Peter Burke
Question:258. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address matters (details supplied) regarding driving tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39055/16]
View answerDriver Test
Questions (258)
Written answers
This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Sports Events
Questions (259)
Bernard Durkan
Question:259. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he and his Department expect to maximise the use of major sporting events as a means of boosting the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39079/16]
View answerWritten answers
The hosting of major sports events, both participative and spectator sports, can provide a great showcase for Ireland and drive international visitor numbers. In addition, the media coverage of sports events helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination.
Accordingly, I am very supportive of the ongoing efforts of the tourism agencies and the national governing bodies of sport to attract international events, subject, of course, to an assessment of the costs/benefits involved in any State financial support, in particular the number of overseas visitors.
For example, the Government assisted the IRFU in its successful bid to host the Women's Rugby World Cup which will take place in 2017. The Government also supported the FAI in its successful bid to host four games as part of the UEFA Euro 2020 football championship and the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive are supporting the IRFU in its preparation of a bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023. Ireland has successfully passed the Applicant Phase of that process and is now through to the Candidate Phase. The Governments will be working very closely with the IRFU to ensure that the best possible bid is lodged with World Rugby next June. A final decision will be made by World Rugby in November 2017.
A number of other international sports events hosted in Ireland in 2016 have been supported by the Event Ireland division of Fáilte Ireland such as the World Masters Fly Fishing Championships, the World Karate Championships, the World Archery Field Championships, the World Boat Angling Championships, the FEI European Jumping Championship for Juniors, the Modern Pentathlon Youth A World Championships, the World Rugby Women's Sevens Olympic Repechage, the World Junior and Cadet Kickboxing Championships and the World Shore Angling Championships.
Traffic Management
Questions (260)
Bernard Durkan
Question:260. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects congestion on the M50 to be alleviated over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39080/16]
View answerWritten answers
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) 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 don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Brexit Issues
Questions (261)
Bernard Durkan
Question:261. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which he and his Department have assessed the challenges or opportunities arising from Brexit; his proposals to address such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39081/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Government's planning in preparing for the negotiations for the UK exit is intensifying at both political and official level. As part of this process, my Department has been heavily engaged in working with other Government Departments, and with key public and private stakeholders across the tourism and transport sectors, in analysing the implications of the UK exit from the EU. I am meeting Chris Hazzard, MLA, Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland on Monday next under the North South Ministerial Council framework to consider, amongst other matters, the transport risks and impacts of the UK exit. Officials have also met with their counterparts in Northern Ireland and in London as part of the overall transport and tourism assessment of these implications and will continue to do so.
The analyses is challenging as Article 50 is not expected to be triggered until early 2017. The detail of the implications of UK's exit and future relationship with the EU will only become clearer as the negotiation process evolves.
Road Network
Questions (262)
Bernard Durkan
Question:262. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to make major investments in the road network to alleviate congestion on the most seriously affected roads. [39082/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Capital Plan outlines the proposed transport investment priorities to 2022. The transport element of the Capital Plan does provide for some targeted investment in a number of new projects. In addition, a number of other schemes targeted at removing bottlenecks and upgrading port access, will commence subject to necessary consents.
It will take some years yet under the Capital Plan to restore "steady state" funding levels for national, regional and local roads and in the interim the primary focus will have to continue to be on the maintenance and renewal of public roads.
However, congestion, particularly in and around urban areas, is not sustainably managed by investment in the road network alone. Investing in the infrastructure needs to be complemented by public transport and other measures to facilitate the movement of large numbers of commuters and other users of transport networks. This too is reflected in the provisions of the Capital Plan.
Rail Network Expansion
Questions (263)
Bernard Durkan
Question:263. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to advance his priorities for expanding the commuter rail network; if he has deadlines for such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39083/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Rail Review has recently been published and a public consultation on the report has been launched. The purpose of the consultation exercise is to open up a public discussion on the current and future role of rail in Ireland as well as the funding of the rail network and services. The public consultation process is open until 18th January and no decisions will be taken on the future of the rail network or rail services until the public consultation process has concluded and been evaluated.
As set out in the Rail Review, funding for the operation and maintenance of the rail network was significantly reduced during the economic downturn and has not recovered to a sustainable level. The main emphasis of funding for the rail network under the Capital Plan is on the maintenance of the existing network to ensure it remains safe and fit for purpose. Based on the funding allocations for public transport under the Capital Plan we should achieve steady state levels by 2020. In view of the current constraints on availability of funding, this remains our focus, rather than expanding the network. The Government has committed to a review of the Capital Plan in 2017 and I am determined to make a case for public transport investment to be both increased and accelerated in order to address our growing transport needs.
With the funding available under the capital plan, we have been able to complete work on a small number of projects aimed at improving the performance of the network. Work on the Phoenix Park Tunnel was completed this year and, as the Deputy will be aware, it opened for services on the 21st November 2016 enabling passenger services on the Kildare Line to continue straight into the heart of the business district in the city centre.
In addition, funding under the Capital Plan has been allocated for the completion of the City Centre Re-signalling Programme and the construction of a new Central Traffic Control Centre which will improve rail movements through Dublin city centre and help improve movements more widely on the network as well.
