Written Answers Nos. 524-544
524. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide funding to repair the railway crossing at Minish in Killarney, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16722/16]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Matters relating to the repair of railway crossings are a day-to-day operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have no function in such matters.
Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
525. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to immediately provide funding for the commencement of the local improvement schemes in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16724/16]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) remains in place this year. This Scheme provides funding for private roads and laneways, the maintenance and improvement of which is, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant landowner. While the LIS does not have a ring-fenced allocation in 2016, local authorities may use a proportion of State grant funding (15% of the Discretionary Grant which is €506,390 in the case of Kerry County Council) for LIS should they wish to do so. In addition Councils can also provide monies from their own resources towards LIS.
The Programme for a Partnership Government provides that, as the economy recovers, the Government will promote increased funding for Local Improvement Schemes, on an annual basis. A major objective for the new Government will be to prioritise new investment in local and regional road maintenance and improvements and LIS funding will be promoted in that context.
526. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request Bus Éireann to have the Limerick city to County Kerry bus service wait for the Galway city connection to arrive, given that the buses to County Kerry often leave seconds before the Galway city bus arrives in Limerick city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16732/16]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Bus Éireann 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.
527. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to consider the design of a scheme to provide funding for the ongoing maintenance of roads that have been reconstituted under the construction industry scheme or local improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16754/16]
View answerThere is a Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) in place. This Scheme provides funding for private roads and laneways, the maintenance and improvement of which is, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant landowner. While the LIS does not have a ring-fenced allocation in 2016, local authorities may use a proportion of State grant funding (15% of the Discretionary Grant) for LIS should they wish to do so. In addition Councils can also provide monies from their own resources towards LIS.
There is also a Community Involvement Scheme (CIS) in place whereby local authorities may set aside 7.5% of their Restoration Improvement and Restoration Maintenance grants for CIS schemes if they so wish.
The Programme for a Partnership Government provides that, as the economy recovers, the Government will promote increased funding for Community Improvement Schemes and Local Improvement Schemes, on an annual basis. A major objective for the new Government will be to prioritise new investment in local and regional road maintenance and improvements, and CIS and LIS funding will be promoted in that context.
528. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the year of the six year investment programme that he will provide funding for the proposed Macroom bypass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16757/16]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & 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 Macroom Bypass) 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. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
529. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of variable operational payments paid by the National Roads Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland in respect of under usage of the N18 Limerick tunnel in each year to date in 2016; the future cost for the duration of the public private partnership based on projected future usage levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16760/16]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The implementation of individual national road schemes, including the N18 Limerick Tunnel is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015.
In addition, the statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agremeents with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in TII under part V of the Roads Act (as amended).
The contracts for the privately operated toll schemes (such as the Limerick Tunnel) are commercial agreements between TII and the PPP concessionaires concerned. Noting this position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for further reply. Please advise my office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
530. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide funding for the national secondary road from Blackwater Bridge to Sneem as two medium or large vehicles cannot pass on many sections of this road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16767/16]
View answerI understand the road in question is the N70 national road. 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 N70) 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. I ask the Deputy to please advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within 10 working days.
531. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide proper funding for the Ring of Kerry road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16769/16]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & 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 in Kerry is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with Kerry 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.
532. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of an application for funding for works at Altamont House and Gardens, in County Carlow, following a submission made in February 2015 seeking funding for the conservation of the roof and restoration of tea rooms. [16770/16]
View answerWhile my Department provides capital funding for investment in tourism initiatives to Failte Ireland it is not directly involved in the management of these funding programmes. This is a matter for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for consideration and direct reply. I ask the Deputy to please advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
533. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the annual spend for training in the hospitality sector since the Council for Education, Recruitment and Training was merged into Fáilte Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16778/16]
View answerThe issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.
534. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to confirm that the funds promised in the capital spend programme 2015 for the urgently needed Laytown-Bettystown link road (R150) are guaranteed for the project; and when this funding will be released. [16780/16]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in Co. Meath is the statutory responsibility of Meath 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 Capital Plan 2016-2021 provides that a number of schemes targeting bottlenecks in the road network will be progressed subject to necessary approvals. The R150 Laytown to Bettystown Spine road is one of the projects included in the Capital Plan, subject to necessary approvals including planning. I understand that Meath County Council is liaising with my officials in relation to the project, including the timescale for implementation.
535. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport why only 130 post offices out of the 180 post offices along the Wild Atlantic Way received a franchise to sell Wild Atlantic Way passports and stamps; if he will extend the scheme to the other post offices along the Wild Atlantic Way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16781/16]
View answerThe matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.
536. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to widen Carah Bridge, Ballinahulla Bridge and Kells Bridge at the viaduct on the Ring of Kerry Road (details suplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16794/16]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & 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 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 a response is not received within 10 working days.
537. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to restrict the access of higher goods vehicles and other large vehicles from St. Laurence's Gate in Drogheda, County Louth, given that these vehicles are causing damage to the structure. [16834/16]
View answerWhile the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) is responsible for general legislation in regard to traffic matters, DTTAS has no direct role in relation to local traffic. The implementation of local traffic management measures is a matter for the relevant local authority, which in this instance is Louth County Council. Concerns have already been brought to my attention by local representatives and I am aware of the issues involved.
538. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered the inclusion of St. Laurence's Gate, Drogheda, County Louth in Ireland's Ancient East; and if he will identify it as a gateway to Ireland's Ancient East. [16836/16]
View answerAs Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, my responsibility in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national policy. The development of Ireland's Ancient East is an operational matter for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland. My Department is not directly involved in its development or promotion.
Accordingly, I have asked Fáilte Ireland to reply to the Deputy directly. Please contact my private office if you do not hear from them within ten working days.
541. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his position on the Single European Sky, SES, initiative at the European Union; the level of engagement he has had with European officials and industry stakeholders on this issue; his views on the obstacles to the creation of a Single European Sky; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16989/16]
View answerThe Single European Sky (SES) is a policy initiative agreed in 2004 with the central objective of reforming and improving the performance of air traffic management in Europe. This objective continues to be valid and I accordingly fully support the SES initiative.
While I have not yet had an opportunity to discuss this initiative with my European Union counterparts at Transport Council, or to engage with industry stakeholders, officials from my Department are engaged in SES-related discussions on an ongoing basis at EU level. These discussions are aimed at progressing various technical elements of the SES and are delivering positive results.
Insofar as obstacles to the creation of a Single European Sky are concerned, I do not believe that there is a particular obstacle per se. The SES is a highly complex project that will take time to fully deliver. It is important to emphasise that considerable progress has already been achieved over the past decade or so, particularly in relation to the establishment of Functional Airspace Blocks and also the agreement reached between all Member States on the development of a performance scheme. This multi-annual scheme requires the achievement of demanding performance targets in relation to safety, capacity, environment and cost efficiency, which are delivering improvements. While further steps clearly need to be taken to overcome the inefficiencies associated with fragmented European airspace, I believe that with persistence and commitment by all parties the key goals of the Single European Sky will be progressively achieved over the coming years.
542. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to outline the remit of the National Horse Arena in Abbotstown and to whom it is accountable, with particular reference to where income from the equestrian activities that it hosts goes. [16992/16]
View answer543. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware that activities and shows being run by the National Horse Arena are impacting upon local businesses which traditionally provided Dressage Ireland shows, and other riding club qualifiers, with particular reference to the fact that such activities are being organised with the support of taxpayers' money, which went into establishing the facility, thus giving an unfair advantage. [16993/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 542 and 543 together.
Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development and operation of the National Sports Campus at Abbotstown. This includes responsibility for the operation of facilities such as the National Horse Sport Arena.
As this question is a matter for Sport Ireland, I have referred it to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
544. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will accept applications for sports capital grants; the opening date and the deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17082/16]
View answer548. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his proposals to launch a new sports capital programme 2016, if he has provided for this in his Estimates for 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17240/16]
View answer549. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for sports capital funding in 2016; when he will open the expression of interest period for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17243/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 544, 548 and 549 together.
No decision has been made on the timing or any other aspects of any future rounds of the Sports Capital Programme.
No provision was made in the Estimates for a new round of allocations in 2016. In any case, allocations are not generally paid in the year in which they are allocated.
Any interested group should register online now at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie as this portal will be the only way to apply under any future rounds of the Programme.
