Written Answers Nos. 668-682
668. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason licences for salmon and eel net fishing on the River Slaney are still in a state of suspension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34999/16]
View answer669. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if salmon and eel stocks on the River Slaney have not recovered in the ten years since licences were suspended; the current factors impacting any regeneration of eel and salmon stocks on the River Slaney; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35000/16]
View answer670. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the methodology that is employed by scientific researchers to measure salmon and eel stocks on the River Slaney; the specific locations on the River Slaney that are fished by the scientific researchers in order to determine fish stocks; and if his Department will allow a delegation of one of these Slaney net fishermen and-or a member from this Deputy's office to accompany them during the next exercise to measure salmon and eel fish stocks on the River Slaney. [35001/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 668 to 670, inclusive, together.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is the state agency responsible for the protection, management and conservation of Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources. IFI manages salmon stocks on an individual river basis as each of Ireland’s salmon rivers has its own genetically unique stock of salmon.
IFI is supported in its management role by a statutorily independent Standing Scientific Committee (SSC) for Salmon comprising scientists from IFI, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the Loughs Agency, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Marine Institute, the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (Northern Ireland), and other State bodies and third level institutions.
The SSC estimates the number of salmon likely to return to each river in the next fishing season based on estimates of salmon runs over the most recent five years. Each river has an individual conservation limit which is essentially the number of salmon required to spawn to maintain a healthy population. If the estimate of returning salmon is above this limit then salmon from that individually genetic river population may be harvested commercially or by rod and line.
The harvest of salmon is restricted to those river stocks that are meeting their conservation limits. Fisheries are only considered in rivers where the estimated returns are above the conservation limit for the river. I am advised by IFI that a Risk Analysis is undertaken on any estimate of returns expected to be above the conservation limit.
In the case of the River Slaney, fish counter data is used to estimate the salmon run. IFI has confirmed that the estimate of returning salmon in 2015 was below the individual conservation limit for the river Slaney and, using fish counter data averaged over the past five years, no surplus of salmon was available for 2016. I am advised that the data from all counters is verified on an annual basis. I am happy to ask IFI to brief the Deputy on the methodologies used around counter technology, and to provide the latest verified counter figures.
The salmon assessment methodologies used in Ireland are considered best practice internationally, with many other countries moving towards the development of similar scientific assessment models for salmon stock conservation.
Ireland’s Eel Management Plan (EMP) was reviewed in 2012 and again in 2015 in line with EU requirements. IFI carried out a comprehensive public consultation process as part of the both reviews. Based on management advice from IFI, and having considered all aspects of their report, the existing conservation measures in Ireland’s EMP remain in place up to mid-2018. Conservation of Eel Fishing Bye-law No. C.S. 319, 2015 prohibits fishing for eel, or possessing or selling eel caught in a river in the State and ceases up to 30 June 2018.
The latest advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) for 2016 (published October 2015) is that “the status of eel remains critical and that all anthropogenic mortality (e.g. recreational and commercial fishing, hydropower, pumping stations, and pollution) affecting production and escapement of silver eels should be reduced to – or kept as close to – zero as possible.” There is no change in the perception of the status of the stock as being critically endangered.
A new collaborative research initiative, involving IFI scientists and former eel fishermen to further develop national knowledge of the species and its medium to longer term potential for recovery, is underway. It is intended that the scientific fishery is to be undertaken for three years commencing in 2016 to increase data and knowledge ahead of further review of eel management measures in 2018.
While I recognise fully the difficulty facing eel fishermen, there is no property right attaching to public eel licences and currently there are no plans to introduce a hardship scheme as outlined by the Deputy, given that the closure of the fishery was applied for conservation reasons under the Fisheries Acts.
671. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a traffic survey of the N11 has been conducted; if so, the results of that survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34433/16]
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 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 the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply.
The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
672. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to downgrade the train service in County Wexford, notably the line from Gorey to Rosslare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34454/16]
View answerAs I indicated at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport's meeting on 5 October, I have received a copy of the Rail Review conducted by the National Transport Authority and Irish Rail. It examines the funding parameters required to support our rail network now and in future. I have already stated that I would bring the report to Cabinet and then immediately arrange for its publication and the commencement of a public consultation process to be conducted by the National Transport Authority. I briefed my Cabinet colleagues this morning and I understand that the NTA intends to publish the Rail Review and launch the consultation process today.
