Written Answers Nos. 1745-1772
1745. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider the project at Lehenagh More and Lehenagh Beg, Togher, County Cork for inclusion in the next round of grants under the specific improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24539/16]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in their area is a statutory function of local authorities in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded from these monies is a matter for each local authority.
The cutbacks in State funding for regional and local roads since the financial crisis has resulted in the grant programmes for new regional and local road improvement schemes and for major realignment schemes being curtailed in order to protect the funding available for the maintenance of the existing network. In this context my Department is not operating an annual application process at present under the Specific and Strategic Grant Schemes.
The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, together with the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, has announced the establishment of a Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund of €150m, to be matched by €50m in local authority funding, to relieve critical access and supporting infrastructural blockages and enable the delivery of large-scale housing on key development sites, with the potential to open up lands and deliver significant level of new housing in Dublin and other urban areas. Once details of the arrangements relating to the Fund are finalised and acall for proposals issues later this year, it is open to local authorities, including Cork County Council, to consider submitting a bid proposal to access such funding for suitable projects.
1746. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider projects at Clarke's Hill and Coach Hill, Rochestown, County Cork, for inclusion in the next round of grants under the specific improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24540/16]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in Cork is the statutory responsibility of Cork County Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.
In order to protect funding for road maintenance and repair in recent years (including 2016) regional and local road improvement schemes, including the Specific and Strategic Grants Schemes, have been curtailed. Despite this, my Department provided funding of €119,100 in 2016 to a number of legacy Specific Improvement Schemes in Cork including the R582 Mountcaine Bridge, the R586 Ilen Bridge and the R595 Skibbereen to Baltimore scheme. Unfortunately, the current financial realities are such that the budgets proposed for the Department for 2017 indicate that capital funding will continue to be very tight, and the ability to increase allocations or progress new projects is limited.
It is however open to the Council to fund those projects from their own resources. The purpose of Exchequer funding is to supplement the own resources of local authorities, not to meet the full cost of schemes.
1747. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide funding under the specific improvement scheme to Cork County Council in the forthcoming budget; if not, when he intends to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24541/16]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in Cork is the statutory responsibility of Cork County Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.
In order to protect funding for road maintenance and repair in recent years (including 2016) regional and local road improvement schemes, including the Specific and Strategic Grants Schemes, have been curtailed. Despite this, my Department provided funding of €119,100 in 2016 to a number of legacy Specific Improvement Schemes in Cork including the R582 Mountcaine Bridge, the R586 Ilen Bridge and the R595 Skibbereen to Baltimore scheme. Unfortunately, the current financial realities are such that the budgets proposed for the Department for 2017 indicate that capital funding will continue to be very tight, and the ability to increase allocations or progress new projects is limited. It is however open to the Council to fund Specific Improvement-type projects from their own resources. The purpose of Exchequer funding is to supplement the own resources of local authorities, not to meet the full cost of schemes.
1748. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to install a railway bridge crossing to replace the level crossing near a school (details supplied) in County Cork given the significant safety risk to the children and parents who have to pass the crossing each day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24564/16]
View answerMatters relating to upgrading works at individual level crossings on the rail network are operational matters for Iarnród Éireann. I have referred your question regarding the installation of a railway bridge at a level crossing in County Cork to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1749. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will make funding available to alleviate safety concerns in relation to traffic volume on a road (details supplied) following surveys on traffic volume carried out by the local authority; if he will consider the erection of push button controlled traffic lights at the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24571/16]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
1750. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an environmental impact assessment was conducted by the Dublin Airport Authority in relation to the maintenance work on a runway at Dublin Airport. [24581/16]
View answerDAA has statutory responsibility to manage, operate and develop Dublin Airport and, as this issue is an operational matter for daa, I have forwarded your query to them for their attention and direct reply to you. If you do not hear from daa within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
1751. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the policy of the driving test centres not to reimburse the application fees of those who are not permitted to take the test due to warning lights on their car's dashboard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24586/16]
View answerIt is the legal responsibility of all driving test candidates to ensure that the vehicle they present when taking the test meets strict standards of roadworthiness.
If a candidate presents for a test with a vehicle which does not meet roadworthiness standards and the driver testing service refuses to conduct the test, the fee for the test is forfeit as the responsibility for the cancellation of the test rests with the test candidate. I have no plan to change this at present.
