Written Answers Nos. 761 - 781
761. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to provide mapping information of broadband areas which include the broadband capability and plans for the Dublin Mountains area in Dublin South West, including Cruagh, Tibradden, Bohernabreena and Glenasmole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23792/16]
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 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 Dublin. 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 and anyone with a query in relation to the Map should email the Department, quoting their Eircode, to broadband@dcenr.gov.ie.
The areas to which the Deputy refers are set out in the following table, which shows the percentage of premises that are expected to be covered by commercial investments, and the percentage that will be covered by the State Intervention.
|
County |
Name |
Townland |
Premises currently expected to be covered by State intervention under NBP |
Existing and Planned commercial High Speed Broadband |
|
Cruagh |
Cruagh |
100% |
||
|
Tibradden |
Tibradden |
100% |
||
|
Bohernabreena |
Bohernabreena |
34% |
66% |
|
|
Dublin |
Glenasmole |
Glassamucky and Castlekelly |
100% |
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. On 5 July 2016, I announced that my Department has also identified a further 170,000 premises which are currently marked BLUE on the High Speed Broadband Map and which are unlikely to get access to services. My Department is currently in the process of identifying these additional premises with a view to including them in the formal procurement process.
The Department has now moved to the next stage in the procurement process. In this Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) phase, the Department is now commencing the formal dialogue process with three qualifying bidders. The qualifying bidders will shortly be furnished with a draft contract, with detailed specifications for a quality and affordable high speed broadband network.
Following the ITPD stage, which will take a number of months, the Department will issue final tender documentation to bidders. When final tenders have been submitted 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). The current schedule envisages contract(s) award in June 2017.
The timing of each stage of the procurement is dependent on a number of factors including the number of bidders short-listed and the complexities that may be encountered during the dialogue process. It must be noted that bidders will need several months to prepare their draft bids and their final formal bids and get the relevant shareholder and funding approvals at these stages of the process.
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 Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed roll-out plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
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 networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services. These investments will further improve the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country.
The Programme for a Partnership Government commits also to measures to assist in the roll-out of the broadband network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of county or local 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.
762. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when an area in County Kildare (details supplied) can expect to receive improved broadband services given the progress being made on the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23995/16]
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 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 and includes Athy, Co. Kildare. 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 County Kildare. 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 and anyone with a query in relation to the Map should email the Department, quoting their Eircode, to broadband@dcenr.gov.ie.
According to publicly available information on eir's website (www.openeir.ie) all the cabinets on or adjacent to the Dublin Road in Athy Co. Kildare have been fibre enabled for the provision of high-speed broadband services. While I cannot compel any operator to provide services to a particular premises, the NBP Intervention aims to deliver a State-funded service to those premises which will not be provided with services from the commercial telecoms sector. My Department continues however to actively monitor the deployment plans in the BLUE area where commercial operators have committed to providing services to ensure that every home and business in the country has access to services, either through the commercial sector, or through the State Intervention. I would encourage consumers and business owners to contact my Department at broadband@dcenr.gov.ie, quoting their address and Eircode, where specific problems arise in relation to provision by commercial operators of High Speed Broadband services in the BLUE area.
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. On 5 July 2016, I announced that my Department has also identified a further 170,000 premises which are currently marked BLUE on the High Speed Broadband Map and which are unlikely to get access to services. My Department is currently in the process of identifying these additional premises with a view to including them in the formal procurement process.
The Department has now moved to the next stage in the procurement process. In this Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) phase, the Department are now commencing the formal dialogue process with three qualifying bidders. The qualifying bidders will shortly be furnished with a draft contract, with detailed specifications for a quality and affordable high speed broadband network.
Following the ITPD stage, which will take a number of months, the Department will issue final tender documentation to bidders. When final tenders have been submitted 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). The current schedule envisages contract(s) award in June 2017.
The timing of each stage of the procurement is dependent on a number of factors including the number of bidders short-listed and the complexities that may be encountered during the dialogue process. It must be noted that bidders will need several months to prepare their draft bids and their final formal bids and get the relevant shareholder and funding approvals at these stages of the process.
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 Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed roll-out plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
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 networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services. These investments will further improve the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country.
The Programme for a Partnership Government commits also to measures to assist in the roll-out of the broadband network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister 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.
763. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if upgrade works on the national broadband scheme will take place in Kilmessan, County Meath. [24018/16]
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 formal procurement process for the State Intervention commenced in December 2015.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at 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 and includes the townland of Kilmessan, County Meath. The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county including County Meath. The Department also has a dedicated mailbox and anyone with a query in relation to the Map should email the Department, quoting their Eircode, to 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. On 5 July 2016, I announced that my Department has also identified a further 170,000 premises which are currently marked BLUE on the High Speed Broadband Map and which are unlikely to get access to services. My Department is currently in the process of identifying these additional premises with a view to including them in the formal procurement process.
The Department has now moved to the next stage in the procurement process. In this Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) phase, the Department is now commencing the formal dialogue process with three qualifying bidders. The qualifying bidders will shortly be furnished with a draft contract, with detailed specifications for a quality and affordable high speed broadband network.
Following the ITPD stage, which will take a number of months, the Department will issue final tender documentation to bidders. When final tenders have been submitted 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). The current schedule envisages contract(s) award in June 2017.
The timing of each stage of the procurement is dependent on a number of factors including the number of bidders short-listed and the complexities that may be encountered during the dialogue process. It must be noted that bidders will need several months to prepare their draft bids and their final formal bids and get the relevant shareholder and funding approvals at these stages of the process.
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 Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed roll-out plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
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 networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services. These investments will further improve the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country.
The Programme for a Partnership Government commits also to measures to assist in the roll-out of the broadband network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister 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.
764. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources for an update on the position and review of REFIT tariffs for solar energy and other alternative energy sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24140/16]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to facilitate the development of solar energy projects. The White Paper on Energy policy published in December 2015 also includes a commitment to introduce a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme designed to encourage the development of Ireland's abundant, diverse and indigenous renewable energy resources, including solar photovoltaic technology.
It is widely recognised that solar photo voltaic technology has become more cost competitive for electricity generation over the last few years, not only compared with other renewables such as wind energy but also compared with conventional forms of generation. With these significant changes in the cost of the technology, the deployment of solar photovoltaic technology in Ireland has only recently become a potential cost-effective option to increase energy security, contribute to our renewable energy targets, and support economic growth and jobs. It is also recognised, however, that while the cost competitiveness of solar photovoltaic technology has improved, it would still require a subsidy in order to be developed on a commercial basis.
In-depth economic analysis is currently underway to inform the cost of a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme. While no decision has been taken on the precise renewable technologies to be supported - and the appropriate level of tariffs remain under consideration - the cost and technical viability of a range of renewable technologies, including solar photovoltaic technology, are being assessed.
Designing and implementing a new scheme is a complex task and it is expected that the broad details of the new scheme will be available early next year. Before these details are announced, my Department will run a second public consultation, which will give all interested parties an opportunity to input into the design of the new scheme. Details of the consultation will be posted on my Department's website www.dcenr.ie. Ultimately, the introduction of any new scheme will be subject to Government approval and State aid clearance by the European Commission.
765. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost of implementing a living wage of €11.50 for all employees directly employed or in agencies funded by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24157/16]
View answerMy Department currently has 15 staff members who earn less than €11.50 gross per hour. The cost to my Department of introducing a minimum wage of €11.50 would be in the region of €53,000 per annum.
The salaries paid to employees of the bodies under the aegis of my Department are generally matters for those bodies.
766. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the discussions his Department has had with suppliers or service contractors to his Department or to agencies of his Department to ensure that employees of such suppliers and contractors are paid the living wage of €11.50 per hour; the cost of implementing this wage for these employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24172/16]
View answerMy Department has not had any discussions with suppliers or service contractors about the impact of a Living Wage. The Living Wage is voluntary concept and has no legislative basis and therefore cannot be imposed on suppliers or contractors.
Companies tendering to supply goods or services to my Department through the etenders.ie website are obliged to provide a statement confirming that they will comply with all applicable labour law obligations relating to the provision of the services sought.
767. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of grant aid funding available under the better energy homes scheme divided between each individual energy efficiency measure to households (details supplied); the total number of persons who availed of each of these schemes in 2014, 2015 and to date in 2016; the total amount of Exchequer funding allocated and drawn down subsequently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24217/16]
View answerThe Better Energy Homes scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department. The scheme provides a financial incentive to private homeowners who wish to improve the energy performance of their homes. Fixed grants are provided towards the cost of a range of measures including attic insulation, wall insulation, heating systems upgrades, solar thermal panels and accompanying Building Energy Ratings.
In 2015, a series of amendments to the scheme were made to improve consumer interest. Grant levels were increased, a bonus payment was introduced for homeowners who undertake multiple measures and the minimum grant threshold was abolished.
