Written Answers Nos. 773-787
773. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount his Department spent on public relations consultants and all matters relating to public relations costs in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11437/17]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is available on my Department's website at the following link: Expenditure on External Services. Expenditure for the latter part of 2016 will be available on the website shortly.
774. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, other than the sports capital grant, there are grants available to a club (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11450/17]
View answerThe Sports Capital Programme is the Government's primary vehicle for supporting the development of sports facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment. The 2017 round of the Programme closed for applications on 24 February and I understand that the organisation referred to by the Deputy has submitted an application for funding. In addition, it may be possible for the organisation referred to by the Deputy to raise funds via the 'Tax Relief for Donations to Certain Sports Bodies' scheme (section 847A of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997). This is a Revenue Commissioners operated scheme which offers tax benefits to individuals or companies who make donations to sports clubs. Further details on this scheme and how it operates can be found on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie.
Furthermore, Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the promotion, development and co-ordination of sport, including the allocation of funding to sports bodies. It does not provide direct funding for clubs or individuals but channels the funding through the relevant National Governing Body of Sport, in this case, Athletics Ireland. Accordingly, the Club may also wish to contact Athletics Ireland to see if they can assist in any way.
775. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding or grants available for a GAA club (details supplied) for the development of a clubhouse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11455/17]
View answerThe Sports Capital Programme is the Government's primary vehicle for supporting the development of sports facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment. The 2017 round of the Programme closed for applications on 24 February. While I understand the club referred to by the Deputy did not make an application under the 2017 round of the Programme, my Department is currently engaged with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to secure funding to undertake annual rounds of the Sports Capital Programme in the future. In addition, it may be possible for the organisation referred to by the Deputy to raise funds via the 'Tax Relief for Donations to Certain Sports Bodies' scheme (section 847A of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997). This is a Revenue Commissioners operated scheme which offers tax benefits to individuals or companies who make donations to sports clubs. Further details on this scheme and how it operates can be found on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie.
776. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the submissions he received from Mayo County Council on funding applications for the 2017 regional roads programme; the details of the proposal received regarding the R312; his plans for the future development of this road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11459/17]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in Mayo is the statutory responsibility of Mayo 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. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority. My Department received an application in 2015 in respect of the R312 under the Strategic Grant Programme. As a result of the substantial cutbacks in grant funding for roads during the financial crisis, the Strategic Grant Programme had to be curtailed in order to protect funding for road maintenance and repair and Mayo County Council was, therefore, notified in July 2015 that the Department was not in a position to provide an allocation for the proposed major upgrade scheme. Further contacts between my Department and Mayo County Council officials last year resulted in a number of targeted measures to address issues with specific sections of the R312. These measures covered rehabilitation and resurfacing works together with a specific project to address the bottleneck at Glenisland Bridge. My Department allocated €100,000 as part of the 2017 Regional and Local Road Allocations for the continuation of the Glenisland bridge project in 2017.
777. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address the anomaly whereby a car being used as a taxi must be taken out of service at ten years of age despite it passing the NCT and despite the fact that the same car can then be designated as a limousine and trade commercially (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11473/17]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including issues pertaining to vehicle standards, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. I have therefore 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.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
778. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the penalties in place if a manufacturer produces a five axle 39 tonne vehicle after 1 March 2017; the law under which action be taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11492/17]
View answerNational statutory weight limits for vehicles are set out in the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations as amended. The Regulations contain the individual axle and bogey limits with which all vehicles (including five axle rigid vehicles) must comply. These Regulations currently do not specify a weight limit for rigid vehicles with five (or more) axles. The DTTAS are currently working with the RSA to amend current regulations to implement a National weight limit of 36 Tonne for five axle rigid vehicles. In that regard the previously announced date for implementation of this limit of 1st March 2017 has now been suspended until 1st October 2017. Individuals engaged in the supply of mechanically propelled vehicles have a legal responsibility to ensure that vehicles and their components comply with all applicable requirements set out in Road Traffic legislation, which includes the fitment of a weights and dimensions plate specifying the maximum permitted laden weight for the vehicle and individual axles. Therefore the plating of five (or more) axle rigid vehicles must be completed in accordance with the aforementioned limits whilst also taking into consideration the design specifications for the vehicle in question.
