Written Answers Nos. 607-630
607. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department will include in the budget that foreign lorries pay a tariff on the roads similar to the tariff hauliers pay in other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39224/17]
View answerRoad charging systems for Heavy Goods Vehicles have been introduced in a number of EU Member States under Directive 1999/62/EC, as modified by Directives 2002/38/EC and 2011/76/EU. These Directives set out the legal basis for charging HGVs for the use of road infrastructure and authorise Member States, if they so wish, to levy user charges, which can be time-based, for example, per day, week or year, or distance-based, calculated on the number of kilometres driven. Any such charges must apply to all HGVs, both domestic and foreign, using the Member State's road infrastructure.
The introduction of a road user charge for HGVs in Ireland is under consideration by my Department as an option in the medium to long-term future.
609. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has considered the confiscation of vehicles with learner plates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39226/17]
View answerI understand that the question relates to circumstances where a learner driver is not accompanied by a qualified driver.
Learner drivers are issued with learner permits subject to certain conditions, one of which is having an accompanying qualified driver. The permit is not a licence, but a permit to drive while learning, and learners must be accompanied by a qualified driver in order to be covered by the terms of their permits.
When a learner driver is identified driving unaccompanied, they receive in the first instance a fixed charge notice with a charge of €80. This places the offence in the highest bracket for fixed charges. If they do not pay the fixed charge and are subsequently convicted in court they face a fine of up to €1,000 for a first offence, €2,000 for a second or subsequent offence, and €2,000 and/or up to three months in prison for a third or subsequent offence within a twelve month period. They will also receive 2 penalty points on payment of a fixed charge or 4 on conviction in court.
I have no plans at present to allow An Garda Síochána to seize vehicles driven by unaccompanied learners, but I remain open to considering any measures which will improve road safety.
610. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason he will not liaise with the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to resolve the problem with the N59; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39227/17]
View answerAs Minister 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 (including the N59) is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with Galway County Council.
Notwithstanding the above, it is my understanding that it is a condition of An Bord Pleanála's consent that work on the upgrade of the Oughterard to Maam Cross section of the route is subject to the agreement of method statements by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
It is also the case that planning consent was refused for the upgrade of the Maam Cross to Clifden section of the route and the alignment, therefore, that needs to be re-examined before a revised scheme can be considered.
The upgrade of the N59, therefore, involves significant issues relating to meeting planning consent requirements. These issues have to be addressed by the parties directly involved and in accordance with the statutory planning process in which neither I nor Minister Humphreys has a role.
I do understand from TII that method statements for ground investigation works for the Maam Cross to Bunnakill section of the N59 have recently been approved by NPWS.
611. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he envisages bringing a Luas-type transport system to Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39228/17]
View answerA transport strategy for Galway City was prepared by the National Transport Authority in partnership with Galway City Council and Galway County Council in 2016. The strategy sets out an overall framework for the development of transport infrastructure and services in Galway City and its environs over a twenty-year period. It was included in the new City Development Plan which was adopted by the City Council and came into force in January 2017.
I understand that the issue of light rail was considered in the preparation of the Transport Strategy for Galway City, but it was concluded that there is insufficient demand to justify the significant additional cost of developing a light rail system so bus transport will provide the backbone of the public transport network under the strategy. The implementation of the strategy is primarily a matter for the local authority to pursue.
612. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will contribute to a multi-purpose sports stadium for the west of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39229/17]
View answerThe Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the Government's primary vehicle to support the development of sports facilities and the purchase of sports equipment. The most recent rounds of the programme were in 2012, 2014 and 2015.
The 2017 round of the SCP closed for applications on 24th February. By the closing date, a record number of 2,320 applications seeking €155 million in grants were received. The total amount currently available to allocate under this round is €30 million. Accordingly, the allocation of grants will be particularly challenging. All of the 2,320 applications received are currently being assessed by officials in my Department. I expect to be in a position to make an announcement regarding allocations in the coming weeks.
The 2017 SCP is now closed for applications. Any organisation interested in applying for funding under future rounds should register first at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie.
613. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is ensuring that there is far more transparency in place before Government funding is given to the sporting organisations involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39230/17]
View answerSport Ireland is the statutory body with responsibility for the promotion, development and co-ordination of sport. This includes responsibility for the allocation of funding to the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs). As part of the funding process, NGBs are required to submit an annual application which includes an Operational Plan and a Financial Budget for the upcoming year. Sport Ireland sets terms and conditions in relation to the funding provided, including financial reporting requirements. Sport Ireland monitors those bodies in order to ensure proper financial auditing and governance standards.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland to provide more detail directly to him. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
Since 2013 Sport Ireland has been encouraging all sports bodies to adopt the Governance Code for Community, Voluntary and Charitable Organisations. The Governance Code asks organisations to commit to key principles in areas such as leadership, transparency and accountability. Since 2016 a greater emphasis has been placed on corporate governance and last November the NGBs were informed that adoption of the Governance Code would become a condition for Sport Ireland funding. All Sport Ireland funded bodies are required to start the process of adopting the code this year, on a "comply or explain basis", with adoption to be completed by 2020. Sport Ireland has advised that, to date, 53 NGBs have signed up to the code - 11 have fully adopted it with 42 having partially adopted it with a view to full adoption as soon as possible.
In relation to the Sports Capital Programme, the latest round closed for applications on 24th February last. By the closing date, a record number of 2,320 applications were received. All applications are currently being assessed by officials in my Department and I expect to be in a position to make an announcement regarding allocations in the coming weeks. It should be noted that the full scoring system and assessment criteria is available on my Department’s website. Details of all allocations and payments under the Sports Capital and Local Authority Swimming Pools Programmes are also published on the Department’s website.
614. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional funding can be secured for Knock Airport in view of the fact that it is the most important transport hub in the west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39231/17]
View answerThe National Aviation Policy recognises that Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) plays a regional role in terms of access than other airports given its location in the North West.
Funding for IWAK is made available under the Regional Airports Programme which provides support towards safety and security related projects/activities at the airport as well as the other three regional airports in Donegal, Kerry and Waterford.
IWAK has received over €22m in funding under the various schemes in the Regional Airports Programme over the last 10 years to end 2016. In relation to 2017, out of a total allocation of €1.9 million for capital projects under the CAPEX scheme, approval has been conveyed to IWAK for capital projects totalling €1.1 million. Work on those projects is under way.
Under this CAPEX Scheme, the generally applicable aid contribution under the EU Guidelines for these types of investment is 75%. I am aware that IWAK believes that it will require up to 90% grant aid in order to implement the larger safety and security related projects. There is provision under the EU Guidelines that, in exceptional cases, a separate submission may be made to the EU Commission for consideration to exceed the 75% aid threshold. Such submissions are considered on a case-by-case basis by the Commission. IWAK is fully aware of these provisions and has prepared a business case on which my Department has already begun engaging with the Commission. It will be up to the Commission to decide whether the 75% threshold can be exceeded in the case of IWAK. This process has only just begun and it is anticipated that it will take some time for the Commission to consider its position in the context of the 2014 EU Guidelines on State Aid to Airports and Airlines.
615. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he proposes to improve safety for cyclists in Dublin city; his plans to ensure better segregation between cyclist and other road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39263/17]
View answer616. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the poor condition of cycling infrastructure in the Dublin 15 area in particular, including the Royal Canal Way; his plans to remedy these problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39264/17]
View answer617. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the substandard cycling infrastructure in Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39265/17]
View answer618. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to cycling infrastructure in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39266/17]
View answer619. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce a free puncture repair scheme at the local cycle shops similar to the bike purchase scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39267/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 615 to 619, inclusive, together.
I am pleased that the numbers cycling have increased year on year, with the recent Census showing a 43% increase in the numbers cycling to work and I am aware of calls for increased funding for infrastructure. I believe that the time has come for a step change in the level of investment in cycling as this will allow us to further increase the numbers cycling, thereby easing congestion, improving public health and enhancing the liveability of our cities.
To achieve this within the context of future capital planning, I am working to increase investment in cycling infrastructure over a number of years, targeted primarily on investment in segregated routes in the Greater Dublin Area and the Regional Cities. This could have a transformative effect on active travel in our cities over the coming years.