The following table shows all the measures supported and the revised grant levels available.
|
Revised Grant Levels |
Energy Efficient Works |
Increased Grant Value |
|
Insulation |
Attic |
€300 |
|
Wall – Cavity |
€300 |
|
|
Wall – Internal Dry Lining |
||
|
Apartment (any) OR Mid-terrace House |
€1,200 |
|
|
Semi-detached OR End of Terrace |
€1,800 |
|
|
Detached House |
€2,400 |
|
|
Wall – External |
||
|
Apartment (any) OR Mid-terrace House |
€2,250 |
|
|
Semi-detached OR End of Terrace |
€3,400 |
|
|
Detached House |
€4,500 |
|
|
Heating System |
Heating Controls with Boiler (Oil or Gas) Upgrade |
€700 |
|
Heating Controls Upgrade only |
€600 |
|
|
Solar Heating |
€1,200 |
|
|
Bonus |
For 3rd measure |
€300 |
|
For 4th measure |
€100 |
|
|
Building Energy Rating (BER) |
€50 |
I have also set out in the following table the number of applications received for 2014, 2015 and to date (20 July) in 2016, the number of homes completed in this same time frame, the total grant paid out, the total number of measures completed and a full breakdown of each measure complete.:
|
Better Energy Homes Scheme |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 (to 20 July) |
|
Total Number Applications received |
13,057 |
18,772 |
10,420 |
|
Total Number of Homes completed |
9,927 |
12,612 |
8,594 |
|
Total Grant Amount Paid (€) |
€9.915m |
€14.326m |
€9.363m |
|
Total Number of Measures Completed |
25,488 |
30,354 |
20,198 |
|
Roof Insulation |
4,256 |
4,751 |
3,221 |
|
Cavity |
3,360 |
3,995 |
2,781 |
|
Dry-Lining Insulation |
591 |
601 |
418 |
|
External Insulation |
1,131 |
1,255 |
617 |
|
H.E. Gas Boiler with Heating Control Upgrade |
2,852 |
3,634 |
2,388 |
|
H.E. Oil Boiler with Heating Control Upgrade |
1,029 |
1,155 |
724 |
|
Heating Controls Upgrade Only |
569 |
706 |
799 |
|
Solar Heating |
1,457 |
1,646 |
658 |
|
Integral BER |
10,243 |
12,611 |
8,592 |
768. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the total funding allocated under the online trading voucher scheme in each year since it commenced and to date in 2016; the total number of vouchers availed of in each year; to provide an overview of the scheme operation, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24218/16]
View answerThe Trading Online Voucher Scheme was launched nationally on 1 July 2014, following a successful pilot in the Dublin City area. The scheme is a key action under the business strand of the Government’s National Digital Strategy, and is specifically designed to support small and micro enterprises to trade online.
The scheme is administered in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and the 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) nationwide. It offers financial assistance of up to €2,500, subject to match funding, coupled with training, mentoring and networking supports to help small businesses to develop their online trading capability. Small businesses, with 10 or fewer employees and less than €2m in revenue, that have little or no capacity to trade online, are eligible to apply.
Over 2,200 businesses have, to date, successfully applied for a trading online voucher and the roll-out of vouchers continues nationwide. Trading Online Vouchers are activating small businesses and sole traders from across a wide range of sectors including, retail, manufacturing, professional services, food as well as arts, crafts and design. The financial and performance details relating to the scheme are summarised in the following table.
Prospective applicants attend a half day information seminar delivered by their respective LEOs, and receive training in connection with ecommerce and guidance in relation to the scheme. To date, almost 5,000 business owners-managers have benefitted from advice and peer-to-peer support through their participation in these information seminars.
Applications are received directly by individual LEOs who award vouchers to qualifying businesses on a competitive basis, following evaluation by an expert panel. Successful applicants are expected to complete their trading online project within 4 to 6 months, subsequent to which grants can be drawdown, following standard verification procedures.
On 31 May last, I published the second report into the scheme’s enterprise impacts based on research conducted with over 600 voucher recipients, along with research by Indecon into the size and shape of Ireland’s digital economy. These reports, which are available on my Department’s website at dcenr.ie highlight the critical importance of digital to economic growth and prosperity in Ireland.
Findings from this year’s enterprise impacts report reveal that businesses that moved online experienced an average increase in sales of 21%, and customer enquiries increased by 84%. Businesses that are growing expect to recruit on average 1.4 more employees, and 3 out of 5 began to export for the first time. Online sales did not displace existing sales for 73% of businesses and 89% expect the trading online component of their business to become more important in the next six months. It is particularly noteworthy that both urban and rural based businesses benefit equally from the online opportunity. Overall, trading online is contributing to sustainable regional economic development throughout Ireland.