1752. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the grant aid available to community groups that wish to construct a cycle lane to encourage tourists to explore different parts of counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24643/16]
View answer1753. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the areas in counties Cavan and Monaghan which have been provided with a cycle lane to date, in tabular form; if there are areas in Cavan and Monaghan where cycle lanes have yet to be implemented; when works might begin in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24644/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1752 and 1753 together.
Funding for the development of cycling infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area and the Regional Cities is provided by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and for all other areas, including Counties Cavan and Monaghan, funding is awarded by my Department to local authorities by way of a competitive process. Funding for cycling infrastructure is not provided directly to community groups. It is possible, however, for local groups to work with their local authority in developing proposals.
In recent years, funding from my Department for cycling infrastructure outside the GDA and the Regional Cities has been made available under the National Cycle Network Funding Programme 2014-2016, a Government Stimulus Package for infrastructural development in 2014 and under the Active Travel Towns Programme. All funding under these programmes to the end of 2016 is allocated and consideration is currently being given to the further development of such programmes post-2016. Any future calls for projects under future programmes will be open to all local authorities.
Depending on the scale of any proposed project it is possible that some financial support could be sourced from the region's LEADER group.
Details of cycling projects in Cavan and Monaghan which have been awarded funding by my Department since 2009 are set out in the table. In the case of the Active Travel Towns mentioned, cycling infrastructure may have been just one element of the overall project. With regard to cycling projects yet to be delivered, it is a matter for each local authority to plan the delivery of cycling infrastructure in its jurisdiction and the Deputy should direct her request for information on future plans directly to the relevant local authority.
Separately, Monaghan County Council are part of the project team led by Waterways Ireland who submitted an application to the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) under INTERREG VA for the cross border Ulster Canal Greenway Phase 2 linking Smithborough Village in Co. Monaghan to Middleton in Co. Armagh. I understand that a decision on this application is pending.
|
Year |
Project |
€ |
Initiative |
|
CAVAN |
|||
|
2009 |
Con Smith Park cycleway/walkway |
50,000 |
European Mobility Week 2009 |
|
2011 |
2.6km of cycle lanes on approach to Cavan Town (incl bike stands) |
304,835 |
Jobs Initiative 2011 |
|
2012 |
6km on-road cycle lane on the L1532 from Loreto Cross to it's junction with the R212 at Latt Cross. The route continues through the town centre along Farnham Street to the Ballinagh Road (R935) on the south. |
675,000 |
Active Travel Towns Programme 2012-2013 |
|
2014 |
Cotehill Road (R188) Phase 1 and 2 on-road cycle lanes; St Clare's Junction;St Patricks College/Breifne College Walking and Cycling link; St Patricks College to Cootehill Road Walking and Cycling link; Loreto Road - Walking/ Cycling infrastructure. |
500,000 |
Active Travel Towns Programme 2014-2016 |
|
MONAGHAN |
|||
|
2012 |
4.km cycle route through Monaghan Town |
471,000 |
National Cycle Network Programme |
1754. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide funding for a bog road scheme for the repair of roads for turf cutters who are struggling to access their bogs to cut them and transport turf to market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24653/16]
View answerIt is not clear if the bog road programme being proposed by the Deputy would comprise public or private roads. If it is the former (that is, funding for the repair of a public road), local authorities may fund such works through the Restoration Improvement, Restoration Maintenance, Discretionary Grant, the Community Involvement Scheme (CIS) or from its own resources.
If it is the latter (that is, funding for the repair of a private road), the Local Improvement Scheme remains in place for such works. That 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 CIS and LIS 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 CIS and LIS funding will be promoted in that context.
1755. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the DART extension project to bring services to Balbriggan; the timeline and costing projections for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24720/16]
View answerThe NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2016 - 2035, which was approved and published earlier this year, proposes implementation of the DART Expansion Programme which will provide DART services as far north as Drogheda, to Hazelhatch on the Kildare Line and to Maynooth in the west and to the M3 Parkway.
As required under the Dublin Transport Authority Act, 2008, the NTA is now drawing up an integrated implementation plan to outline how they will go about delivering upon the Strategy's objectives over the first 6 year period. This plan will be subject to a consultation period and will then be submitted for my approval before the end of the year.
Funding for some elements of the DART Expansion Programme is included in the Capital Plan which was published in September last year. Specifically, funding is provided for the extension of the DART to Balbriggan on the Northern line.
The NTA in collaboration with Irish Rail has commenced work on the pre-planning stages of the DART Expansion Programme. A project team is being established and will develop a programme of work that can be delivered on an incremental basis in line with available funding.
