Brian Stanley
Question:200. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland will release its research project on media ownership. [16285/16]
View answerBroadcasting Authority of Ireland
Questions (200)
Written answers
Under section 28M(1) of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014 the BAI are required to prepare a report which shall:
- Describe the ownership and control arrangements for undertakings carrying on a media business in the State;
- describe the changes to ownership and control arrangements of such undertakings over the past three years;
- and analyse the effects of such changes on plurality of the media in the State.
The BAI must then furnish this report to the relevant Minister.
In accordance with these requirements the BAI have submitted to me, as the relevant Minister, their Report on Ownership and Control of Media Businesses in Ireland 2012-2014. My department and I are currently considering the report and intend to publish it shortly.
Road Safety
Questions (201)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:201. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to mark EDWARD, the European Union Day Without a Road Death, and to promote and expand this concept through road safety campaigns and Government action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16097/16]
View answerWritten answers
European Day Without a Road Death is an initiative of TISPOL- the European Traffic Police Network. This is an important initiative of which I am fully supportive of and I understand that the RSA will work closely with An Garda Síochána and other key partners to promote and raise awareness of this initiative in Ireland.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has responsibility for the promotion of public awareness of road safety and measures including the advancement of education, relating to the promotion of the safe use of roads, including co-operation with local authorities and other persons in this regard.
Regarding the Road Safety Authority's specific plans to promote and expand this concept, I have referred this Parliamentary Question to it. If he has not received a response within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
Noise Pollution
Questions (202)
Joan Burton
Question:202. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the efforts he will make to address the concerns of residents in the Hollystown, Mulhuddart, Ladyswell and Tyrellstown areas of County Dublin at the impact of the north runway in Dublin Airport, specifically increased noise pollution; if he has discussed this directly with the Dublin Airport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16138/16]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, daa has a statutory responsibility to manage, operate and develop Dublin Airport including the provision of infrastructure necessary to meet existing and future demand, such as the North Runway project.
I welcome daa's stated commitment to work closely with all stakeholders, including local residents and community groups, in relation to the North Runway project. I understand that daa has already met with local residents to discuss the project and that further engagement is planned.
Regarding the issue of noise, new EU legislation in this area enters into force this month. EU Regulation 598/14 concerns the introduction of noise-related operating restrictions at EU airports. This regulation sets out the process to be followed when deciding on noise-related operating restrictions and involves consideration of all potential aircraft noise mitigation measures. The regulation provides for consultation with interested parties, including local residents living in the vicinity of the airport.
The new noise regulation presents an opportunity to establish a modern cohesive and measured approach to the management of noise at Irish airports which is capable of delivering the best outcome for all stakeholders, including the communities referred to by the Deputy at Dublin Airport.
My Department along with the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government are now engaged in discussions on the technical details of the appropriate implementation of the Regulation.
Road Signage
Questions (203)
Anne Rabbitte
Question:203. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will erect signage along the N6 motorway showcasing the Lough Derg drive at the Kilbeggan exit in County Westmeath and at the Ballinasloe and Loughrea exits in County Galway. [16364/16]
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 (including signage) 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.
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.
Railway Stations
Questions (204)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Question:204. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of train stations that are and are not wheelchair accessible, by county and in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16340/16]
View answerWritten answers
The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Dublin Bus Services
Questions (205, 206, 207)
Jack Chambers
Question:205. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the exact route of the new Dublin Bus radial route from Finglas to Dundrum; if this route will be publicly or privately operated under the new transport plan for Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16343/16]
View answerJack Chambers
Question:206. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport why the 17A bus route is mentioned as being retained as an orbital route, but the orbital 220 route is not mentioned under the new transport plan for Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16344/16]
View answerJack Chambers
Question:207. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will privatise bus routes 17A and 220; if he will consult residents; what will happen to route 40 if route 40D is to be a new core route under the new transport plan for Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16345/16]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 205 to 207, inclusive, together.
The issues raised are matters for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.