Written Answers Nos. 61 - 81
61. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to deal with the increasing travel demand across the Dublin region in general; the position regarding the implementation of the Leinster outer orbital ring road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30198/17]
View answerI fully recognise that there is considerable evidence emerging of increased travel demand across the Dublin Region in general.
Insofar as congestion issues in Dublin are concerned, the National Transport Authority's (NTA) Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area provides the overarching framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services over the next two decades. Addressing urban congestion on both the strategic road network and locally in certain locations is an important theme in the Strategy. The measures proposed are linked to an analysis of current and projected levels of travel demand across the region.
The Strategy does not include the implementation of the Leinster Outer Orbital during its lifetime. Large scale projects proposed in the Strategy include the DART Expansion Programme, New Metro North, and various other light rail projects. While funding is provided in the Capital Plan to commence construction of new Metro North and to progress electrification of the Northern line to Balbriggan, these projects will not be delivered in the short to medium term. Therefore, the most realistic option to meaningfully tackle congestion in the short to medium term is to radically improve the bus system to deliver a step change in performance across the GDA and to complement that improved public transport system with a network of park and ride sites.
In this connection, the NTA launched BusConnects last month. BusConnects involves a suite of measures to transform Dublin's Bus System including the development of a network of "next generation" bus corridors with segregated cycling, a complete redesign of bus network, development of three bus rapid transit routes, simpler fare structure, and a cashless payment system. This initiative is currently at public consultation stage and I look forward to it being progressed.
I must also highlight that already planned projects for the period 2015-2018 which include Luas Cross City, the Phoenix Park Tunnel, additional bus fleet and bus lane infrastructure, small scale interventions on the M50 and numerous other measures will go some way to addressing growing travel demand. However, we must look to a greatly strengthened bus system as the basis for tackling congestion. This requires a step-change in funding and I have made a strong case for increased public transport investment as part of the Mid-Term Review of the Government's Capital Plan.
62. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to the publication of "Bus Connects" recently by the NTA and in view of the traffic congestion in Dublin, the reason Dublin mid-west N4 and N7 corridors have not been identified as a location for the proposed bus rapid transport network by the NTA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29956/17]
View answerIn light of the National Transport Authority's responsibility for the BusConnects initiative, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply on the issue raised. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
63. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide a light rail service to Cork city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29958/17]
View answerThere are currently no plans to develop a light rail system in Cork. The focus of the €3.6 billion investment in the Public Transport Capital Programme over the 7-year period of the Capital Plan, particularly in the early years, is on achieving essential steady state maintenance of our public transport network to ensure that it remains safe and fit for purpose.
Funding is provided under the Capital Plan for public transport projects and accessibility programmes in the Regional Cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. These programmes are administered by the National Transport Authority and fund projects such as bus lanes, green routes, cycle lanes, safety measures for pedestrians/cyclists and to upgrade public transport infrastructure and facilities to help improve transport accessibility. Over €70m has been allocated over the period of the Capital Plan for projects under the Regional Cities and Accessibility programmes.
The public transport needs of Cork will be kept under review in the context of on-going public transport planning and available funding. The Deputy will be aware that a mid-term review of the Capital Plan is currently underway. I will be seeking to significantly improve the funding available for public transport over the remaining years of the Plan in order to meet increasing demand, tackle congestion in our cities in particular and to help deliver on meeting our climate obligations by reducing emissions from the transport sector.
64. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the CERT in Amiens Street ceased offering chef training in 2011; and if the building is still equipped to train chefs. [29965/17]
View answerC.E.R.T. Limited was dissolved in 2003 upon the establishment of Fáilte Ireland (the National Tourism Development Authority) under the National Tourism Development Authority Act 2003. The matters raised by the Deputy are operational matters for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland in line with its statutory functions. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
65. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the non national road specific improvement grants programme; the way in which local authority prioritisation of projects influences funding decisions; the criteria used to fund projects without local authority prioritisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30145/17]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads 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 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.
The economic reality of recent years has meant significant reductions in roads budgets across the board and this resulted in some grant programmes being curtailed, including the Specific and Strategic Grant Programmes, in order to protect funding for road maintenance and repair and this remains the position in 2017.
While the Capital Plan 2016-2021 does provide for the gradual build up in funding for the road network it will take some years yet to reach the level required for the adequate maintenance and renewal of the network. There is, therefore, limited scope at present for funding for projects under either the Specific or Strategic Grant Programmes.
Any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under those Grant Programmes are assessed by my Department on a case-by-case basis, with particular consideration given to higher cost Bridge Rehabilitation Works, significant safety schemes and improvement works that promote employment. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and the Department's Capital Appraisal Framework and it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind. It is important to reiterate that the role of Exchequer grants for regional and local roads is to supplement local authorities in their spending in this area.
66. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the additional measures he is implementing and considering to support the roll-out of electric vehicles across the country. [30174/17]
View answerThe Government is committed to facilitating an increased uptake of electric vehicles (EVs). As the Deputy is aware, my Department and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, have jointly convened an interdepartmental Low-Emitting Vehicels (LEV) Task Force to consider a full suite of potential measures to expedite the deployment of low carbon technologies, particularly EVs, under a commitment outlined in the "Programme for a Partnership Government". The wide ranging work of the Taskforce has been divided between three working groups addressing: Market Growth Stimuli and Visibility; Infrastructure, Energy Regulation and Pricing; and Planning Legislation, Building Regulations and Public Leadership.
Some potential policy instruments being analysed by the Taskforce include: reduced charges or exemptions on toll roads for EVs; availability and focus of benefit-in-kind relief; EV public parking charges; current public procurement policy; and the effectiveness of the current incentives in place. The Taskforce is also considering the role of taxation in the accelerated deployment of low emission vehicles.
An opportunity will be provided in July for industry and user stakeholders to contribute their perspectives to the deliberations of the Task Force and further wider consultations will be also be undertaken later this year.
In addition, actions to support a transition to LEVs were included in the National Policy Framework on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport: 2017-2030, which I published recently. The Framework aims to remove barriers to the uptake of LEVs by addressing such infrastructure requirements as EV charging points. The Framework sets an ambitious target that by 2030 all new cars and vans sold in Ireland will be zero emissions (or zero emissions capable), reducing our dependence on the use of conventional fossil fuels for transport. Ireland has in place one of the more comprehensive charging networks in Europe, with nearly 900 charge points currently available for EV drivers.
67. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the stage the sports capital grants adjudication process is at; when they will be announced; the total budget for 2017; if the allocation will be on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29976/17]
View answerAll of the 2,320 applications received under the 2017 Sports Capital Programme (SCP) are currently being assessed by officials in my Department. A total of €30m has been provided for the scheme. Given the number of applications received and the detailed information submitted, it will take a further number of weeks to complete the assessment process. I expect that an announcement regarding allocations will be made in September.
The full scoring system and assessment procedures for the 2017 round of theSCP has been published on my Department's website at http://www.dttas.ie/sites/default/files/publications/sport/english/sports-capital-programme-scoring-system-and-assessment-procedures/assessment-manual-2017-scp.pdf
69. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the NTA's plans to redesign the Dublin Bus network; if this redesign will impact on Dublin Bus's operation of its existing routes; if private operators are being given the tender to operate newly designed routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30190/17]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to Dáil Question No. 1814 on 20 June 2017 on this matter. The position is as outlined in that reply.
70. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on ongoing discussions between his Department, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company with regard to the future governance of the harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30188/17]
View answerThe process of transferring governance of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council is ongoing. This process and the future operational structures of the port are primarily matters for agreement between the Council and the port.
Following publication of the due diligence report on 9 January 2017 Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council engaged a risk and finance consultant to carry out a Risk Assessment of the company prior to transfer. This will enable the Council to fully understand the implications of models of transfer and the responsibility that will transfer in financial and other terms.
Officials from my Department met with the Risk Assessor on 31 January 2017 to give the shareholder perspective on National Ports Policy and to explain the different models of transfer. Clarification was sought from my officials in April in relation to whether there was a necessity to have a Non Disclosure Agreement signed regarding commercially sensitive information held by the port.
My officials met with the Chief Executive and the Company Secretary of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company on 11 April 2017 to progress matters, and a way forward was agreed. This was communicated to the Chief Executive of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council on 27 April 2017.
I understand that the port company is currently engaging with the Risk Assessor. When the risk assessment process is completed, I expect matters to progress towards agreeing a model and a date for transfer.
71. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline for the planned transfer of ownership of the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council; if this transfer will be option one or two in the Harbours Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30189/17]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Harbours Act 2015 provides the necessary legislative basis to allow for the transfer of Ports of Regional Significance, including the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company, to local authority control. 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, option one or two outlined in the Harbours Act 2015, will be informed by both the due diligence report which was completed in January, and the risk assessment currently being carried out by the local authority.
I understand that the risk assessment process is still ongoing. This will enable the Council to fully understand the implications of models of transfer and the responsibility that will transfer in financial and other terms.
When the Risk Assessment process is completed, it is expected that matters will progress towards finalising the model and date of transfer.
72. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to parliamentary question number 71 of 22 March 2017, the status of the report on the consultation process on the current and future role of rail transport here; his plans to open an express train service from Wexford town to Dublin, in order to facilitate commuters and increase the number of passengers using the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30134/17]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) held a public consultation process to start a national debate on the current and future role of rail transport in Ireland. The public consultation process was launched with the publication of a Rail Review 2016 report, which examined the funding required to support the heavy rail network now and into the future, together with a consultation document "The Role of Rail in Ireland and Funding its Delivery". Over 300 submissions were received by the NTA in response to that consultation process which have now all been examined and the NTA is preparing a report of those submissions.
