Written Answers Nos. 66 - 89
66. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 20 of 15 February 2018, if the internal review by his Department of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973 has concluded; and if so, when the report will be published. [17725/18]
View answerThe review of the 1973 Order seeks to identify the options available for updating various aspects of the Order. It is examining the Statutory Instrument primarily from an administrative and legal perspective. There is no proposal to change the long-standing Government policy of permitting civil aircraft used by the defence forces of various nations to transit through Irish airspace and airports, subject to appropriate terms and conditions.
The other main Government bodies with an interest in the review are the Department of Foreign Affairs, in relation to foreign policy matters, and the Irish Aviation Authority, in relation to aviation safety and the carriage of dangerous goods by air. Both those bodies have now been consulted as part of the review.
While my Department had hoped to conclude the review by now, this has been delayed primarily due to other conflicting priorities, in particular work related to aviation and Brexit. However, the review should be concluded shortly.
67. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address the capacity shortages that exist across the Dublin Bus system and the lengthy lead-in times that exist for the procurement of additional buses. [17779/18]
View answerIn 2016, the NTA published its 2016-2035 Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), which provides the overarching framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services for Dublin over the next two decades. The measures proposed in the strategy are linked to an analysis of current and projected levels of travel demand across the region.
Investment in public transport in recent years has enabled renewal and expansion of the bus fleet as one of a number of measures to increase capacity and improve services, responding both to demand growth and to the need to provide a viable alternative choice for private car users. In 2017, a total of 102 buses were purchased for Dublin Bus both for their replacement programme and to cater for market growth, and similarly it is expected that 140 buses will be purchased in 2018 for the Dublin Region. These buses were purchased through a bus supply framework agreement put in place by the NTA.
Looking to the future, the Bus Connects programme will fundamentally transform our bus system, so that journeys for bus passengers will be fast, reliable, punctual, convenient and affordable. This programme was launched last year by the NTA, and it is identified in the National Development Plan (NDP) as a key public transport investment priority for completion in the GDA over the period of the plan. Amongst other features, BusConnects will see the transition to the use of lower emission vehicles.
As 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 statutory responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport in the Greater Dublin Area.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
68. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to address difficulties being experienced regarding boat access for tourists to Inishmurray, County Sligo. [17712/18]
View answerI understand that the difficulties in question relate to landing facilities for boats on Inishmurray Island, following concerns conveyed by my Department relating to safety during embarkation and disembarkation at the island. However, neither my Department nor its agencies have any role or responsibility with regard to the provision of such facilities or any related remedial works. I suggest that this may be a matter more relevant to the Local Authority – in this case, Sligo County Council – for which the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government is responsible.
69. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the ongoing pensions issue at CIÉ involving approximately 16,700 members; and the steps he is taking to address same. [17781/18]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my response to Priority Question No. 1 which I answered earlier.
70. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the roll-out of a strategy for the future development of greenways and rural cycling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17719/18]
View answerI expect to be in a position to publish the National Greenways Strategy before the end of Q2 2018.
The Strategy will provide a framework for the development of Ireland's greenways ensuring the best possible return for State investment. Furthermore, the Strategy will determine the type of project that will be funded over the coming decade by my Department and will set out guidance and options for project promoters in relation to the challenges faced in delivering greenway infrastructure. It will also emphasise the need for early and wide consultation with all landowners.
Following completion of the Strategy I will announce a funding call later in 2018 with a view to awarding funding for drawdown between 2019 and 2021 to the successful projects. Given the increased interest in greenways in recent years I expect that there will be a strong response to this funding call. I would again urge local authorities and state agencies interested in applying for funding to progress their planning and design of greenways as far as possible in advance of the funding call.
I was pleased to secure additional funding for greenways last year bringing the total available for the period 2018 to 2021 to €55.9m.
71. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he plans to meet with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to discuss the transfer of Dún Laoghaire harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17785/18]
View answerDun Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC) as a Port of Regional Significance is designated under National Ports Policy 2013 to transfer to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (DLR Co Co).
The transfer process has been on-going for a number of years and is moving towards finalisation. A due diligence has been undertaken and a risk assessment has been completed and presented to a special meeting of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council held on 6th March 2018.
My officials are in touch with officials in the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government to discuss any final matters outstanding.
73. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to support cricket here. [17763/18]
View answerCricket Ireland has received a number of important capital allocations through my Department in recent years and Sport Ireland also plays a key role in supporting Cricket Ireland on an ongoing basis. Minister Ross and I were delighted last June when the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that Ireland had achieved Test Status, a massive milestone for the sport's development in this country.
In October 2016, Minister Ross and my predecessor, Minister of State Patrick O'Donovan, approved the development of a high performance cricket training facility at the National Sports Campus. I understand that the initial phase of the facility is due for completion in May. I also noted recently that the Board of Cricket Ireland endorsed the development of a new permanent cricket stadium at the National Sports Campus.
In relation to future capital funding more generally, the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sport and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. A wide variety of sports have been supported under the programme including cricket. An announcement on the next round of the programme is expected shortly and any suitable cricket projects submitted will be fully considered. Furthermore, the recently published National Development Plan (NDP) contains a commitment to establish a new “Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund” (LSSIF) with at least €100m available over the coming years. My officials have now commenced drafting the terms and conditions of the new LSSIF. The Fund will be for larger projects where the proposed Government contribution would exceed the amount currently available for individual projects under the SCP. In terms of calls for proposals, it is envisaged that the views of the National Governing Bodies of Sport will be sought regarding the prioritisation of projects for possible inclusion and any plans for significant cricket projects will be considered in that context.
As regards current expenditure funding for cricket, that is provided through Sport Ireland, which 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, including Cricket Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to support provided by it for cricket. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
Finally, I am happy to confirm the Government's commitment to continue to support the furtherdevelopment of all sport in Ireland, including Irish cricket.
74. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to overcome ownership issues at Rosslare Europort following advice from a company (details supplied), other consultants and the Office of the Attorney General regarding the ownership structure of the port; his further plans for the future of Rosslare Europort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17775/18]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that Rosslare Europort is unique among the State-owned ports as it is not a state-alone 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 development, 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.
The Deputy may also be interested to know that Iarnród Éireann has advised that it has completed a commercial review of Rosslare Europort and will now prepare a Business Plan for the port to include consideration of the implications of Brexit for the port.
In addition, the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO), in conjunction with my Department, has been undertaking 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. This piece of research is being finalised and is expected to be completed shortly and should inform the potential for the future utilisation of all Ports, including Rosslare Europort.
75. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions that have been held with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the European Commission in relation to having cohesion funding post-2020 provided for the development of road projects in the Border region due to the particular difficulties that will arise in the area from Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17739/18]
View answerWhile the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has overall responsibility for EU Cohesion Policy and the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds, it should be noted that this Fund is directed towards Member States whose Gross National Income (GNI) per inhabitant is less than 90% of the EU average. For the 2014-2020 period, the countries that qualify for the Cohesion Fund are: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. As a budget contributor, Ireland does not qualify for Cohesion funding.
Following the publication of the National Development Plan and the National Planning Framework, Minister Donohoe and I wrote a joint letter in February to the European Commissioner for Transport, Ms Violeta Bulc, and the European Commissioner for Regional Policy, Ms Corina Cretu, emphasising the considerable challenges facing Ireland in the transport sector and setting out how the National Development Plan and National Planning Framework will inform future investments into the regions, including our outermost regions and our connectivity to Northern Ireland, which will be particularly impacted by Brexit. We made the point that investment in infrastructure has the potential to mitigate the implications of Brexit in these regions.
Over the coming years, Ireland will continue to prioritise key projects on the EU’s TEN-T core and comprehensive networks under the National Development Plan with the objective of enhancing connectivity between the comprehensive and core networks, thereby enhancing the sustainability and connectivity of our outermost regions.
The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for Transport is the EU funding instrument developed to direct investment in European transport infrastructure. The post-2020 EU Multiannual Financial Framework is due to be released in early May and preparations are now also underway at European Commission level for a new CEF 2 Regulation. All Member States have been invited to engage with the European Commission in relation to its preparatory work for the new CEF 2 Regulation and my Department has been participating fully in that process. The Department wrote to the European Commission in March with its comments on the Commission’s draft proposals and highlighted Ireland’s reliance on its road network and the need for investment in strategic road links, including on the comprehensive road network. In particular, the Department asked that reference to the cross-border Dublin to Letterkenny road (via the A5) be included in the Annex to the proposed Regulation.
76. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans that have been put into operation to resolve the ongoing problems with regard to the introduction of the Luas cross city project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16273/18]
View answerThe LUAS attracts very high levels of passenger demand, and growth in numbers since the extension of the Green Line came into service has been very high: 28% increase on the Green Line and 5% increase on the Red Line.
Following on from the opening of the LUAS Cross City in December 2017, I held a meeting on 15 March with all key Agencies who have a part to play in delivering LUAS services – National Transport Authority (NTA), Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Transdev and the tram manufacturer, Alstom. Discussions centred on the recent electrical fault with the new longer 55m trams and addressed what they are doing to ensure the availability of trams and full services on the Green Line. The Agencies outlined the range of actions they were developing to address difficulties and to put in place additional peak time capacity on LUAS services.
Since that meeting, those mitigating actions have been implemented and that has resulted in a marked improvement in the planned vehicle requirements on the Green Line being met at peak times. Two of the new 55m trams recently resumed service on the Green line with a third introduced last week. I also understand that the NTA and TII are working with all relevant parties and expect to introduce a new service timetable to make optimum use of the 7 new longer trams. This new timetable will improve services across the Green Line and also the Red Line.
77. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on an independent review of the sports capital programme with a view to creating additional guidelines or rules to ensure that funding under the programme is allocated in a more equitable manner (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17732/18]
View answerAfter every recent round of the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) a review was undertaken by the Sports Capital Programmes Division of my Department with a view to making recommendations on how to improve the process for future calls.
The review of the 2017 SCP is now complete and has been published on my Department's website at http://www.dttas.ie/sites/default/files/publications/sport/english/sports-capital-programme-2017-review/review-2017-sports-capital-programme.pdf. The 2017 Review highlights many positive aspects of the 2017 round of the programme including the simplified application process, the greater transparency in terms of how allocations were decided and the introduction of an appeals process for invalid applications. Areas requiring improvement are also identified however, in particular the need for greater clarity in the Department's own guide to making an application. The Review also suggests a number of measures aimed at further prioritising applications from disadvantaged areas and all proposals in this regard, including the Deputy's helpful suggestion, will be fully considered prior to the next round of the programme opening for applications.
Separately, a full Value For Money Review of the Sports Capital Programme is underway which is being led by the Department's Strategic Research and Analysis unit, with oversight from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Provisional findings from this Value For Money Review are expected later this year. A comprehensive Sports Policy paper is also being finalised and future rounds of the SCP will reflect that policy's relevant provisions.
79. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the setting up of a forum for public transport as committed to in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17767/18]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, following on from a commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government and as further committed to in the latter part of 2017, work is underway in the Department on reviewing public transport policy “to ensure services are sustainable into the future and are meeting the needs of a modern economy”. As part of this review, I as Minister am committed to convene and host a round-table policy discussion forum with a wide range of stakeholders from across the public transport and related sectors.
The objective of this event is to facilitate an open and inclusive exchange of views from interested parties on the potential challenges and competing priorities likely to arise in the future across all aspects of public transport provision including economic, social and environmental considerations. It is expected that the discussions will inform and enrich the policy review work currently on-going within the Department.
While I have been keen to hold this event, rather disappointing it has not been possible up until now owing to a series of industrial disputes and threatened industrial action. As the Deputy will understand I was not prepared to have such a discussion against the backdrop of an ongoing or a pending dispute.
However, I am now pleased that in very recent days there has been a development on the industrial relations front which means that there is no longer an ongoing dispute or threatened action. Therefore, I am now in a position to confirm that this roundtable will go ahead. I expect to issue details and invitations to all stakeholders from later today.
80. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the large-scale sport infrastructure fund that was announced as part of budget 2018 and the National Development Plan 2018-2027. [17777/18]
View answer85. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when large-scale projects for the sports capital programme will commence. [17713/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 85 together.
The recently published National Development Plan (NDP) contains a commitment to establish a new “Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund” (LSSIF) with at least €100m available over the coming years. My officials have commenced drafting the terms and conditions of the new LSSIF and are currently engaging with relevant stakeholders in this regard. An announcement in relation to when applications will be accepted will be made once these terms and conditions are finalised.
