Written Answers Nos. 39-57
39. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the Government’s support for the Irish bid for the 2023 Rugby World Cup to be held here, including the net possible cost to the exchequer, the cost benefit generally to Irish rugby, Irish sport overall and to the economy. [38658/16]
View answerI am satisfied that hosting the 2023 Rugby World Cup would deliver significant economic, social and sporting benefits to Ireland.
The direct economic return of hosting the tournament here would be primarily derived from the spending by overseas visitors. Based on the outcome of the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England, there would be an estimated all-island positive economic impact of €800m based on spending by approximately 450,000 overseas visitors. That tourism revenue would also lead to very significant tax revenues for the Exchequer. In addition, there would be many benefits, in terms the profiles of both Ireland and Northern Ireland, given the estimated 6,000 visiting media. The worldwide cumulative TV audience would be around 4 billion people and countless billions would engage with the event through social media.
Hosting the tournament would also provide a great opportunity to spread matches and training bases across the country, engaging and involving communities and increasing community pride and activation. There would also be thousands of opportunities for volunteering in what would be an exciting and very positive event that would create significant social capital throughout the island. The event would also provide an opportunity to increase sports participation particularly among young people with consequent health benefits. Furthermore, hosting the event would involve a close working relationship with the Northern Ireland authorities which would be positive for co-operartion on the island and a legacy for future events.
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.
40. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address concerns that there are proposals in his Department to diminish Coast Guard services or reduce the number of active stations in operation; and if he will consider proposals to place the Coast Guard on a more distinct statutory footing than it currently is. [38846/16]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my response to Priority Question No. 3 which I answered earlier.
41. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline for the transfer of ownership of a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38852/16]
View answerNational Ports Policy provides that the five designated Ports of Regional Significance (Drogheda, Dún Laoghaire, Galway, New Ross and Wicklow) will be transferred to more appropriate local authority led governance structures. These five ports retain important roles as facilitators of their regional economies and, in some instances, as centres of marine-related amenity and tourism activities. However, the scale and nature of these activities are not such as to warrant continued central Government involvement.
Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company is designated under the National Ports Policy for transfer to Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. As the Deputy is aware, it was necessary to enact primary legislation, namely the Harbours Act 2015, to provide the legislative framework to allow for the transfer of the Ports of Regional Significance, to local authority control. The relevant legislation was enacted in December 2015.
The Act is not prescriptive in relation to the model of transfer for each port. It is designed to provide maximum legislative flexibility by providing two possible models 1) retention of the existing company structure and transfer of the Ministerial shareholding in the company to the local authority or 2) dissolution of existing company and transfer of all assets, liabilities and employees into local authority structures.
The process of transferring governance of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company to the Council is on-going. The future governance and operational structures of the port are primarily matters for agreement between the Council and the port company.
The decision on the model of transfer will be informed by a due diligence process, carried out by the local authority, with funding support from my Department.
The port and local authority are working together on due diligence which I understand is well advanced. When the due diligence is completed, I expect that progress will then be made towards finalising the model, the timeline and the preparations for transfer.
42. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will introduce a scheme of licensing and registration of quads before purchase can be completed; if there are further actions he could take to alleviate the problem of young unlicensed and uninsured persons driving these quads in housing estates and public parks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38698/16]
View answerUnder the Road Traffic Acts, the user of a quad bike in a public place must have insurance, road tax and a driving licence, and must also wear a helmet, with severe penalties under the road traffic laws, including fixed charge notices, penalty points, fines and possible seizure of the vehicle, for not being in compliance with these requirements.
For the purposes of the Road Traffic Acts, a "public place" means any public road, and any street, road or other place to which the public have access with vehicles. Road traffic law does not extend to the use of mechanically propelled vehicles on private property where such conditions do not apply. Local authorities can introduce bye-laws to prohibit the use of such vehicles in municipal parks. The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has similar powers to control off-road vehicles in national parks, and the unauthorised use of off-road vehicles in prohibited in certain national parks. The Road Traffic Act 2004 makes it an offence to supply a mechanically propelled vehicle to a person under 16 years of age, including a gift or loan, with severe penalties on conviction. Mini-motorised scooters, micro-motorcycles and quadricycles all come within the definition of a mechanically propelled vehicle for road traffic law purposes.
Enforcement of the road traffic laws are a matter for An Garda Síochána, and I am informed that they are satisfied that they have the necessary powers to deal with cases concerning the use of quads, scrambler bikes and similar vehicles under the Road Traffic Acts. Notwithstanding this, I will discuss the matter with my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality to see if there are any legislative amendments needed to specifically deal with the issues raised by the Deputy.
43. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current schedule for the tendering of 10% of Dublin Bus routes by the National Transport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38835/16]
View answerIt is the responsibility of the National Transport Authority (NTA) to conduct the current public procurement process relating to the tendering out of 10% of the PSO bus network. NTA is undertaking this by way of three separate competitions and has now completed the pre-qualification phase of each, and candidates have been informed. The NTA has issued formal invitations to tender in respect of the Dublin Metropolitan competition and tenders are due by end-January 2017. It is planned that documentation for the other two competitions - Dublin commuter and Waterford - will issue by end year, with proposals to be evaluated during Quarter 1 2017.Anticipating the timeline to complete the competitions is not straightforward; it seems that completing tender assessments and negotiations and awarding contracts and then mobilising new operators, including securing depots, will take at least 12 months and could well be longer. I am told that, at this stage, it is expected that contracts will be awarded in mid-2017 with services coming into operation in late 2017 and during 2018. Each competition can commence services independently of the other two.
The tendering processes underway should allow us to capture potential benefits as regards value for money in terms of the use of taxpayers' money in securing the provision of public services, and I look forward to the NTA's successful progression of all three competitions.
44. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress being made to develop Ireland’s Lakelands brand, with specific reference to the Ballina Killaloe area, as a separate proposition to sit alongside the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38656/16]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy. It is not directly involved in the management or development of individual tourism projects. This is an operational matter for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.
That said, I can advise the Deputy that the Programme for Partnership Government commits to the development of the "Ireland's Lakelands" brand. In keeping with that commitment, Fáilte Ireland is undertaking a Destination Development and Feasibility Study to ascertain the potential for growth and the best mechanism to unlock those areas that lie between the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East, including counties that border the Shannon. The boundaries of the aforementioned initiatives will remain in place.
The Fáilte Ireland study will include areas of those counties that border the Shannon Waterway on both sides. Accordingly, depending on the recommendations of the Study, those areas along the Shannon may end up benefitting from the work of more than one brand. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that Ballina and Killaloe are very much included in the area that is being reviewed. It is expected that the first draft report will be available at the end of March 2017.
Given that this is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply to the Deputy. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
45. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the rail network and the necessary funding to ensure the continued operation nationally of all existing passenger lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38840/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) is currently running a public consultation on rail in Ireland. It was launched with the publication of the Rail Review 2016 - which the NTA undertook in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann - together with an NTA consultation document "The Role of Rail in Ireland and Funding its Delivery". Both documents are available on the NTA's website.
The NTA's public consultation will run until 18th January. Through the consultation process, the public and interested parties have an opportunity to contribute to the debate on the future of rail. The purpose of the public consultation is to open up a public discussion on the role of rail and its funding and to provide factual material to inform that discussion. The NTA will then prepare a report about the consultation process which I intend to bring to Government. 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 review examines the funding required to support the heavy rail network now and into the future. It provides analysis of the company's financial situation, some possible funding solutions and some proposals for measures to grow passenger numbers. While considerable amounts of State support are already being provided for Irish Rail, the review identifies a funding gap for Irish Rail of the order of €100 million per annum. The funding gap identified in the review is based on the projected allocations prior to Budget 2017. In the meantime, decisions on Budget 2017 provide for additional funding of over €50 million to Irish Rail next year, bringing the total funding next year to over €300m.
This significant increase in funding for next year allows for increasing investment in maintenance and renewal of the network and the rolling stock, and also to provide more funding for safety projects.
In conclusion, I want to again emphasise that no decisions will be taken in relation to any individual rail lines, or any of the options identified in the review, in advance of the full process of public consultation. In the meantime, I would encourage all stakeholders to avail of the opportunity to outline their views on the future of the rail network.
46. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he plans to commission a study on the possibilities for commuter rail development in the Galway region in order to reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38660/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, 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.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) collaborated closely with Galway City Council and Galway County Council on the development of the Galway Transport Strategy which was adopted earlier this year. I am advised that the Strategy indicates that demand would be insufficient to warrant a high-capacity rail-based system in Galway. Rail services would have to operate at low frequencies in order to meet demand and this would be less attractive to passengers than a higher frequency bus-based service. Buses provide greater flexibility within transport systems, catering for high volumes of demand in the city centre as well as diverging out to less-dense suburban areas.
