Written Answers Nos. 782 - 802
782. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the key radial routes for development that are being prioritised from the existing motorway network, to ensure that communities isolated by inadequate national primary roads have direct access to ports and airports as committed to in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23432/16]
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 schemes.
Examples of key radial routes included in the Plan are the M7 Naas to Newbridge Bypass Widening, the N8/N25 Dunkettle Interchange, the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin scheme, a new bridge and approach roads over the Garavogue River in Sligo and subject to appropriate approvals, the N69 Shannon to Foynes and the N28 Cork to Ringaskiddy scheme, among others. In addition, over the lifetime of the Plan, three major projects PPP projects will be delivered, namely the N17/18 Gort to Tuam, the M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy and the N25 New Ross By-Pass.
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. 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.
783. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which he is progressing the programme for Government commitment to an independent costing and review of a proposal to extend the western rail corridor by linking Athenry and Claremorris; when it will take place and the amount this review will cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23433/16]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 72 on 19 July 2016.
784. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Government has applied to the EU for TEN-T transport funding for a revision of the TEN-T core network, including applying for the reinstatement of the cross-Border western arc as the programme for Government commits to within three months of the new Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23434/16]
View answerThe Western Arc is not a concept in the TEN-t regulations. Project promoters within the approved network can apply for TEN-t co-funding through calls for proposals for projects from the EU Commission under the Connecting Europe Facility for transport.
In accordance with the commitment in the Programme for Government, a submission is being prepared to send to the EU commission for a revision of the TEN-t Core Network which would facilitate consideration of transport related project proposals for funding under the Connecting Europe Facility for transport in the Western Arc region.
785. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce measures to facilitate the regulation of rickshaws in urban centres, given that currently they are entirely unregulated and are not subject to any licensing or insurance requirements and that local authorities and transport authorities have requested that his Department introduces new measures to allow for their regulation; for an estimate of the number of rickshaw operators and drivers currently working here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23435/16]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 55 on 19 July 2016.
786. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to extend the integrated ticketing system across all modes of public transport here; the expansion of the system that is planned; if measures to facilitate mobile or online top-ups for Leap cards are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23436/16]
View answerResponsibility for the development and operation of the Leap Card integrated ticketing system is a function of the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The Leap card was launched initially in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) on Dublin Bus, DART and Commuter Rail, and Luas light rail services. The scheme has since been extended to Bus Éireann services in the GDA and is also available on the services of a number of commercial bus operators. The Leap Card scheme has been extended to the regional cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.
The Leap card has proved an enormous success since it was launched in Dublin over four years ago. Card sales have now exceeded 1.7 million and approximately 9 million journeys are taken each month using Leap cards.
In light of the NTA's responsibility for the Leap Card system, 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.
787. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has been briefed by Dublin City Council regarding its plans to fast-track the construction of a €30 million bridge linking Dublin’s south docks with the planned new urban quarter on the Poolbeg peninsula; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23437/16]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).
I understand that the proposed bridge linking the South Docks with Poolbeg Peninsula forms part of the Docklands Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) planning scheme. It is also proposed under the Dublin City Centre Transport Study jointly prepared by Dublin City Council and the NTA.
Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
788. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the contingency plans his Department has put in place to address any negative impact from Brexit on the tourism and hospitality sector here; his plans to protect the important British market; if he has met with his counterparts in the British, Northern Ireland and Scottish Governments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23438/16]
View answerGreat Britain has consistently been Ireland's most important source market for visits to Ireland, with just over 3.5 million visits in 2015. CSO figures for the period January to May 2016 show further strong performance from the GB market with growth in visit numbers of over 15.7%, when compared with the same period of 2015.
Tourism Ireland, the agency responsible for marketing the island of Ireland as a visitor destination in overseas markets, has an extensive marketing programme in place for the second half of 2016 which is underway in 23 markets including Great Britain. Tourism Ireland is closely monitoring the situation following the UK referendum, and is meeting regularly with tourism industry representatives to plan ahead in this new market environment.
In the longer term, the Programme for Government commits to implementing the policy objectives in the Tourism Policy Statement "People, Place and Policy – Growing Tourism to 2025" and achieving the targets for Irish tourism contained therein. The UK vote does not change this.
While the GB market contributed 41% of overseas visits in 2015, the share of overseas visitor revenue from British visitors is approximately 23%. There is a commitment in the Tourism Policy Statement to prioritising tourism marketing efforts towards those markets providing higher revenue returns. One of the actions in the Tourism Action Plan 2016-2018 is to develop a new strategy to increase visitor numbers and revenue from new and developing markets. The terms of reference for this review are being finalised at present.
There are no changes to how people can travel between Ireland and the UK in the short term and I am confident that Ireland's strong tourism offering will ensure that the Great Britain market will continue to be an important source of overseas visits to Ireland in the short, medium and long term.