It is intended that the Fund will be for larger projects where the proposed Government contribution exceeds the amount currently available for individual projects under the Sports Capital Programme. The fund itself and all projects funded under the scheme will be subject to the Public Spending Code and State Aid requirements. It is envisaged that the views of the National Governing Bodies of Sport and local authorities would be sought regarding the prioritisation of projects for possible inclusion.
81. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which Counties Offaly and Laois will benefit from continued development of the Hidden Heartlands and Ancient East experiences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17721/18]
View answerWith regard to County Offaly, parts of the county close to the Shannon are included in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands - the new tourism experience brand for the Midlands region. The focus of this new brand is the Midlands' rich natural assets, including lakes, blueways and walkways, encouraging visitors to be 'active in nature' and to explore the region off the beaten track through a range of outdoor activities.
County Offaly also comes within the geographical scope of Ireland's Ancient East experience brand, which focuses on the historical and cultural offering. I understand that Fáilte Ireland has intentionally built in this overlap to allow local tourism operators decide for themselves whether to leverage one or both of these experience brands - whatever best suits their business.
As regards county Laois, I share Fáilte Ireland's view that this county, with its wealth of historic and cultural assets, is best served by continued inclusion in Ireland’s Ancient East. Indeed, I understand that this view is shared by other industry stakeholders locally.
In both Laois and Offaly, as in other counties in the region, I know that Fáilte Ireland is working closely with local tourism businesses and other stakeholders as part of its ongoing trade engagement, to help them position their offering within and gain maximum leverage the relevant experience brand. Fáilte Ireland also funds capital developments and festivals in these counties, as well as providing additional supports that benefit the counties, their tourism businesses and other stakeholders.
As the matters raised by the Deputy are operational matters for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland, I have referred the Deputy's question to the agency for further detail and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
82. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of invalid applications in the 2017 sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17759/18]
View answerA number of measures were introduced for the 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme with the aim of reducing the level of invalid applications. These measures included a shortened application form, the organisation of a series of regional seminars for potential applicants and more online validation to prevent applicants submitting incomplete applications. These measures were largely successful and the invalid rate for the 2017 round of the programme was the lowest ever at 20%. This compares to the average invalid rate for previous programmes of 34%. While this was good progress, I am committed to lowering this figure even further for the next round of the SCP. In this regard, a review of the 2017 round has now been published on the Department's website which contains a number of suggestions. As previously raised by the Deputy, one of the measures being considered is contacting applicants during the assessment process to give them the opportunity to submit corrected documentation.
In addition, all of the applicants who remain invalid following the conclusion of the 2017 round of the SCP have been contacted and informed that under the next round of the SCP they will be given the opportunity to simply submit the corrected documentation needed to make their 2017 application valid, without the requirement of going through a full new application process. I expect that an announcement regarding the timing of the next round of the SCP will be made in the coming weeks.
83. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the motion that was passed by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council at a meeting on 6 March 2018 requesting that he make the necessary funds available to bring Dún Laoghaire harbour into taking-in-charge standards to facilitate the speedy transfer of the harbour to the council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17786/18]
View answerDun Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC) as a Port of Regional Significance is designated under National Ports Policy 2013 to transfer to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.
At the special meeting of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council on 6 March 2018, the Chief Executive presented the risk assessment report on Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company to the Council.
The Chief Executive concluded, having carried out due diligence and a risk assessment on the company, that the most appropriate model of transfer for Dun Laoghaire is the transfer and dissolution model. The Council agreed with this position.
I understand that the main issue outstanding relates to remedial works in the harbour and how those works will be funded.
National Ports Policy clearly states that there is no Exchequer funding for any port company.
My Department has been informed that there is no immediate Health or Safety issue relating to any pier. It is normal procedure in port companies to prioritise engineering and remedial works and to phase those works and the funding to undertake those works, over a period of time (immediate, medium and long term).
84. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding for the repair of rural roads will be provided in view of recent bad weather and stretched council resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17783/18]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of local authorities, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's 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.
I announced the 2018 regional and local road allocations on 29th January and all grant funding available to my Department has now been allocated. It is a matter for each Council to determine its priorities and decide its work programme on that basis, taking available grant funding and its own resources into account. There is no additional funding available to my Department at present.
86. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the effectiveness of the "Wonders of the Wild Atlantic Way" marketing campaign. [17771/18]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy while the tourism agencies have operational responsibility for the implementation of this policy.
