Written Answers Nos. 503-523
503. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the efforts he is making to bring about a reduction of electricity prices, having regard to the decreasing price of oil and gas internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16903/16]
View answerIt is important to note that the electricity market is commercial, liberalised, and competitive and operates within national and European regulatory regimes. I have no statutory function in the setting or review of electricity prices. Price setting by all electricity suppliers is a commercial and operational matter for those companies.
504. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to conduct a review of public access to broadband within State-owned public hospitals, primary care centres, public libraries, Intreo centres, Garda stations and county council offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16937/16]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. This is being achieved through private investment by commercial telecommunications companies and through a State intervention in areas where commercial investment is not forthcoming.
The Government's NBP intervention will ensure the availability of quality future-proofed broadband services to all other parts of the country. Over 750,000 premises are the focus of the procurement process, which formally commenced in December 2015 with the publication of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire ('PQQ') and Project Information Memorandum.
The second stage in the procurement process will be a formal invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) to qualifying bidders, following the assessment of responses to the PQQ stage. I expect that my Department will move to this stage in the next month. The third stage of the procurement process involves the issue of final tender documentation which follows the dialogue process. Following the submission of final tenders by bidders, a winning bidder(s) will be selected for the contract(s) which will comprise one or two lots as set out in the NBP Intervention Strategy. The Department will then enter into formal contract negotiations with the winning bidder(s). It is expected that contract(s) will be awarded by June 2017.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best roll-out strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and / or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network roll-out plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Heather Humphreys. A detailed roll-out plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
My Department’s current priority in this area is to complete all elements of the procurement phase of the NBP market intervention in order to ensure all property owners or occupiers who wish to access high-speed broadband can do so as soon as possible. It is a matter for the individual State-owned agencies and centres to decide whether they wish to provide public access to broadband within their respective buildings.
The Minister, Deputy Humphreys is leading on the establishment of county or regional broadband action groups, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, LEADER Groups and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded. It is open to Local Authorities and other entities developing these strategies to consider whether broadband services should be made available in public offices as part of their wider Regional Digital Strategies.
505. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of households and businesses that have no access to high-speed broadband in County Tipperary; the measures he is taking to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16968/16]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. This is being achieved through private investment by commercial telecommunications companies and through a State intervention in areas where commercial investment is not forthcoming.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie, shows the extent of the State Intervention area, which is the subject of procurement. The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services. The Department continues to monitor the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE area to ensure that those services are delivered. The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention.
The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county including Tipperary. Individuals can check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by scrolling through the map online or entering their Eircode. The Department also has a dedicated mailbox for queries in relation to the map - broadband@dcenr.gov.ie.
The county breakdown for the National Broadband Plan Intervention in Tipperary is set out in the table below, with the percentage of premises to be covered by the Intervention and through commercial investment also listed.
|
County Name |
Total Number of County Townlands |
Number of Premises Covered by National Broadband Plan |
% Premises within the NBP Intervention Area Area |
% Premises within Commercial Operator’s Areas Area |
|
Tipperary |
3,167 |
41,207 |
49% |
51% |
Over 750,000 premises are the focus for the procurement process, which formally commenced in December 2015 with the publication of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire ('PQQ') and Project Information Memorandum. Five responses were received from prospective bidders to this stage of the competitive procurement process by the deadline of 31 March 2016. The second stage in the procurement process will be a formal invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) to qualifying bidders. I expect that my Department will move to this stage in the next month. The third stage of the procurement process involves the issue of final tender documentation which follows the dialogue process. Following the submission of final tenders by bidders, a winning bidder(s) will be selected for the contract which will comprise one or two lots as set out in the NBP Intervention Strategy. The Department will then enter into formal contract negotiations with the winning bidder(s). It is expected that contract(s) will be awarded by June 2017.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best roll-lout strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and / or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network roll-out plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Heather Humphreys. A detailed roll-out plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The Programme for a Partnership Government commits also to measures to assist in the rollout of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, the Minister, Deputy Humphreys is leading on the establishment of county or regional broadband taskforces, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, LEADER Groups and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
506. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of the support for the roll-out of EirGrid's policy for the south-east region Grid Link project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16969/16]
View answerEirGrid is the designated Transmission System Operator and its role includes the operation, maintenance and development of the electricity transmission network in Ireland. As detailed in the Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure, the Government does not seek to direct EirGrid in the development of energy infrastructure to particular sites or routes or technologies.
