Lisa Chambers
Question:708. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding that is being allocated in 2017 for the N5, N26 and N58 roads. [3839/17]
View answerRoad Projects
Questions (708)
Written answers
Details of the initial national road grant allocations to local authorities are outlined in the 2017 national road grant allocation booklet which is available in the Dáil Library.
Road Projects Status
Questions (709)
James Lawless
Question:709. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a road project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3939/17]
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 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 local authorities. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act. As regards regional and local roads, responsibility for implementation of improvement projects rests with the relevant local authority which is Kildare County Council in this instance.
In view of the role of TII, in conjunction with Kildare County Council, in relation to these projects I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. If a reply is not received within 10 working days please contact my office.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Road Improvement Schemes
Questions (710)
Niamh Smyth
Question:710. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide further funding to local authorities in County Cavan in order that a dangerous junction (details supplied) in County Cavan can be improved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3952/17]
View answerWritten answers
While I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme, the construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads (including the junction of the N3 and the L7031 at Murmod Cross, Virginia, Co. Cavan), is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
As regards the L7031, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in County Cavan is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
On 24 January, I announced the 2017 regional and local road allocations to all local authorities, which represents an increase of about 9% this year. The priority in 2017 continues to be the maintenance of our existing road network. My Department has to work within the budgets available to it in the Capital Plan and all grant funding for 2017 has now been allocated.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Sports Capital Programme
Questions (711)
Róisín Shortall
Question:711. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will publish the full details of the exact scoring and weighting system in place to determine the way funding under the 2017 sports capital programme will be allocated. [3960/17]
View answerWritten answers
While the precise assessment criteria and scoring system for the 2017 Sports Capital Programme are currently being finalised, I do not envisage that the scoring and weighting system will change significantly from previous rounds of the Programme. In this regard, applications will first be checked to ensure eligibility and eligible applications will then be initially scored according to five criteria:
1. Likelihood of increasing participation and/or improving performance and sharing of facilities;
2. Level of socio-economic disadvantage in the area;
3. Technical merits of the project;
4. Level of own funding available; and
5. Level of Sports Capital Programme funding received in the past.
These criteria are designed to give higher scores to applications that will increase participation, that are from designated disadvantaged areas and had not received substantial funding in the past. The assessment process will not commence prior to the closing date for applications on the 24th of February and the scoring system will be finalised before then and published thereafter.
Driver Licensing Exchange Agreements
Questions (712)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:712. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 1801 of 16 September 2016, the progress made to date in connection with the conversion of Irish driver licences in British Columbia, Canada; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3967/17]
View answerWritten answers
As I explained in the response to which the Deputy refers, negotiations on arrangements for exchange of driving licences are handled on behalf of the State by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
I understand from the RSA that an agreement with British Columbia is very close to being finalised. However, it is not possible at this point to give a definite date as to when this will be done.
Disability Services Provision
Questions (713)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:713. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will amend legislation in order that wheelchair users have a legal right to use the wheelchair spaces provided by service providers similar to the way on-street disabled parking bays are reserved for disabled persons; and if disabled spaces on buses, trains and so on can be reserved. [3972/17]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for raising this important issue.
An accessible public transport system is of fundamental importance and improved access is one of the statutory objectives of the National Transport Authority.
Accessibility features are built into all new public transport 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 ongoing 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.
In relation to reservation of spaces, reservation is possible on train and some longer-distance bus services while in the higher-frequency city bus services the system operates on a first come/first served basis although priority of space is given to wheelchair users at all times (i.e. as opposed to children's buggies).
Of course irrespective of physical and service improvements, it is a fact of life that usage can often depend on the co-operation of all passengers. There can be isolated instances where such co-operation is lacking and those instances are deeply disappointing. However, I am not of the view that the situation requires a legislative response. As the Deputy knows, legislation is a rigid framework which, in the realities of daily operations of public transport services, could give rise to a range of unforeseen or unintended consequences. There may well be a role for public information campaigns or improved signage and I can raise that with the National Transport Authority and the operators themselves.
Grant Aid
Questions (714)
Colm Brophy
Question:714. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the provisions which have been made for the establishment of a grant aid scheme for underwater search and recovery as set out in section 4.3.O of the programme for Government. [4048/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Irish Coast Guard as a division of my Department has the delegated responsibility for maritime Search and Rescue. The Coast Guard provides maritime Search and Rescue through its three Rescue Co-ordination Centres, and dedicated search and rescue units.
These Search and Rescue Units are comprised of the Search and Rescue helicopters and Coast Guard Volunteer Units. Search and Rescue Units are also 'declared' to the Coast Guard from the RNLI, with which the Coast Guard has a very close working relationship.
In late 2016 my Department was assigned responsibility for section 4.3.O of the Programme for Government. Due to the recent assignment of responsibility, there has not yet been opportunity for any in- depth analysis to take place. The Deputy will appreciate that it is important that the appropriate analysis take place in advance of finalising the proposed grant aid scheme, particularly given the relationship to the health and safety diving regulations and recreational divers, and other more general issues related to the Coast Guard's functions in relation to maritime Search and Rescue.
Road Improvement Schemes
Questions (715)
Bobby Aylward
Question:715. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will allocate funding to Kilkenny County Council under the specific improvement grant scheme or the non-national strategic improvement grant scheme for the R704 Listerlin road widening scheme (details supplied); his views on the fact that the project cannot be funded via the low cost safety improvement grant scheme due to the estimated cost of works of €80,000 which would represent 35% of the annual low cost safety scheme allocation and is therefore considered too high to come under same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4072/17]
View answerWritten answers
As you know the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, such as the R704 Listern road widening scheme, is the statutory responsibility of Kilkenny County Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants.