It is an offence to carry a load on a vehicle which would cause the manufacturer's design weights or the limits specified in our national legislation (i.e. the plated weights) to be exceeded. On conviction, courts can impose a class C fine (up to €2,500), a prison sentence or both on both the person who commits the offence and on the owner of the vehicle.
779. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the assistance given to persons who apply for a HGV licence at certificate of professional competence stage and onwards but who cannot read or write; the supports currently in place; the material available for such persons in preparation for the test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11527/17]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority has responsibility for driver licensing and I have therefore forwarded your question to it for direct reply. Please contact my office if a response has not been received within 10 days. Literacy supports are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Department of Education and Skills.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
780. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of construction inflation that has been experienced by his Department in each of the past six years and to date in 2017 in respect of construction projects and other capital projects; the way in which he monitors construction inflation and the mechanisms he employs to establish this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11544/17]
View answerThe construction of projects in the transport sector is the responsibility of a range of organisations including both non-commercial and commercial semi-state agencies. It is the responsibility of individual organisations (as sponsoring bodies) to operate within agreed budgets and to comply with this Department's Capital Appraisal Guidelines and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's (DPER) Public Spending Code. Procurement of projects must comply with DPER's procurement requirements and contracts must be in accordance with DPER's Public Works Contracts. Within this context it is the responsibility of Agencies to manage projects and ensure value for money including in relation to increases in anticipated costs over the life of projects. The Department does not separately monitor this aspect of agencies project management.
781. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of applications for a variance to a license agreement between the National Transport Authority and Bus Éireann in respect of the Expressway service that were made since 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11573/17]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Bus Éireann 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.
782. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of contracts in place for search and rescue helicopter services; if such contracts were put in place as a result of a competitive tendering process; the value and duration of the contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11574/17]
View answerThere is currently one contract in place and one tender process in progress which relate primarily to the search and rescue helicopter service. In July 2009 a request for tenders was issued for the provision of Search and Rescue Helicopter services for the Irish Coast Guard. On 22nd July 2010 an agreement was signed between the Minister for Transport and CHC Ireland Ltd for the supply of helicopters and fully qualified crews and personnel. CHCI provide five helicopters at four bases located in Dublin, Waterford, Shannon and Sligo. These Helicopters respond to emergencies at sea, inland waterways, offshore islands and mountains.
The helicopter service contract commenced on 1st July 2012 for a period of 10 years. The annual total cost for these services is in the region of €65m meaning a total for the duration of the contract of approx. €650m. An exact figure is not available as there are yearly varying factors including the number of flying hours and the cost of fuel.
The Irish Coast Guard has also contracted external aviation expertise to advise on certain aspects of the management of the helicopter contract. Following a Request for Tender process in October 2011, an agreement was signed with aviation consultancy firm Consultavia. The average cost of this contract has been approx €33k per year over the past five years. This contract expired in December 2016 and a new Request for Tender process is currently underway with a deadline for applications of 24 March 2017.
783. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital and non-capital support given to regional airports since 2008, broken down by year and by airport, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11575/17]
View answerDetails of the capital and non-capital support provided to regional airports since 2008 is set out in the following tables:
Capital
|
Area |
2016 €m |
2015 €m |
2014 €m |
2013 €m |
2012 €m |
2011 €m |
2010 €m |
2009 €m |
2008 €m |
|
Donegal |
0.45 |
0.4 |
0.43 |
0.34 |
0 |
2.11 |
0.35 |
0.03 |
0.99 |
|
Waterford |
0.02 |
0.78 |
0.53 |
0.36 |
1.33 |
0.79 |
0.02 |
0.22 |
1.9 |
|
Kerry |
0.31 |
0.4 |
0.13 |
0.74 |
1.63 |
0.4 |
0 |
0.05 |
0.34 |
|
IWAK |
1.96 |
0.56 |
1.93 |
2.01 |
0.7 |
0.23 |
0.82 |
3.87 |
4.63 |
|
Sligo* |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.24 |
0 |
0.08 |
0.11 |
|
Galway* |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.23 |
0.09 |
0.45 |
1.05 |
|
Derry** |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.34 |
0.75 |
0.14 |
2.50 |
5.06 |
|
TOTAL |
2.74 |
2.14 |
3.02 |
3.45 |
4.0 |
4.75 |
1.42 |
7.2 |
14.08
|
Non-Capital
|
Area |
2016 €m |
2015 €m |
2014 €m |
2013 €m |
2012 €m |
2011 €m |
2010 €m |
2009 €m |
2008 €m |
|
Donegal |
0.35 |
0.23 |
0 |
0 |
0.11 |
0.04 |
0.28 |
0.13 |
0 |
|
Waterford |
1.02 |
1.14 |
1.03 |
1.12 |
1.23 |
1.27 |
1.58 |
1.49 |
1.54 |
|
Kerry |
0.63 |
0.31 |
0.51 |
0.44 |
0.55 |
0.95 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
IWAK |
0.97 |
0.59 |
0.55 |
0.65 |
0.59 |
0.43 |
0.76 |
0.45 |
0 |
|
Sligo* |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.39 |
0.39 |
0.31 |
0 |
|
Galway* |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2.3 |
1.8 |
0.96 |
1.2 |
|
TOTAL |
2.97 |
2.27 |
2.09 |
2.21 |
2.48 |
5.38 |
4.81 |
3.34 |
2.74 |
*Funding for Galway and Sligo airports ceased in 2011.
**Payments under an agreement with the UK government to co-fund a proportion of runway safety works at City of Derry Airport.
784. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the formula used to determine capital and non-capital funding for regional airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11576/17]
View answerAs is the case for any Departmental expenditure, the overall funding available for the Regional Airports Programme is determined each year in the context of the annual budgetary process and the Capital Plan having regard inter alia to anticipated resources available to the Exchequer. The overall annual funding for the Regional Airports Programme in recent years has been in the region €12-€13 million. Of this, the current PSO contract governing air services between Dublin and the airports in Donegal and Kerry requires approximately €7.6 million.
Support for safety and security related capital and operating costs at the four regional airports is also funded from the Programme. The airports are invited to submit their applications for capital support at the beginning of each year and these are assessed, against the criteria set out in the Programme by an Assessment Panel comprising officials of my Department and the Irish Aviation Authority. While the Department would have a reasonably good, high level, understanding of the overall scope of the airports' requirements, the actual amount of capital support required in any year only crystallises once we receive these applications from each of the airports. In the past couple of years, there has been more than sufficient provision in the capital allocation of the Regional Airports Programme to meet the airports' requirements in that area. Any unused amounts were used to supplement the non-capital provision to the airports for operational supports for safety and security activities.
My Department is, however, taking the opportunity to reflect on likely future capital requirements in the areas of safety and security at the regional airports in the context of the mid-term review of the Capital Plan which was commenced recently by my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
785. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount paid in each of the years 2008 to 2016 in respect of public private partnership, PPP, operational payments as compensation to PPP companies for toll income payments being less than expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11577/17]
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 implementation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the relevant local authority. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws, to enter into toll agreements, and for the operation of concessions with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in TII under the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007). Noting the above position, I have referred the matters 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.
786. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department compiles information in relation to the condition and age profile of the stock of public swimming pools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11578/17]
View answerMy Department does not compile information in relation to the condition and age profile of the stock of public swimming pools. The Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP), which is administered by my Department, provides grant aid to a maximum of €3.8 million to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. There are five projects in the current programme and the priority in 2017 is on progressing these projects to the next stages, as appropriate.
In relation to future priorities, my Department is currently undertaking a review of national sports policy which includes a specific focus on how Government should fund sports facilities. Future public funding support for swimming pools will be considered in this context.
787. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase capacity on commuter trains from all regions surrounding Dublin; if he has satisfied himself that Irish Rail is utilising its full complement of rolling stock at peak times; his plans to increase the amount of rolling stock available to Irish Rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11600/17]
View answerThe day-to-day operation of the heavy rail network, including capacity issues and rolling stock requirements and utilisation, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann. I understand that Iarnród Éireann is currently considering future fleet requirements and my Department is liaising with the company in that regard in the context of the mid-term review of the Capital Plan.
In light of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility for the operation of the heavy rail network, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for a more detailed reply in relation to capacity and fleet utilisation. Please advise my office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