The Grid Link project was originally proposed as a new 400kV overhead line from Knockraha (near Cork City) to Great Island (near Waterford City) and on to Dunstown (near Naas). The March 2015 EirGrid strategy "Your Grid, Your Views, Your Tomorrow ”, confirmed the need for the Grid Link project, but due to changing demand forecasts, upgrades to existing lines and advances in technology made new options possible.
EirGrid examined various technical solutions and in October 2015 announced that it intended to move forward with the Grid Link project using the Regional Option. The Regional Option uses series compensation which is an advanced, smart grid technology that will enable more power to flow through existing lines.
This means there is now no requirement to proceed with the previously proposed Grid Link 400 kV overhead line.
To complete the Grid Link project using the Regional Solution, an underwater cable across the Shannon estuary is required in addition to some upgrade works to existing transmission lines.
507. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the total, per month and per county, in megawatt and connection values, of solar farm developments looking for grid connection since 1 January 2015; the notional recommended maximum of solar capacity on the Irish grid; the timescales for the introduction of a solar renewable energy feed in tariff, REFIT, and if a future solar REFIT will be open to participation by all households with solar panels on their rooftops, as there is currently no solar REFIT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17071/16]
View answerThe White Paper on Energy Policy includes a commitment to introduce a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) designed to encourage the development of Ireland’s abundant, diverse and indigenous renewable energy resources, including solar photovoltaics (PV) technology. The Programme for Government also commits to facilitating the development of solar energy projects.
It is widely recognised that the deployment of solar PV in Ireland has the potential to increase energy security, contribute to our renewable energy targets, and support economic growth and jobs. In addition, solar PV can be deployed in roof-mounted or ground-mounted installations, and in this way it can empower Irish citizens and communities to take control of the production and consumption of energy.
While I do not have a breakdown per month or per county of solar applications for connection to the grid, I understand from ESB Networks that there have been 469 solar applications (amounting to 2.9 GW approx. of solar capacity) for connection to the distribution grid in the last 18 months. As part of the connection process to the electricity grid, ESB Network carries out a technical assessment for each project. This technical analysis ensures that a robust, secure electricity grid is maintained for the benefit of all electricity consumers.
In July 2015, the Department launched the first public consultation regarding the introduction of a proposed Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) in Ireland. In-depth economic analysis is now underway to inform the cost of a new scheme and, while no decision has been taken on the precise renewable technologies to be supported, the cost and technical viability of solar photovoltaic (PV), both roof-top and utility-scale, is being examined as part of the assessment process.
Once the detailed economic analysis is complete, there will be an additional public consultation phase on the design of the new scheme. The details of this will be advertised on the Department's website www.dcenr.gov.ie.
The introduction of any new scheme - including the overall costs and technologies to be supported - will be subject to Government approval and State aid clearance from the European Commission. It is expected that a new scheme will become available in 2017.
508. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views that it is important for Raidió Teilifís Éireann to retain its longwave radio service to maintain contacts between Ireland and the Irish diaspora, many of whom are elderly and may not be in a position to avail of the Internet (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17215/16]
View answerRTÉ is an independent national public service broadcaster whose remit and obligations are set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009. Section 114(1) of the Act states the principal objects and associated powers of RTÉ and Section 98 provides that it shall be independent in the pursuance of these objects, subject to the requirements of the Act. As such I, as Minister, have no function in RTÉ’s decision making in regard to general day to day matters, including the provision of the 252 longwave radio service.
As announced by RTÉ on 19 December 2014, the service is to be retained until 2017. This decision extends the life of the longwave service and gives the broadcaster time to engage with those listeners likely to be affected by its closure about alternative ways of accessing RTÉ radio. It also provides the company with the opportunity to explore the availability of other platforms for delivering the service that might help meet the needs of these individual listeners and communities.
509. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of broadband access in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17235/16]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. This is being achieved through private investment by commercial telecommunications companies and through a State intervention in areas where commercial investment is not forthcoming.
