Written Answers Nos. 50-69
50. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific timelines for the publication of the NTA's integrated implementation plan for the greater Dublin area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25394/18]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority's (NTA) "Transport Strategy for the GDA 2016-2035" provides the overarching framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) over the next two decades. The measures proposed in the Strategy are linked to the NTA's assessment of current and projected levels of travel demand across the region and they will be also subject to a number of influencing factors including funding availability.
In line with legislation, the NTA's Strategy will be supported and given effect through a series of successive implementation plans. Each implementation plan will be developed for a six-year period within the overall timeframe of the 20-year Strategy. An implementation plan will set out the investment priorities and proposals over for the following six years, having regard to the overall Strategy, and the progress already achieved on implementation.
In order to ensure that the priorities set out in Implementation Plan adequately reflect the significantly increased available funding that will now be made available for transport investment, it was considered appropriate to await the publication of the National Development Plan (NDP) and the National Planning Framework (NPF) before finalising the Implementation Plan. Following the publication earlier this year of Project Ireland 2040 (comprising both the NPF and the NDP), the NTA is now in a position to finalise a draft Integrated Implementation Plan for the next 6 year period. I understand that work on the draft Plan is underway and NTA will publish it for public consultation later this year.
51. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps which will be taken with regard to applications that were invalid in the 2017 SCP; when new applicants can expect to apply for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25250/18]
View answerThe 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme attracted a record 2,320 applications. In November and December last, Minister Ross and I announced €60m in allocations to a record 1,800 projects under the 2017 round. A review of the 2017 round of the programme has now been finalised and published on my Department's website (www.dttas.ie). This review highlights aspects of the 2017 round of the SCP that worked well but also suggests some further improvements which are being considered prior to the next round of the programme opening for applications. It is proposed that all applicants who were invalid, or partially invalid, under the 2017 round of the programme will be allowed to correct their applications for the 2018 round without the need to submit a completely new application.
Some of the other changes being introduced for the 2018 round require amendments to the Department's online application system and work in this regard has now commenced. Formal sanction was received last week from the Minister from Public Expenditure and Reform to open the new round of the programme. Accordingly, I expect to make an announcement in relation to the timing of the next round in the coming weeks. All clubs and organisations registered on the Department's online application system will be notified at that time.
52. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding that will be made available to allow the construction of the Carrigaline western relief road, County Cork, to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24338/18]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area is a statutory function of local authorities in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded from these monies is a matter for each local authority.
Under the Strategic Grant Scheme, my Department gave a commitment in 2010 to provide grant assistance to Cork County Council in relation to the acquisition of land for the Carrigaline Western Relief Road. The commitment to part fund land acquisition on this road has been met but no grant commitment was given in relation to the construction of the road.
In the aftermath of the financial crisis there were major cutbacks in funding for the national, regional and local road network. This resulted in the severe curtailment in funding for road improvement grant programmes, including the Strategic Grant Scheme, in order to focus available funding on maintenance and renewal work.
The current capital investment framework marks a significant step forward in terms of restoring funding to the levels needed to maintain the road network in a “steady state” condition and allowing for some investment in road improvement schemes but it is going to take time for funding to build up to the required level. For now funding will largely continue to support the maintenance of the regional and local road network. While a limited number of improvement projects are scheduled to go ahead over the next few years, funding is not available to commit to additional schemes at this point.
My Department is, however, liaising with Cork County Council with a view to positioning the project for development in the post 2021 period.
53. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to alleviate congestion on the M50 in the short term in view of the continuing congestion on the M50 especially at peak times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25393/18]
View answerI fully recognise the pressures on transport infrastructure in the greater Dublin area, including on the M50.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) along with other stakeholders, is continuing to implement a number of measures on the M50 to manage demand and optimise operational efficiency, including:
- enhanced vehicle recovery services;
- establishment of an Interagency Incident Coordination Group;
- changes to merging and diverging layouts at junctions;
- the establishment of signed Emergency Diversion Routes;
and improved access for incident support and emergency services.
TII has also commenced a project titled ‘enhancing Motorway Operation Services’ which will include, inter alia, Variable Speed Limits and Lane Control Signalling.
The variable speed limit regime on the M50 will improve the operational efficiency of the motorway by smoothing traffic flow, improving journey time reliability and reducing the number of traffic collisions. Lane control signalling will also be installed as part of the project which will allow the closing off of lanes.
TII has provided an allocation of €7.5m in 2018 to progress the implementation of variable speed limits on the M50. It is expected that the variable speed limit regime will become operational in late 2019 or early 2020.
