Clare Daly
Question:1400. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reduce the waiting times for driving tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55154/17]
View answerDriver Test
Questions (1400)
Written answers
The Driver Testing Service, provided by the Road Safety Authority, has seen an increase of almost 20% in the levels of driving test applications over the last four years. This, coupled with the retirements of driver tester staff, has meant that the waiting times for customers for driving tests have increased.
The Authority currently employs almost 100 driver testers. Since October 2016, my Department has sanctioned the recruitment of an additional 28 Driver Testers. It is envisaged that the recruitment of the latest appointees will be assigned, trained and conducting testing by early 2018.
The Authority is currently undertaking initiatives in order to increase capacity to deliver extra driving tests. These initiatives include the recruitment of additional driver testers and the delivery of 120 extra overtime tests per driver tester who participates. Other measures include initiatives to reduce the number of applicant no-shows at the driving test, and to reduce the number of non-conducted driving tests. The Authority plans to introduce a new test booking system in 2018 that will give test applicants much more control over their booking and appointment choice.
The Authority is committed to working with any applicants that require an urgent appointment. A priority list system is in place whereby cancelled test appointments are made available for such applicants. Over 1,000 tests are cancelled by driving test applicants weekly and these slots are subsequently offered to applicants who require urgent test appointments.
While I accept that current waiting times remain too high, I am assured that the measures the Authority has put in place will have the desired effect of reducing waiting times to the public.
Sports Capital Programme
Questions (1401)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:1401. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the sports capital programme 2018 will be launched. [55169/17]
View answerWritten answers
Allocations in respect of applications submitted under the 2017 Sports Capital Programme were announced in November and December last. Full details of these allocations are available on my Department's website. The priority in the medium term will be on advancing these projects.
A decision on the timing of the next round of the programme will be made later this year and all clubs and sports organisations registered with my Department will be informed at the time.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland Expenditure
Questions (1402)
Niamh Smyth
Question:1402. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied); if a meeting will be facilitated on the matter; if so, the date for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55171/17]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The maintenance of the national road network is the responsibility of Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its overall budget, the assessment and prioritisation of expenditure is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
The position in relation to budgets for 2018 is that TII's current expenditure budget has been reduced by about €6 million compared to the 2017 outturn while its capital budget has been increased by about €35 million to €434 million.
As regards the allocation of resources under particular expenditure headings, such as ordinary maintenance, this is a matter for decision by TII. In this context I understand that TII explained the basis of the 2018 allocations to local authorities in advance of notifying them of their 2018 allocations.
As regards regional and local roads, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the maintenance of roads within its area. Works on regional and local roads are funded by local authorities' own resources supplemented by State grants. While there is a reduction of about €8 million in current funding budget for 2018, there is a significant increase in capital funding to approx. €381 million.
I will be notifying local authorities of their grant allocations shortly. As in previous years I will be aiming to allocate funding on as equitable basis as possible taking road lengths within each local authority area into account.
As regards a possible meeting, I suggest that Monaghan County Council contact my Office.
Public Transport Fares
Questions (1403)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Question:1403. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to review Irish Rail train fare costs in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55191/17]
View answerWritten answers
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Roads Maintenance
Questions (1404)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:1404. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address concerns that funding for the ordinary maintenance programme for 2018 for Louth County Council will be cut by 30%; the way in which Louth County Council will be in a position to deal with an already strained road network maintenance budget; the other avenues of funding that Louth County Council can avail of to make up the shortfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55197/17]
View answerWritten answers
I understand that the Deputy is referring to the current funding allocation for national roads in 2018. As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The maintenance of the national road network is the responsibility of Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its overall budget, the assessment and prioritisation of expenditure is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
The position in relation to budgets for 2018 is that TII's current expenditure budget has been reduced by about €6 million compared to the 2017 outturn while its capital budget has been increased by about €35 million to €434 million.