Brexit Issues
Questions (264)
Bernard Durkan
Question:264. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his particular strategy to maximise opportunities in the tourism sector in view of the challenges of Brexit and the changing international climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39084/16]
View answerWritten answers
Since the UK referendum on EU membership, all Government departments, including my Department, have been considering the potential implications of the UK's exit from the EU. Consideration is being given to the "Brexit" challenge in the context of various fora, including Senior Officials Groups, Cabinet Committees, and other work groups.
While there has been a significant devaluation in sterling, and a consequent negative impact on consumer confidence in the UK, all of the details of the UK's exit cannot be known until the conclusion of the EU/UK negotiations. Of particular interest to tourism will be the implications for the border, for the Common Travel Area, for trade, and for the peace process.
With regard to tourism, expert forecasting has highlighted the strong likelihood of a significant reduction in the number of residents in Great Britain (GB) expected to travel abroad on holidays, including a reduction in the number of GB residents expected to travel to Ireland.
My Department has been engaging with the tourism agencies on how best to plan to respond to the known implications. Importantly, Budget 2017 retained the 9% VAT rate which has been very beneficial to the tourism sector, in order to provide stability to the industry. Additionally, Tourism Ireland recently launched its plans for overseas marketing for 2017 which include increased marketing activity in North America and Mainland Europe in order to offset the anticipated reduction in visitors from GB. Other initiatives, under the Tourism Action Plan, are either underway or in various stages of development and are aimed at growing tourism to reach ambitious targets by 2025.
Following on from the all-island civic dialogue held on 2 November my Department is continuing this consultation and is currently planning a sectoral dialogue with a theme of tourism and hospitality.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (265)
Bernard Durkan
Question:265. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to achieve the targets in his Department's capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39085/16]
View answerWritten answers
In terms of capital expenditure across my Department, we are very much on target this year. This is a direct result of excellent progress on major infrastructure investments such as LUAS Cross City and additional requirements involved in addressing flood damage to our transport network. In that regard, I have sought a Supplementary Estimate which will increase my capital budget this year by €96.1m. The additional allocation is required to address repair/preventative works caused by severe weather earlier this year. The funding has been allocated to individual projects across the country and will be used to complete motorway drainage and embankment remediation works and to repair damage to the rail network.
In terms of the Government's Capital Plan, my Department and its agencies are pressing ahead with the key projects envisaged and I look forward to inputting into the mid term review of the Capital Plan which was announced by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on Budget Day with a view to ensuring transport investment remains a top priority.
Swimming Pool Programme
Questions (266)
Bernard Durkan
Question:266. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to continue the swimming pool programme in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39086/16]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP), grant aid to a maximum of €3.8 million is provided to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. The projects in the current programme are Dunmanway, Castlebar, Buncrana, Edenderry and Lucan, each of which are at various stages of the programme. There are four stages in the development of a project under the LASPP, namely Preliminary Report, Contract Documents, Tender and Construction. The priority in 2017 will be on progressing the above named projects through to the next stages of the programme, as appropriate.
Sports Capital Programme
Questions (267)
Bernard Durkan
Question:267. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which he expects to offer grant aid to various community and sporting groups for major or minor capital projects in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39087/16]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Following the conclusion of the 2017 Estimates discussions, a total of €52m has been provided for sports capital projects. This will meet all existing commitments under previous rounds of the Sports Capital and Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme. It will also allow for a new round of the of the Sports Capital Programme. In this regard, the new round will be open for applications by January at the latest. Based on previous rounds of the programme, the assessment process takes a number of months to complete so I expect that actual grant allocations will begin to be made during the Summer of 2017. We will be announcing more comprehensive details of the new round shortly, probably before the end of the year and in any event not later than January 2017.
Tourism Policy
Questions (268)
Bernard Durkan
Question:268. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will set out his tourism and sporting priorities over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39088/16]
View answerWritten answers
My priorities for tourism and sport are published on the website of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and are as follows:
1. Increase in the Tourism Marketing Budget (A total increase of €1M for tourism was secured in Budget 2017).
2. Supporting Ireland's bid to host the Rugby World Cup 2023.
3. A public consultation on, and subsequent publication of, a National Sport Policy.
4. A new round of the Sports Capital Programme.
5. Continued progress on the National Sports Campus.
6. Development of the Lakelands tourism concept.
7. Continued implementation of the Tourism Action Plan.
In addition, since the UK referendum on EU membership, all Government departments, including my Department, have been considering the potential implications of the UK's exit from the EU. Following on from the All-Island civic dialogue held on 2 November my Department is continuing this consultation and is currently planning a sectoral dialogue with a theme of tourism and hospitality. Further details on the Government's response to the impact of Brexit on tourism are contained in my reply to PQ No. 264 today.
Pension Levy
Questions (269)
Clare Daly
Question:269. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the semi-State companies under the aegis of his Department which have absorbed the private pension levy and those companies which have passed the cost of the levy onto their pension funds. [39089/16]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested by the Deputy is a matter for the Agencies. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to them for direct response. If the Deputy does not receive a reply within 10 working days please contact my private office.
