Written Answers Nos. 56 - 75
56. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the reason for service cancellations in Bus Éireann is the inoperable rosters forced on persons in the aftermath of the strike; and his views on the continued service reductions and the impact of same on passengers. [49279/17]
View answer62. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the numerous service cancellations recently affecting Bus Éireann services are the responsibility of the National Transport Authority, NTA, or of Bus Éireann management; his views on whether the recently concluded productivity deal supported by him and the NTA has played a part in those service disruptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49278/17]
View answer84. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the implementation of the Labour Court's recommendations regarding the restructuring of Bus Éireann in view of the ongoing unrest and possibility of disruptions to services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49429/17]
View answer90. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regrading the implementation of the new rosters in Bus Éireann and his engagement with the trade unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49425/17]
View answer94. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will liaise with Bus Éireann management regarding the ongoing disruption to bus services on the M3 corridor routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49220/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 56, 62, 84, 90 and 94 together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
As the Deputies will be aware, in April last, following a 3 week strike, the Labour Court made a Recommendation in relation to Bus Éireann. This was accepted by both the Company and the trade unions and implementation of the Recommendation is underway in the company.
While a number of services were impacted in the early stages of the changes in rosters, Bus Éireann have advised that is continuing to implement measures to further improve service levels, and that recently there have only been a very small number of cancellations.
Regular updates have been issued from the company with regards to the delays and cancellations and additional measures have been introduced by the company to regularise operations and minimise impacts.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) which has responsibility for ensuring delivery of bus services is aware that Bus Éireann has been experiencing operational issues in the eastern region recently and it is a matter for the Company to resolve those issues. The NTA is closely monitoring developments and has reminded Bus Éireann of its performance obligations under its contract with the NTA including the importance of providing relevant and timely information to customers. The NTA has indicated that it will give consideration in due course to the appropriate course of action under that contract.
The implementation of the Labour Court Recommendation continues to be a matter for the Company and the trade unions, and operational difficulties can be resolved through constructive and realistic engagement on both sides.
58. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the considerable loss of funding that has been suffered by a company (details supplied) in recent months and the fact that much of the midlands now lacks a body to promote it as a tourist destination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49431/17]
View answerI understand that the organisation mentioned by the Deputy previously received funding under the Community Services Programme, which is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
My Department has no role regarding that programme. There is no mechanism by which similar funding could be provided by either my Department or the tourism agencies.
On the matter of the promotion of the midlands region as a tourist destination, this is an operational matter for the boards and management of the two tourism agencies - Tourism Ireland in regard to overseas tourism marketing and Fáilte Ireland in regard to regional tourism development and domestic tourism promotion.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland for consideration. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
59. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure a substantial increase in the financial allocation to Cavan County Council for the road works programme for 2018 in view of the deterioration of parts of the non-national road network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49354/17]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each 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.
Regional and Local Road allocations under the three main grant categories (Restoration Maintenance, Restoration Improvement and Discretionary Grant) are allocated based on the length of mileage of regional and local roads within the county.
It is expected that regional and local road allocations for 2018 will be notified to local authorities in January 2018. In line with my Department's 2018 roads budget, an increase in allocations to local authorities is anticipated.
60. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 180 of 18 October 2017 and the response of the Irish Aviation Authority, IAA, to same, his views on the findings of a report (details supplied) that there are widespread and negative perceptions of airline safety culture among pilots working at airlines where atypical employment is common; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49338/17]
View answer192. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to review or if he has reviewed the workplace health and safety implications of atypical employment practices in the aviation sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43131/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 192 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the referenced Report examines the perceptions across Europe with regard to aviation safety. It is not a finding on actual safety performance. The Report also states clearly that European aviation remains an ultra-safe industry with a highly impressive safety record.
