Thursday, 13 Jul 2017

Written Answers Nos. 1081-1106

Rail Services

Questions (1081, 1095)

Mick Barry

Question:

1081. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department will restore the subsidy to Irish Rail to pre-crisis levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34314/17]

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

1095. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of restoring the CIE subvention to 2008 levels. [34610/17]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1081 and 1095 together.

The allocation for the Public Service Obligation (PSO) is subject to the annual Budgetary process. As the Deputies are aware, in Budget 2017 I secured an 11% increase in the total amount of funding available to support the delivery of  PSO services. That means that a total of almost €263 million will be allocated in 2017 to support the delivery of these socially necessary but financially unviable services.

In 2016, total funding provided to Iarnród Éireann under the PSO programme increased by approximately 13.5% when compared with 2015, while total PSO funding to the CIÉ group in 2016 increased by 12%, with the result that the three companies received a total of €233million.

Total funding committed toward the PSO programme in 2017 now stands at approximately 85% of the level achieved in 2008, which was the year of record funding, and I have already committed publicly, both here in the House and in the Joint Oireachtas Committee, to further increasing PSO funding in the future as resources allow.

Deputies will be aware that since 2010 there is no subvention paid directly by my Department for public transport services. The level of compensation provided in relation to PSO services falls under the independent statutory remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA), which has direct responsibility for this area. The funding provided to each operating company relates to the provision of the contracted level of services and must conform to the methodology established by relevant EU legislation.

Rail Services Provision

Questions (1082)

James Browne

Question:

1082. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on State funding of rail freight services with Irish Rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34393/17]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Capital Plan 2016-21 includes a commitment that the Government will commission a feasibility study to examine options for expanding freight transport on the railways.

Iarnród Éireann is currently the only rail freight service provider in the Irish market and provides this service on a commercial basis. Iarnród Éireann is itself seeking to grow its rail freight market and I support them in this endeavour. In addition to Iarnród Éireann's freight services, other operators may provide rail freight services as the rail freight sector was opened to competition in 2007. My officials will be happy to discuss market access with any interested parties.

Road Projects Status

Questions (1083, 1087, 1088, 1089, 1090)

James Browne

Question:

1083. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to enhance road connectivity to Rosslare Europort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34394/17]

James Browne

Question:

1087. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made regarding extension of the M11 between Gorey and Enniscorthy; the expected date of completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34424/17]

James Browne

Question:

1088. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made regarding the N25 Rosslare Europort access road project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34425/17]

James Browne

Question:

1089. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the N30 Moneytucker to New Ross project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34426/17]

James Browne

Question:

1090. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made regarding the N25 New Ross bypass project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34427/17]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1083 and 1087 to 1090, inclusive, together.

As 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 national road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.  In the case of regional and local road projects the local authority is responsible for project implementation.

I have referred the Deputy’s questions 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.

Ports Development

Questions (1084)

James Browne

Question:

1084. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to improve multi-modal connectivity at Rosslare Europort, specifically between rail and ferry services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34395/17]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Company 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.

Ports Development

Questions (1085, 1091, 1117)

James Browne

Question:

1085. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Rosslare Europort can become an independent body within CIE akin to Irish Rail and Dublin Bus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34401/17]

James Browne

Question:

1091. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the models Irish Rail and his Department are considering to increase allocations of investment to Rosslare Europort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34430/17]

James Browne

Question:

1117. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the unpublished report by an organisation (details supplied) on Rosslare Europort which was published by the previous Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29947/17]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1085, 1091 and 1117 together.

The Deputy is aware that Rosslare Europort is unique among the State owned ports as it is not a commercial company operating under the Harbours Acts, but is instead operated as a division of Iarnród Éireann. The status of the port, and whether its current status potentially inhibits its developments, was most recently considered in a strategic review, commissioned by my Department, and carried out by Indecon Economic Consultants.

Their report concluded that the creation of an independent port authority would be extremely difficult given the Port's complex legal structure. Instead, it was recommended that the Port remain in public ownership and that the possibilities for increased private sector involvement be investigated.

In order to assist Iarnród Éireann's overall consideration of how best to move forward, the company then engaged consultants to assess market interest. The assessment was largely positive in terms of the potential for increased private sector investment in the port; however, it did identify possible implementation issues due to the complicated legislative basis of the port.

Following that assessment my Department sought and received detailed advice from the Office of the Attorney General on the matter. That advice identified a number of legal issues with any such proposal and those issues remain under consideration by my Department.

Greenways Development

Questions (1086)

James Browne

Question:

1086. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of proposals for greenway trails in County Wexford, especially those near New Ross and Gorey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34423/17]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Wexford County Council and New Ross Town Council both submitted applications under the last tranche of the National Cycle Network (NCN) 2014-2016 funding programme for the construction of greenways along the River Slaney Trail and the disused New Ross railway respectively. Neither project secured funding at that time due to the significant over subscription for funding.

