Written Answers Nos. 1717-1744
1717. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 542 and 543 of June 2016, if pay as you go public hire, as envisaged by Horse Sport Ireland in its proposal for the development of a dedicated training facility at the Abbotstown campus site, was understood to include weekly commercial jumping shows when this proposal was agreed to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24329/16]
View answerSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development and operation of the National Sports Campus at Abbotstown. This includes responsibility for the operation of facilities such as the National Horse Sport Arena.
As this question is a matter for Sport Ireland, I have referred it to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
1718. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding distributed by his Department for reconstruction and repair works following recent flood damage, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24346/16]
View answerA total of €94m has been allocated to local authorities in respect of regional and local roads by my Department under Tranche 1 and 2 of the severe weather funding in 2016. Local authorities have been advised that all works should be completed and allocations drawn down by the year end.
|
Local Authority |
Severe Weather Allocation 2016 |
|
|
€ |
|
Carlow County Council |
914,250 |
|
Cavan County Council |
2,900,000 |
|
Clare County Council |
3,600,000 |
|
Cork County Council |
11,450,000 |
|
Cork City Council |
300,000 |
|
Donegal County Council |
7,400,000 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
545,000 |
|
Dublin City |
40,240 |
|
Galway County Council |
6,400,000 |
|
Galway City |
16,585 |
|
Kerry County Council |
4,650,000 |
|
Kildare County Council |
450,000 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
3,300,000 |
|
Laois County Council |
1,800,000 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
2,050,000 |
|
Limerick Council |
4,400,000 |
|
Longford Country Council |
1,400,000 |
|
Mayo County Council |
5,500,000 |
|
Meath County Council |
700,000 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
5,150,000 |
|
Offaly County Council |
2,000,000 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
4,900,000 |
|
Sligo County Council |
4,350,000 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
5,350,000 |
|
Waterford County Council |
7,350,000 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
3,300,000 |
|
Wexford County Council |
2,450,000 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
1,048,533 |
|
Louth |
250,000 |
|
Total |
93,964,608 |
In addition €8 million has been allocated to TII for works on national roads and €8 million is being provided to Iarnrod Éireann (IE) for repairs to the IÉ rail network.
1719. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will introduce legislation or regulations to ensure that garages do not store vehicles for sale on public streets as is the case at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24363/16]
View answer
1720. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware that public transport does not currently provide a route to St. Vincent's Hospital from Bray, County Wicklow; the measures he will take to rectify this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24375/16]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) 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.
1721. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason his Department has removed the derogation that allowed five-axle articulated vehicles to operate at 42 tonnes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24381/16]
View answer1743. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the Irish Road Haulage Association's call for his Department to reinstate a 42-tonne weight limit for five-axle 2 + 3 articulated vehicles; if he will make available the Transport Infrastructure Ireland report on this issue which it is claimed has not been made available to the road haulage industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24527/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1721 and 1743 together.
I refer the Deputies to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 765 of 12 July on the ending of the 42 tonne derogation for five axle articulated vehicles which outlines the reasons for the removal of the derogation.
I believe that Deputy Pringle is referring to the Roughan O'Donovan report "Weight limit for Motor Vehicles and Trailers in Ireland: Impact of an Increase in Vehicle Weight on Structures" commissioned by the NRA (now Transport Infrastructure Ireland) in 2011. I have been advised that the then President of the IRHA, Eoin Gavin, sent a 4 page commentary on the report, addressed to the then Minister for Transport, in December 2011, stating that the document had been received by the IRHA in the previous month.
1722. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the resources provided to the Road Safety Authority for the promotion of road safety in view of the increase in fatalities on roads in 2016 to date; if he will consider increasing the level of resources allocated to the Road Safety Authority for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24395/16]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has, in essence, been self-financing since 2014 and I am satisfied that the Authority has adequate resources available to promote road safety.
I met with the Chair and Chief Executive of the RSA in July and received the RSA's 5 year corporate plan which sets out in detail the Authority's strategy to move forward as an organisation from 2016 - 2020.