The High Speed Broadband Map, is available at www.broadband.gov.ie and shows the extent of the State Intervention area, which is the subject of procurement. The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services. The Department continues to monitor the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE area to ensure that those services are delivered. The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention and includes the townlands of Cangullia and Scartaglin, County Kerry.
The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county including Kerry. Individuals can check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by scrolling through the map online or entering their Eircode. The Department also has a dedicated mailbox for queries in relation to the map - broadband@dcenr.gov.ie.
Over 750,000 premises are the focus for the procurement process, which formally commenced in December 2015 with the publication of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire ('PQQ') and Project Information Memorandum. Five responses were received from prospective bidders to this stage of the competitive procurement process by the deadline of 31 March 2016. The second stage in the procurement process will be a formal invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) to qualifying bidders. I expect that my Department will move to this stage in the next month. The third stage of the procurement process involves issuing final tender documentation which follows the dialogue process. Following the submission of final tenders by bidders, a winning bidder(s) will be selected for the contract which will comprise one or two lots as set out in the NBP Intervention Strategy. The Department will then enter into formal contract negotiations with the winning bidder(s). It is expected that contract(s) will be awarded by June 2017.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best roll-out strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and/or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network roll-out plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and the Gaeltacht. A detailed roll-out plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The Programme for a Partnership Government commits also to measures to assist in the rollout of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, the Minister, Deputy Humphreys is leading on the establishment of county or regional broadband taskforces, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, LEADER Groups and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
510. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of the national broadband plan with reference to Derrymore East, Tralee, County Kerry (details supplied). [17239/16]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. This is being achieved through private investment by commercial telecommunications companies and through a State intervention in areas where commercial investment is not forthcoming.
The High Speed Broadband Map is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. It shows the extent of the State Intervention area, which is the subject of procurement. The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services. The Department continues to monitor the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE area to ensure that those services are delivered. The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention and includes the townland of Derrymore East, County Kerry.
The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county including County Kerry. Individuals can check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by scrolling through the map online or entering their Eircode. The Department also has a dedicated mailbox for queries in relation to the map - broadband@dcenr.gov.ie.
Over 750,000 premises are the focus for the procurement process, which formally commenced in December 2015 with the publication of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire ('PQQ') and Project Information Memorandum. Five responses were received from prospective bidders to this stage of the competitive procurement process by the deadline of 31 March 2016. The second stage in the procurement process will be a formal invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) to qualifying bidders. I expect that my Department will move to this stage in the next month. The third stage of the procurement process involves the issue of final tender documentation which follows the dialogue process. Following the submission of final tenders by bidders, a winning bidder(s) will be selected for the contract which will comprise one or two lots as set out in the NBP Intervention Strategy. The Department will then enter into formal contract negotiations with the winning bidder(s). It is expected that contract(s) will be awarded by June 2017.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best roll-out strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and/or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network roll-out plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and the Gaeltacht. A detailed roll-out plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The Programme for a Partnership Government commits also to measures to assist in the roll-out of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of county or regional broadband taskforces, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, LEADER Groups and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
511. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is aware that Waterford City and County Council has made an application to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland for funding under the better energy communities scheme and that its initial application was declined; if he is providing additional funding under the scheme; if he will consider the application in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17246/16]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Communities scheme on behalf of my Department. The scheme aims to support and encourage community based partnerships to improve the energy efficiency of homes, businesses and community facilities in a local area. To date the scheme has supported the upgrade of more than 12,000 homes and several hundred shared community facilities, from sports clubs to community centres and childcare facilities.
My Department agreed a number of high level principles for the operation of the Better Energy Communities scheme in 2016 with SEAI. This led to the creation of a new category of projects with a value under €50,000 that can be progressed faster than normal applications. It also capped funding for any single project at €1,000,000 to ensure more projects and communities can receive funding and made €500,000 available for the creation of a support network dedicated to helping community organisations that want to develop a sustainable energy system in their local area.