The Programme for Partnership Government commits to making additional funding available for greenways into the future and I am pursuing this in the context of the mid-term review of the Capital Plan.  Once the mid-term review is finalised and based on the level of funding that becomes available for greenways, my Department will issue further funding calls for suitable projects. Local authorities will then be able to submit projects for consideration.

My Department's advice to all local authorities wishing to progress greenway projects is to advance the planning and design elements to the greatest degree possible so as to be best placed in the event of future funding calls. Clarity on ownership of routes and agreement on access is also very important in this regard.

The Deputy may be aware that I recently launched a public consultation process to inform the development of my Department's new Strategy for the future development of greenways.  A public consultation paper is available on my Department's website www.dttas.ie/public-transport/publications/english/greenways.

All interested parties are invited to make submissions by 14 July, 2017 and I would welcome views as part of this process.

Questions Nos. 1087 to 1090, inclusive, answered with Question No. 1083.

Question No. 1091 answered with Question No. 1085.

Road Improvement Schemes

Questions (1092, 1093, 1109)

Brendan Smith

Question:

1092. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the Government's commitment to the A5 upgrade from Donegal/Derry/Tyrone to Monaghan as originally committed in the Saint Andrews Agreement; the progress made by his Department over the past 12 months on this key infrastructure project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34457/17]

Brendan Smith

Question:

1093. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided in 2017 to progress the proposed upgrade of the N2 Clontibret to the Border road scheme which is essential given the commitment to advance the A5 upgrade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34458/17]

Brendan Smith

Question:

1109. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide additional financial resources to areas such as Cavan and Monaghan for road infrastructure development due to the difficulties that will arise from Brexit for this region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34803/17]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1092, 1093 and 1109 together.

As the Deputy is aware, while I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme, the planning, design and implementation of individual road projects (such as the N2) is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland, under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

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.

The Capital Plan published in September 2015 outlined proposed transport investment priorities to 2022. Maintenance and renewal of the road network will continue to be the main priority over the next period and the bulk of the roads capital budget, approximately €4.4 billion, is earmarked for such essential work with a further €600 million allocated for implementation of the PPP road programme which is already underway. In this context it was not possible to include a range of projects in the Plan (including the N2 Clontibret to the Border scheme) given the overall funding envelope available.

The Capital Review is now underway and a number of local authorities (including Monaghan County Council) have made submissions to my Department outlining the case for funding for roads and my Department is making a strong case for additional funding, including the development of a project pipeline for road schemes.  While there is a strong case for additional funding for the transport sector, there are a multitude of possible national, regional and local projects around the country, the cost of which far exceed available funding and unfortunately, this means that only a limited number can be considered.

The final decisions on allocations are, however, matters for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and Government as a whole.

Concerning the A5 scheme, the planning and implementation of the A5 project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities.  The Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start - sets out the Government's commitment to contribute £75million to ensure that Phase 1 of the project (Newbuildings to north of Strabane) can commence as soon as the necessary planning process in the North has been concluded.

Dublin Bus Fleet

Questions (1094)

Timmy Dooley

Question:

1094. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of replacing one conventional Dublin Bus vehicle with an electric or low emissions alternative. [34495/17]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the renewal of the bus fleet in respect of Public Service Obligation (PSO) services operated by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred your question to the NTA 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.

Question No. 1095 answered with Question No. 1081.

Bus Éireann Staff

Questions (1096, 1097, 1098, 1099, 1100, 1101, 1102, 1103, 1104, 1105, 1106)

Pat Buckley

Question:

1096. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff within the driver grade who have been out of work ill from the Bus Éireann Capwell Cork area as a result of work-related stress. [34644/17]

Pat Buckley

Question:

1097. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff within the administration grade who have been out of work ill from the Bus Éireann Capwell area as a result of work-related stress. [34645/17]

Pat Buckley

Question:

1098. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of illness related absences in Bus Éireann on an area by area basis in the past five years respectively. [34646/17]

Pat Buckley

Question:

1099. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of disciplinary hearings that have been held in Bus Éireann Cork in 2015 and 2016 and to date in 2017 respectively. [34647/17]

Pat Buckley

Question:

1100. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of disciplinary hearings in Bus Éireann on an area by area basis in the past five years respectively. [34648/17]

Pat Buckley

Question:

1101. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of appeals of disciplinary decisions that have been successful in relation to Bus Éireann, Cork. [34649/17]

Pat Buckley

Question:

1102. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the training provided and required of acting services managers in Bus Éireann in relation to personnel matters. [34650/17]

Pat Buckley

Question:

1103. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans for Bus Éireann to install welfare facilities as required by law into the Fermoy depot and other outbased locations. [34651/17]

Pat Buckley

Question:

1104. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of times the Health and Safety Authority has inspected Bus Éireann depots in the Cork area in the past five years respectively. [34652/17]

Pat Buckley

Question:

1105. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing lack of functioning toilet facilities for staff at the Bus Éireann Fermoy depot. [34653/17]

Pat Buckley

Question:

1106. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to an issue (details supplied). [34654/17]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1096 to 1106, inclusive, together.

The issues raised are matters for Bus Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the Company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.