In addition, the National Development Plan, which was launched earlier this year by Government as part of Project Ireland 2040, identifies a number of key public transport priorities including the BusConnects programme, MetroLink and the DART expansion programme. These will be delivered by the National Transport Authority progressively and steadily over the short, medium and long term, to deliver a comprehensive public transport network that will match transport demand, alleviate congestion, provide an alternative to private car use and deliver a range of benefits over the next decade.
54. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase visitor numbers from China and Hong Kong in view of the new direct air links from Hong Kong and Beijing. [25406/18]
View answerAs an island destination, direct, convenient and competitive access services are critical to achieving growth in inbound tourism for Ireland.
A total of 129 million Chinese people travelled overseas in 2017, making China the world’s largest outbound travel market. Accordingly, China and Hong Kong are important emerging travel markets for Ireland. The new direct flights from Hong Kong and Beijing offer huge potential to build on progress made in recent years.
As the Deputy is aware, Tourism Ireland is responsible for marketing the island of Ireland in overseas tourism markets. It has a strong network in China, with offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Chengdu. The organisation’s activity in China involves establishing and building relationships with influential intermediaries, including the travel trade, airlines and media.
To coincide with the launch of the new flight from Hong Kong, Tourism Ireland invited a group of journalists to visit Ireland and to help get positive exposure for Ireland and the new flight through the media in Hong Kong. Tourism Ireland also rolled out a multi-channel campaign with Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta Metropolitan Region in advance of the launch of the new flight between Hong Kong and Dublin. In addition, it has launched a new website in China, www.DiscoverIreland.cn. The new site, specifically designed for use on mobile devices, is hosted in China and is therefore more accessible for prospective Chinese visitors.
As part of Tourism Ireland’s sales mission to China in May, meetings took place with representatives of both Hainan Airlines in Beijing and Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong, to discuss how to drive demand for and maximise the promotion of both services.
Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, along with Tourism NI, have developed and successfully piloted a ‘China Ready’ training programme for the industry here in Ireland. More than 20 tourism operators around the island of Ireland have already completed such a programme to help them prepare for Chinese visitors.
55. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the publication of the new national sports policy. [25269/18]
View answerIn line with responses that have previously been given to this House in response to similar questions, the new national sports policy in nearing completion and will be published shortly, following its consideration by Government.
A very thorough and comprehensive process has been followed in the preparation of this new policy, which will set out Ireland’s Vision for Sport in 2027 and the steps required to achieve this vision.
The consultative approach taken in relation to this policy is worthy of emphasis. We have had the benefit of over 50 submissions received as a result of a very useful public consultation process undertaken in late 2016. These submissions came from a wide range of stakeholders with a strong interest in the future of Irish sport, including Government departments, National Governing Bodies of Sport, Local Sports Partnerships and private individuals. I wish to formally record my appreciation of all those stakeholders that took the time and effort to give us their views.
Following close examination of these submissions, further meetings were held with certain stakeholders throughout the drafting of the Policy document. This in-depth process has informed decision making on the key challenges faced by the sport sector, and the complex issues that arise in addressing them.
I have previously outlined some key themes which emerged during this valuable process including:
- The vital role of education in the delivery of sports measures;
- The need for increased investment in sport, both in lifelong participation programmes as well as support for high performance athletes.
- The need for greater Cross-Sectoral Co-operation with sports stakeholders and relevant Government Departments, working more closely with Local Authorities in particular; and
- The importance of continued investment in Sports Facilities locally, regionally and nationally.
The new policy will be published next month and the important themes that I have just mentioned will feature prominently, as well as some other important aspects of sport such as integrity in sport, governance and capacity building, and research and evaluation.
56. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeframe for receipt of applications and announcement of successful projects under the €50 million large scale infrastructure fund; and the criteria that will apply for the type of projects that can be received. [25412/18]
View answer96. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a request for expressions of interest in the large scale projects under the sports capital programme will be issued. [25205/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 96 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. There is no funding provided for the programme in 2018. The amounts to be provided in 2019 and subsequently will be decided in the context of the annual estimates process.
In relation to the design of the scheme, my officials have been engaging with relevant stakeholders on the proposed terms and conditions of the new scheme in recent weeks. 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. At this stage, it is envisaged that the fund will be initially focused on the National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Authorities and all projects will need to be fully compliant with the Public Spending Code and EU State Aid regulations. The possibility of adopting a two stream approach to cover both projects nearing construction stage but also those at an earlier stage of planning is also being actively considered.
My officials hope to have the draft terms and conditions of the new scheme finalised shortly and an announcement in relation to when applications will be accepted will be made once this work is complete.
57. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of efforts to improve cross-Border tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25315/18]
View answerMy Department has responsibility for the development of national tourism policy while the tourism agencies have responsibility for the implementation of that policy. In that regard, Fáilte Ireland has responsibility for regional tourism development and domestic tourism promotion and it promotes all areas of Ireland as a tourism destination, including in Northern Ireland. Tourism Ireland is responsible for promoting the island of Ireland overseas as a tourism destination.