In Ireland, the IAA is responsible for the safety oversight of the civil aviation industry. The Authority has been found to be amongst the very best aviation regulatory bodies in the world, and it ensures that all Irish registered airlines comply fully with all safety regulations to the highest international safety standards. This includes international standards and requirements relevant to safety culture generally, including an airline's safety management and occurrence reporting systems, regardless of the type of business model or employment model operated within that company.
As explained in the response to Parliamentary Question 180 of 18 October 2017, there is no statistically based data within Europe to suggest that there is any correlation between business models and safety in aviation.
With regard to the Deputy's question concerning workplace health and safety implications of atypical employment models, I must advise that the question is outside the scope of my remit as it relates to workplace health and safety legislation. Airline companies have the same obligations under national and EU workplace health and safety laws as all other companies across every other industry. They are also bound by the same suite of employment laws. As I have explained in the House before, there are legally binding limitations on flight hours allowable for pilots and air crew, which are set under EU law and with which the IAA ensures Irish registered airlines comply.
61. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the inconvenience that will be caused for disabled passengers if DART stations become unmanned; his further views on whether this is a fair manner in which to treat passengers with mobility issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49430/17]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has functional responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network and therefore 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 deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
63. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether there has been an outcome to the NTA review of additional car park facilities at Portmarnock DART station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49433/17]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply on the issue raised. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
65. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take to examine road connectivity between Rosslare Europort through the south midlands, midlands and the west; his plans to link the M11, N24, M3, M4 and M7 in view of the importance in increasing direct accessibility with continental Europe and avoiding likely UK customs delays post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49422/17]
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 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.
My Department, in conjunction with the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO), is commencing a study into the use of the UK Land bridge by Irish importers and exporters. The purpose of this research is to establish the volume of traffic using the UK Land bridge at present, the likely consequences that Brexit will have on Land bridge usage and the various alternative options that may be viable. I expect this piece of research to be completed in Q1 of 2018. This research will assist future decision making in relation to transport links.
66. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress that has been made to implement the recommendations of a review (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49353/17]
View answerThe 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. This is due to a complicated legislative history as the port technically forms part of an Anglo-Irish company dating back to the 19th Century known as the Rosslare and Fishguard and Harbours Company.
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.
67. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the work to promote Ireland's Ancient East worldwide; the way in which it can be extended to counties, such as County Kildare, which have a rich heritage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49351/17]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy. It is not directly involved in the management or development of individual tourism projects, such as Ireland's Ancient East, or the worldwide promotion of these initiatives. These are operational matters for the Boards and Management of Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland for direct reply to the Deputy. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
68. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has engaged, or if he plans to engage, with relevant bodies regarding the possibility of the formation of an all-island soccer team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49287/17]
View answerThe organisation of sport in Ireland on an all-island basis has worked verysuccessfully for a number of sports, most notably in the case of rugby.
The FAI (Football Association of Ireland) and Irish Football Association (Northern Ireland) are independent, autonomous bodies and any proposals regarding an all-island international soccer team would be a matter for those two organisations.
I am not aware that either organisation has sought re-structuring on an all-island basis. In any event, I would not have a direct role in such a matter and I have not been involved in any discussions of this nature.
69. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the extension of the rail line to Navan in County Meath would bring huge benefits to north County Meath both socially and economically; and the status of the extension. [49143/17]
View answerAs you may be aware the Navan Rail Link Project was originally included under the Transport 21 Initiative and was to be developed in two phases. Phase 1, comprising the Dunboyne Rail Line project was completed in 2013. Phase 2 was to provide for the extension of the Dunboyne line onwards to north Navan. This development together with a number of other transport projects was postponed in 2011 due to the economic and fiscal crisis.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). The NTA published its Transport Strategy for the GDA for the period 2016-2035 last year following its approval by my predecessor. All the main transport corridors in the GDA were examined in the Strategy including the Navan to City Centre Corridor. The NTA concluded that based on current population and employment forecasts, the level of travel demand between Navan, Dunshaughlin and various stations to the city centre is insufficient to justify the development of a high-capacity rail link at this time. Instead it is proposed that an enhanced bus service will be provided along the corridor in conjunction with the development of a bus hub in Navan. The 2017 review of the Capital Plan did not propose any change to this position and no funding was provided for the project in Budget 2018.