Funding is provided by my Department for the provision of public transport and sustainable transport infrastructure in the Regional Cities, including Galway, in order to encourage people to use public transport or more active travel modes including cycling and walking in order to reduce congestion and tackle emissions from transport. The Regional Cities Programme funds the development of bus lanes, green routes, other bus priority measures and safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists. Overall funding for this programme in 2016 is €13.5m.
My Department is strongly committed to both the reduction of traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. The National Mitigation Plan is currently being developed in line with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 and my Department is actively contributing to its development.
47. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions he has had with the Dublin Airport Authority, DAA, since 2 November 2016, on ongoing problems being highlighted by residents' groups regarding the lack of meaningful engagement and consultation by the DAA with local communities, particularly on the buy-out scheme and insulation programme. [38676/16]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the DAA has statutory responsibility to manage, operate and develop Dublin Airport, including the North Runway project. I welcomed the DAA's announcement in April that they intended to proceed with the project but I have also stated on a number of occasions that it is vital that a balance is struck between the delivery of infrastructure and interests of local communities.
I have already met with a number of residents' groups to hear their views and concerns. The most recent of these meetings took place on 14 November with representatives of a number of communities in North County Dublin, and my officials have followed up with the DAA on the matters discussed at that meeting.
I have been fully briefed on the mitigation measures required under the Runway's planning permission, including the voluntary home sound insulation scheme and voluntary dwelling purchase scheme as well as a community trust fund dedicated to projects in the local area. I also understand that a Community Liaison Group for residents in St. Margaret's and the Ward has been established, as stipulated by the North Runway's planning permission. Four meetings of this group have taken place since September. A special briefing meeting was held on 10 November to discuss, inter alia, noise contour generation, the voluntary home insulation scheme and the voluntary dwelling purchase scheme. The agendas and minutes of all of these meetings are available on the DAA's website.
The North Runway project is a vital piece of national infrastructure. I assure the deputy that I will continue to urge the DAA to engage in a meaningful way with residents, to ensure a fair outcome for all.
48. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will instigate a full review of public transport policy as contained in the programme for Government in view of the increasing transport congestion in Dublin; the format this review will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38697/16]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Government recognises the importance of public transport and is committed toward its further development within the context of available funding. That's why the Programme for Partnership Government provides for a full review of public transport policy to ensure services are sustainable into the future and are meeting the needs of a modern economy. I believe that any revised policy must ensure that the interest of passengers and taxpayers are at the heart of public transport policy.
I am currently considering with my Department the approach that we will take to a policy review in 2017.
Insofar as congestion issues in Dublin are concerned, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has overall responsibility for the implementation of their published Transport Strategy for the GDA. I recognise that there is evidence of increasing congestion in the Dublin region and that this is being manifested on the M50 and on access routes into the city centre. It is fair to say that we will have to secure a step change in funding of public transport if we are to deliver and maintain a well-functioning transport system that will support economic recovery and deliver modal shift. My Department is in close contact with the NTA about addressing travel demand growth in the Dublin region with a view to intensifying efforts to combat congestion in the short to medium term through greater use of bus priority, demand management and other alleviating measures. I expect this work to allow me to make the case for increased public transport investment, as part of the review of the Government's capital plan in 2017.
49. Deputy Maria Bailey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the engagement his Department has had on costs within the Dublin hotel sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38696/16]
View answerI welcome the improved viability of the hotel sector, given its important contribution to the economy and jobs. However, the shortage of available hotel bedrooms in Dublin city has caused hotel room rates to increase in recent years. While I acknowledge the need to have a fair return on investment, hotels must ensure that any increase in returns is done at an appropriate rate and in a way that visitors perceive as reasonable. This is a point Minister Ross and I constantly stress in our engagements with the industry.
Fundamentally, the issue is one of supply and demand and in this context Fáilte Ireland released an assessment of hotel accommodation in Dublin earlier this year. This in-depth study, which is currently being updated to reflect the most recent data, found that there is sufficient room stock either currently in development, or planned, to meet projected demand in the future. However, due primarily to the time lag involved in putting together major construction projects, the bulk of the new room stock will not come on stream until after 2018. In that context and in order to investigate the matter further, I am currently engaged in a number of meetings with stakeholders in the accommodation area to assess what, if any, blockages there are to the provision of tourist accommodation. I plan to engage with both Dublin City Council and Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government as part of this process.
More broadly, the Government has continued a range of supportive measures, such as the reduced VAT rate, aimed at enhancing Ireland's tourism's competitiveness. With specific regard to factors within the Department's and Fáilte Ireland's remit, changes introduced in the revised hotel Regulations should make investment even more attractive by allowing hotel operators provide more rooms and operate at a lower cost base, thus improving hotel capacity, competitiveness and profitability. Consumers should also benefit in terms of increased room capacity, competition and range of accommodation.