In advance of that, no decisions have been taken regarding matters such as the future of individual rail lines or investment in the company and its relevant infrastructure.
As noted within the Rail Review Report, its analysis predates the finalisation of the National Planning Framework which is being developed at present under the leadership of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. It is obvious that, once agreed by Government, the approach which that Framework adopts toward land-use planning and settlement patterns for the country will have significant impacts on the potential of rail and other transport infrastructure and services into the future. I look forward to the finalisation and adoption by Government in the coming months of the new National Planning Framework, which I believe will form an important context for my consideration of issues raised by the Rail Review Report and any recommendations I will bring to Government.
In relation to the Deputy's specific enquiry about the potential for an express service from Wexford town to Dublin, I have referred the question to the NTA for direct reply.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
73. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the unfolding financial crisis Irish Rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30132/17]
View answerThe Deputy is aware that the taxpayer makes a significant and recurring contribution each year to Iarnród Éireann. This contribution takes the form of both current, PSO, funding and also capital funding under what is known as the IMMAC (infrastructure management multi-annual contract). In 2016 funding under both the PSO and IMMAC programmes cumulatively increased by 10% when compared with 2015, and Budget 2017 has further improved that funding position.
However, I recognise that there are issues for consideration in relation to how we fund our rail network and by extension Iarnrod Éireann. In August 2015 my Department published the Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport which outlined the funding pressures across both our rail and road networks and made a number of recommendations in respect of our key priorities and principles for future investment.
In relation to rail, the Strategic Investment Framework recommended the development of a new rail policy and last year the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann published the Rail Review Report 2016 on which the NTA held a public consultation.
Over 300 submissions were received by the NTA in response to that consultation process which have now all been examined and the NTA is preparing a report of those submissions.
In advance of that, no decisions have been taken regarding matters such as the future of individual rail lines or investment in the company and its relevant infrastructure.
As noted within the Rail Review Report, its analysis predates the finalisation of the National Planning Framework which is being developed at present under the leadership of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. It is obvious that, once agreed by Government, the approach which that Framework adopts toward land-use planning and settlement patterns for the country will have significant impacts on the potential of rail and other transport infrastructure and services into the future. I look forward to the finalisation and adoption by Government in the coming months of the new National Planning Framework, which I believe will form an important context for my consideration of issues raised by the Rail Review Report and any recommendations I will bring to Government.
74. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of US troops who have passed through Shannon Airport to date in 2017. [29941/17]
View answerShannon Airport has informed my Department that the number of US troops who have passed through Shannon Airport from 1 January 2017 to 31 May 2017 is 22,465.
June figures are not yet available.
75. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the recent projections of the EPA that, rather than reducing, transport emissions are expected to increase by 10% to 12% between 2015 and 2020; in view of the fact that road transport accounts for 95% of total transport emissions here, his further views on whether Government transport policy heavily favours the road system and arguably has the knock-on effect of incentivising private car use over public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30133/17]
View answerTransport is a derived demand. Ireland's welcome return to strong employment growth in recent years coupled with expected population growth is significantly impacting upon travel demand. Despite some policy success in decoupling transport emissions from travel demand over the last decade, we recognise that the scale of increase in transport needs will likely negatively impact on the sectors emissions profile.
Under the leadership of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, who spearhead the process, my own Department is one of the key Departments - including Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Housing, Planning and Local Government; Finance; and Public Expenditure and Reform - contributing to the development of the National Mitigation Plan which will be published soon. This cross-sectoral Plan will set out the challenges to meeting emission reductions targets for the entire economy and chart a clear and quantified path towards Ireland's long-term objective of transition to a low-carbon, and climate resilient economy by 2050. In relation to the transport sector, a wide range of measures are considered, with the focus on securing a shift to public transport in appropriate, particularly urban, areas, speeding up the expected transition to alternative fuels or technologies, and targeted behavioural change.
The continued development of public transport and active travel modes will be a key element in providing an effective and sustainable transport system for the future. My Department's commitment to reducing dependence on the private car in favour of more sustainable forms of travel where feasible is clearly demonstrated by funding important infrastructure and behavioural change programmes to promote visibility and uptake of alternative modes of transport. As the Deputy is aware, I have made and continue to make a strong case for public transport investment to be increased and accelerated to address our forecast growth in transport needs as part of the mid-term review of the Capital Plan.
We must equally ensure that the capacity of our transport system to respond to the challenge of reducing emissions is not undermined. Delivery and maintenance of high quality road infrastructure is crucial for the efficient transportation of all vehicles, not least buses, coaches and bicycles.