The NTA has indicated that the position will be reassessed as part of the next review of the GDA Transport Strategy and this will take account of the level of development in the catchment area over the next six years. The NTA has indicated that the corridor identified for a rail link to Navan should be protected from development intrusion in the meantime. If the review of the Transport Strategy concludes that a rail link is justified at that point, funding can be pursued in the context of the development of future Capital Investment Plans.
70. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his Department's role in the supervision and oversight of the search and rescue services; and if he is satisfied with the maps and navigational equipment that is provided to these services. [49428/17]
View answerUnder the Irish National Maritime Search and Rescue Framework, which was published in March 2010 by the then Minister for Transport, the Irish Coast Guard, as a division of the my Department, has responsibility for the coordination of maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), emergency response at sea and along the coasts and cliffs of Ireland, and on major inland lakes.
Under this Framework, the Safety Regulation Division of the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) have been assigned responsibility for the regulation and oversight of aircraft operations, including aeronautical Search and Rescue, within the State. In this context, the IAA issues a national SAR Approval to CHCI DAC, who are the operator contracted by the Irish Coast Guard to deliver this service. Through this practice, there is a system in place to validate the suitability of the CHCI SAR helicopters, crew, training and operational standards for SAR operations.
The Irish Aviation Authority has legal responsibility for validating and approving aeronautical charts for publication, as defined by international standards agreed under the International Civil Aviation Organisation. The Authority is a hugely respected organisation within international aviation, and it is subject to regular independent, outside audit.
The Authority has advised me that there is no reason whatsoever for the Irish Aviation community or emergency services to have any concerns about aeronautical maps and charts. All maps and charts produced meet the highest international standards.
Finally, I feel it important to emphasise that there is an active investigation currently under way into the R116 accident off the Mayo coast which is being conducted by the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU). The AAIU investigates on a wholly independent basis and is charged under domestic law and international obligations with examining all relevant issues it determines are pertinent to the incident it is investigating. Whilst I understand the on-going public interest in this matter, it is vital that the AAIU is given the time and space to do its work and report on its findings.
As the investigation is still ongoing I can say no more about the issues surrounding it. Once the final report issues all findings and recommendations will be pursued with all relevant parties as a matter of priority.
71. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider development of a signature brand for historic and cultural tourism, along the lines of Ireland’s Ancient East, which would cover the whole country; his views on such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49438/17]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy. It is not directly involved in the management or development of individual tourism projects, including the experience brands such as Ireland's Ancient East. These are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply to the Deputy. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
72. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of businesses in the north west due to the need to improve infrastructure, particularly the road network, to assist businesses remain competitive and to attract new business to the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49195/17]
View answerThe planning and implementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities. The current funding arrangements in relation to the A5 are governed by the Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start. This Agreement reaffirmed the Government's commitment to provide funding of £50 million for the A5 project and committed an additional £25 million to ensure that Phase 1 of the project (Newbuildings to north of Strabane) can commence as soon as the necessary planning issues have been resolved by the Northern Ireland authorities.
The Government’s 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. The Capital Plan provides for significant investment in transport links impacting on the border region including:
- the N4 Collooney-Castlebaldwin upgrade scheme;
- a rolling improvement scheme on the N56 from Dungloe to Glenties and Inver to Mountcharles to strengthen links in Donegal, and
- subject to necessary consents, the N2 Slane Bypass on the N2 Dublin-Monaghan route.
The 57km Gort to Tuam PPP scheme has been completed and was opened officially on 27th September.
As regards preparatory work on a pipeline of future projects, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) announced in July that it is re-activating planning work on the N2 Clontibret to the Border Scheme to narrow down the route corridor to a single preferred route. In addition TII has committed to provide additional funding to develop an online upgrade of the N2, extending from North of Ardee to the south of the Castleblayney Bypass. The intention is to progress the preliminary design and the achievement of planning consent as soon as possible.