While Fáilte Ireland research shows a significant improvement since 2010 in overseas visitors' perception of value for money in Ireland, I am concerned that recent trends could undo these achievements. We must remain vigilant, maintain these ratings and keep the focus on value and competitiveness. To do otherwise could seriously jeopardise continued growth. If the sector does not remain competitive and offer continued value to the visitor, it would not only risk losing the gains it has made but would also make it difficult for Government to continue supports for tourism, when so many other sectors also seek support.
50. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if EU Reg 598/2014 will be transposed into law through statutory instrument, primary legislation or both; and the mechanism he proposes to honour the commitment given by him that the matters will be discussed in Dáil Éireann. [38674/16]
View answerOn 22 September last, I announced details of the manner in which EU Regulation 598/2014, on the establishment of rules and procedures with regard to the introduction of noise-related operating restrictions is to be implemented in Ireland. As I previously explained, this will require the introduction of a Statutory Instrument, which I envisage will be completed by the end of the year or early in the new year. Officials in my Department are currently engaged with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel on the preparation of the Statutory Instrument. This is a complex area of work and one which requires a great deal of consideration with the aim of achieving an efficient and comprehensive regulatory regime for noise management at airports. The issue of whether or not primary legislation will be required will be guided by the advice received by Attorney General's Office.
Given that this is a significant piece of secondary legislation to be made under the European Communities Act 1972, it will be of interest to the House, especially to Deputies in the vicinity of Dublin Airport. Therefore, I intend to present my plans for the Statutory Instrument for implementation of Regulation 598/2014 to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism & Sport, as soon as possible in the new year.
51. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will develop and implement a solution to the mind the gap issue on trains in order to allow wheelchair users to get off and on trains at all stops throughout Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38764/16]
View answerAccessibility features are built into all new public transport investment projects from the design stage. For instance, as a new component of Ireland's rail infrastructure, the entire Luas system has been designed to enable full accessibility. By contrast, however, Ireland's heavy rail network is considerably older and, while new facilities on the network are built to modern accessibility standards, it is technically much more difficult and more expensive to retro-fit or upgrade the existing infrastructure and rolling stock, so alternative arrangements may be necessary to facilitate access for all at certain stations.
The design of platforms and the type of rolling stock used on the heavy rail network are operational matters for Iarnród Éireann. I am informed by the company that due to different types of trains in use on the network and the operational need for non-stop train services to pass through stations at speed, it is not possible to build out platforms (to facilitate easier wheelchair access between platform and train) without compromising safety standards on the railway by causing an increased risk of contact by moving trains with the platforms. For this reason, the company considers that the current practice of staff assisting boarding passengers, with ramps where necessary, is the best solution currently available.
To enable this, it is Iarnród Éireann's policy to have a portable wheelchair ramp at all stations and portable wheelchair ramps are also located on board InterCity trains. A member of staff is required to safely deploy the ramp for use from either the station or train. The only alternative to the use of portable ramps is for electric ramps to be permanently fitted on board trains; but the company has explained that, due to their complexity, electric ramps cannot be retro-fitted on to existing rolling stock on the Iarnród Éireann network. It is intended that all purchases of new rolling stock will incorporate, where feasible, new technological advances in wheelchair assistance.
In relation to stations, I understand that at least 84 out of the 143 railway stations on the Iarnród Éireann network have received accessibility upgrades or were constructed new to accessibility standards. Some lightly used stations may not be fully upgraded and instead, passengers with mobility and sensory impairments within the catchment area of those stations will continue to be facilitated by Iarnród Éireann through the provision of a taxi or hackney to the nearest accessible station; this is arranged at a local level.
52. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider reviewing his Department's focus away from road infrastructure towards a more rail-centred policy approach in view of Ireland's EU 2030 emissions targets and the role of the transport sector in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38767/16]
View answerIn order for Ireland to effectively and equitably contribute to the EU emissions reduction commitments, an ambitious low-carbon development strategy, the National Mitigation Plan, is currently being developed. In the Plan, specific focus is being placed on the sectorial areas of electricity generation, the built environment, agriculture and transport. While responsibility for meeting Ireland's EU emissions reduction targets is a collective one, transport will be required to play a significant role in the national mitigation effort.
The measures under consideration for transport will be wide-ranging and will focus on modal shift, behavioural change and large scale movement to alternative fuels and technologies. Within this context, we must be careful not to undermine the capacity of our transport system, including the road network, to respond to the challenge of reducing emissions. The delivery and maintenance of high quality road infrastructure is crucial for the efficient transportation of all vehicles, not least buses, coaches and bicycles.