While there has been much speculation regarding the future of individual rail lines, I want to stress that no decisions will be taken on any of the options identified in the Review in advance of the full process of public consultation. The public consultation will give the public and other interested parties the opportunity to see the analysis on rail funding and to contribute to all aspects of the debate on the future of rail.
673. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason it is necessary to charge €43 for commercial vehicle roadworthiness re-testing. [34480/16]
View answerThe Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (Vehicle Testing) (No. 2) Regulations 2013 (SI 347 of 2013) prescribe the charges applicable for the annual commercial vehicle roadworthiness (CVR) test and any re-test.
A charge for a re-test only applies in circumstances where it involves the use of testing equipment at the testing centre. There is no charge for a re-test involving a visual assessment where the use of test equipment is not necessary.
The CVR testing system is operated on a fully commercial basis and without any financial contribution from the State. Authorised by the Road Safety Authority, CVR tests are delivered by privately owned garages who are responsible for providing the necessary infrastructure and facilities to do so and who bear the financial and operational risks associated with such investment.
Apart from the introduction of the road safety levy as part of the fee for the annual CVR test, which incidentally does not apply to a re-test, there has been no change to the level of test fees since 2007. The model for commercial vehicle testing has been reviewed and it was decided by Government that the prevailing model involving the delivery of commercial testing by privately owned garages should continue.
674. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, in view of Brexit, he will request that Transport Infrastructure Ireland consider signage (details supplied) for Carrickmacross along the M1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34528/16]
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 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 the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. The Deputy should advise my private office if she does not receive a reply within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
675. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of hits the Wild Atlantic Way official travel site has received to date in 2016 to date, and since its launch; and the number of hits the Ireland’s Ancient East website has received since it was launched. [34638/16]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy. It is not directly involved in the management or development of individual tourism projects, such as the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East, which are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.
I have accordingly referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply to the Deputy. The Deputy should contact my private office if he has not received a reply within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
676. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason south Kildare is not included in the commuter belt zone in the latest round of price changes for Irish Rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34645/16]
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.
The Deputy should advise my private office if she does not receive a response within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
677. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the legislative Acts and legal instruments which provide for the establishment of the Irish Coast Guard and by which its powers, responsibilities, obligations and duties are statutorily mandated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34648/16]
View answerThe Irish Marine Emergency Service (IMES) was established by Government Decision S. 21910 of 2 August 1990, as a Division of the Department of the Marine. The name was later changed to the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG), in 2000 and the division was subsequently transferred to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in 2006.
The IRCG have a number of functions, which include inter alia Search and Rescue (SAR) and Maritime Pollution Prevention and Response. SAR functions are provided for in International Conventions promulgated by both the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Ireland is a contracting State to both organisations.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I am empowered, through National and EU Legislation, to appoint authorised officers to carry out certain functions. In relation to Maritime Pollution, there is a suite of legislation, The Sea Pollution Acts 1991-2006 under which I have appointed officers of the IRCG as authorised officers to enable them to carry out their duties.
Further powers are provided for in The Merchant Shipping (Salvage and Wreck) Act 1993 whereby officers are authorised for the purposes of saving shipwrecked persons, a vessel in distress or the cargo or apparel of the vessel.
Additionally, European Communities (Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Information System) Regulations 2010, give the IRCG powers to act in relation to Places of Refuge incidents and the monitoring of hazardous ships.
Finally, Annexe 12 (Standards & Recommended Practices Search & Rescue) (Designation Of Authorities) Order, 1995, designated the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications as the authority responsible for execution of powers under Annex 12 to the Chicago Convention, other than in relation to Aviation Rescue Co-ordination Centres and Rescue Co-ordination Sub-Centres, which are the responsibility of the Irish Aviation Authority. This search and rescue function, where it relates to aviation accidents at sea, is carried out on my behalf by the IRCG.
678. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if primary routes are being closed for major road repairs for months due to the failure by contractors to get insurance to administer contra-flow systems for traffic to keep moving on routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34654/16]
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 operation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. The Deputy should advise my private office if she does not receive a reply within ten working days.