Overall, the number of fatalities has fallen significantly in Ireland in recent years, and the number of fatalities in 2012, at 162, was the lowest since records began. Last year was the second safest year on record.
Unfortunately this year to date, there are 20 more road deaths than in the same period last year, representing an increase of 17% on 2015. I share your concerns about the increase in road deaths and continue to monitor the situation cloasely. Unfortuantely, I am aware that road deaths have been increasing in other jurisdictions in recent years also.
The Road Safety Strategy 2013 to 2020, has the objective of reducing deaths on our roads to no more than 124 by 2020, in accordance with the EU target of no more than 25 per million population. While this is a national target, the Strategy recognises that this ambitious target will only be met through shared responsibilities by all road users and the cooperation of all relevant agencies.
A mid-term Review of the current Strategy is scheduled to take place later this year. This review will ensure that targets are being met and that the necessary resources are available to enable the RSA to do its work.
1723. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered requiring drivers convicted of certain offences where appropriate to retake the driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24396/16]
View answerThe proposed requirement for such drivers to resit a driving test will likely need to be supported through primary legislation. The Road Traffic Bill 2016, which is currently awaiting passage through this House, having been passed by the Seanad ealier this year, focuses on three priority matters - drug driving including providing for preliminary roadside testing for drugs, mutual recognition of driving disqualifications with the UK, and the introduction of an option for local authorities to apply a 20km speed limit in built up areas.
Such a proposal, however, will be given consideration in the context of Action 107 of the 2013-2020 Road Safety Strategy, the recommendations from which are currently being finalised by the Road Safety Authority for submission to me for my consideration. Therefore, the 2016 Bill does not contain a provision for requiring disqualified drivers to retake the driving test.
1724. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of a budget allocated to Fáilte Ireland for 2016 and the way it is intended to be spent. [24399/16]
View answerDetails (at subhead level) of the annual funding allocations provided by my Department to Fáilte Ireland are available in the annual Revised Estimates Volume published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The subheads of relevance to Fáilte Ireland are E3, E6 (capital) and a portion of E5.
Allocations under Subhead E3 cover the general operating and administration expenses of Fáilte Ireland (including salary and pension costs and the costs incurred in promoting and supporting the development of Irish tourism); Subhead E6 supports capital investment in tourism product and infrastructure; and the portion of monies allocated to Fáilte Ireland under Subhead E5 (Tourism Marketing Fund) covers regional, product and niche product marketing by that agency.
In 2016, Fáilte Ireland has been allocated a total of €57.217m under Subhead E3 (€26.605m for pay and pensions; €29.812m for non-pay/programme; and €0.8m capital); €9.947m under Subhead E5; and €15.515m (including €2.5m carryover) under Subhead E6.
1725. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of funding for the Destination Dublin promotion; the value of the contribution from each of the four local authorities, Fáilte Ireland and the private sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24400/16]
View answer1726. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number and estimated cost of staff allocated from Fáilte Ireland to the Destination Dublin project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24401/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1725 and 1726 together.
The work of the Grow Dublin Tourism Alliance, charged with implementing the Destination Dublin strategy including developing and promoting the new Dublin brand, is an operational matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's questions to Fáilte Ireland for further information and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1727. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a case (details supplied). [24414/16]
View answerI understand that my Department has considered and responded to the issues raised by the person concerned and has set out its position in clear terms. As such, I do not think it is appropriate to meet with the person concerned.
1728. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason Rosslare Europort cannot get separate funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24437/16]
View answer1729. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if moneys (details supplied) can be reinvested back into Rosslare Europort to facilitate future development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24438/16]
View answer1730. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of employees where an outside company is to take over the running of Rosslare Europort; if they will be entitled to redundancy packages and to seek re-employment with a new company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24439/16]
View answer1731. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Rosslare Europort can become an independent body within CIÉ similar to Irish Rail and Dublin Bus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24440/16]
View answer1732. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it is correct that the part of the Indecon Report which suggested an investment of moneys has now been withdrawn; if so, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24441/16]
View answer1733. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is still proceeding with the privatisation of the workings of Rosslare Europort as recommended by the Indecon Report commissioned by the previous Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24442/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1728 to 1733, inclusive, together.