Furthermore, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland work together on an ongoing basis, including through regular tri-partite meetings, where improvements to cross – border tourism on the island of Ireland are discussed.
I have asked the tourism agencies to provide more information directly to the Deputy in regard to their efforts to improve cross-Border tourism. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
58. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the detail of the preparations for the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25377/18]
View answerIn 2014, Dublin won the right to host 4 matches of the UEFA EURO 2020 tournament comprising three group games and one second round game. The bid to host was a collaborative effort between the Football Association of Ireland, Dublin City Council and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
Since then a Local Organising Structure (LOS) has been developed with the participation of the three main stakeholders and other organisations key to delivering the tournament. This structure includes a Project Board to oversee the overall project, a Project Working Group to manage it on a day-to-day basis and a number of sectorial sub-groups. The LOS is working closely with UEFA to meet their hosting requirements for EURO 2020 in areas such as the presentation of the stadium, broadcasting facilities, fanzones and spectator experience, transport, security, commercial rights protection, and national promotion.
The dates for the UEFA Euro 2020 matches were recently announced by UEFA. The dates on which matches will take place in Dublin are:
Monday 15th June
Friday 19th June
Wed 24th June
Tues 30th June (Round of 16)
The times of the matches have not yet been announced but the announcement of the dates will aid the preparations for the tournament in particular transport arrangements.
The first major event of EURO 2020 will be the live televised draw for the qualifying groups, which will take place on the 2nd of December 2018. In September last, the Dublin LOS won the bid to host this event and, accordingly, attendees representing UEFA's 55 National Associations will come to the Convention Centre Dublin for the event next December. It is expected that there will be 650 guests, including almost 300 delegates from the participating countries, 350 media representatives accredited to cover the event, and more than 70 broadcasters to show the draw live to an audience of 140 million around the world.
Preparations for EURO 2020 will intensify over the next two years with the qualifying campaign kicking off with the new Nations League starting in September, tickets going on sale in 2019 and qualifying being completed in March 2020.
59. 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. [25316/18]
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 decided that the public transport companies under my aegis should each have at least one board member who has personal knowledge and experience of the needs and difficulties of people with disabilities using public transport.
The competition for the appointments to the Boards of the National Transport Authority (NTA), Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Irish Rail, is being run by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) and the closing date for applications was 27 April last. I expect to be in a position to appoint persons to the Boards in the coming weeks.
It is also my intention that a similar appointment should be made to the Board of CIÉ. As well as the public transport companies, I will be appointing a disability advocate to the Board of Sport Ireland and this process is also underway by PAS.
60. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the quality assurances he undertakes with the Road Safety Authority to ensure that it is effectively carrying out its requisite duties regarding the administration of surrendered licences of disqualified drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24859/18]
View answerThis is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have therefore referred the Question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
61. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the Irish Maritime Development Office will publish its study into the use of the UK landbridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24636/18]
View answerThe Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) in conjunction with my Department has undertaken a study into the use of the UK landbridge by Irish importers and exporters. The purpose of this research is to establish the volume of traffic using the UK landbridge at present, the potential consequences that Brexit will have on landbridge usage and the various alternative options that may be viable. This Study is expected to be finalised this month and to be published shortly thereafter.
62. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of anti-social incidents that have been recorded on the DART line in each of the years 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018. [24334/18]
View answerThe safety and security of passengers and staff including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour on the DART is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with, as appropriate, An Garda Síochána.
I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
63. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on concerns of taxi drivers and the costs of car insurance; and his further views on the fact that many taxis are being priced out of the sector which will create a shortfall in services. [25314/18]
View answerI agree that the increases in premium costs of motor insurance in recent years has certainly been a cause for concern for all drivers, including the owners of Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSVs). However, recent CSO figures show overall motor premiums for the year 2018 as being lower in comparison to those for the previous two years.
As you may know, the pricing of insurance products is a commercial issue for insurance companies, based on an assessment of the risks that they are willing to accept. This position is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance which expressly prohibits Member States from adopting rules which require insurance companies to obtain prior approval of the pricing or terms and conditions of insurance products.
The Department of Finance Working Group's Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance was published in January 2017. Based on recommendations from this report, the Advisory Committee on SPSVs met with Insurance Ireland on 22 May 2017 to discuss motor insurance costs relating to the taxi industry and a report on same was presented to me on 21 June. I have forwarded that report to the Minister of State at the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael D'Arcy, TD who is the chair of the aforementioned Working Group. The Advisory Committee on SPSVs and Insurance Ireland have agreed that there should be ongoing engagement between them and it is my hope that this cooperation and engagement will help to address the concerns of taxi drivers regarding motor insurance issues including the cost of same.