Subject to availability of funding and approval of the detailed business case for the project, it is envisaged that the Balbriggan DART extension would commence in 2020.
1756. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the new Metro North project; the expenditure on the project to date; the expected and projected timeline for the completion of each stage; if the projected costings for the completion of the project have been revised in any names; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24721/16]
View answer1763. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider expediting plans for the commencement of Metro North in view of a number of factors, not least the census results showing a remarkable increase in the north Dublin population, in addition to the announced intention of Dublin Airport Authority to pursue a second runway at Dublin Airport. [24807/16]
View answer1817. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the proposed cost of the Metro North, including a breakdown of the total; and the projected start date for this project. [25884/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1756, 1763 and 1817 together.
Following consideration of the Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study and the recommendations of the National Transport Authority (NTA) arising from this Study, the Government decided that a light-rail link is the optimum long term public transport solution on the Airport/Swords/City Centre corridor. This decision was based on the needs of the Fingal area which registered the third highest population growth rate in the country (at 13.9%) in Census 2011 and a further 8% growth rate in the intervening 5-year period as shown in Census 2016 results.
Accordingly, funding has been made available under the Government's Capital Plan "Building on Recovery Infrastructure & Capital Investment 2016-2021" for planning, design and construction of new Metro North, with construction expected to commence in 2021 with a view to delivering the project by 2026/2027. The Programme for Partnership Government commits to proceeding with the New Metro North project. It is estimated that the project will cost in the region of €2.4 billion (excluding VAT).
The 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 meantime, the NTA has been asked to keep the interim public transport requirements of the Swords/Airport corridor over the next 10 years under review with a view to ensuring adequate capacity to meet demand and to address constraints arising along the corridor.
It is proposed that a mid-term review of the Capital Plan will be carried out in 2017. On foot of that review, and in the event that additional funding becomes available in the next few years, the groundwork that is currently being done will position us to progress the project in line with available funding.
1757. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the investment which has been made in recent years in public awareness campaigns to increase road safety; if he will consider increasing the resources allocated to supporting such public awareness campaigns; his plans to reduce the number of fatalities on Irish roads, taking into account the 8% increase in road fatalities between 1 January and 21 July 2016 in comparison with the corresponding period in 2015; his further plans to increase the security of pedestrians on roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24726/16]
View answerThe increase in road fatalities in Ireland this year, which has also been experienced in other EU countries, is of significant concern. If the main objective of the 2013 - 2020 Road Safety Strategy to reduce road fatalities to no more than 124 by 2020 is to remain valid, we need to re-vitalise and strenghten our efforts to reverse this trend.
To that end, the RSA are currently pursuing a number of initiatives aimed at reducing fatalities and serious injuries among vulnerable road users (e.g. pedestrians and cyclists), including a new programme for schools targeting children 13-16 years and a new intervention to highlight the danger of low level speeding (travelling a few kms above the speed limit) and the consequences of this for vulnerable road users. The Road Traffic Bill 2016, which has passed all stages in the Seanad and which I intend bringing before the Dáil shortly, includes an option for local authorities to apply a 20km limit in built-up areas. The application of this measure has the potential to improve the safety of pedestrians and all other vulnerable road users.
In addition, RSA mass media campaigns, coordinated with actions planned by An Garda Síochána, will prioritise key issues, e.g., driver distraction, driver fatigue, drink-driving, speeding, non-seatbelt wearing, and worn tyres. An Garda Síochána has also confirmed that enforcement measures are being taken to address the worrying trend of an apparent increase in drink driving, specifically targeted at counties with the worst road safety record.
With respect to investment in road safety awareness, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has been self-financing since 2014 and I am fully satisfied that the Authority has adequate resources available to promote road safety.
1758. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of credit cards issued to Ministers and officials working in his Department; the amount spent on credit cards by his Department in 2014 and in 2015; the amount of bank interest paid on credit cards in 2014 and 2015; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on these cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally-held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work related expenses; if these controls are being reviewed in view of recent events in agencies funded by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24749/16]
View answerThere are a total of 81 low value purchase cards issued to officials in my Department. Neither I, nor my colleague Minister O'Donovan, have been issued with an official credit card. The majority of these cards are issued to Coast Guard volunteers as a more cost effective and less bureaucratic means of handing petty cash transactions such as fuel, small safety repairs and maintenance.
€198,102 was spent on these cards in 2014.
€249,597 was spent in 2015.
There was no interest paid as all payments were made on time.