While I have not yet met with the Ministers with responsibility for tourism in the UK Government or the Scottish Government, I did meet with the Northern Ireland Minister for the Economy, Simon Hamilton MLA, at the 22nd Plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council on 4 July. It was agreed at the meeting that a full audit will be undertaken in all sectors of North South cooperation, including tourism, to identify the possible impacts, risks, opportunities and contingencies arising in the phases preceding and following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
789. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a recent survey that found that the cost of hotel room prices here rose by 15% in 2015 to an average of €118 per night; his further views on the potentially negative impact these rising prices are having on the tourism sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23440/16]
View answer790. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to address the acute shortage of hotel bedroom stock in Dublin that Fáilte Ireland has identified as a key threat to future tourism in the capital and one which is leading to significant yearly price increases; if he agrees with Fáilte Ireland that an additional 5,000 units are required to increase the capacity of the Dublin hotel sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23441/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 789 and 790 together.
The improved viability of the hotel sector is very welcome not least because it is a large employer and significant contributor to the economy. Having survived difficult times, accommodation providers are entitled to a fair return on investment, but increasing returns must be done at an appropriate rate and in a sustainable way that visitors perceive as reasonable and does not jeopardise continued sustainable growth. In this regard, giving the tourist a good value for money product has been key to the turnaround in tourism performance.
A range of measures were introduced by the last Government to enhance and sustain Irish tourism's competitiveness and help regain our reputation internationally as a good value destination. Encouragingly, Fáilte Ireland research shows a very significant improvement since 2010 in overseas visitors' perception of value for money in Ireland. However, we must be constantly aware of our visitors' disapproving views of value for money in the years leading up to 2010. We cannot become complacent about the improvement of more recent years and we must be constantly vigilant to maintain these ratings as otherwise we will seriously endanger the health of the tourism sector.
If the sector does not strive to remain competitive and offer value to the visitor, it will not only risk losing the gains it has made but also will make it very difficult for Government to continue to support tourism the way it has, when so many other sectors also seek support.
I am well aware of the capacity constraints that exist in Dublin and of Fáilte Ireland's analysis which shows that there are already approximately 5,500 rooms in development for delivery over the coming years. The delivery of this stock of rooms will be essential to alleviate the pressure on supply of rooms in the city. This will, of course, be subject to the individual investment decisions by hotel owners and developers and I intend to do all that I can to assist in that delivery.
791. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure the opening of a new round of sports capital grants to allow for important infrastructural developments for local sports clubs here; if he will confirm the programme for Government commitment to allocate sports capital grants on an annualised basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23442/16]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the Government's primary vehicle to support the development of sports facilities and the purchase of sports equipment. The Deputy will also be aware that there was no round of the SCP in 2009, 2010 or 2011 and that there were rounds of the programme in 2012, 2014 and 2015.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment on future Sports Capital grant allocations. While no decision has been taken on the timing of the next round of the SCP, work is underway on the design of the next round and in relation to simplifying the online application process to make it more user friendly for applicants.
I expect that I will be in a position to make an announcement shortly after the summer break.
792. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on progress on the National Sports Campus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23443/16]
View answerIn June 2011, the Government approved the incremental development of facilities at the National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown. Significant progress has been made since then on the delivery of facilities at the Campus.
Sport Ireland is the statutory body with responsibility for the development and operation of the National Sports Campus. I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to the progress that is being made, including facilities completed in the last number of years and facilities currently under construction.
I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
793. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the implementation of the national physical activity plan; the amount he expects will be allocated to this plan in 2016 and 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23444/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the National Physical Activity Plan was launched in January 2016 under the Healthy Ireland Framework. A cross-sectoral group has been established to implement the Plan and the first meeting of the group took place on 27 June. As with the working group that developed the Plan, the Implementation Group will be co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Health and includes representatives from a number of other Government Departments and key stakeholders.
The key actions in the Plan are in the Health, Sport and Education sectors and at least €5.5 million in funding across the three Departments has been ring-fenced to implement the Plan in 2016, comprising sports measures, Healthy Ireland initiatives and education projects. The allocation of funding for the Plan in 2017 will form part of the Estimates discussions between each of the three Departments and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
794. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the consultation on the proposed national sports policy will begin; the estimated timeframe for drawing up and implementing a national sports policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23445/16]
View answerA consultation day with a range of sports stakeholders was held last November as the first step in the development of the new National Sports Policy. Following this, my officials drafted a detailed Public Consultation Document which addresses and raises questions across a wide range of policy areas relevant to sport. I intend to publish the Public Consultation Document shortly after the summer break for a six-week consultation period. The public consultation process, along with relevant stakeholder engagement, will feed into the development of the National Sports Policy by the end of this year which will provide a framework for Irish sport over the next ten years.
795. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action taken by Sport Ireland in a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23578/16]
View answer797. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the 24 documents from the Information Commissioner during the processing of a file should have been withheld by Sport Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23581/16]
View answer798. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the handling of the files by Sport Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23582/16]
View answer799. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost incurred in respect of a file (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23585/16]
View answer800. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the procurement of legal advice relating to a freedom of information request (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23586/16]
View answer801. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if any indemnity, refund or compensation was sought by Sport Ireland regarding a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23588/16]
View answer802. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the conduct of Sport Ireland and the NSCDA (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23590/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 795 and 797 to 802, inclusive, together.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 202 on 29 June 2016 on this matter. There is no material change in the position since that date. I understand that a reply issued to the Deputy from Sport Ireland on 13 July 2016.
796. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a person (details supplied) is unable to obtain a D1 driving licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23580/16]
View answerThe operation of the National Driver Licensing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority, and I have no role in individual cases. I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
