Written Answers Nos. 607-630
607. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to address the increase in road deaths in 2016 and to ensure 2017 will be a much safer year on Irish roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39523/16]
View answerWhile road fatalities in 2015 at 162 matched those in 2012, making it Ireland's joint safest year on record, the reality is that each of those deaths is one too many, and there has been an overall upward trend in road fatalities in Europe and in the US over the last few years, and regrettably in Ireland this year.
The RSA and all relevant stakeholders met on 21 November 2016, to carry out a mid-term review of the Road Safety Strategy 2013 - 2020. The focus of this review was on the measures already introduced and the initiatives required to improve the country's road safety performance. While there is good progress on implementation of much of the Srategy, more recent trends are concerning and challenges remain in many areas. I expect the RSA to submit the review to me early in the new year. At a Ministerial Committee on Road Safety last month, we focused on the rise in fatalities in 2016 and all stakeholders undertook to explore what further measures can be taken to address these, including in the light of the mid-term review. We agreed that there was a case for a more concentrated focus on the four principal causes of fatal accidents, namely speed, the presence of intoxicants, non-wearing of seatbelts and the use of mobile phones.
In an effort to address some of these issues, I have been committed to progressing the Road Traffic Bill 2016 through the Oireachtas as a matter of urgency. It contains relevant provisions to tackle speed and the presence of intoxicants. It is hoped that this Bill will be signed into law within the coming weeks.
I hope that the efforts by the RSA to launch renewed road safety campaigns including regarding low-level speeding, alcohol and driving, and the mid-term review of the Road Safety Strategy, together with greater enforcement by An Garda Síochána, will have an impact on road safety in 2017 and beyond.
608. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he and his Department have held any meetings with the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, SIMI, and major manufacturers of vehicles selling here with regard to improving vehicle safety systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39524/16]
View answerThe RSA has statutory responsibility for the oversight and development of standards for the construction, equipment and use of vehicles, including the drafting of regulatory proposals and the furnishing of advice to my Department in relation to same. It is in this capacity that they attend quarterly technical meetings of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry where evolving vehicle safety and other technologies are discussed.
Improved vehicle safety standards is one of the key pillars of road safety, the importance of which is reflected in action 64 of the Government's Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020 which commits the RSA to research emerging in-vehicle road safety technologies and to make recommendations on their introduction. The RSA is currently investigating the road safety effectiveness of such technologies, including pedestrian and cyclist detections systems, with a view to their possible introduction to the national fleet. It must be noted though that mandatory EU-wide improvement in vehicle safety systems is regulated through EU Type Approval Regulations.
Given that a comprehensive approach to improved road safety requires ever improving vehicle safety standards, the road safety benefits that can be accrued from the application of advanced vehicle technologies to both the national and EU vehicle fleet (passenger cars, light and heavy commercial vehicles etc.) are substantial. It is with this in mind that I have joined with my European counterparts in requesting that the EU Commission speed up their review of the EU's General and Pedestrian Safety Regulations, and that they come forward with a proposal for ambitious new vehicle safety standards in 2017 to assist Member States to halve the number of road deaths across the EU by 2020.
609. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current position with regard to the licensing of self-drive cars; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that any of the new sensor technology on self-drive vehicles can be applied generally to normally driven vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39525/16]
View answerIrish driver licensing law, which operates within a framework of EU driver licensing law, currently works on the assumption that a vehicle is under the control of a driver. Any future approach to the question of who would be responsible for an autonomous vehicle would have to be considered carefully, and I would anticipate that this would be addressed ultimately at EU level.
Around the world, industry and research groups are working on technologies which are transferring driving functions from human drivers to computer systems. While some of these new technologies are taking over certain parts of the driving function, others are intended to fully replace the human driver. Transferring more of the traditional manual driving function to automated systems may mitigate the risks associated with human error as a factor in many road traffic collisions. However, the potential impact of the deployment of autonomous vehicles raises many questions, the answers to which are multifaceted involving ethical, legal, technical and economic dimensions.
The European Commission is looking to develop a European strategy on connected and automated driving and is currently in the process of developing Regulations to support its future implementation. It is expected that the Commission's Connected Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) deployment platform will furnish EU Member States with various policy recommendations for the development of a roadmap for C-ITS and the identification of solutions for critical areas of concern in relation to such vehicles, as well as facilitating the development of a shared vision for the interoperable deployment of C-ITS.
610. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has used any private unsecured e-mail accounts for official business. [39592/16]
View answerI have an official Oireachtas email account and, since my appointment as Minister, an official Departmental e-mail account. I have not, and do not, use private e-mail accounts for official business.
611. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of wheelchair accessible taxis in each county; the number of wheelchair accessible taxis which became available under the new grant system set up in 2014; the number of grants which were given to individual drivers; the number and size of the grants given to multi plate holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39596/16]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the granting of wheelchair accessible taxi/hackney licences and the administration of grant schemes for wheelchair accessible vehicles, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
612. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of vacancies on the Taxi Advisory Council; the time each vacancy has been left unfilled; when he proposes to fill the vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39597/16]
View answerThere are currently five vacancies on the Taxi Advisory Committee (TAC), four of which are vacant since 31st July 2015, when the term of office of the membership of the last TAC expired.
I am currently reviewing these appointments and will be making an announcement shortly. The fifth vacancy arose on 19th September 2016 with the resignation of the Local Authority representative on the Committee, arising from his move to another area of responsibility. I have recently approved the filling of this position.
613. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding he has made available for the Rugby World Cup bid 2023 to date in 2016; the amount he has committed to 2017; the organisations that are in receipt of funding broken down by amount and organisation in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39611/16]
View answerThe Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) is engaged in the preparation of an all-island bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023. The Government is committed, in co-operation with the Northern Authorities, to support the bid. As part of that commitment, the Government has agreed to contribute just over €1.2 million to the overall cost of preparing the bid. The remainder is being funded by the Northern Ireland Executive and the IRFU.
To date, an amount of €800,000 has been provided by my Department to Fáilte Ireland to enable that Agency to provide grant aid to the IRFU to assist in the development of the bid. This grant aid is provided in stages to the IRFU subject to the delivery of the milestones in its contract with Fáilte Ireland. The balance of the Government's contribution of €420,000 is due to be paid to Fáilte Ireland in 2017 and, subject to delivery of the terms of the contract, will be paid to the IRFU.
614. 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 the matter. [39638/16]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my response to PQ Ref: 38795/16 on 7 December 2016, which outlined the legislative provisions that underpin the activities of the Irish Coast Guard and my views on the matters to which he refers.
615. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the legal requirements for driving licence applications are set out in the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 2006, SI 537 of 2006, as amended; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the regulations include the statutory application form for a driving licence, known as form D401; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the most recent update to the statutory form was by SI 420 of 2013; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the driving licence application form currently being used by the National Driver Licence Service differs from the statutory form contained in SI 420 of 2013; if the National Driver Licence Service or any other agency has the authority to change or alter the statutory driving licence application form as contained in SI 420 of 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39655/16]
View answerI am aware of these matters, and I am in the process of preparing regulations to update this form.
I have taken legal advice, and I am satisfied that the form D401 being used at present by the National Driver Licensing Service, while not in every respect identical to that currently specified in regulations, is a valid version of the form in light of section 12 of the Interpretation Act.
616. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the N56 Mountcharles to Inver Bridge realignment will receive funding to go to construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39656/16]
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 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.
617. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take to ensure the future of the Ennis to Athenry rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39665/16]
View answerThe 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.
618. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a plan is being developed with the Office of Public Works and Clare County Council to prevent recurring flooding on the Ennis to Limerick rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39666/16]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The maintenance of the heavy rail network is an operational matter for Iarnrod Éireann (IÉ).
My Department provides funding to IÉ for the maintenance and renewal of the heavy rail network nationwide under a contract, the Infrastructure Manager Multi-Annual Contract (IMMAC), in accordance with EU law. The current contract covers a five year period from 2014 - 2018. Funding of €126m was provided to IÉ under the provisions of the IMMAC in 2016.
The Deputy will also be aware that additional funding of €96.1m was allocated to my Department for flood repairs to storm damaged roads and rail lines. €8m was specifically ringfenced for repair of flood damage to the rail network, and has been directed to IÉ to carry out the necessary repair and remediation works.
In view of IE's responsibility for maintenance of the rail network, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company 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.
619. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the rail stations at which wheelchair users can independently access train services; the rail stations at which wheelchair users are required to give advance notice in order to access the train service; the number in each of the cases of hours that the station is unmanned; his plans to upgrade stations in order that rail services are fully accessible by wheelchair users without having to give advance notice; his estimate of the cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39738/16]
View answerAccessibility is a fundamental consideration when developing the public transport network. Accessibility features are built into all new infrastructure projects and vehicles from the design stage and newer systems such as the Luas are fully accessible. With regard to existing infrastructure, my Department funds an on-going programme of accessibility improvement grants to upgrade existing public transport infrastructure and facilities. This programme is being managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) on behalf of my Department.
I understand that at present 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. Accessibility upgrades are planned for several stations in 2017 and recently construction works commenced at Rathdrum, Mullingar and Leixlip Louisa Bridge stations. Some lightly used stations may not be fully upgraded and instead, passengers with mobility impairments within the catchment area of these 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.
Details regarding rail stations at which wheelchair users can access train services, the amount of advance notice required to access the train service and the hours during which certain stations are unmanned are operational matters for Iarnród Éireann. Future plans and allocation of funding for upgrade to rail stations are matters for the NTA who, as mentioned above, administer the accessibility grants programme.
I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to both Iarnród Éireann and the NTA for direct reply in relation to the matters raised within their respective spheres of of responsibility. Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
620. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will initiate an analysis of the work required to be undertaken to make safe the Piltown - Fiddown, County Kilkenny, bypass N24 in view of the number of fatal accidents and other accidents that have occurred on this stretch of road; if priority will be given to solving the safety issues at the Piltown / Tower Road Junction, N24, County Kilkenny in view of the number of fatalities that have occurred at this junction; if a flyover will be considered as part of the solution as requested by the local community in 2006; if he will visit the location to view the issues and meet the local community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39845/16]
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 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.
621. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has been involved in any court proceedings that involved non-disclosure agreements in the past five years; and if so, if the specific court ruling prevented knowledge of the court proceeding being known and knowledge of the participants to the court proceeding from being made known for each of these agreements. [39875/16]
View answerMy Department has been involved in one court case during the timeframe mentioned by the Deputy which was settled in full and final settlement and without admission of liability. It was agreed by the parties involved that the terms of the settlement were to remain confidential. The proceedings were subsequently struck out.
622. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the explanation he has been given from Irish Rail following reports that the Enterprise cross-Border rail service experienced a total of 1,700 delays in the past year, adding to a total of 15 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39881/16]
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. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
623. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to invest in improving the cross-Border rail service going forward, as agreed by the Government in the 2015 Fresh Start Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39882/16]
View answerThe Northern Rail Line plays an important role in linking communities North and South of the Border. I met with Northern Ireland's Infrastructure Minister, Chris Hazzard on Monday the 12th December under the auspices of the North South Ministerial Council. This provided an opportunity to further develop co-operation between our respective Departments on strategic transport priorities. The rail link between Belfast and Dublin was among the issues discussed. Iarnród Éireann and Translink have established a joint Enterprise Board chaired by the CEO's of both companies aimed at implementing improvements to the Enterprise cross border Dublin/Belfast service.
While the main emphasis of funding for the rail network in the Capital Plan is on the maintenance of the existing network to ensure it remains safe and fit for purpose, funding has been allocated for electrification of the Northern Line as far as Balbriggan. Funding has also been allocated for the completion of the City Centre Re-signalling Programme and the construction of a new Central Traffic Control Centre which will enable the DART expansion projects to progress as well as generally improving national rail movements including the Enterprise service.
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) recently launched a public consultation process on the Rail Review report which was jointly prepared by NTA and Iarnród Éireann. 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. The public consultation process will run until 18 January and the NTA will then prepare a report about the process which I intend to bring to Government. No decisions will be made on the future of the rail network until the public consultation process has concluded and been evaluated.
624. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of formal bilateral meetings he has had with Northern Ireland's Minister for Infrastructure since his appointment; the issues discussed at any such meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39883/16]
View answerI had a bilateral meeting with Minister Chris Hazzard yesterday in advance of the Transport Sectoral meeting of the North South Ministerial Council. We discussed a range of issues relating to current and future infrastructural projects on both sides of border, including the multi-modal transport hub in Derry and the A5 road.
