Written Answers Nos. 844-860
844. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the efforts he is undertaking to promote the tourism potential of the canal network here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22170/16]
View answerThe role of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national policy. While the development and promotion of specific tourism sectors is a matter for the Boards and Managements of the tourism agencies of Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, the primary responsibility for the canal network falls under the remit of Waterways Ireland, which is a body under the aegis of my colleague, the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. In that regard, Waterways Ireland has a specific responsibility to promote the recreational aspect of the inland waterway network.
In relation to the role of the tourism agencies, I have asked them to reply directly to the Deputy in this regard. Please contact my private office if you do not hear from them within ten working days.
845. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the proposed night flights that are to be redirected over south Dublin on runway 16/34 from September 2016 for a year are acceptable and necessary (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22571/16]
View answerDublin Airport Authority has statutory responsibility for the management, operation and development of Dublin Airport. The airport's main runway 10/28 is 27 years old and is a key national infrastructural asset. Recent studies have determined that the runway requires essential pavement rehabilitation. In order to minimise disruption, the works will be undertaken at night and will take approximately 18 months to complete.
The redirection of any flights during this time is a matter for the Irish Aviation Authority in the context of its statutory responsibilities for air traffic management and as such I have passed your query to them for their attention and direct reply to you. If you have not received a response within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
846. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware that Dublin Bus is not providing an adequate bus service to the Easton Road area of Leixlip, County Kildare, and has stated to the Celbridge-Leixlip municipal district members that it provides a peak-time service to and from Easton Road and has no plans to extend services, as it would require additional significant resources and-or the redirecting of the 66 bus route which services other parts of Leixlip; and if he will identify the additional significant resources that Dublin Bus quotes as its reason for not delivering the service to Easton Road. [22597/16]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Dublin Bus 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.
847. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to include the Ardee bypass N52 on the list of priority projects for 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22619/16]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Within its annual budget the planning, design and implementation of individual road projects, such as the Ardee Bypass 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.
The Ardee Bypass was not included in the Capital Plan published in September 2015. Decisions on the transport elements of the Capital Plan were framed by the conclusions reached in my Department’s Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport. Based on the findings in that report it is envisaged that maintenance and renewal of the road network will continue to be the main priority over the next period and the bulk of the roads capital budget, over €4 billion, is earmarked for such essential work with a further €600 million allocated for implementation of the PPP road programme which is already underway. In this context the Ardee bypass was one of the projects that it was not possible to include given the overall funding envelope available.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government proposes to undertake a Mid-Term Review of the Capital Plan, which will take stock of progress and provide the Government with an opportunity to consider the scope for increased levels of investment, including in the transport sector, taking economic growth and fiscal progress into account.
848. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason there are severe age limit restrictions on vehicles for use in the taxi sector, as opposed to the trucking or bus sector; the reason a 2007 E-class Mercedes Benz was considered not suitable as a taxi in June 2016 but could operate as a limousine in the same time period; the reason there are extra signage requirements on a taxi considering other SPSV vehicles carry no distinguishing markers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22681/16]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including vehicle standards, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
849. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the Narrow Water Bridge project in view of the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22709/16]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, my role is to liaise with my counterpart on the implementation of the commitments agreed between the Northern Ireland Executive and the Government in the Fresh Start Agreement. My Department is represented on the Senior Officials Group overseeing the implementation of the infrastructure related commitments in the Agreement and this fruitful co-operation under the aegis of the North South Ministerial Council will continue. The commitments expressed in the Fresh Start Agreement in relation to the Narrow Water Bridge remain in place and work is ongoing in that regard, as highlighted in the communiqué from the most recent Plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council on 4 July.
850. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of politically appointed staff working in his Department including the names, roles and salaries of each staff member; in the case of special advisers, their qualifications and experience relevant to their roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22740/16]
View answerThere are six politically appointed staff in my Department. The information as requested by the Deputy is provided in the following table:
|
Minister |
Staff Name |
Role |
Salary Range |
|
Minister Ross |
Aisling Dunne |
Special Advisor |
€79,401 - €91,624 |
|
Charlotte Simpson |
Personal Assistant |
€43,715 - €56,060 |
|
|
John Keating |
Personal Secretary |
€24,420 - €47,755 |
|
|
Ultan Sherlock |
Civilian Driver |
€34,700 |
|
|
Min. of State O'Donovan |
Michael O'Connor |
Personal Assistant |
€43,715 - €56,060 |
|
Connor Joy |
Personal Secretary |
€24,420 - €47,755 |
|
|
Frank O'Riordan |
Civilian Driver |
€34,700 |
|
|
Jeremiah Roche |
Civilian Driver |
€34,700 |
My Special Advisor Ms. Dunne is a qualified barrister with over 5 years experience in advocacy, negotiation and drafting. All these staff are employed in line with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Guidelines on the staffing of Minister and Minister of State's offices.
851. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22754/16]
View answerThe operation of the Garda GoSafe speed vans is entirely a matter for An Garda Síochána. I have no role in the matter.
852. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 764 of 12 July 2016, the date Meath County Council applied for the revised total application of €4.38 million in respect of the R150 Bettystown-Laytown spine road; the date at which all available funding had been allocated to projects within his Department for 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22759/16]
View answerGrant allocations for the core regional and local road programme were made in January this year. Additional allocations made after that were specifically for repairing damage caused to roads by storms and floods. An updated application, including an explanation for the increase of the projected cost of the scheme compared to the original application in 2013, was received from Meath County Council in May.
853. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when or if he plans to move the N22 Macroom bypass to tender for construction. [22773/16]
View answer854. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is funding in the current capital programme to build the N22 Macroom bypass. [22774/16]
View answerI propose to answer Questions 853 and 854 together.
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 (such as the N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom scheme) is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly 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 the Deputy's questions to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.
855. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the Macroom and Ballyvourney bypass will be commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22796/16]
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 N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom scheme) is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly 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.
856. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to progress integrated transport plans across the entire country, with particular reference to the potential use of the rail system for commuter transport to a greater extent than has been possible heretofore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22808/16]
View answerThe railway network is a vital part of our transport network and commuter rail has a particularly important role to play in facilitating the efficient movement of people on a daily basis for commuting purposes. Of the 39.6m passenger journeys made on the heavy rail network in 2015, more than 29m of these journeys were by commuter rail (12.04m) or DART (17.15m).
The National Transport Authority's (NTA) Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2016-2035 sets out a comprehensive vision for public transport in the GDA over the next two decades including the proposed role of both light rail and heavy rail. The NTA is now drawing up an integrated implementation plan to outline how it will go about delivering upon the Strategy's objectives over the first 6 year period within the Strategy's overall 20-year horizon.
Under the Capital Plan 'Building on Recovery Infrastructure & Capital Investment 2016-2021, the public transport programme included in the 7 year transport element of the Plan will reach €3.6bn. This will allow prioritisation of investment for essential 'steady state' maintenance and asset renewal of the public transport system including an ongoing maintenance programme to ensure the safety and efficiency of the rail network on a nationwide basis.
Funds are also being committed for a range of other rail projects, including the opening of the Phoenix Park Tunnel in 2016 to bring some scheduled passenger services on the Kildare Line to Connolly Station, the completion of the City Centre Re-signalling Programme for the rail network and the construction of a new Central Traffic Control Centre for commuter and intercity rail. Improvements to the DART service will also be funded including increased frequencies and capacity and electrification of the DART to Balbriggan. In addition, we will be continuing with the smart technological upgrades which enhance public transport and encourage more people to use the public transport network.
857. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to have discussions with the major sporting organisations with a view to encourage the use of this country as an international venue for sporting events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22809/16]
View answerThe hosting of major sports events, both participative and spectator sports, can provide a great showcase for Ireland, drive international visitor numbers and the media coverage of sports tourism events helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination.