The Government is committed to rolling out the scheme to more interested businesses, and building on the success of the Trading Online Voucher Scheme to put Ireland further ahead of our European counterparts in realising the benefits of selling goods and services.
|
- |
Pilot (2013-14) |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 to date |
|
Funding Allocation |
€0.01m |
€5m |
€3.7m |
€3m |
|
Actual Expenditure |
€0.01m |
€0.65m |
€1.87m |
€1.19m |
|
Vouchers Approved |
50 |
491 |
1,280 |
480 |
|
Vouchers Redeemed |
34 |
68 |
970 |
294 |
769. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of freedom of information requests received by his Department to date in 2016; the number of requests fully refused; and the number of requests partially refused. [24278/16]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
Number of FOI’s received in 2016 |
Number of FOI’s fully refused in 2016 |
Number of FOI’s partially refused |
|
82 |
31* |
18** |
*Figure includes 3 cases brought forward from 2015 and which were answered in 2016
**Figure includes 6 cases brought forward from 2015 and which were answered in 2016
770. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of miles claimed for and the amount of travel expenses paid to him and each Minister of State in his Department in respect of their functions as a Minister in his Department between 1 January 2016 and 10 March 2016; between 11 March 2016 and 6 May 2016; and since 7 May 2016. [24293/16]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
Minister |
No. of kms and cost |
Subsistence |
Tolls |
|
Former Minister Alex White |
4,729kms €2,793 |
€448 |
€132 |
Notes:
1. The subsistence payments refer to the period 11 March to the 6th May 2016.
2. The data regarding kilometres travelled/claimed and tolls are not recorded in the format requested by the Deputy and relate to the period 1 Jan 2016 to 6 May 2016.
No travel and subsistence costs have been paid by my Department in respect of:
1. my own travel since I was appointed as Minister;
2. the current and former Ministers of State who also carry out functions in the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
771. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to provide the name, position and annual salary awarded to his special advisers; to provide details of requests, if any, for an increase above the special advisers' pay cap, as set by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24310/16]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the following table.
|
Name |
Grade |
Gross Salary per annum |
|
Ross Elwood |
Special Adviser |
€79,401 (1st Point of Scale) |
|
Suzie Coogan |
Special Adviser |
€79,401 (1st Point of Scale) |
The appointments of all of the above staff were conducted in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines and no request was received for any increase to this rate.
772. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase funding available to the local improvement scheme programme; the cost of restoring the programme to pre-2012 levels. [23997/16]
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. The level of ring-fenced funding provided by the Department in 2011 was €5 million. 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.
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.
773. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the figures for his Department on the percentage of working days lost to sickness absence through certified leave and uncertified leave in each year from 2011 to 2015 inclusive. [23419/16]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
Table 1
|
- |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
|
Certified Sick Leave Lost Time Rate |
4.48% |
3.62% |
3.65% |
3.59% |
3.60% |
|
Uncertified Sick Leave Lost Time Rate |
0.39% |
0.34% |
0.24% |
0.24% |
0.23% |
|
Overall Lost Time Rate |
4.87% |
3.96% |
3.89% |
3.83% |
3.83% |
774. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures that have been undertaken by his Department to plan for work on the DART underground tunnel given his recent comments to an Oireachtas committee on tackling congestion in Dublin; if he has requested his Department to apply for any EU funding streams to accelerate work on the DART underground tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23424/16]
View answer827. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the preliminary work to be done in the context of large projects such as the DART underground in advance of any preparation for the next capital plan; if the new GDP figures will be used to expand borrowing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23993/16]
View answer828. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details and the outcome of any discussions he has had with Irish Rail regarding the initiation of the process for a new railway order for DART underground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23996/16]
View answer830. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the estimated cost of the DART underground; if a cost benefit analysis has been done and, if so, have congestion costs been estimated; if model shifts have been calculated in the context of climate obligations; the length of time over which funds can be borrowed; the estimated passenger usage if and when fully operational; the other projects it has been benchmarked against; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24022/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 774, 827, 828 and 830 together.