However, all applications to the Better Energy Communities Scheme are assessed in a competitive process operated by SEAI and neither I, nor my Department, have any function in relation to the evaluation or selection of projects. This competitive process is fully transparent and I would urge any unsuccessful applicants to contact SEAI directly for feedback in relation to their application, which may assist in any future applications for support.
512. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the process in place to allow householders to correct the description on their Eircode postcode, where it carries misspellings or fictitious townlands. [17257/16]
View answerThe most comprehensive address database available in the country is the postal address database, which is owned by An Post GeoDirectory, a subsidiary company of An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland. Eircode uses the addresses from this database in the Eircode Finder. Eircode does not have the right to change postal address data on behalf of GeoDirectory.
If a householder has any queries in relation to the postal address for their property, they should contact Customer Service division for An Post who can be contacted at ph: 01 705 8242 / E: customer.service@anpost.ie.
513. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the additional efforts and focus being provided to ensure the speedy roll-out of high-speed broadband to businesses, homes and schools that are at serious disadvantage in this imbalance of broadband delivery, and to publish a detailed plan for same, given the recent survey of broadband usage stating that 25% of small to medium businesses here do not have an online presence and-or no broadband service. [17305/16]
View answerI am very conscious of the need for SMEs and micro-enterprises to develop an online trading presence. Data from the EU Commission's digital economic and social index shows that 32% of Irish SMEs are trading online, which ranks Ireland first among 28 EU Member States where the average is 16%. Research commissioned by my Department shows however that small businesses tend to be significantly less engaged in online activity.
Supporting more micro-enterprises to develop an online presence is a key priority and my Department's Trading Online Voucher Scheme is yielding strong results. Small and micro-enterprises that have developed an online trading presence through this scheme are experiencing growth of 21% with 3 in 5 beginning to export, and the potential for 1.4 new jobs per company. The scheme continues to operate through the Local Enterprise Office Network, and offers a financial incentive of up to €2,500 per business to develop a trading online presence.
Delivering high speed broadband to all businesses in Ireland is another key support for SMEs and micro-enterprises. The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. This is being achieved through private investment by commercial telecommunications companies and through a State intervention in areas where commercial investment is not forthcoming.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie, shows the extent of the State Intervention area, which is the subject of procurement. The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services. The Department continues to monitor the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE area to ensure that those services are delivered. The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention.
The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county. Individuals can check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by scrolling through the map online or entering their Eircode. The Department also has a dedicated mailbox for queries in relation to the map - broadband@dcenr.gov.ie.
The Department conducted extensive consultation and analysis in developing the updated Intervention Strategy, published in December 2015. The Intervention Strategy is available at:
http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/communications/en-ie/Pages/Publication/Ireland's-Broadband-Intervention-Strategy-update.aspx.
It sets out a detailed service specification including a requirement that the State-funded network must be capable of delivering high-quality, high speed broadband of at least 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload, available 99.95% of the time. Together with other detailed technical specifications, this will ensure that a reliable fast service is available to consumers. In addition to these requirements, bidder(s) will be asked to put forward minimum speeds for businesses which can be built into the service standards of the winning bidder(s) and proposals to future-proof the network to meet ongoing demand for bandwidth. To this end, the winning bidder(s) will be subject to periodic reviews on a 3-5 year basis.
Over 750,000 premises are the focus for the procurement process, which formally commenced in December 2015 with the publication of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire ( 'PQQ') and Project Information Memorandum. Five responses were received from prospective bidders to this stage of the competitive procurement process by the deadline of 31 March 2016. The second stage in the procurement process will be a formal invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) to qualifying bidders. I expect that my Department will move to this stage in the next month. The third stage of the procurement process involves the issue of final tender documentation which follows the dialogue process. Following the submission of final tenders by bidders, a winning bidder(s) will be selected for the contract which will comprise one or two lots as set out in the NBP Intervention Strategy. The Department will then enter into formal contract negotiations with the winning bidder(s). It is expected that contract(s) will be awarded by June 2017.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best rollout strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and / or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network rollout plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and the Gaeltacht. A detailed rollout plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The Programme for a Partnership Government commits also to measures to assist in the rollout of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of county or regional broadband taskforces, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, LEADER Groups and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
In the meantime, my Department continues to liaise closely with industry and relevant other Departments and agencies to assist in the commercial deployment of telecommunications networks. The commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2bn in upgrading and modernising telecoms networks and services. These investments are further improving the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country.
