Kate O'Connell
Question:47. Deputy Kate O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the benefits from the results of the recently published sports monitor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25245/18]
View answerSport Ireland
Questions (47)
Written answers
The 2017 Irish Sports Monitor Report, published by Sport Ireland last month, is an insightful report providing important information on all aspects of adult participation in sport and physical activity. It also measures social participation in sport and provides key insights into the role that sport plays, not just in encouraging healthier, more active lifestyles, but also in fostering community spirit and developing social capital.
The report presents some very positive findings. It shows that 43% of the adult population regularly take part in sport, representing 1.6 million regular participants. It also shows that social participation among adults is currently at 45%, equivalent to 1.65 million adults. Overall, over 3 in 5 adults are involved in some way with sport.
I am pleased to note that there has been an increase in the proportion of the population that is highly active, with an increase from 30% to almost 33% of those now achieving the minimum level of activity set by the National Physical Activity Guidelines. I would like to see that figure higher than a third and we are going the right direction.
I also welcome the narrowing of the gender gap in participation between men and women, which is now just 4.5%, the lowest recorded since the Irish Sports Monitor Report was introduced in 2007.
There are challenges for us in terms of increasing participation among the population generally and among those groups that are under-represented in sport. The important work being done by Sport Ireland, the Local Sports Partnerships and sports organisations at national and local level is key in helping to achieve greater levels of participation in sport right across our society.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department is currently finalising a National Sports Policy. The Irish Sports Monitor Reports have been extremely informative in the development of that Policy.
Bus Services
Questions (48, 85)
Brian Stanley
Question:48. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the provision of bus shelters on the main routes connecting Dublin, Cork and Limerick which are required in towns and villages on the route will be prioritised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24964/18]
View answerBrian Stanley
Question:85. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided for bus shelters in Borris-in-Ossory, Castletown, Mountrath, Ballybrittas, Newtown and Ballylinan, County Laois which are vitally required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24965/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 85 together.
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 responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport infrastructure including the provision of bus shelters.
The capital funding allocated under my Vote this year to the NTA will enable them to undertake substantial investment in public transport infrastructure. This includes over €80 million for the NTA's various bus programmes including €3 million for roadside infrastructure which includes bus stops, poles, turning areas, interchange locations and bus shelters.
As the Deputy will be aware from his previous correspondence with the NTA, and as I am advised, the Authority has developed a prioritisation framework to determine appropriate numbers and locations for the installation of bus shelters in metropolitan areas and in towns and rural areas. The NTA's prioritisation framework sets out the following criteria:
A. One bus shelter in each direction at the busiest stop in all towns that have a population size exceeding 1,000 people;
B. A bus shelter at the two busiest bus stops in each direction in towns that have a population size exceeding 3,000 people;
C. A bus shelter at the three busiest bus stops in each direction in towns that have a population size exceeding 10,000 people; and
D. In locations other than A, B and C where such stops are served by 10 or more PSO services per day.
I understand that NTA's general approach is that Bus shelters will not be provided in towns that do not fall under the criteria set out in their framework, however, requests for shelters at specific locations should be referred to the NTA for consideration.
Wild Atlantic Way Project
Questions (49)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:49. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress of plans to promote areas such as the Lee Valley as being near the Wild Atlantic Way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25282/18]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, Fáilte Ireland has operational responsibility for regional tourism development and domestic tourism promotion and Tourism Ireland markets the island of Ireland overseas.
In this regard, I am informed that Fáilte Ireland are engaging in a programme to extend the concept of the Wild Atlantic Way to the wider region, as distinct from the Wild Atlantic Way route. This encompasses areas that are not on the Wild Atlantic Way route, but are part of the wider hinterland and whose main opportunity is to leverage the visitor already coming or going from the Wild Atlantic Way. The Lee Valley has been designated part of the Wild Atlantic Way region and is included in all Fáilte Ireland's development, promotional and business support activities.
Fáilte Ireland will be hosting a number of workshops in this area to explain how opportunities can be maximised and to make the most of the Wild Atlantic Way region brand. Furthermore, I understand that Tourism Ireland is working with Cork Airport and tourism industry partners to highlight Cork as a stand-alone destination and also as a gateway to both the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East.
For further information, I have referred the Deputy's question to the two tourism agencies for further information on their work in the Lee Valley Area. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The referred replies were forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.