Written Answers Nos. 553-574
553. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress being made in developing the lakelands initiative; the amount that has been allocated to developing this initiative to date; the amount that will be allocated to developing it in 2017; and the amount its development will cost in total. [31510/16]
View answerThe role of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national policy and it is not involved in the management or development of tourism products such as the Lakelands initiative. The development of this initiative is an operational matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland.
Accordingly, I have asked Fáilte Ireland to reply to the Deputy directly in relation to the matter raised Please contact my private office if you do not hear from them within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
554. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total amount allocated to his Department in budget 2017; the amount allocated to public transport within this figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31520/16]
View answer555. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total amount allocated to his Department in budget 2017; and if he will provide a breakdown of the moneys allocated to the various areas within his Department in tabular form. [31521/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 554 and 555 together.
I refer to page 178 of the 2017 Expenditure Report which provides an overall breakdown of my Departments allocation for 2017. The total Land Transport allocation of €1,458,088,000 includes an allocation to Public Transport of €630,667,000.
556. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is a database available to his Department of 3G pitches in use here. [31544/16]
View answer557. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the standards attached to grants provided by his Department for the provision of 3G pitches; and if, in particular, any standards relate to the types of recycled material that may be used in the manufacture of such pitches. [31545/16]
View answer558. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action he will take to ensure that 3G pitches in use here are safe; and the way he proposes to respond to concerns that some pitches may contain carcinogens arising from the types of material used in the manufacture of such pitches. [31546/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 556 to 558, inclusive, together.
While my Department has details of all grants that have been allocated under the Sports Capital Programme, it does not have a database of all 3G pitches as many may have been developed without grant assistance from my Department.
I understand that concerns have recently been raised in relation to the safety of materials used in 3G pitches. While my Department does not have any responsibility for the setting of standards for 3g pitches, I have asked my officials to inquire with relevant bodies dealing with the regulation of recycled waste as well as the safe use of chemicals. I have asked my officials to monitor developments in the context of future rounds of the Sports Capital Programme.
559. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department or Transport Infrastructure Ireland will fund the work required to make safe the stretch of road from the M9 motorway junction 9 to Kilkenny city as safety measures or proper road safety schemes were not put in place at the time of the construction of the motorway to protect the local community from the dangers of the massive increase of traffic; if he will consult Kilkenny County Council to agree a plan and funding to deal with the safety issues on the main route to Kilkenny city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31614/16]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and operation of individual 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 do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
560. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason there is a 20 -week wait when applying to do a driving test in Buncrana, County Donegal; his plans to address this waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31619/16]
View answerThe operation of the driver testing service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and I have no role in these matters. 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.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
561. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will investigate the possibility of purchasing land at motorway junctions to facilitate a park and ride type system as more people are car pooling and leaving their cars parked at these junctions which causes obstructions. [31710/16]
View answerThe provision of car parking facilities is ultimately a matter for the relevant local authority working closely with An Garda Síochána to ensure that cars are parked in a safe and legal manner
The NTA has responsibility for the implementation of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). In the NTA's Transport Strategy for the GDA for the period 2016-2035 which was published earlier this year, the focus on car parking facilities concentrates on Park and Ride facilities to provide the opportunity for modal transfer from the private car to the public transport network rather than parking for car-pooling. It is intended that Park and Ride facilities will be provided in the GDA to facilitate the use of the public transport network by people living beyond the local walking catchment of rail or other public transport services.
I understand that a number of small park and ride facilities completed in the Meath and Kildare County Council areas are proving to be very successful and could serve as useful models for other local authorities.
562. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will respond to correspondence sent to him by a person (details supplied). [31748/16]
View answer577. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to a serious allegation made by a former catering contractor who held a contract with his Department for 16 years and who alleges that as a result of inference by an official from his Department and Revenue he has been caused to lose his business; if any investigation has been made into these allegations; if he has satisfied himself that all officials within his Department acted appropriately at all times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32021/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 562 and 577 together.
I understand that the issue raised has been considered. My Department responded with a clear position some time ago and regards the matter concluded.
563. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans Transport Infrastructure Ireland has to prevent sound pollution and related nuisance along the route of the M28 upgrade, particularly in the Rochestown and Maryborough neighbourhoods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31762/16]
View answer564. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans Transport Infrastructure Ireland has to reduce pollution and related nuisance along the route of the N40, particularly alongside the Togher and Wilton areas. [31763/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 563 and 564 together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects 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.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
565. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if national funding will be made available to assist with the reopening of the L6048 at Coughlanstown, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31768/16]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in Kildare (such as the L6048) is the statutory responsibility of Kildare 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.