The referred replies under Standing Order 42A were forwarded to the Deputy.
Rail Network
Questions (270)
Eamon Ryan
Question:270. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the percentages of DART services that have run on time in the last quarter; if the trend is towards increasing or decreasing punctuality over the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39100/16]
View answerWritten answers
Transport operators operating Public Service Obligation services are obliged by the terms of their contracts with the National Transport Authority (NTA) to report on their performance and these reports are published by the NTA on its website. The Deputy can find these reports on https://www.nationaltransport.ie/public-transport-services/rail/reports/.
However, as the most recent Quarter, Quarter 3 does not yet appear on the website I am directing the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please contact my office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Bus Éireann Services
Questions (271)
Willie Penrose
Question:271. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the policies and steps he will take to ensure that a bus service under the auspices of Bus Éireann which services rural Ireland is protected as it is crucial to the social fabric of many communities across the rural landscape; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39128/16]
View answerWritten answers
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No. 26 which I answered earlier.
Compulsory Purchase Orders
Questions (272)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:272. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the compulsory purchase orders in relation to the planned development at the Dunkettle interchange, Cork at the Jack Lynch tunnel; and when the project will be progressing to the next stage. [39153/16]
View answerWritten answers
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) 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.
Departmental Policy Reviews
Questions (273)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:273. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his Department’s plans with regard to the new national sports policy framework which is currently part of a public consultation process. [39154/16]
View answerWritten answers
Minister Ross and I launched the public consultation process on the development of a new National Sports Policy Framework on 17 November 2016. Submissions are invited from all relevant stakeholders by 6 January 2017. The public consultation process, along with relevant stakeholder engagement, will feed into the development of the new policy framework by mid-2017.
Road Projects
Questions (274)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:274. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the motorway routes which will commence construction within the next five years under PPP agreements. [39155/16]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
In recent years four roads PPP projects have gone ahead. The combined Arklow Rathnew/Newlands Cross scheme has been completed and three projects included in the Government PPP Investment Package launched in July 2012 are underway at present. These are the Gort to Tuam, New Ross Bypass and Gorey to Enniscorthy schemes.
The current Capital Plan does not make provision for further road PPPs. As part of the Capital Plan, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform introduced an Investment Policy Framework for PPPs which limits expenditure on PPPs to a percentage of annual capital spending.
Road Projects
Questions (275)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:275. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider Mallow as the starting location in the construction of the M20 Cork Limerick motorway in order to facilitate the original demand for a northern relief road around the town. [39156/16]
View answerWritten answers
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 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.
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.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Sports Events
Questions (276)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:276. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department will have the capacity to commit to any infrastructure or facility demands that may arise from the IRFU World Cup hosting bid in 2023. [39157/16]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland has the capacity required to deliver a highly successful RWC. We have an ideal mix of stadia across the country right in the hearts of our cities and towns. Five of these stadia have hosted international rugby before, and Croke Park is Europe's third largest stadium.
Some investment will be required, but the two new 'builds' in Casement Park and Pairc Ui Chaoimh are happening irrespective of whether or not the Rugby World Cup is coming to Ireland. Beyond that, a budget for temporary facilities has been allocated from the tournament budget to cover potential upgrades required. As we are in a competitive situation this figure is not publicly available, but this investment is budgeted already in the tournament staging costs.
As part of the bid, both Governments will have to guarantee the payment of the tournament fee of £120m. In addition, the Governments are expected to provide an underwriting guarantee for the tournament operational costs. However, in all previous Rugby World Cups ticketing revenues for the tournament have exceeded the operational costs and accordingly it is not anticipated that the underwriting guarantee would translate into a cost to the Governments. The Governments would also have the option to take out appropriate insurance to cover any unforeseen events that would impact on the tournament.
In the event that the all-island bid is successful, Governments would split their support in a manner that would reflect the relative benefits of hosting the Rugby World Cup. In relation to transport infrastructure, I am confident that access to all the stadia would be well facilitated and a transport plan for spectators utilising rail, road and bus networks, with assistance where required from both Gardaí and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, would be put in place.
Sports Capital Programme Applications
Questions (277)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:277. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department will facilitate 2017 sports capitation grant applications in which anomalies may arise with the application and which may need to be amended during the assessment process. [39158/16]
View answerWritten answers
Following the conclusion of the 2017 Estimates discussions, a total of €52m has been provided for sports capital projects. This will meet all existing commitments under previous rounds of the Sports Capital and Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme. It will also allow for a new round of the Sports Capital Programme. In this regard, the new round will be open for applications by January at the latest.
In relation to the supports available for clubs to complete the application, the new Programme will include a new online portal which will make the process more user-friendly with the application form reduced from 14 pages to 6 pages. Other supports will include a comprehensive written guide, video guides and regional workshops to assist clubs and organisations with the application process. Staff in the relevant section of my Department will also be available to help clubs by phone and email. We will be announcing more comprehensive details of the new round shortly, probably before the end of the year and in any event not later than January 2017.