For future investment in transport infrastructure, my Department's overarching priorities are to achieve steady state maintenance of strategically important existing networks, to address urban congestion and to maximise the contribution that all our land transport networks can make to national development.
Thorough appraisal of all new infrastructural proposals is conducted, to ensure the taxpayer receives value for money on the investment. This includes a full appraisal of environmental impacts, including CO2 emissions, and so the impact of transport infrastructure on carbon mitigation is fully taken into account in investment decisions.
As the Deputy will know, the role of heavy rail in Ireland’s transport sector is currently under review. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is currently running a public consultation on rail in Ireland. It was launched in mid-November with the publication of the Rail Review 2016 – which the NTA undertook in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann – together with the NTA consultation document “The Role of Rail in Ireland and Funding its Delivery”. Both documents are available on the NTA’s website. The purpose of the consultation exercise is to open up a public discussion on the role of rail in Ireland and the funding of the rail network and services. This process will give the public and all interested parties the opportunity to give their views and contribute to the debate on the future of heavy rail in Ireland. The public consultation process will run until 18th January and the NTA will then prepare a report based on the findings which I intend to bring to Government.
53. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the funding and delivery of the greenway project for Naas, Sallins, Ardclough to Dublin section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38837/16]
View answerThe National Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport and sustainable transport infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).
Under the Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) Programme, my Department provides funding to the NTA for the seven local authorities in the GDA for the implementation of sustainable transport projects such as cycling/walking infrastructure, QBCs, safety, integration and traffic management projects throughout the region.
Funding of €23.2m has been allocated to this Programme in 2016. This includes funding for Kildare County Council to progress the design of a cycle connection between Naas and Sallins at the Grand Canal.
I understand that funding allocations for 2017 under the Sustainable Grants Programme, including those for Kildare County Council, are currently being considered by the NTA.
54. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered the possibility of a national maritime and water sports centre for Dún Laoghaire harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38850/16]
View answerI understand that there is a Specific Local Objective within Dún Laoghaire Rathdown's 2016-2022 County Development Plan "to support and encourage the development of a National Watersports Centre to facilitate training and participation in a varied range of water sports and activities to provide a focus for national and international watersport events". In this regard, I'm aware that the Specific Local Objective also states that site appraisal and analysis of the Harbour environs to identify the optimum location(s) for such a centre would be expedited as an integral part of the Dún Laoghaire and Environs Local Area Plan. The proposal is still at the preliminary stage and my Department has not received any formal proposal for funding for the Centre from Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. If such a proposal is received, I would be happy to ensure that it would be given thorough consideration.
55. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the funding of Bus Éireann and Irish Rail in view of possible industrial relations disputes in both companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38841/16]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No. 1 which I answered earlier.
56. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the proposed separation of Expressway from CIE and the implications for the pay and conditions for Expressway workers and the services for passengers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38834/16]
View answerI have been consistently clear since assuming office that issues relating to pay and conditions in any particular State owned company under my Department's aegis are a matter for discussion and agreement between the employer and the employees.
I am aware that Bus Éireann is considering options designed to address its significant financial losses which result from its commercial Expressway service. The formulation and progression of those plans are a matter for Bus Éireann. Bus Éireann has engaged consultants to independently review the options available to it as it seeks to address these losses.
In addition the Deputy is also aware that the Company has indicated its desire to discuss the Expressway issue with trade unions. I am firmly of the belief that difficult issues such as this can only be resolved through open, constructive and realistic engagement between the company and its employees and I do not propose to comment on the detail of any proposals that might be put to Trade Unions to address the serious challenges facing Bus Eireann. As shareholder, however, I do have a view that Bus Eireann's serious financial challenges should be tackled decisively and effectively so that the company can be viable and serve its customer base on a sustainable basis.
57. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to develop a commuter rail policy for the regional cities of Galway, Limerick and Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38659/16]
View answerThe 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, rail services or rail policies 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. There are no current plans or funding to develop commuter rail further in the regional cities. As the Deputy is aware, 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.
My Department provides funding, through the NTA, for the provision of public and sustainable transport infrastructure in the Galway, Cork, Limerick and Waterford through the Regional Cities Programme. This Programme funds the development of bus lanes, bus priority measures, green routes and safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists. The aim of the Programme is to encourage people to use public transport or more active travel modes in order to reduce congestion and tackle emissions from transport. Overall funding for this programme in 2016 is €13.5m.