The estimated cost of the overall DART expansion programme is €4bn of which the tunnel element, as originally designed, was to cost €3bn. As the Deputy will be aware, the business case for the DART underground was reviewed in 2015 which included a cost benefit analysis and the National Transport Authority (NTA) recommended that the project be redesigned to provide a lower cost technical solution, whilst retaining the required rail connectivity. The Government accepted the NTA's recommendation and announced in September 2015 that the tunnel element would not proceed as originally designed but would be redesigned.
The revised Business Case for the DART Expansion Programme (including the tunnel element) completed in 2015 is available on the NTA's website at the following link www.nationaltransport.ie/projects-schemes/transport-projects/business-cases.
Funding has been provided under the Capital Plan for redesign and planning for the revised lower cost DART Underground. All potential sources of funding for the project, including potential EU funding, will be considered if a decision is made at a future date to proceed with a redesigned project.
In addition, the Government agreed to proceed with other elements of the overall DART Expansion Programme which bring significant benefits in themselves, including, in particular, electrification of the Northern line to extend the DART to Balbriggan and other works to increase the frequency of existing services and funding has been provided for this in the Capital Plan.
The NTA and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) are currently working to progress the pre-planning stage of the DART Expansion Programme.
I have not had any discussions with Iarnród Éireann regarding a new Railway Order for Dart Underground as this would be premature at this stage in the redesign of the project.
775. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider accelerating the timeframe for the completion of the metro north; if so, when the revised timeframe will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23425/16]
View answerThe Programme for Partnership Government includes a commitment to proceed with the New Metro North project and funding is provided in the Capital Plan "Building on Recovery Infrastructure & Capital Investment 2016-2021" to facilitate construction of the link commencing in 2021 with a view to delivery by 2026/2027.
The funding constraints that existed when the Capital Plan was being developed, and which continue to exist, mean that we are not in a position to deliver all that is required immediately in terms of infrastructure. The first priority has to be ensuring that we maintain our existing transport infrastructure at what is termed "steady state" levels so that it remains safe and fit for purpose after a significant period of underinvestment during the fiscal and economic crisis. The funding that the Capital Plan is providing for public transport investment will see us reach "steady state" funding levels by 2020, and will also allow for investment in some critical transport projects - including commencement of the New Metro North project - to meet growing demand.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) have commenced preparatory work on planning and design of New Metro North and a dedicated project Steering Group has been established. In the event that additional funding becomes available in the next few years, this preparatory work that is currently being done will position us to progress the project in line with available funding.
776. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will increase the subvention to public bus companies in the upcoming budget given the upturn in economic activity and corresponding increased use of public transport, such as last year when 11.7 million bus journeys were taken in Cork, a 7.3% increase on the 10.9 million journeys in 2014 according to the NTA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23426/16]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that this year's total Public Service Obligation (PSO) subvention was increased by 13% when compared to last year and the total amount of money being made available to the National Transport Authority (NTA) in 2016 is €236.6m.
It is the statutory responsibility of the National Transport Authority (NTA) to allocate the funding to the various PSO operators. All PSO services are provided in accordance with public service contracts concluded between the NTA and the relevant operator and all payments must comply with relevant domestic and European legislation.
As the Deputy has referred to, recently published statistics by the National Transport Authority show an increase in the total number of passenger journeys across our publicly subvented bus service network albeit with some differences across regions. The Deputy highlights the strong growth in Cork last year which indeed has been a feature for the last 3 years in a row.
In terms of the overall PSO subvention available, the recently published Summer Economic Statement outlines the anticipated public expenditure framework over the medium term and I will be engaging with Ministerial colleagues in the coming weeks as Budget 2017 is developed.
Obviously PSO subvention is one relevant area of expenditure which will form part of that engagement. It is of course also an area which requires careful scrutiny to ensure the taxpayer receives value for money in respect of the services delivered given the considerable expenditure incurred.
777. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views regarding moves by transport companies and operators to increase prices for sports fans who are attending sporting events of national and cultural importance, including the 2016 European Football Championships and rugby’s PRO12 final; if he has raised this issue with transport operators and companies; his plans to tackle the exorbitant prices for sports fans travelling to overseas events in conjunction with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23427/16]
View answerTransport companies and operators operate in a very competitive market and are privately owned. Pricing is a matter for the companies and operators themselves. I have no function in the matter.
778. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has read the pre-budget submission from the Dublin Chamber of Commerce; his views on its recommendations that a minimum €1 billion extra is invested in public transport over the next four years; that in 2017 as many productive infrastructure projects as possible should be progressed and projects such as metro north and DART underground accelerated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23428/16]
View answerI am aware of Dublin Chamber's pre-Budget submission which my Department has received.