The Programme for a Partnership Government also commits to the establishment of a mobile phone and broadband taskforce which will consider further measures to address telecommunications deficits in rural Ireland. My Department is engaging with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, in relation to the terms of reference for the taskforce to ensure delivery of the Programme for Government commitment within the timelines set out. It is likely that the taskforce will involve a number of Government Departments and agencies, as well as engagement with telecommunications operators. My Department has already conducted a number of meetings with vendors and mobile operators to help inform the process and identify what tangible measures can be taken.
514. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is a protocol in place for British driving licences to be recognised in the State or if they will have to be replaced with European Union driving licences for the purpose of British citizens living and working here who still drive on their British driving licence and in the event of Britain leaving the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16690/16]
View answerThe EU sets common standards for driver licensing across all Member States. This means that all Member States observe the same standards for obtaining a driving licence, and issue licences in the same standard format. Under EU law, a person is required to obtain their driving licence from the Member State in which they are normally resident. They may drive on their national licence in other Member States. If they move from one Member State to another, they should exchange their licence for the equivalent licence in their new State of residence. UK driving licence holders may therefore drive in Ireland on their licences, and may exchange their licences for the Irish equivalent if taking up residence here.
Were the UK to leave the EU, any future arrangements would be a matter for negotiation between the EU and the UK in the first instance, and I cannot speculate on what might emerge in such a hypothetical scenario.
The Deputy may wish to know, however, that under international road traffic conventions, holders of foreign licences may drive in Ireland for up to a year on a visitor basis.
515. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding he has allocated to Tipperary County Council for road upgrades in each of the years 2006 to 2016 to date; if he will increase the allocation to the council given the poor condition of the roads in certain parts of the county, specifically in the parish of Aglish, Roscrea, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17032/16]
View answerDetails of the regional and local road grant payments in the period 2006 to 2015 to County Councils including Tipperary County Council are outlined in the regional and local road grant payment booklets which are available in the Dáil Library. Details of the 2016 regional and local road grant allocations to each County Council are also available in the Dáil library. In addition to the initial 2016 allocation as outlined in the allocation booklet, €5.35 million in severe weather funding has also been allocated to Tipperary County Council this year.
All funding for regional and local road programmes for 2016 has now been allocated.
With regard to national roads, details of payments are a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) (formerly known as the NRA).
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. I ask the Deputy to please advise my private office if she does not receive a reply within 10 working days.
516. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport why an inspector (details supplied) is not going to be replaced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16661/16]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Bus 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 response within ten working days.
517. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure the continuance of passenger flight operations to and from Waterford Airport following the recent announcement that a company (details supplied) is to cease operating from Waterford Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16691/16]
View answer539. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will meet the board of Waterford Airport given the discontinuation of services by a company (details supplied) recently at the airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16973/16]
View answer540. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the increased funding he will make available to Waterford Airport following commitments in the programme for Government; the restrictions that exist in terms of European Union law and EU directives in providing funding to regional airports; and if he will make an investment in extending the runway at the airport. [16974/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 517, 539 and 540 together.
I was disappointed to learn a fortnight ago that VLM Airlines ceased its operations on the Luton service out of Waterford Airport. VLM also withdrew its Birmingham route at the airport last month.
The Deputy will appreciate however that securing routes and negotiating deals with airlines are matters for the airports themselves, be they State airports or regional airports. These are commercial matters for the airports and airlines.
I understand that the authorities in Waterford Airport are in detailed discussions with a number of airlines with a view to securing a replacement carrier.
Waterford Airport receives substantial Exchequer support under the Regional Airports Programme that is administered by my Department. This Programme also supports the other three regional airports in Counties Donegal, Mayo and Kerry with funding but only in relation to the implementation of necessary safety and security related projects and activities. The extra €10 million in capital funding that is provided in the Programme for Government will enhance my Department's ability to further support the four airports, including Waterford.
Development projects at the airports which are designed to expand capacity are a commercial matter for the airports themselves. In the case of the proposed runway extension at Waterford, I understand that the airport authorities are pursuing local interests for funding in relation to that project.