As regards the allocation of resources under particular expenditure headings, such as ordinary maintenance, this is a matter for decision by TII. In this context I understand that TII explained the basis of the 2018 allocations to local authorities in advance of notifying them of their 2018 allocations.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Departmental Data
Questions (1405)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:1405. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the vacant properties and land not in use, owned, rented or leased by his Department or by bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department by square footage for buildings and acres for land, in tabular form; the address and location of these properties; and the last date of occupancy or use of these properties. [55220/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the procurement of office and other accommodation required for Government Departments, including the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and accordingly arrangements for vacant property and land not in use is a matter for OPW.
My Department does, however, own one vacant property in the State, which is under the remit of the Irish Coast Guard. Details of this property are given in the following table
|
Vacant Property |
Location |
Square Footage |
Last Date of occupation |
|
Rocket House, Dun Laoghaire Harbour |
Dun Laoghaire |
Internal Floor approx. 244.34External floor 337.23 |
2010 |
The position regarding the agencies under the remit of this Department is a matter for them. I have forwarded a copy of your question to them for a direct reply. If you have not heard from the Agencies within ten working days, please contact my private office
Referred replies were forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Driver Test
Questions (1406)
Brendan Ryan
Question:1406. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the delays for driving tests in the Dublin city and county areas; his plans to reduce the waiting times in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55227/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Driver Testing Service, provided by the Road Safety Authority, has seen an increase of almost 20% in the levels of driving test applications over the last four years. This, coupled with the retirements of driver tester staff, has meant that the waiting times for customers for driving tests have increased.
The Authority currently employs almost 100 driver testers. Since October 2016, my Department has sanctioned the recruitment of an additional 28 Driver Testers. It is envisaged that the recruitment of the latest appointees will be assigned, trained and conducting testing by early 2018.
The Authority is currently undertaking initiatives in order to increase capacity to deliver extra driving tests. These initiatives include the recruitment of additional driver testers and the delivery of 120 extra overtime tests per driver tester who participates. Other measures include initiatives to reduce the number of applicant no-shows at the driving test, and to reduce the number of non-conducted driving tests. The Authority plans to introduce a new test booking system in 2018 that will give test applicants much more control over their booking and appointment choice.
The Authority is committed to working with any applicants that require an urgent appointment. A priority list system is in place whereby cancelled test appointments are made available for such applicants. Over 1,000 tests are cancelled by driving test applicants weekly and these slots are subsequently offered to applicants who require urgent test appointments.
While I accept that current waiting times remain too high, I am assured that the measures the Authority has put in place will have the desired effect of reducing waiting times to the public.
Sports Capital Programme
Questions (1407)
Róisín Shortall
Question:1407. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the basis on which it was decided to award one point for non GAA sports for ball stop netting while awarding two points for applications in respect of ball stop netting for GAA; his views on whether this scoring system is fair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55260/17]
View answerWritten answers
The assessment process and scoring scheme used for the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) has been developed based on experience of overseeing the programme over a number of years. While some changes were made to the scoring system for the 2017 round of the SCP, no alterations were made to the scores awarded for ball stop netting. The assessment process and scoring system is primarily designed to reward projects:
- that have a positive impact on participation,
- that are being proposed by clubs/organisations that have not received significant funding in the past,
- that are from disadvantaged areas, and
- that promote sharing of facilities
Ball stop netting is clearly more relevant for certain sports due to the nature of the sports themselves. In this regard, the necessity for ball stop netting for gaelic games was deemed to be particularly strong due to the fact that gaelic footballs and sliotars regularly get kicked and pucked higher and further away from goal posts in comparison to other field sports. Accordingly, it was decided that these applications could receive a higher mark than non-GAA applications. While I consider the overall scoring system for the SCP to be reasonable and fair, all aspects of it will be reviewed prior to the next round of the SCP.
Sports Capital Programme
Questions (1408)
Róisín Shortall
Question:1408. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking through the sports capital grants scheme or by other methods to encourage the sharing of sports facilities by different sports or to promote the development of multi-sport facilities. [55261/17]
View answerWritten answers
The sharing of facilities is one of the stated objectives of the Sports Capital Programme (SCP). Applicants are advised at application stage that they will obtain extra marks at assessment if they show that the proposed facilities will be shared. Under the SCP, schools, colleges and Education and Training Boards may only apply for funding jointly with a local sports club or group. Of the 1,807 allocations made to local projects under the 2017 programme, almost 500 were to organisations that stated in their application that they would share their facilities with other groups. The SCP also allocates generous funding to multi-sport and community sport facilities. Details of all the allocations made under the most recent round of the programme, including those to multi-sports facilities are available on my Department's website.
