Written Answers Nos. 267-275
267. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 16 of 1 October 2015, the details of increases in investment by his Department in energy efficiency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19729/16]
View answerThe revised estimates for 2016 for my Department provide for a total of €65.34m in funding for sustainable energy programmes. This is an increase of €12.5m compared with 2015. This funding is split between a number of programmes that are designed to encourage energy efficiency activity and assist householders living in energy poverty, along with grants for electric vehicles. A brief summary of each of the energy efficiency programmes being funded in 2016 is provided below:
- Better Energy Homes: This is the primary elective grant scheme available to homeowners. Individual homeowners apply for grants that cover a range of energy efficiency improvements, from various types of insulation to heating controls and solar thermal technologies. In 2015, grant levels were increased, a bonus payment was introduced for homeowners who undertake multiple measures and the minimum grant threshold was abolished. I anticipate that between 14000 - 15000 homeowners will receive grant support under this programme in 2016.
- Better Energy Warmer Homes: The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. In 2016 the eligibility criteria for the scheme have been broadened in line with Government policy on deprivation generally. I expect nearly 9,000 homes to be upgraded under this scheme in 2016.
- Better Energy Communities: The Better Energy Communities scheme aims to encourage community based partnerships to improve the efficiency of homes, community facilities and local businesses. These partnerships can be between the public and private sectors, domestic and non-domestic sectors, commercial and not-for-profit organisations and energy suppliers. Grants are awarded through an annual competitive evaluation process and must leverage considerable additional private investment. I recently awarded €20m in grants for this scheme in 2016. These grants will support the upgrade of more than 2,600 homes and almost 300 community and commercial facilities.
- Warmth & Wellbeing Pilot Scheme: This year I have also launched a new scheme to combat energy poverty called Warmth & Wellbeing. Its objective is to better understand how we can improve health and wellbeing by making homes warmer and more energy efficient. The scheme has been developed by my Department in close cooperation with the Department of Health and is being operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the HSE. €20m has been ear-marked by my Department for the scheme in the period 2016 to 2018, of which €4m will be spent this year.
The funding available for energy efficiency also supports a number of smaller programmes. The Sustainable Energy Communities scheme seeks to help communities build capacity to undertake energy projects, while the Better Energy Finance scheme supports a number of pilot initiatives to help determine how future energy efficiency support schemes should be structured. Initiatives to encourage energy efficiency in the commercial and public sectors are also funded.
268. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will consider a review of the policy of gill-netting carried out by Inland Fisheries Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21320/16]
View answerOn 4 July, Inland Fisheries Ireland published the timetable for the review of the National Pike and Brown Trout Policies. These policies deal with the established practice of controlling pike in waters that are designated as primary wild brown trout fisheries and where the principal predator, pike, is managed to optimise wild brown trout stocks for anglers.
Following the appointment of an internal IFI Policy Review Group later this month, the review process will commence with a scoping consultation which will be open to all parties. As part of the policy development process, fish stock management methodologies including gill netting and electrofishing will be carefully reviewed. IFI will have regard to scientific advice and best practice internationally. IFI is working to ensure the completion of this process in as consultative a way as possible which ensures that all interested parties can have input to policy formulation. IFI hopes to receive the agreed views of angler stakeholder groups, domestic and tourist anglers, tourism providers and the general public.
It is expected that the updated Pike and Trout policy documents will be available in July 2017.
269. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce Cork-to-Boston flights with Norwegian Airlines; if and when the licensing process in the United States of America will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21386/16]
View answer270. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has discussed the outstanding licensing issue in the United States of America regarding the Cork-to-Boston flights provided by Norwegian Airlines with the European Commission; if it has implications for the European Union and United States of America open skies agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21387/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 269 and 270 together.
As I have previously stated, I and my Department fully support Norwegian Air International and the introduction of the proposed Cork to Boston route. On the 15th of April 2016 the US Department of Transportation published a tentative decision to grant Norwegian Air International the foreign air carrier permit required to operate the proposed Cork to Boston route. A public consultation on this tentative decision was completed on the 23rd of May. It is now a matter for the US authorities to decide whether to confirm that tentative decision or not.
As detailed in my response to PQ 20673/16, I and my Department continue to liaise with the European Commission regarding the proposed Cork to Boston route by Norwegian Air International. The Commission agrees that the 2½ year delay by the US authorities in making a decision on NAI's permit application is not acceptable. The next step in resolving the issue would be for the Commission to initiate a formal arbitration under Article 19 of the Open Skies Agreement between the European Union and the United States of America. It is hoped that by granting the permit there will be no need to take this step. However, I am confident that the Commission, if necessary, will take the appropriate action under the Agreement to help resolve this dispute. I look forward to a decision being confirmed by the US Department of Transportation as soon as possible so that Norwegian Air International can start operating the new route from Cork to Boston and other new transatlantic routes.
271. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans in place to ensure that passengers with disabilities are able to alight from the train and exit the building safely, given that the passenger footbridge at Carlow railway station is not usable by passengers with a disability due to its design and accessibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21426/16]
View answerMy Department funds an on-going programme of accessibility improvement grants to upgrade existing public transport infrastructure and facilities. This programme is being managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) on behalf of my Department. I understand that funding is being provided this year under the Programme for accessibility upgrade works at a number of railway stations, including Carlow Station.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
272. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on rickshaws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21427/16]
View answer273. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware of the concerns taxi drivers have about rickshaws and the lack of regulations in place for their use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21428/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 272 and 273 together.
Rickshaws are covered by road traffic law. Pedal-powered rickshaws come within the definition of 'pedal cycles' and powered rickshaws are classified as 'mechanically propelled vehicles'. They, like all other road traffic, are obliged to obey road traffic law. The measures which were introduced last year to allow An Garda Síochána to issue fixed charge notices to cyclists also apply to pedal powered rickshaws and provide an important tool for An Garda Síochána in enforcing the law.
I understand that in response to some concerns, primarily of a safety nature, discussions have taken place between Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority on the question of the regulation of rickshaws and that the NTA has indicated that a formal proposal is to be made to the Department shortly arising from those discussions.
Consideration of the issues relating to the regulation of rickshaws will take place following receipt of this proposal.
274. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to release additional emergency funding for immediate maintenance works to roads in east County Cork, which have been described locally as being in an unacceptable condition by the East Cork Municipality and not currently at a safe standard for motorists. [21474/16]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in County Cork is the statutory responsibility of Cork County Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.
In January this year, my predecessor announced the 2016 regional and local allocations, of which Cork County Council was allocated €29.6m. The Council was subsequently allocated an additional €11.45m under the Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 severe weather allocations to assist the Council in addressing damage arising from severe weather earlier this year. The allocation of funding to individual Municipal Districts is a matter for decision by Cork County Council taking into account its own resources and grant funding.
All funding for 2016 has now been allocated.
275. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will intervene in a dispute (details supplied) regarding the operation of eFlow barriers on the M1 near Drogheda, County Louth; the M7 and M8 south of Portlaoise; and the N25 at Waterford, which will severely impact on the daily users of these busy motorways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21476/16]
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 is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Furthermore, the statutory power to levy tolls on national roads such as the M11, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in Transport Infrastructure Ireland under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007). I have, therefore, no function in relation to contractual arrangements between TII and toll operators. Noting the above, I have referred your query to TII for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 days.