In January 2018, Minister Griffin launched the "Wonders of the Wild Atlantic Way" joint Tourism Ireland Failte Ireland marketing initiative, specially designed to boost tourist numbers from Britain to the Wild Atlantic Way. A €1.35 million marketing campaign in Britain is being complemented by an additional €500,000 Fáilte Ireland programme to support businesses along the Wild Atlantic Way to position themselves to benefit from the campaign, as well as to boost its own marketing campaigns in Northern Ireland.
The key focus of the campaign is to extend the holiday season beyond the peak summer months, by enticing people to visit in the spring and autumn. Phase one of Tourism Ireland’s marketing campaign was rolled out in Britain in February and March and with phase two scheduled for September and October.
Some 300 eye-catching billboard ads are highlighting the Wild Atlantic Way in key roadside and city centre locations across Britain right now. The ads feature strong and iconic images of various locations along the Wild Atlantic Way and the key message is the quick and easy access from Britain to those spectacular locations in under two hours. The campaign, which will reach at least ten million potential holidaymakers around Britain, is highlighting ease of direct access from six British gateway cities (London, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow) to Cork, Kerry, Shannon, Knock, Donegal and City of Derry airports. An important element of this campaign is the co-operative advertising with airlines flying to airports close to the Wild Atlantic Way – highlighting good value offers and ease of access, helping to convert interest into business.
While it is too early to report on the effectiveness of the campaign as yet, I look forward to hearing from the tourism agencies later in the year in this regard.
87. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to amend section 15 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 to ensure that taxi drivers are required to nominate a person to continue to operate a taxi licence in the event of the licence holder's death; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17731/18]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
As the Deputy refers, section 15 of this Act provides that an SPSV licence may continue to be operated by a person who was nominated by the licence holder in advance of his or her death.
While I have no plans to amend section 15 at this time, I recently was made aware that there have been some cases where licence holders have passed away without completing and submitting the required nomination form to the NTA. As a result, I am asking the NTA to consider further raising the level of awareness around the associated nomination process and would certainly urge all SPSV licence holders to take the time to complete the nomination form as soon as possible.
88. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the inclusion of persons with disabilities on the boards of public transport companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17718/18]
View answerSince becoming a Minister, I have been particularly struck by the personal experiences related to me in my meetings with people with disabilities who use public transport.
As a result of wide consultation with members of the disability community and with disability bodies striving to make an impact, I have decided that the State-owned public transport companies under the auspices of my Department should have at least one board member who has personal knowledge and experience of the needs and difficulties of people with disabilities using public transport.
At my request, the Public Appointments Service recently launched the application process for these positions and is inviting expressions of interest from the public for the boards of the Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and also the National Transport Authority. The closing date for applications was extended last week to 27th April. Details of the positions, the process, and how to apply are available on www.StateBoards.ie. I strongly encourage people with personal experience of the issues faced by people with disabilities on public transport to take a look at the website and to consider applying. We need the experience, skills and insight that they can bring to the work of these Boards.
89. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 243 of 28 March 2018, his views on the appropriateness of appointing Fingal County Council as the competent authority under EU 598/2014 with responsibility for airports outside Dublin; the bodies with which he consulted in this regard both nationally and at EU level; and the nature of this consultation. [17722/18]
View answerIn January of this year, I made a recommendation to Government that Fingal County Council be appointed as Competent Authority for the purpose of Regulation 589/14. The Government approved that recommendation.
As advised in response to Parliamentary Question No. 243 of 28 March 2018, EU Regulation 598/2014 only applies to airports with more than 50,000 civil aircraft movements per calendar year, and therefore in Ireland it only applies to Dublin Airport. The regulation does not apply to Cork or to Shannon, who both recorded traffic of under 20,000 for 2017.
As regards the consultations which took place, these were held entirely at official level between my Department, those Government Departments with a policy connection - environmental, planning and development - and their agencies, including obviously Fingal County Council. I am advised also that there was some official level engagement at EU level to understand how other Member States were progressing and there was contact with UK counterparts too, given the similarities in our regulatory, governance and legal structures.
On foot of all this, the Government has decided that Fingal County Council offers the best solution for Ireland, which is why I will be bringing a draft Bill to this House to provide for that.