In relation to future capital funding for sports projects, my Department is currently finalising a review of national sports policy which includes a specific focus on how Government should optimally fund sports facilities in the years ahead.
Sport Ireland
Questions (1409)
Róisín Shortall
Question:1409. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount, date and recipient of each of the youth field sports grants in each of the years an allocation was made since 2000. [55262/17]
View answerWritten answers
Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes, including the scheme that provides considerable grant funding to the three major field sports (Soccer, Rugby and GAA) in respect of their work to encourage greater underage participation.
I have referred the Deputy's Question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to the amount, date and recipient of each of the youth field sports grants in each of the years an allocation was made since 2000. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Public Transport Provision
Questions (1410)
Catherine Martin
Question:1410. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the new extended LUAS trams on the green line and cross city line are to be introduced; the further measures his Department will take to deal with increased demand on this line following the opening of the cross city line; the increase in number of passengers on this line since the opening of the extension in December 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55263/17]
View answerWritten answers
With the introduction of the new Luas service through the city centre and onwards to Broombridge, many new users have been attracted to try out the new service.
Numbers on Luas increased by 10.26% to 37.6m on both lines in 2017. With the Green Line now extended to Broombridge, and providing interchange with the Red Line and greater connectivity to rail services, those numbers are likely to grow substantially again in 2018. While it is welcomed that so many new customers are using the extended Green Line, it has meant that some trams are operating at capacity.
The Green Line Capacity Enhancement project was recently approved by Government. The purpose of the project is to address current capacity limits at peak hours on the Luas Green Line and to cater for future demands along the line. The project is proposed in the National Transport Authority's (NTA) Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035. It includes the lengthening of the existing green line tram fleet, the purchase of additional trams to meet future passenger demand and modifications to Sandyford Depot to stable and maintain these trams. A complementary investment project to lengthen the platforms at the Green Line stations was completed last year.
The NTA have advised that the first of the new 55 metre long trams is expected to be deployed in the coming weeks.
Tourism Industry
Questions (1411)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1411. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to rectify an issue (details supplied) regarding advertisement on the Wild Atlantic Way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55269/17]
View answerWritten answers
My Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy development. It is not directly involved in the management or development of individual tourism projects, such as the Wild Atlantic Way. These are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.
Accordingly, 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Driver Test Waiting Lists
Questions (1412)
Michael Lowry
Question:1412. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons on waiting lists for a driving test in County Tipperary for each category in each County Tipperary test centre, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1006/18]
View answerWritten answers
This 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Driver Test
Questions (1413)
Michael Lowry
Question:1413. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the waiting time persons in County Tipperary are expected to wait before a driving test date is issued for each category and in each County Tipperary test centre, in tabular form; if driving test waiting times in County Tipperary are in line with the national average of ten weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1007/18]
View answerWritten answers
This 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Driver Test
Questions (1414)
Michael Lowry
Question:1414. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an earlier date can be offered for a driving test for category B for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1008/18]
View answerWritten answers
This 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Coast Guard Services
Questions (1415)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1415. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the termination of membership with the Irish Coast Guard, ICG; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1021/18]
View answerWritten answers
A 2012 Value for Money Review for the Coast Guard recommended that Waterville Coast Guard Unit and Knightstown Coast Guard Unit be amalgamated to form a single Unit (Iveragh) for the South Kerry area. The new Unit was formally approved on 30th June 2015. An extensive consultation process was followed in order to assuage concerns raised by existing members. A building was renovated in Waterville as an administrative centre for the new Unit. This building was opened by the then Taoiseach Enda Kenny on 27th March 2017.