Rosslare Europort is unique among Irish Ports as it is not operated as a commercial port company under the Harbours Acts but operates instead as a business unit of Iarnród Éireann. This is due to the Port’s complicated legal history. It technically remains part of the Fishguard and Rosslare Harbours and Railways Company: a company established by a series of statutes of the United Kingdom parliament dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This unusual legal status has often been identified as an inhibiting factor in the Port’s development.
Iarnród Éireann has invested significant funds in the Port over the years. However, for the reasons outlined previously, it is the case that the Port does not enjoy the same financial autonomy as other ports in Ireland.
Previous studies of the Port have outlined a number of options for its potential development, one of which has been the establishment of a separate company within CIE. The restrictive legal regime which governs the operation of the Port is, however, a significant barrier to the creation of such a body.
With these issues in mind and with a view to identifying how the Port’s interests would be best served into the future, in 2013 the Department commissioned Indecon economic consultants to conduct a strategic review of the Port. Their report concluded that the creation of an independent port authority would be extremely difficult given the Port’s complex legal structure. Instead, it was recommended that the Port remain in public ownership and that the possibilities for increased private sector involvement be investigated. Should there be any such change in the status of the Port, its employees would, of course, be covered by all relevant employment legislation.
In order to assist Iarnród Éireann's overall consideration of how best to move forward, it engaged consultants in late 2015 who presented interim findings to the company in early 2016. Those findings include a number of issues which require further consideration and the Department is engaging with the company and the Office of the Attorney General on those issues with a view to a satisfactory resolution.
1734. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he envisages granting a sports capital programme for 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24446/16]
View answer1766. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if and when the sports capital grants will open for applications to the large number of sporting bodies that are relying on these funds to remain in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24912/16]
View answer1790. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a sports capital grant will be made available for 2016; if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25320/16]
View answer1792. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has communicated the reasons behind the failure to open a sports capital grant 2016 to community and local sports clubs; and if not, his plans to do so in view of the concerns within local community groups waiting for investment to progress with plans and proposals to upgrade or develop facilities for some time. [25322/16]
View answer1798. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if and when the sport capital grants will be released for 2016 in view of the fact there are a large number of sporting clubs relying on the release of these funds to continue their operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25484/16]
View answer1804. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the sports capital grant application system for 2016 will be opened, considering the delays associated with the adjudication and processing of applications and the urgent need of local and voluntary groups which are depending on the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25739/16]
View answer1846. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to launch a new sports capital programme; if provision will be made in the Estimates for his Department for 2017 for a new programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26291/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1734, 1766, 1790, 1792, 1798, 1804 and 1846 together.
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 most recent rounds of the programme were in 2012, 2014 and 2015.
The aim of allocating Sports Capital Funding on an annual basis is specifically included in the Programme for Government. As the Deputy will be aware, all Departments are currently engaged with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in the context of finalising the Budget for next year. Once this Estimates process is finalised, I expect to make an announcement in relation to a new round of the Sports Capital Programme.
1735. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he envisages the commencement of the Oylegate bypass near Enniscorthy, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24449/16]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
1736. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when it is expected that the M17 - M18 Gort to Tuam road scheme will be open for traffic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24461/16]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects (including the M17/M18 Gort to Tuam scheme) is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act. It is my understanding that under the terms of the PPP contract, this scheme is due to be completed in Quarter 1 of 2018.
1737. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions he intends to take to protect consumers from losing their money if a travel agents goes out of business such is the case with a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24462/16]
View answerThe Commission for Aviation Regulation was established under the Aviation Regulation Act 2001 to regulate certain aspects of the aviation and travel trade sectors in Ireland, and its functions include the licensing of tour operators and travel agents. Those functions include the receipt and disbursement of claims from customers affected by the closure of travel agents such as in the case of the company referred to by the Deputy.