The allocation of capital funding for public transport under the Government's Capital Plan "Building on Recovery Infrastructure & Capital Investment 2016-2021" is €3.6 billion. This was framed within the context of Government fiscal policy and the range of competing demands for Government expenditure, and while it means that not all desirable projects can be afforded, it does allow us to make a significant investment in maintaining our public transport infrastructure and in going some way to increasing capacity to support our growing economy.
The first priority is ensuring that we maintain our existing transport infrastructure at what is termed "steady state" levels so that it remains safe and fit for purpose after a significant period of underinvestment during the economic and fiscal crisis. The funding allocations for public transport under the Capital Plan will see us reach "steady state" funding levels by 2020.
In addition, some capital works are being undertaken in the GDA that will greatly enhance the capacity of the public transport system in our capital when complete. These include Luas Cross City which is on schedule to open at the end of 2017, the Phoenix Park Tunnel which I expect to open for services later this year, the City Centre Re-signalling project, and investment in the bus fleet and bus priority measures.
Funding is also provided in the later years of the Capital Plan for the new Metro North Project that will enable construction of the link to commence in 2021 with a view to delivery by 2026/2027.
The DART Underground project remains a key element of integrated transport for the GDA and implementation of the overall DART Expansion programme is proposed in the NTA's Transport Strategy for the GDA 2016-2035. The Capital Plan provides funding for redesign and planning for the revised lower cost DART Underground. It also funds other elements of the overall DART Expansion Programme including electrification of the Northern line to extend the DART to Balbriggan.
Obviously, I would like to see some of these projects progressed sooner but funding remains fairly constrained. If additional funding becomes available in the next few years, although there will be many competing demands, I will be making a strong case for additional investment in public transport to support economic growth, social needs, and contribute to our climate mitigation targets.
779. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to address infrastructure deficits in regional transport as is committed to under the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23429/16]
View answerThe Capital Plan published in September 2015 outlined proposed transport investment priorities to 2022. I understand that the transport element of the plan was framed by the conclusions reached in my Department's Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport. This report highlighted the importance of maintenance and renewal of transport infrastructure together with targeted investments to address particular bottlenecks and critical safety issues.
The Capital Plan provides €6 billion for investment in the roads network in the period to 2022, with €4.4 billion earmarked for the maintenance and strengthening of the existing extensive network throughout the country and €1.6 billion for new projects. Allowing for the commitments relating to the PPP projects, the balance available for new projects within the available capital envelope was limited. Given the funding limits the decision made by my predecessor was to provide for a mix of projects across the country to address particular constraints, including bottlenecks and port connectivity. The transport element of the Capital Plan is based on a gradual build up in capital funding for the road network from the current relatively low base towards the levels needed to support maintenance and improvement works. Funding will continue to be tight in 2017 with a step up in 2018 and 2019 and then a significant ramp up from 2020.
As part of the Programme for Partnership Government there is an increased emphasis on the need for spending on public services but the Government still has to operate within the EU fiscal rules and this does constrain options. There will be a Mid-Term Review of the Capital Plan and this will provide an opportunity to assess progress and consider what scope there is for increased levels of investment depending on economic growth.
780. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an estimated timetable for an increase in the budget for local and regional roads by approximately 50% as committed to under the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23430/16]
View answerThe Capital Plan published in September 2015 outlined proposed transport investment priorities to 2022. I understand that the transport element of the plan was framed by the conclusions reached in my Department’s Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport. This report highlighted the importance of maintenance and renewal of transport infrastructure together with targeted investments to address particular bottlenecks and critical safety issues.
The Capital Plan provides €6 billion for investment in the roads network in the period to 2022, with €4.4 billion earmarked for the maintenance and strengthening of the existing extensive network throughout the country and €1.6 billion for new projects including PPP projects. The transport element of the Capital Plan is based on a gradual build up in capital funding for the road network from the current relatively low base towards the levels needed to support maintenance and improvement works. Funding will continue to be tight in 2017 with a step up in 2018 and 2019 and then a significant ramp up from 2020.
As part of the Programme for Partnership Government there is an increased emphasis on the need for spending on public services but the Government still has to operate within the EU fiscal rules and this does constrain options. There will be a Mid-Term Review of the Capital Plan and this will provide an opportunity to assess progress and consider what scope there is for increased levels of investment depending on economic growth.
781. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will introduce a fully funded local improvement scheme to support the maintenance and repair of non-local authority roads as promised in the programme for Government; the amount that will be allocated to this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23431/16]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) remains 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.
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.
