considerable work on control of such species in National Parks and Nature Reserves. For example, work was undertaken over many years to deal with the rhododendron threat in Killarney National Park. My Department does not however have the resources required to extend such work into urban areas or the wider countryside and is not in a position to provide dedicated funds for such work to other bodies.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department worked with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) to fund and manage the Invasive Species Ireland Project between 2006 and 2103. This initiative provides advice and guidance on the management of a range of invasive species, including the Japanese Knotweed.
Best Practice Management Guidelines for Japanese knotweed have been published and can be accessed on the project website at www.invasivespeciesireland.com. These guidelines provide practical advice to persons and organisations, including local authorities, on the removal and disposal of these species.
In addition, my Department is currently supporting the development of a Japanese Knotweed protocol for Ireland. A number of agencies, including the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC), Inland Fisheries Ireland and the National Roads Authority are involved in drafting the protocol which it is to be completed next year. I am aware too that a number of local authorities are already carrying out control programmes for problem species including Japanese knotweed.
Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme Payments
Questions (632)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:632. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42528/15]
View answerWritten answers
An application for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme has been received by my Department from the individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question. I am advised that a payment of €1,521 in respect of Year 1 of 15 (2014) has been made to this applicant.
The qualifying criteria for the scheme are that:
- The claimant must have a legal interest in one of the 36 raised bog Natural Heritage Areas – ownership or turbary right;
- The claimant must have been the owner or entitled to exercise turbary rights on the land in question on 25 May 2010;
- The turbary on the site must not be exhausted;
- The claimant must have been cutting turf on the land in question during the relevant five year period; and
- No turf cutting or associated activity is ongoing on the property.
I am advised that an affidavit has been issued to the applicant in relation to the legal interest in the bog plot on which he claims to have been cutting turf. Once the affidavit has been returned, my Department will be in a position to process the application further.