Applications for funding under the low cost safety improvment scheme in 2017 were invited in September 2016. Councils were made aware of the conditions in relation to applications for funding and were advised that preference would be given to proposals in the cost range €2,000 to €30,000 and that proposals in higher cost ranges, (i.e. €30,000 to €250,000) may be considered if the benefit to cost ratio is promising. Kilkenny applied for funding for 10 schemes to the sum of €287,000. The Council were notified of approval of funding for 7 of these projects to the sum of €249,000 on the 24th January. The R704 Listerlin road widening scheme however, was not among the applications submitted for funding to the Department. It is up to individual local authorities to submit applications in order of priority.
It is open to Councils to fund road improvement projects from their own resources. The purpose of Exchequer funding is to supplement the own resources of local authorities.
Road Improvement Schemes
Questions (716)
Niamh Smyth
Question:716. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will meet with this Deputy to discuss roads funding in Cavan and Monaghan, particularly relating to the dangerous condition at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4073/17]
View answerWritten answers
While I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme, the construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads (including the junction of the N3 and the L7031 at Murmod Cross, Virginia, Co. Cavan), is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
As regards the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in Counties Cavan and Monaghan, this is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
On 24 January, I announced the 2017 regional and local road allocations to all local authorities, which represents an increase of about 9% this year. The priority in 2017 continues to be the maintenance of our existing road network. My Department has to work within the budgets available to it in the Capital Plan and all grant funding for 2017 has now been allocated.
I am happy to meet with any Deputy to hear his or her concerns. Please contact my private office if you wish to arrange such a meeting.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Taxi Data
Questions (717)
David Cullinane
Question:717. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans his Department has developed or is in the process of developing to address the issue of excessive quotes for wheelchair access taxis in view of the fact that such quotes have a detrimental effect on the dynamics of the licences issued by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4139/17]
View answerWritten answers
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including licensing of wheelchair accessible vehicles, under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
On the issue of the cost of motor insurance, as I advised the Deputy in reply to his Question No. 279 on 19th January 2017, I am acutely aware that the rising costs of motor insurance for drivers generally are also affecting the taxi industry. The implications of the current insurance difficulties faced by those in the taxi sector are of concern to me and the Government.
The Working Group established last year, by the Minister for Finance, to review the factors which are influencing the increase in cost of motor insurance, considered issues raised by particular sectors including taxi drivers in relation to both the availability and cost of SPSV insurance.
In its Report, published by the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD and Minister of State for Financial Services, Eoghan Murphy TD on 10 January 2017, the Working Group states that the starting point for its consideration of the issues in relation to the overall motor insurance area, including the taxi sector, is that it is not possible for it to make recommendations on pricing as this is primarily a commercial matter for insurers. The Working Group indicated to all stakeholders throughout the process, that there is no immediate solution to the issue. However, the Working Group believes that the implementation of the Report's 33 recommendations and 71 associated actions will lead to greater stability in the pricing of motor insurance and will help prevent the volatility that we have seen in the market in the past (both up and down) and should also better facilitate potential new entrants to the market.
My Department, together with the appropriate bodies, will work towards implementing the Recommendations in the Report that are relevant to the taxi industry within the required timelines.
Tourism Employment Data
Questions (718, 719, 732)
Robert Troy
Question:718. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the body under the aegis of his Department which oversees and has responsibility for hospitality and tourism skills development policy here; his views on the shortage of chefs and skilled hospitality staff; and the proposals his Department is considering to address this crisis. [4146/17]
View answer
Joe Carey
Question:719. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the agency under the remit of his Department which has oversight and responsibility for hospitality and tourism skills development policy here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4214/17]
View answer
Pearse Doherty
Question:732. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the role which his Department plays in the development of tourism and hospitality skills and training policy; the extent to which co-operation exists with other Departments, agencies, bodies and other stakeholders in policy development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4478/17]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 718, 719 and 732 together.
The Department of Education and Skills has overall lead responsibility for skills development policy across all sectors, including hospitality and tourism. Their work to strengthen the capacity of people working in the tourism sector complements Fáilte Ireland's efforts to encourage, promote and support tourism as a leading indigenous component of the Irish economy.
It is critically important to ensure that there is an adequate supply of skilled staff in the tourism sector, including key roles such as chefs, food service, accommodation services, and tour guides. In line with my Department's Tourism Action Plan 2016-2018, which is overseen by the Tourism Leadership Group, Fáilte Ireland is committed to working with the tourism industry and the wider education and training sector to implement recommendations contained in the report of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) in the hospitality sector. In this regard, Fáilte Ireland participates in the Hospitality Skills Oversight Group, which is the national oversight and advisory group established to oversee skills development and promotion in the tourism sector, including monitoring the implementation of the EGFSN recommendations.
This collaborative approach, involving key industry stakeholders, education and training providers and relevant Government departments and agencies, is the most effective way to tackle the current challenges and to support the sustainable development of the Irish tourism industry.
Departmental Funding
Questions (720)
Mattie McGrath
Question:720. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding which was provided by his Department toward the construction of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4286/17]
View answerWritten answers
I have no function in relation to funding for this scheme.
My Department understands from Tipperary County Council that funding was sought for the most recent phase of this project under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme which is operated under the aegis of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.