Written Answers Nos. 1281-1287
1281. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of the A5 road development in each of the years 2019 to 2023; the estimated cost of delivering the project; and the expected timeline for completion. [15532/18]
View answerThe 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 - 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. In this context the commencement of this project has been subject to various legal challenges.
Under the 2017 Capital Plan Review provision was made for my Department to meet the Government's €75 million (sterling) funding commitment under the Fresh Start Agreement in the period 2019 to 2021.
1283. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt an bhfuil i gceist aige rialacha nó dlí a thabhairt isteach lena gcuirfí iallach ar sholáthraithe seirbhísí bus rialta faoi cheadúnas ó ÚNI leithreas a bheith ar a gcuid busanna acu i gcás an tseirbhís do thógáil níos mó ná dhá uair an chloig go dtí an ceann scríbe; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [15554/18]
View answerTá an tÚdarás Náisiúnta Iompair (ÚNI) freagrach as ceadúnú Seirbhísí Paisinéirí Bus Poiblí faoi fhorálacha an Achta um Rialáil Iompair Phoiblí, 2009. Sheoil mé do cheist chuig an ÚNI le freagra a sheloadh chugat féin go díreach.
Cuir m’oifig phríobháideach ar an eolas le do thoil, mura bhfaigheann tú freagra laistigh de 10 lá oibre.
1284. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the review of the feasibility of opening the second phase of the western rail corridor from Tuam to Claremorris will commence in view of the recent commitment in Project Ireland 2040 on this matter; the terms of reference of the review; the person or body will carry out the review; if public consultation will form part of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15574/18]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, both the "Programme for a Partnership Government" and the recently-published "National Development Plan" commit to independent review of the costings for a proposal to extend the existing Western Rail Corridor. My Department is currently at an advanced stage in developing an approach for progressing such a review in line with these commitments, and I expect to be in a position shortly to decide on the approach to be taken. I am cognisant of the need for stakeholder consultation as part of the process, and can assure the Deputy that this will be an integral part of the review's arrangements.
1285. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the number of times the Limerick tunnel was closed in 2016 and 2017 and to date in 2018, due to over height vehicles especially on the northbound approach to the tunnel; the actions he will take to minimise tunnel closures due to this ongoing problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15646/18]
View answer1286. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the number of times the Limerick tunnel was closed in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018, due to over height vehicles; if there is an additional cost to the State due to the lower than expected number of vehicles using the tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15647/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1285 and 1286 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 operation of individual roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
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.
1287. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the decision to reduce the trams on the Luas Red line (details supplied); his further views on the impact on the frequency of Luas trams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15732/18]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Transdev 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