In addition to the meetings yesterday, I also met Minister Hazzard in July and November, 2016 at the North South Ministerial Council. Separately my officials continue to be in regular contact with Minister Hazzard's Department on transport matters.
625. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his view on Bus Éireann's restructuring of the Expressway service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39904/16]
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 is 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.
The Deputy will know that, at last week's Labour Court hearing, the Court decided it will not issue a recommendation on the basis that the company is finalising its reorganisation plan which is due for completion by the end of January 2017. I hope that both sides engage in realistic and constructive discussions which can address the difficult challenges Bus Éireann faces and I know the Court has indicated its willingness to assist if required.
626. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding funding and construction of the Malahide Road bypass at Clare Hall, Dublin 13, which is a key infrastructural development for the completion of the north fringe of Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39971/16]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants, where applicable.
Arising from the introduction of the Local Property Tax and the Government commitment that local authorities will retain 80% of the tax revenues, the four Dublin Councils became self funding for regional and local roads under the main road grant categories from 2015.
However, in relation to infrastructure for development, as part of the Government's Housing Action Plan, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Minister for Public Expenditure Reform have put in place the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) target investment in enabling infrastructure to activate large housing development areas to deliver additional supply of social and private housing.
The Deputy may wish to ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if any proposal has been put forward by the relevant local authority regarding the infrastructure he refers to.
627. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the delay in the official naming of the road with regard to both Cork city and county councils' decision to honour the women of Cumann na mBan by naming the national road from the Jack Lynch Tunnel south westwards to the Ballincollig bypass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39994/16]
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 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.
628. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the CVRT process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40029/16]
View answerI understand that as part of the response to Dáil Question 622 of 2016 on a similar issue, that Bus Éireann previously corresponded with the Deputy in relation to the differences between the inspections carried out by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) on behalf of Bus Éireann, and those carried out as part of the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT).
As you will be aware, the FTA inspection forms part of Bus Éireann's audit of the ongoing contractual compliance, performance and safety of sub-contracted vehicle operators and their fleets engaged for the specific purposes of the School Transport Scheme; whereas annual inspections carried out as part of the CVRT form part of the national regulatory system that monitors all commercial vehicle operators', including School Transport Scheme operators', annual compliance with national roadworthiness testing requirements on the day of the test.
In addition to meeting certain standards on the day of the CVR test, all commercial vehicle operators, including bus operators carrying our children to and from school, are legally obliged to have preventative maintenance and inspection systems in place to ensure that their vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition throughout their lifetime.
It should be noted that there are no public funds being provided for the CVRT system. Given the the fundamental differences underlying each of these inspection regimes it would not be appropriate to combine them.
629. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the coach passenger industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40030/16]
View answerThe identification and assessment of proposals to reform the current licensing regime for large public service vehicles is ongoing since last year with a view to eliminating the overlap and duplication that currently exists in the current LPSV licensing regime. As my Department is still examining the overall approach to the reform package, I am not in a position to give further details until recommendations are submitted to me for consideration.
630. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to improve the public transport infrastructure in north Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40053/16]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the implementation and development of public transport infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including Dublin North.
The Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study and the NTA's recommendations on the study, identified a light-rail link as the optimum long term public transport solution on the Swords/airport/city centre corridor. The decision to proceed with new Metro North followed. Funding for the project is provided under the Government's current Capital Plan, allowing initially for the planning and design phases of the project, followed by the construction phase which is expected to commence in 2021 with a view to delivering the project by 2026/27.
The DART Underground project remains a key element of integrated transport for the GDA and implementation of the overall DART Expansion programme is proposed in the NTA's Transport Strategy for the GDA 2016 - 2035. The Capital Plan provides funding for redesign and planning for the revised lower cost DART Underground. It also funds other elements of the overall DART Expansion Programme including electrification of the Northern line to extend the DART to Balbriggan. Subject to availability of funding and approval of the business case for the project, it is envisaged that the Balbriggan DART extension will commence in 2020.
Obviously, I would like to see some of these projects progressed sooner, but funding remains quite constrained. If additional funding becomes available in the next few years, although there will be many competing demands, I will be making a strong case for additional investment in public transport to support economic growth, social needs, and contribute to our climate mitigation targets.