Despite numerous requests by the Coast Guard, several members of the now-defunct Waterville Unit refused to enrol in the Iveragh Unit. Following the official opening of the Stationhouse the members in question had further opportunities to enrol which they were not prepared to do. This left the Coast Guard with no option but to reluctantly terminate their membership. The Unit has now completed its establishment and intensive training is ongoing to make it a fully operational Search and Cliff Rescue Unit.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland
Questions (1416)
Robert Troy
Question:1416. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will liaise with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, to ensure that signage is placed on the M6 prior to exit six Moate informing motorists of the Moate Business Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1023/18]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, Tourism & 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.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Coast Guard Services
Questions (1417)
Marcella Corcoran Kennedy
Question:1417. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number and location of designated sites across the country in which the coastguard helicopter can land in the hours of darkness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1052/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Coast Guard Helicopter service is provided under contract to my Department by CHC Ireland DAC. The primary role of the service is maritime Search and Rescue. Helicopter services are also made available to the Health Service Executive for HEMS(Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) flights on an as available basis.
Under regulations governing the conduct of Search and Rescue missions the Helicopter Commander can exercise discretion in determining the suitability of a ‘Landing Site’ during both day and night operations. This decision is based on an assessment of site suitability, risk, requirements of the casualty and safety of the general public.
For all other missions, including HEMS flights, Coast Guard Helicopters may use specific surveyed landing sites. These sites are further categorised as ‘Day Only’ or ‘Day/Night’. Currently 26 sites are designated as night time sites in the CHC Ireland landing site directory.
Suitability and classification of sites are determined by site surveys which are conducted on behalf of the operator of the Coast Guard helicopter service.
The 26 site locations are in the table:
|
Site Locations |
- |
|
1 |
Achill Sound GAA |
|
2 |
Alltnagelvin Hospital Derry |
|
3 |
Ballybofey GAA Pitch |
|
4 |
Bishopstown Cork GAA Club |
|
5 |
Blacksod |
|
6 |
Buncrana GAA Pitch |
|
7 |
Carlow |
|
8 |
Castlebar Hospital |
|
9 |
Castletownbere GAA Pitch |
|
10 |
Castletownbere Refuel |
|
11 |
Cross Co. Clare |
|
12 |
Dingle GAA Pitch |
|
13 |
Drogheda Athletics Ground |
|
14 |
Dunfanaghy GAA Pitch |
|
15 |
Enniskillen Hospital |
|
16 |
Galway University Hospital |
|
17 |
Goleen GAA Pitch |
|
18 |
Kilkenny College |
|
19 |
Letterkenny Hospital |
|
20 |
Limerick General Hospital |
|
21 |
Moville GAA Pitch |
|
22 |
Reenard GAA Pitch |
|
23 |
Sligo Hospital |
|
24 |
Sneem GAA Pitch |
|
25 |
Tralee Hospital |
|
26 |
Wexford Rugby Grounds |
Roads Maintenance
Questions (1418)
Imelda Munster
Question:1418. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount spent on regional and local roads in County Mayo in each of the years 2011 to 2017. [1104/18]
View answerWritten answers
Details of the regional and local road grant payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road grant payment booklets which are available in the Dáil Library.
The tables included in the payment booklets outline expenditure by type of grant programme. For the Deputy's information an explanation of the purpose of the main Regional and Local Road Grant Programmes is set out below:
Restoration Maintenance (RM): The purpose of the RM grant is to protect the structural integrity of the road by way of surface dressing through the sealing of the road surface. The purpose of restoration maintenance is to maintain the asset before it requires improvement.
Restoration Improvement Grant (RI): The RI grant programme is the main road strengthening programme and caters for surface restoration, pavement overlay works, complete road rehabilitation works and for drainage works where required.
Discretionary Grant (DG): Councils have discretion in spending these grants for improvement and maintenance works subject to selecting from a list of eligible works. However Councils are requested to prioritise projects which involve strengthening works, remedying road defects, winter maintenance and drainage works.
Bridge Rehabilitation (BR): This programme allows local authorities to apply for monies to undertake bridge rehabilitation works. Safety Improvement Works (BS): This programme allows local authorities to apply for monies to undertake safety improvement works.
Training Grant (TG): The Training Grant assists in the provision of training of persons engaged in maintenance and improvement of regional and local roads.