Over recent years my Department has directly funded active travel measures (i.e. walking and cycling) throughout Ireland as part of overall expenditure under a number of programmes, including the Smarter Travel Areas, Active Travel Towns and the National Cycle Network programmes. While this broader investment in Sustainable Transport involves projects that benefit cycling, it is sometimes difficult to attribute the specific level of spend in a project or programme that relates to the cycling infrastructure component. Information in this regard is being compiled by my Department at present and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the administration of the Sustainable Transport Management Grants and Regional Cities Programmes, which both involve investment benefiting cyclists, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply in relation to funding provided to cycling under those programmes. If the Deputy does not receive a full response within 10 working days please contact my private office.
620. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding taxi national car tests, NCTs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39283/17]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including vehicle standards, roadworthiness and suitability of SPSVs, 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.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
621. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to include a teen rate for Irish Rail users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39298/17]
View answer622. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a person under 18 years of age and older than 16 years of age must pay the full adult price despite being a student in second level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39299/17]
View answer623. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the NTA's plans to consider rail prices in Kildare for 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39300/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 621 to 623, inclusive, together.
The issues raised are matters for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply.
However, the Deputy should be aware that second level students can indeed avail of discounted student fares on Iarnród Éireann services and eligibility details are listed on the company's website: http://www.irishrail.ie/fares-and-tickets/fares-info.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response from the NTA within ten working days.
624. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a sports capital programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39303/17]
View answerThe 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme closed for applications on 24th February and I can confirm that an application has been submitted by the organisation referred to by the Deputy. By the closing date, a record number of 2,320 applications seeking €155 million in grants were received. The total amount currently available to allocate under this round is €30 million. Accordingly, the allocation of grants will be particularly challenging.
All of the 2,320 applications received are currently being assessed by officials in my Department. I expect to be in a position to make an announcement regarding allocations in the coming weeks.
625. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to allow for a holder of a US driving licence to automatically avail of an Irish licence (details supplied); if there are protocols in place currently with regard to recognition of such licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39305/17]
View answerIrish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU law, which sets common standards of obtaining a licence for all Member States. As a consequence, all EU licences are mutually exchangeable.
In the case of non-EU jurisdictions we may reach bilateral agreements on the exchange of licences. These cannot be made simply on the basis that they are convenient. They are based on the appropriate authorities on each side conducting a detailed comparison of the two licensing regimes, so that each side may be satisfied that they are compatible. On the Irish side, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
The RSA has examined the possibility of an exchange relationship for US licences. However, as driver licensing within the US operates at state rather than federal level, there are 50 different systems, with sometimes widely varying standards. Not only would it be necessary to reach 50 separate agreements, but each agreement would have to take into account the exchange arrangements existing between that state and the other 49. The RSA concluded that this would not be feasible.
In the absence of an exchange relationship, we have no option but to ask people to go through the necessary steps to obtain an Irish licence.
I appreciate that this creates a burden in terms of time and cost for people who have, in many cases, a long record of safe driving. I believe that we can relieve the burden to a considerable extent.
The biggest difficulty, in both time and cost, is with the mandatory 12 Essential Driver Training (EDT) lessons. My Department is currently working on proposals from the RSA for a 'Short EDT' for drivers with full licences from non-exchange countries. It is my intention that this system will be in place from the beginning of 2018.
626. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the long waiting times being experienced for practical driving tests in County Mayo; the reason for same; the efforts that are being made to rectify the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39342/17]
View answerThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
627. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 256 of 4 May 2017, if he can ascertain from the National Transport Authority, whether a company (details supplied) has been identified for the provision of bus shelters nationwide; if it has identified a suitable bespoke unit, as suggested by the NTA to this Deputy on 16 May 2017, for John Street, Sligo; if this will be taking place in September 2017 as suggested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39378/17]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the provision of bus shelters in the State and I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for an update on the issues raised. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
628. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason only €4.8 million of the previously announced €16.8 million in funding for the redevelopment of Colbert station in Limerick has been allocated to date; and when the remaining €12 million will be allocated for the completion of the works. [39395/17]
View answer629. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated completion dates of phase 2 and phase 3 of the redevelopment of Colbert train station in Limerick. [39396/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 628 and 629 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) administers the Regional Cities Programme for investment in public transport infrastructure in the regional cities, including Limerick.
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.
630. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on pension schemes within the CIÉ group of companies; if senior management in those companies are also members of those schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39413/17]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for CIÉ 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.