I understand the Council has closed the road in question due to stability concerns arising from an embankment slip. The Council is in the process of carrying out engineering analysis into the extent of the damage and the works required to complete the repairs. No application for funding has been received by my Department from the Council in relation to these works.
566. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of works and the expected finish date of the Coonagh to Knockalisheen road scheme, which was approved an allocation of €1.4 million in May 2014 and was expected to proceed to construction by the end of 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31777/16]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads within its area is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, 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.
As regards the proposed Coonagh to Knockalisheen Road Scheme, before the main contract can commence, important advance works must be undertaken. These advance works include special ground works treatment along a section of the proposed road. Following receipt and examination of the relevant tender documentation, approval was given by my Department to Limerick County Council in July this year to proceed to tender in respect of the Advance Works Contract. While the timeframe for the tender process is a matter for Limerick County Council, I understand from the Council that the tender will issue shortly.
567. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the claim by the National Driver Licence Service, NDLS, that persons over 70 years of age do not have to pay for a new or renewed driver's licence (details supplied) when, in fact, they must pay up to €65 to obtain the medical report necessary to have a licence issued. [31860/16]
View answerFees for driving licences are set in regulations for which I have responsibility. The Road Safety Authority is correct in pointing out that there is no fee for a driving licence renewal over the age of 70.
However, given the cost associated with the medical report, I can understand how this could be perceived as unfair or cause confusion. The requirements to be met in order to be considered medically fit to drive are set at EU rather than national level. Because of the inevitable risk of deterioration in health, including eyesight, due to aging, people renewing their driving licences after the age of 70 are required to undergo both medical and eyesight tests. It is long-standing practice in this and other jurisdictions to require medical tests for fitness to drive for older driver licence applicants. It is obviously important that such tests are carried out independently and by medical professionals. This is done in the interests of road safety, both of the applicants and other road users. Unfortunately, the cost of the medical report is a matter for the medical profession, and thus does not come within my remit to control.
568. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the delegated responsibilities he has given to Ministers of State in his Department; when the order of delegated responsibility was signed; if he included his Ministers of State in direct discussions or meetings with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform as part of pre-budget discussions; if so, the dates of such meetings and the attendance at each meeting; if the Minister of State was not included, the reason this was the position, in view of the designated responsibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31923/16]
View answerThere has been no statutory delegation of functions to Minister of State O'Donovan. The Minister of State was allocated general responsibility for sport, with a particular focus on:
- the Sports Capital Programme;
- the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme;
- engagement with Sport Ireland, National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships in relation to
- promoting participation in sport, recreation and physical activity and
- the promotion of high performance sport;
- oversight of the National Sports Campus; and
- engagement with the institutions of the European Union on sport matters, including attendance at the Council of Ministers when significant sports issues are to be discussed and attendance by a Minister is required.
Minister of State O'Donovan was also allocated general responsibility for domestic tourism, with a particular focus on:
- development of tourism product;
- domestic tourism marketing;
- Tourism generating events including festivals, sports, business, and cultural tourism.
In addition to these functions, it was agreed that Minister of State O'Donovan will support me in relation to:
- Oireachtas business;
- international commitments;
- attendance at public events; and
- other matters as may be required by me.
With regard to pre-budget discussions, both Minister O'Donovan and I were updated on negotiations being carried out at official level. Following on from that, Minister O'Donovan was not in attendance at the two bilateral meetings in relation to Budget 2017, as only the two senior Ministers, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and I, were present.
569. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the emergency vehicle breakdown and recovery plans in place in view of the traffic congestion caused by breakdowns and accidents on the M50; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31952/16]
View answer570. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the annual average daily traffic on the M50; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31955/16]
View answer571. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the average toll revenue per day on the M50; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31956/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 569 to 571, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and operation 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.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The referred replies under Standing Order 42A were forwarded to the Deputy.
572. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions between his Department and a group (details supplied) in respect of the emissions issue; the status of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31961/16]
View answerWhile my officials attended a meeting organised by the then Department of Environment, Community and Local Government with Volkswagen Group Ireland in order to determine the steps they were taking to rectify this issue, the emissions issue referred to by the Deputy primarily concerns consumer rights and environmental protection issues, neither of which come within my remit. My colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has primary responsibility for consumer affairs, while my colleague the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment has primary responsibility for environmental matters.
573. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total number of tests taken and the total number of fails at each of the driving test centres in Nenagh, Thurles, Tipperary town and Clonmel, County Tipperary, for each of the years 2011 to 2015, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31972/16]
View answerThe operation of the driver testing service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority, and I have no role in these matters. 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.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
574. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of vacancies, the length of time the positions are vacant and the semi-State boards under the remit of his Department. [31988/16]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is available on my Department's website at the following link http://www.dttas.ie/corporate/english/state-board-membership-and-approved-fees.