Transport policy is developed to best serve the needs of society and the economy through safe, sustainable and competitive transport networks and services. We are working hard to embed the imperative of securing cleaner, lower carbon transport emissions at the core of policy making.
76. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding establishing the multi-stakeholder forum to deal with future challenges faced by Bus Éireann which was promised in April 2017; the measures his Department is taking to secure the future of the company and its bus services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30173/17]
View answerThe Deputy is aware that I am committed to a dialogue with all public transport stakeholders in order to advance the commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government to start a review of public transport policy.
I believe that this broad dialogue will allow for all stakeholders, including trade unions, a chance to inform the development of public transport policy in Ireland. I look forward to that dialogue and the participation of all relevant stakeholders. Preparations are at an early stage and I am sure the Deputy can appreciate that there will a considerable level of organisation and scheduling required if we are to have the type of meaningful dialogue and exchange of ideas that I think we all want.
In advance of this dialogue, I have invited representatives of all CIÉ trade unions, as well as ICTU, to meet with me and explain their issues of concern that have been expressed in recent months. Invitations issued last week and the meeting will take place in early July. I believe this meeting will provide unions with an opportunity to voice their views to me directly in relation to any issues of policy concern they might have.
In relation to Bus Éireann specifically, the Deputy is aware that acceptance of the Labour Court's Recommendation provides the basis for the Company to now move forward with building a successful and sustainable future. Implementation of the proposals contained within the Recommendation is a matter for the Company and its employees.
In terms of its PSO services, the Deputy is aware that those services are improving and expanding and that the taxpayers' contribution to those services is similarly increasing due to the increases I secured in Budget 2017. I have committed to seeking further increases in PSO funding in this year's Budget subject, of course, to the overall resources available.
77. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress on the establishment of the IAA as the competent authority relating to airport noise under EU Directive 598/14; the level of consultation with community representatives; the extra staff recruited; and any other relevant decisions. [29945/17]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the establishment of the new Competent Authority is a top priority for my Department in order to give full effect in Irish Law to Regulation 598/2014. The new Statutory Instrument is currently being concluded by officials in my Department with detailed legal guidance from the Office of the Attorney General. It is, most certainly, a matter of urgency as I have repeatedly and publically indicated.
Regarding the issues the Deputy refers to, as I have previously stated, I have made a commitment that the Authority will meet with community representatives and that the meeting should take place as soon as the designation process is finalised. In relation to staff recruitment and other matters pertinent to this significant Regulation, again, it will fall to the Competent Authority to finalise the necessary arrangements, including recruitment, to enable it to carry out its functions under the Regulation.
78. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of his Department's commitment to complete the Navan rail line. [29951/17]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my replies of the 8th February 2017 to Dáil Question number 50 and of the 22nd March 2017 to Dáil Question number 78. The position with regard to the Navan rail line remains as outlined in those responses.
79. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach if he has had contact with the President of the United States of America. [29969/17]
View answerI spoke with President Trump by phone yesterday afternoon. It was a short congratulatory call, similar to a number of calls I have had over recent days.
The President and I spoke about Brexit and its impact on Ireland as well as the Peace Process and efforts to reinstate power sharing in Northern Ireland. I acknowledged the importance of continued close interest and support from the US administration.
The president reiterated the invitation to me to attend the traditional functions in Washington for St. Patrick's Day and I look forward to attending these next March.
During our brief conversation I raised a number of issues including Ireland-US trade relations, the situation of the up to 50,000 undocumented Irish in the US and Climate Change, and I look forward to having an opportunity to discuss these issues with him in more detail in due course.
As I said in the house yesterday, I want to see our relations with the United States continue to develop based on the long-standing friendship that exists between our two countries. As Taoiseach, I am committed to working productively with the US Administration in the cause of international peace and security, to promote Ireland's interests in the United States and to further strengthen the economic, trade and investment links between Ireland and the US to the mutual benefit of both countries. At the same time I will ensure that I promote the values of this country and the European values that this Government stands for as well.
80. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the advisers he plans to appoint. [29970/17]
View answerI am currently considering the advisory supports that I might need in my role as Taoiseach and Head of Government. While I have not as yet finalised the make-up of my team, I intend to recruit a number of Special Advisers, including a Chief of Staff. All such appointments will be, of course, subject to Government approval.
81. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach if all agencies under his aegis have an up to date tax clearance certificate; the agencies which do not have an up to date tax clearance certificate; and the reason they do not have a tax clearance certificate in each case, in tabular form. [30293/17]
View answerThe National Economic and Social Council (NESC), the only relevant body insofar as my Department is concerned, is an advisory body and not required to have a tax clearance certificate.