As regards regional and local roads, the improvement and maintenance of these roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993 and implementation of road works is, therefore, a matter for local authorities.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
679. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason haulage companies have to pay a tariff when entering Northern Ireland; the reason the reverse is not the case in the interests of equity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34666/16]
View answerThere are no tariffs on cross-border traffic within the EU's customs union. I presume the Deputy is referring to the UK HGV road user levy. The Irish Government had serious concerns about the introduction of the HGV road user levy in the UK, including Northern Ireland, and extensively lobbied the UK authorities to exempt Northern Ireland from the charge because of the potential impact on cross-Border trade. However, the UK Minister for Transport chose to give only very minor exemptions from the levy to Northern Ireland. Subsequently, the Irish Government, supported by the Northern Ireland Department of the Environment, sought an exemption for the A5 from Derry to Monaghan, as it is a significant transit route from North West Donegal to Dublin. This request was also ultimately not accepted. While it is appreciated that the levy has imposed significant additional costs on Irish hauliers operating across the region, the application of the levy is a matter for the UK authorities.
Road charging systems for HGVs have been introduced in 10 EU Member States under Directive 1999/62/EC, as modified by Directives 2002/38/EC and 2011/76/EU. This Directive set out the legal basis for charging HGVs for the use of road infrastructure and authorises Member States, if they so wish, to levy user charges, which can be time-based, for example per day, week or year, or distance-based, calculated on the basis of number of kilometres driven.
The introduction of a road user charge for HGVs in Ireland is under consideration in my Department.
680. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when funding will be allocated to the N2 Corracrin-to-Emyvale road project in order to allow the planning stage to progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34696/16]
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 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 the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
681. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on it. [34717/16]
View answerIn reference to the details supplied, it must be noted that drivers are required to ensure that the speed at which they drive is appropriate for the prevailing conditions. In an effort to address inappropriate driving speeds on rural roads a new rural speed limit sign was introduced in March 2015 to emphasise this point. This new sign means that drivers must use their judgement according to the conditions prevailing, but never exceed the 80km/h maximum limit on roads to which this sign applies.
It is important to remember that elected members of local authorities have statutory responsibility for setting appropriate Special Speed Limit bye-laws for any particular road within their remit. Supported by expert advice from local authority road engineers, elected councillors are best placed to decide on the most appropriate speed limits and any associated traffic calming measures that should apply according to varying local conditions. My Department's Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits reiterates these responsibilities and provides guidance in relation to such.
In addition, local authorities have also been requested to review and update all speed limits in their administrative areas in accordance with these Guidelines and this process is currently on-going. In the case of national roads, local authorities were requested to undertake this review in conjunction with TII.
682. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if recent increases in fares for commuters in Maynooth and Leixlip can be revised with particular reference to the large numbers of commuters from these towns who are expected to travel to larger centres for employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34761/16]
View answerI refer the Deputy to the Topical Issue on "Maynooth line fare increases for commuters between Leixlip and Dublin" which I answered on 10 November 2016.
I think it important to note that the powers afforded to the National Transport Authority (NTA) with respect to the fares determination process are statutory ones and as Minister I do not have any function in this regard. This year's fares determinations mean that approximately 75% of passengers will see no increase in their fares next year.
Since it assumed its powers in this area, the NTA has sought to simplify what was an extremely complicated and cumbersome fares system and introduce a more logical and fair distance based model.
In relation to rail, an examination of approximately 1,200 Origin and Destination station pairs concluded that fares between some pairs were set particularly low for various historic, commercial and operational reasons and were not in line with the fares other passengers are paying for a similar distance journey. The NTA has been adjusting fares across the rail network in recent years in order to remove these anomalies.
This year the final 261 station pairs were examined with the vast majority seeing a decrease in their fares for next year as a result.
However, inevitably a small number, 36 station pairs to be exact or around 3% of the total number of possible pairs, will see a fare increase. This is as a result of the previously unfair level of fares when compared with other station pairs across the broader network.
In terms of Leixlip, the trip to Dublin Pearse has been moved from zone 3 to zone 4. A single adult Leap fare will now cost €2.93 as opposed to €2.46. There is no change to the cost of a single fare between Maynooth and the City Centre.
Obviously I can understand that passengers at Leixlip will be disappointed at such a change; however, the overall impact of these changes is that all passengers within the Short Hop Zone are now paying the same fare for the same distance from 1 December next and that is in line with the overall strategy being pursued by the NTA.
