Tuesday, 31 May 2016

Written Answers Nos. 872-886

Wild Atlantic Way Project

Questions (872, 875)

Robert Troy

Question:

872. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 1134 of 17 May 2016, if no costing analysis or exercise has been undertaken for the projects proposed for development such as those mentioned in the response; the way he arrived at the figure of €100 million to set aside for the development of the Wild Atlantic Way; the total amount which has been spent on the development of the attraction to date, including moneys spent by agencies, such as Fáilte Ireland, for marketing purposes; the total amount spent by the local authorities; and if the €100 million in funding will be used to develop other attractions not along the western corridor. [12951/16]

Pat Casey

Question:

875. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the spend to date on all aspects of the funding streams available for development of the Wild Atlantic Way; the number of private and-or voluntary organisations and public sector projects which have made applications; the amount of the funding applied for by each project; the amount funded to each application; the spend to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12960/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 872 and 875 together.

The Deputy will be aware from my answer of 17 May 2016 that the Government is seeking to set aside €100 million in additional capital funding for a number of projects, including the Wild Atlantic Way, an Atlantic Blueway route, the Ireland Way, development of a nationwide Greenway network, and a doubling of the funding available for the Rural Walks Scheme.

Investment in tourism initiatives is undertaken by the tourism agencies, in accordance with public financial procedures. In the case of tourism capital investment, Fáilte Ireland is the relevant agency and potential projects for prudent and valuable investment, which will be funded from the additional €100 million committed to by Government, will be identified by Fáilte Ireland. Cost benefit analyses, business cases, and project plans will be undertaken on a project by project basis, rather than at the level of a Programme for Government.

In relation to expenditure to date on the promotion and development of the Wild Atlantic Way, these are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. I have therefore referred the Deputy's questions to both agencies for direct reply. The Deputy should contact my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.

Greenways Provision

Questions (873)

Robert Troy

Question:

873. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress to date of the proposed greenway route from Dublin to Galway. [12952/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

A decision to pause the development of the Dublin to Galway Greenway west of the Shannon from Athlone to Galway was taken by my predecessor in October, 2015 to allow for all parties to fully consider the issues involved and to endeavour to resolve those issues and to reach agreement on a way forward. This process is ongoing.

In the interim, consideration is being given by my Department to the funding options available to deliver sections of the greenway located in Kildare and Meath. I also understand that additional funding is being sought for further works within Athlone to extend the greenway and that will be considered in the context of funding arrangements for 2017.

Tourism Project Funding

Questions (874)

Pat Casey

Question:

874. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the spend to date on the development of the Ireland's Ancient East project, including all aspects of the funding streams available; the number of private and-or voluntary organisations and public sector projects which have made applications; the amount of the funding applied for by each project; the amount funded to each application; the spend to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12959/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The matters raised by the Deputy in relation to the Ireland's Ancient East project are matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland. I have therefore referred the Deputy's questions to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. The Deputy should contact my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.

Question No. 875 answered with Question No. 872.

Transport Infrastructure Provision

Questions (876)

Dara Calleary

Question:

876. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding announced for re-alignment of a bridge (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13232/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

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 (including on the N26 national road scheme) 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.

Transport Infrastructure Provision

Questions (877)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

877. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a project in (details provided) County Kerry will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13355/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

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 (including the N69 at William Street, Listowel) is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), formerly the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the TII for direct reply. The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.

Transport Infrastructure Provision

Questions (878)

Eugene Murphy

Question:

878. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline on the delivery of the road (details supplied) that will involve Strokestown, Tulsk and Ballinagare being bypassed. [13359/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

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 (including the N5 Bypass at Strokestown), is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.

Rail Network Expansion

Questions (879)

Mick Wallace

Question:

879. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for railway lines in County Wexford; and his proposed plans for expansion of railway services and railway lines. [13390/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and for the overall funding of public transport. Issues relating to the expansion of railway services and rail lines are a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.

In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. The Deputy should advise my Office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.

Private Bus Operators

Questions (880)

John Brady

Question:

880. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is any grant funding available for the purchase of disability accessible 54-seat coaches for private hire coach operators. [13449/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

There is no specific funding programme to support the purchase of disability accessible coaches for private hire coach operators.

My Department provides Exchequer funds for an on-going programme of accessibility improvement grants, with the aim of upgrading existing public transport infrastructure and facilities. The Accessibility Grants Programme, which is being managed by the NTA on behalf of my Department, includes funding in 2016 for accessibility upgrade works at a number of rail stations, for accessible bus stops & bus stations and for a Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Grant Scheme.