In relation to the TEN-T road network in Donegal, TII commissioned a Trans-European Transport Network Corridor Needs Study – Donegal which was completed by Halcrow Barry Consulting Engineers on behalf of Donegal County Council. The report recommends that priority should be afforded to the following three sections of the TEN-T route in Donegal:
- N15 Ballybofey – Stranorlar Urban Region
- N56/N13/N14 Letterkenny to Manorcunningham
- N14 Manorcunningham to Lifford/Strabane
Technical Advisors have been appointed to progress preparatory work on these three schemes and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has allocated €1m in 2017 to this work. TII intends to continue to advance the planning and design of these projects. The question of funding for construction will be considered in the context of the ten year investment framework which is to be developed with the National Planning Framework.
73. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether a radical programme of works is required to upgrade the N2 road in view of serious and fatal accidents. [49146/17]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Within its annual budget the planning, design and implementation of individual road projects (such as the N2) is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual national road projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's Question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my Office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
74. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the transport sector emissions targets that have been set by his Department; the actions that have been taken to meet these targets to date; the proposed steps that are agreed to be taken to meet these targets; the expected emissions from the transport sector for 2020, 2030 and 2050; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49347/17]
View answerThe responsibility for emissions reduction is a collective one and Ireland's emission reduction targets are national and not sectoral in nature. Our national objective, as set out in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act, 2015 is to ensure transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050. A reduction in carbon emissions of at least 80% (compared to 1990 levels) by 2050 has been collectively targeted across the electricity generation, built environment and transport sectors, in parallel with an approach to carbon neutrality in the agriculture and land-use sector.
The transport sector will play a strong role in contributing to our national emissions reduction effort. The EPA projects that by 2020 transport will have increased its sectoral share of greenhouse gas emissions to 29%, rising further to 32% by 2030. Though not unexpected - given Ireland's rising population and welcome return to economic growth with the corresponding rise in transport requirements - this projection nevertheless confirms that, without intervention, greenhouse gas emissions will unquestionably continue to rise. It places in sharp focus the significant challenge we face to reduce greenhouse gas emissions without hindering social improvement or financial recovery.
To decarbonise transport we are deploying a diverse range of measures, key among them being the increased uptake and operation of cleaner alternative fuels and technologies as well as promoting modal shift to public transport and active travel modes where possible. A wide-ranging set of transport mitigation measures and corresponding action points are detailed in the National Mitigation Plan and it is anticipated that these measures will develop further as climate research and technological innovations progress.
Although emissions from the transport sector are currently increasing, it is worthwhile noting that a number of successful mitigation measures have been introduced which have impacted and are positively addressing greenhouse gas emissions from transport. They include sustained investment in the public and sustainable transport network, implementation of EU vehicle standard regulations limiting tail pipe emissions, redesigning the Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and motor tax regimes to promote low carbon emitting vehicles, incentives to encourage alternative fuel and technologies, and the introduction of a Biofuel Obligation Scheme.
Yet, the transport sector needs to build on these and go further to address this challenge. A series of measures announced in Budget 2018 clearly reflected this Government’s determination to make progress on decarbonising transport. I am pleased to have secured significant funding commitments to actively address the climate challenge on three key fronts. Firstly, we are working to enhance the capacity and quality of public transport to ensure that, as far as possible and practical, our increased transport demand is met by greener public transport (over €400m will be invested in public transport infrastructure in 2018 alone with a 4 year capital envelope of over €2.5bn). Secondly, we will invest over €100m in a multi-annual cycling and walking programme to support greater uptake of active travel. And, as recommended by the Low Emissions Vehicle Taskforce, a suite of tax and expenditure measures was announced to clearly indicate the Government’s commitment to a low-carbon electric vehicle future.