Accordingly, I am supportive of the ongoing efforts of the tourism agencies and the national governing bodies of sport to attract international events, subject, of course, to an assessment of the costs/benefits involved in any State financial support, in particular the number of overseas visitors.
The Government assisted the IRFU in its successful bid to host the Women's Rugby World Cup in 2017 and, as the Deputy is aware, the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive is supporting the preparation of a joint bid for the Rugby World Cup in 2023. The bid has the full support of both Governments and we will be working very closely with the IRFU to ensure that the best possible bid is lodged with World Rugby to bring the Rugby World Cup to Ireland in 2023. The Government also supported the FAI in its successful bid to host four games as part the UEFA Euro 2020 football championship.
Our tourism and sporting infrastructure are amongst the finest in Europe and are well capable of providing the modern facilities required by participants and spectators alike. We will continue to look for opportunities to both grow tourism and develop sport in Ireland by hosting major events with real overseas revenue-generating potential.
858. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which the tourism sector has contributed to national economic recovery; if he is satisfied regarding the adequacy of the provisions in place to facilitate the future development and expansion of the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22810/16]
View answer860. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which any particular sectors of the tourism sector in 2016 so far have shown particular potential for growth, with consequent economic benefit in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22812/16]
View answer864. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the full extent of growth within the tourism sector, with particular reference to the total number of persons employed; the scope for further development resulting in employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22816/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 858, 860 and 864 together.
Tourism continues to contribute significantly to Ireland's economic recovery. 2015 was a record year for Irish tourism when we recorded more than 8.6 million overseas visits contributing an estimated €4.2 billion (excluding carrier receipts) to the Irish economy. CSO figures for the first five months of 2016 show that there were over three million overseas visits to Ireland, an increase of 13.7% on the same period of 2015.
Thankfully all of our main target markets are showing good growth levels with visits from North America up by over 18%, visits from Mainland Europe up by 11.5% and visits from Great Britain up by over 15%. With regard to revenue, the most recent CSO Quarterly Tourism and Travel publication shows that spending in Ireland by overseas visitors (excluding carrier receipts) in the first three months of 2016 amounted to over €693 million, an increase of 17.5% compared to the same period in 2015.
The Quarterly National Household Survey figures indicate that employment in the ‘Accommodation and Food Service Activities’ sector was 145,900 (seasonally adjusted) for the first quarter of 2016, compared with 135,400 in the same period last year, a rise of 7.8%. This is having real economic benefits for towns and villages right across the country.
Tourism Ireland’s targets for 2016 are to grow overseas visit numbers by a further 4%, and grow the associated revenue by 5%. Early figures for 2016 suggest that we are likely to exceed these amounts. Obviously the recent EU Referendum decision may have implications on outbound tourism but the Great Britain market will remain of significant importance to Irish tourism and I believe that Ireland's excellent tourism offering will ensure that we continue to perform strongly. Tourism Ireland is closely monitoring the situation and is due to meet with tourism industry representatives later this week to plan ahead in this new market environment. Amongst the longer-term tourism goals, as outlined in the Government's Tourism Policy Statement are that by 2025: revenue from overseas visitors will increase to €5 billion, net of inflation supported by 10 million overseas visits to Ireland annually and I am confident that we will achieve these targets.
In 2015, a Tourism Leadership Group was appointed to put in place a Tourism Action Plan containing key actions required in the period to 2018 in order to achieve the overall objectives in the Policy Statement. The Tourism Action Plan was published in January and contains actions across a range of key issues including skills in the tourism industry; supply of visitor accommodation; overseas tourism marketing, and the contribution of Local Authorities to tourism development. My Department is now working closely with the tourism agencies on the implementation of all of the 23 actions contained in the Plan.
859. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which potential growth opportunities for business tourism in this country continue to be identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22811/16]
View answerDecisions on potential opportunities for business tourism are a matter for Fáilte Ireland. These decisions are not subject to my approval. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's Parliamentary Question to the agency for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