Regional Road Network

Questions (881)

Noel Rock

Question:

881. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding can be sourced to provide traffic lights and a junction (details supplied) within the budget for 2017 following the loss of this funding due to planning objections in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13565/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I note the Deputy does not specify the junction in question but I presume it refers to either a regional or local road in Finglas village.

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in Finglas village is the statutory responsibility of Dublin City Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants, where applicable. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority. In addition, traffic management measures in Finglas are also the responsibility of the local authority.

Arising from the introduction of the Local Property Tax and the Government commitment that local authorities will retain 80% of the tax revenues, the four Dublin Councils became self funding for regional and local roads under the main road grant categories from 2015.

Parking Regulations

Questions (882)

Noel Rock

Question:

882. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will introduce free parking discs to tax abiding tradespeople for their commercial vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13566/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Regulations for parking on public roads are set out in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations made under section 35 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, or by bye-laws made by the local authority under section 36 of that Act, with respect to public roads in their functional area. These regulations make provisions for drivers of commercial vehicles through the use of loading bays.

The policy behind these regulations reflects the fundamental principle under road traffic law that the use of public roads is for public purposes. This means that private individuals should not be able to exercise proprietary rights of any nature over our public roads. I therefore have no plans to introduce free parking discs for commercial vehicles.

Vehicle Testing

Questions (883)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

883. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the cost of commercial vehicle worthiness testing in the Republic of Ireland compared to that in Northern Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13570/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The basis of the charges for vehicle tests in Northern Ireland and the content of such tests, are matters for the Driver Vehicle Agency which undertakes tests in that jurisdiction.

The cost for commercial vehicle roadworthiness tests in the State is prescribed by the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (Vehicle Testing)(No.2) Regulations 2013 (SI 347 of 2013) and were introduced from 7 October 2013. The fees cover the test undertaken at the testing centre, cost of the certificate of roadworthiness (CRW) and a road safety levy payable to the Road Safety Authority in respect of an annual test.

In this jurisdiction, the CVR testing system is operated on a fully commercial basis and without any financial contribution from the State. This means that commercial vehicle roadworthiness (CVR) tests are delivered by privately owned garages who are responsible for the provision of the necessary infrastructure and facilities and they carry the financial and operational risks associated with that investment.

The road safety levy is being used to fund several aspects of the commercial vehicle roadworthiness reform programme which is intended to support safer roads and compliant operators. The RSA has financed the upfront capital investment associated with the reform programme to date.

The model for commercial vehicle testing was reviewed and it was decided by Government that the prevailing model involving the delivery of commercial testing by privately owned garages should continue. Accordingly, I do not have any plans to revisit the test fees at this time.

Tourism Project Funding

Questions (884)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

884. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the sources of grant aid available for a service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13575/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

My Department does not provide grant assistance of the type described by the Deputy.

While my Department provides capital funding for investment in tourism initiatives it is not directly involved in the operational matters related to such tourism initiatives. Tourism operational matters, including any allocation of grant funding, are matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.

I have referred the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland for consideration and direct reply. The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.

Road Traffic Legislation

Questions (885)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

885. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13577/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The derogation permitting a maximum weight limit of 42 tonnes over 5-axles (2-axle tractor unit and 3-axle semi-trailer combinations) expires on 30 June 2016.

I am currently examining this issue in light of a number of factors including: the details supplied; the overarching need to secure a significant decrease in road and bridge infrastructure damage and related costs to the public finances; as well as in terms of the extensive period of time, since 2003, given to the industry to adapt to the ending of the derogation.

I understand that under the Road Traffic (Construction and Use) Regulations 2003 - S.I. No. 5 of 2003 an upper weight limit of 40 tonnes was set for such vehicles, with a five year derogation incorporated into the Regulations permitting these vehicles to operate at 42 tonnes until the end of 2008. However, since then, the derogation has been extended seven times.

Road Traffic Legislation

Questions (886)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

886. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will introduce a further derogation to the heavy goods vehicle height restriction for vehicles transporting bulky agricultural products, such as hay and straw; if he is aware of the financial implications for the transport of such products with height restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13578/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Existing Road Traffic Regulations already provide for such an exemption.

Under the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, S.I. No. 166 of 2014, unenclosed agricultural or goods vehicle combinations, the trailer component of which is constructed or primarily adapted for the carriage of hay, silage, straw or other animal fodder and which is being used exclusively, for the carriage of such agricultural products once baled, are exempt from the national vehicle height limit of 4.65 metres.