Specific Grant and Strategic Grants : The Department no longer seeks annual applications from local authorities in respect of the Specific (road improvement schemes costing up to €5m.) and Strategic (improvement schemes costing over €5m.) grant programmes. Instead it considers projects on a case by case basis with a particular focus on:
- Major bridge rehabilitation works which are outside the scope of the normal bridge rehabilitation programme
- Critical safety improvement works which are outside the scope of the normal safety improvement programme
- Projects which would have a significant and quantifiable economic impact, particularly as regards employment and on industrial, tourism, agricultural, rural development and urban regeneration.
Roads Maintenance
Questions (1419)
Brendan Ryan
Question:1419. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocations for regional and local roads in his Department in each of the years 2014 to 2018, by grant type and outturns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1161/18]
View answerWritten answers
Details of the regional and local road grant allocations and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road grant booklets which are available in the Dáil Library.
The tables included in the payment and allocation booklets outline expenditure by type of grant programme. For the Deputy's information an explanation of the purpose of the main Regional and Local Road Grant Programmes is set out below:
Restoration Maintenance (RM): The purpose of the RM grant is to protect the structural integrity of the road by way of surface dressing through the sealing of the road surface. The purpose of restoration maintenance is to maintain the asset before it requires improvement.
Restoration Improvement Grant (RI): The RI grant programme is the main road strengthening programme and caters for surface restoration, pavement overlay works, complete road rehabilitation works and for drainage works where required.
Discretionary Grant (DG): Councils have discretion in spending these grants for improvement and maintenance works subject to selecting from a list of eligible works. However Councils are requested to prioritise projects which involve strengthening works, remedying road defects, winter maintenance and drainage works.
Bridge Rehabilitation (BR): This programme allows local authorities to apply for monies to undertake bridge rehabilitation works.
Safety Improvement Works (BS): This programme allows local authorities to apply for monies to undertake safety improvement works.
Training Grant (TG): The Training Grant assists in the provision of training of persons engaged in maintenance and improvement of regional and local roads.
Specific Grant and Strategic Grants: The Department no longer seeks annual applications from local authorities in respect of the Specific (road improvement schemes costing up to €5m.) and Strategic (improvement schemes costing over €5m.) grant programmes. Instead it considers projects on a case by case basis with a particular focus on:
- Major bridge rehabilitation works which are outside the scope of the normal bridge rehabilitation programme
- Critical safety improvement works which are outside the scope of the normal safety improvement programme
- Projects which would have a significant and quantifiable economic impact, particularly as regards employment and on industrial, tourism, agricultural, rural development and urban regeneration.
It is expected that regional and local road allocations for 2018 will be notified to local authorities shortly. In line with my Department's 2018 roads budget, an increase in allocations to local authorities is anticipated.
Roads Maintenance
Questions (1420)
Robert Troy
Question:1420. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount his Department has allocated for the maintenance of the regional and local road network in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1258/18]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
It is expected that regional and local road allocations for 2018 will be notified to local authorities shortly.
Public Transport
Questions (1421)
Robert Troy
Question:1421. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of restoring Public Service Obligation, PSO, subvention levels to those of 2008. [1259/18]
View answerWritten answers
The allocation for the Public Service Obligation (PSO) is subject to the annual Budgetary process. As the Deputy is aware last year I committed publicly to further increasing Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding levels in the future as resources allowed. PSO subvention increased in both 2016 and 2017 and will increase yet further this year. In Budget 2018 I secured an 8% increase in the overall Exchequer funding available for PSO services throughout the country. nThis means that in 2018 €285 million will be allocated via the National Transport Authority (NTA) to support the continued delivery of these socially necessary but financially unviable services that have grown in recent years.
Public Service Obligation (PSO) subvention provided in 2008 - the year of record funding - was €308 million. Therefore the total funding committed toward the PSO programme in 2018 now stands at approximately 93% of the 2008 figure.
As is normal, the precise allocations to the companies will be decided by the NTA in exercise of its statutory mandate and in accordance with the various contract arrangements that it has in place with PSO service providers.