Over the past five years, Waterford Airport has received €9.6 million in operational and investment support from my Department. In April of this year, a further €157,500 in grant aid was approved for a number of security related projects, including new X-ray equipment, at the airport.
The current Regional Airports Programme covers the period 2015 to 2019 and this Programme was approved in August last year by the EU Commission as being in conformity with the Commission's 2014 Guidelines on State aid to airports and airlines. Those EU Guidelines may be accessed here:
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.C_.2014.099.01.0003.01.ENG .
Some of the salient points arising from these Guidelines are contained in the current Regional Airports Programme which is published on my Department's website: http://www.dttas.ie/sites/default/files/publications/aviation/english/irelands-regional-airports-programme-2015-2019/irelands-regional-airports-programme-2015-2019.pdf .
It is my intention to visit Waterford Airport and meet management there when time permits.
518. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to make electric vehicle car usage easier by providing free parking, access to bus lanes, removal of purchase taxes, lower road tax rates or removal of value added tax on leasing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16692/16]
View answerPolicy regarding the promotion of electric vehicles lies within the Department of Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources (DCCNR). Good progress has been made in creating the best environment for promoting the penetration of EVs into the market in Ireland. A grant support scheme for EV consumers has been in place since 2011 whereby the consumer receives up to €5,000 off the cost price of the vehicle. In addition, EVs are also treated favourably under our motor tax system and qualify for VRT reliefs of up to €5,000.
In line with the Programme for Government commitment that Ireland become a leader in the take-up of electric vehicles, DCCNR have been tasked with establishing a taskforce involving relevant government departments, agencies, industry and representative groups, to work on this goal and to set ambitious and achievable targets. The Task Force will examine various measures including, I expect, those proposed by the Deputy to make electric car use easier and more attractive. My Department anticipates that it will co-chair this task force and continue to work closely with DCCNR to promote electric car use.
519. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to upgrade the N4 road between Mullingar, County Westmeath and County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16696/16]
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 national road projects (such as the N4 Mullingar to Longford) 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.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question regarding the N4 to TII for direct reply. I ask the Deputy to please advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within 10 working days.
520. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to make provisions to keep deer off the road infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16716/16]
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 maintenance of individual national roads 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.
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.
Concerning regional and local roads, the improvement and maintenance of these roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded (including measures to prevent deer from straying) is also a matter for the relevant local authority.
521. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide funding for traffic calming and public lighting at Poulgorm junction where the R569 meets the N22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16719/16]
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 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.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for direct reply. I ask the Deputy to please advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within 10 working days.
522. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to reduce the speed limit on the N22 at Glenflesk Village to 50 km/h and from Lissivigeen roundabout to the bottom of the Pike Hill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16720/16]
View answerAny proposed alteration of the existing speed limits applying to the stretches of road in question is a matter for Kerry County Council in the first instance.
While the Road Traffic Act 2004 sets default speed limits for national roads (both within and outside built up areas) local authorities, in this case Kerry County Council, may, in consultation with the Garda Commissioner and with the consent of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), make bye-laws to set Special Speed Limits for such roads in their administrative areas.
To assist local authorities in the application of Special Speed Limits, the Department's updated Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits are available on the Department's website at www.dttas.ie. These Guidelines reiterate that the making of Special Speed Limit bye-laws is a matter for the elected members of local authorities, subject to following Department Guidelines and to the consent of TII in the case of national roads.
At the time of the issuing of these Guidelines, local authorities were requested to review and update all speed limits in their administrative areas in accordance with the Guidelines and this is currently on-going. In the case of national roads, local authorities were requested to undertake this review in conjunction with TII.
523. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware of the road safety concerns of residents living in the vicinity of the N15 Blackburn Bridge Road project in County Donegal, phase 1 of which is currently under construction; the measures he will put in place to alleviate these concerns and to address the immediate hazards posed by the present condition of the road including poor road alignment, hazardous junctions as well as an uneven road surface; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16721/16]
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 N15 Blackburn Bridge scheme in Donegal) is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with Donegal 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.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. I ask the Deputy to please advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within 10 working days.