Expenditure is monitored in the first instance by the managers of the cardholders who authorise the card transactions in an electronic card control system. Transactions are further reviewed and checked by the Finance Division in my Department. The majority of the cards have a limit of €5,000 or less per month, and individual transaction limits of €500 or under.
Personal credit cards may be used for work related expenses. In such cases, officials are reimbursed on production of the credit card statement and appropriate receipts/explanations, in accordance with the appropriate Finance circulars (e.g. travel and subsistence).
1759. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of credit cards issued to staff working in each State agency funded by his Department, in tabular form; the number of cards per funded agency; the amount spent by credit card in 2014 and 2015 by each agency; the amount of bank interest paid on credit cards in 2014 and 2015; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on these cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally-held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work-related expenses; if these controls are being reviewed in view of recent events in agencies funded by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24764/16]
View answer1760. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of credit cards issued to staff working in any third party agency funded by his Department, in tabular form; the number of cards per funded agency; the amount spent by credit card in 2014 and 2015 by each agency; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on these cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work-related expenses; if these controls are being reviewed in view of recent events in agencies funded by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24779/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1759 and 1760 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is a matter for the agencies themselves, I have forwarded the question to the agencies under the remit of my Department for their direct response. If the Deputy does not receive a response within ten working days please contact my private office. Funds paid to third parties are for specific purposes.I have no function in realtion to any arrangements such parties may have in place in relation to credit cards.
1761. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, in view of major infrastructural works taking place in the North West of Dublin, specifically the ambitious €230 million investment in new DCU facilities, he will liaise with Dublin City Council to provide for expedited capital investment in an expanded Dublin bikes scheme, provided the roll-out timeline is reconfigured based on changes since it was compiled several years ago. [24803/16]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the administration and development of the Dublin public bikes scheme in cooperation with the relevant local authority, in this case Dublin City Council. I have forwarded your question to the NTA for consideration and direct response to you. If you have not received a reply within 10 working days please contact my office.
1762. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a breakdown of the proposed spending by the GAA, €2.4 million, IRFU, €2.36 million and FAI, €2.7 million, of the €7.4 million investment by Sport Ireland in the grassroots development of gaelic games, rugby and football; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24804/16]
View answerSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the promotion, development and co-ordination of sport. This includes responsibility for the allocation of funding for National Governing Bodies of Sport.
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.
1764. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the high costs involved in coaching education by national sports bodies (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24809/16]
View answerThe cost of coaching education is a matter for the relevant National Governing Bodies of sport (NGBs). All NGBs are independent, autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own governance procedures and competition rules for their sports, including matters relating to coaching education. Neither I nor Sport Ireland have any role in relation to the charges applied for the coaching course mentioned by the Deputy.
I would suggest that the Deputy contact the relevant NGB directly in relation to this matter. My office would be pleased to provide the Deputy with contact details, if he so wishes.
1765. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the person responsible for tracking the implementation of the sustainable development goals; his plan to support the implementation of the sustainable development goals relevant to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24911/16]
View answerI understand that my colleague Mr. Charlie Flanagan, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade will answer the Deputy's question as the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals falls within his Departments remit.
1767. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of resident level crossing keepers appointed to permanent positions by Iarnród Éireann in each of the years from 1993 to 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24947/16]
View answer1768. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of non-resident level crossing keepers appointed to permanent positions by Iarnród Éireann in each of the years from 1993 to 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24948/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1767 and 1768 together.
The issues raised are matters for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
1769. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of resident level crossing keepers who were in permanent regular wage staff positions, in Iarnród Éireann, which joined the CIÉ Pension Scheme for Regular Wages Staff in the years 1993 to 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24949/16]
View answer1770. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of non-resident level crossing keepers who were in permanent regular wages staff positions, in Iarnród Éireann, which joined the CIÉ Pension Scheme for Regular Wages Staff in the years 1993 to 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24950/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1769 and 1770 together.
I propose to answer Questions 1769 and 1770 together. The issues raised are matters for CIÉ and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
1771. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding trains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25030/16]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
1772. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views in relation to the reason no action has been taken by the NTA regarding allegations that a company (details supplied) uses bus stops that it is not licensed to collect or drop passengers at; the reason this company is subject to a different supervisory arrangement than others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25052/16]
View answerIssues relating to the licensing of bus passenger services, including the conditions attaching to individual licences, are matters for the National Transport Authority (NTA).
Therefore, I have referred the question to the NTA for direct reply to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