Section 13 of the Transport (Tour Operators and Travel Agents) Act 1982 sets out the requirement for travel agents and tour operators, prior to the granting of their license, to provide a bond, a sum of money, which will provide the funds in the event of the closure of their business to:
a) Repatriate customers who are abroad at the time of the closure
b) Reimburse customers for reasonable expenses necessarily incurred while abroad arising from the failure of the travel agent to fulfil their contractual obligations and
c) Refund customers, as far as possible, of any payments made to the travel agent in respect of an overseas travel contract that could not be completed.
Section 15 of the Transport (Tour Operators and Travel Agents) Act 1982 established the fund known as The Travellers’ Protection Fund. Disbursements are made from the Fund, once all moneys payable under the bond are distributed, in the event that the value of the bond is insufficient to cover the cost of the claims arising.
In the case of customers affected by the closure of the company referred to by the Deputy, the Commission for Aviation Regulation has made information and claim forms available on its website to allow those customers claim refunds and reimbursements.
To be eligible to claim against the bond held by the Commission for Aviation Regulation, the services purchased must include an overseas travel element and the travel must have commenced in Ireland. The bond is not available for refund of accommodation only, or packages that do not include travel commencing in the state.
1738. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review and update legislation on travel in the wake of the closure of a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24463/16]
View answer1739. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to review and update legislation regulating travel agents and other travel companies in order to ensure that consumers are protected when travel companies go out of business (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24466/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1738 and 1739 together.
The Commission for Aviation Regulation was established under the Aviation Regulation Act 2001 to regulate certain aspects of the aviation and travel trade sectors in Ireland, and its functions include the licensing of tour operators and travel agents. Those functions include the receipt and disbursement of claims from customers affected by the closure of travel agents such as in the case of the company referred to by the Deputies.The Transport (Tour Operators and Travel Agents) Act 1982 sets out the main requirements in that regard.
A new EU Package Travel Directive (Directive 2015/2302/EU) was adopted in November 2015, with a view to adapting the EU regulatory framework to developments in the travel trade industry. Member States are required to transpose the Directive by 1 January 2018. My Department is considering the implications of the new Directive and looking at the steps necessary for transposition into Irish law. The current legislative arrangements in Ireland will be reviewed in light of the requirements of this Directive and any issues arising from the closure of the company referred to by the Deputies will be taken into account in this context.
1740. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 81 of 19 July 2016, if the 25,890 US soldiers that passed through Shannon Airport on civilian aircraft from January to end June 2016 were accompanied by weapons. [24498/16]
View answer1741. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 81 of 19 July 2016, if the 25,890 US soldiers that passed through Shannon Airport on civilian aircraft from January to the end of June 2016 were engaged in military exercises or operations; and if so, the military operations or exercises they were engaged in. [24499/16]
View answer1742. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 81 of 19 July 2016, the reason for each refusal for a permit to land at Shannon Airport or pass through Irish airspace while carrying munitions in 2016, by country. [24500/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1740 to 1741, inclusive, together.
My functions relate to the administration and implementation of Irish civil aviation law and policy, the primary objective of which is to ensure sustainable, safe and efficient air transport services within sovereign Irish airspace. Those functions include the administration of applications to carry munitions of war in Irish airspace under S.I. No: 224/1973 – Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, 1973. A permit is required under the order for the carriage of munitions, not for the carriage of soldiers.
As outlined in my previous response to Parliamentary Question Number 81 of 19 July 2016 seventeen munitions permit applications were refused from January to June 2016; ten on the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and seven at my discretion.
It is normal practice for US soldiers travelling on civilian aircraft to travel with their unloaded personal weapons, including those that transit through Shannon Airport. A permit is required for the carriage of such unloaded personal weapons on civil aircraft in Irish airspace.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is consulted on all permit applications on foreign policy issues. The question regarding military exercises or operations is more relevant to that Department.
1744. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a dedicated, separately funded local improvement scheme will be restored to county councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24528/16]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme which provides funding for private roads and laneways, remains in place in 2016. 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. As part of the 2017 Estimates process, my Department has sought additional funding for LIS for the years 2017-2019. Decisions on the funding of LIS for those years are dependent on the outcome of the Estimates Process.