Insurance Ireland operates a free insurance information service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in obtaining insurance. All calls regarding refusal to quote, or quotations that are so excessive as to be in effect a refusal, should be directed to Insurance Ireland by phone at (01) 676 1820, by email at declined@insuranceireland.eu or by post at 5 Harbourmaster Place, IFSC, Dublin 1 - quoting the Declined Cases Agreement.
64. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has reflected further on the decision to award Fingal County Council the role of noise monitor for Dublin Airport in view of political and public opposition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25333/18]
View answerThe Government has made a decision that Fingal County Council shall be the Competent Authority for the purpose of EU Regulation 598/2014. This Government decision was based on an assessment that Fingal County Council represented the best available option for the timely and effective implementation of the Airport Noise Regulation, given that there is significant amount of focus on the interaction between EU Regulation 598/2014, the 2002 Environmental Noise Directive and the planning and development framework. It therefore makes sense for Fingal County Council to be appointed to undertake this role in order to ensure a fair and consistent approach to the assessment of development and the impact of aircraft noise at Dublin Airport. Importantly, the Government also decided to introduce primary legislation to give effect to the Regulation. I have every intention of bringing forward a Bill that strikes a balance between the rights of local residents, the daa as the regulated entity and the broader national interest in recognition of the crucial importance of our primary national airport.
65. Deputy Kate O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which schools can benefit from the sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25243/18]
View answerThe Sports Capital Programme (SCP) provides grants to assist in the development or refurbishment of sports facilities and the provision of sports equipment. Grants are available to sports clubs, voluntary and community groups, national governing bodies of sport, and local authorities. Third level colleges, Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and schools may also apply for funding but these applications must be made jointly with sports clubs or organisations. In this regard, organisations in the education sector must provide the Department with at least one licence agreement entered into with a local sports club or community group as evidence that the proposed facilities will be shared with the wider community.
A review of the 2017 round of the programme has now been finalised and published on my Department's website (www.dttas.ie) . This review highlights aspects of the 2017 round of the SCP that worked well but also suggests some further improvements which are being considered prior to the next round of the programme opening for applications. Amongst the recommendations is the need to increase the awareness of the Sports Capital Programme in the education sector and measures in this regard will be undertaken. Some of the other changes require amendments to the Department's online application system and work in this regard has now commenced. Formal sanction was received last week from the Minister from Public Expenditure and Reform to open the new round of the programme. Accordingly, I expect to make an announcement in relation to the timing of the next round in the coming weeks.
66. Deputy Maria Bailey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which the recent conference held in Dún Laoghaire on accessible tourism could inform ways to benefit Dublin's and Ireland's tourism industry; the follow-up action taken in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25317/18]
View answerThe accessible tourism conference recently held in Dun Laoghaire was the first of its kind to be held in Ireland. Accessible tourism is about making environments, venues and services suitable for the widest range of customers and is one of the fastest growing tourism segments in the world. This conference provided an opportunity for the tourism industry to prepare and to promote itself for the growing accessible tourism market.
Fáilte Ireland has operational responsibility for the development of the tourism industry including accessible tourism and I have asked them to provide the Deputy with more information on their work in this area. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
67. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the options his Department is considering to manage traffic capacity issues on the M50; if the introduction of additional tolling is the preferred option; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25252/18]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.
While the 2014 M50 Demand Management Study recommended the introduction of multi-point tolling on the M50, my consistent position has been that I do not propose to introduce such tolls as the likely impact of multi-point tolling would be to push vehicles on to other roads and through local communities.
My view is that the emphasis at this point needs to be on addressing congestion across the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and the National Transport Authority's (NTA) Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area provides the overarching framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services over the next two decades. Addressing urban congestion on both the strategic road network and locally in certain locations is an important theme in the Strategy.
As TII has operational responsibility for the M50, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply in relation to the specific measures being taken and planned by TII regarding the operation of the M50. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
68. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of commitments to increase the frequency of the DART through the Phoenix Park tunnel to every ten minutes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25407/18]
View answerThe Deputy appears to be raising two separate issues here as the DART does not currently run through the Phoenix Park Tunnel.
Since its reopening in November 2016, the Phoenix Park Tunnel has seen commuters on the Kildare to Dublin Heuston line benefit from having the option of direct trains to city centre stations such as Connolly, Tara, Pearse and Docklands. I am advised by National Transport Authority (NTA) that from December 2018 Maynooth services will be extended to off-peak periods as well as peak periods. Additional off-peak and weekend services from Kildare via the Phoenix Park Tunnel are expected by mid-2019.
I am also advised by NTA that an all-day 10 minute DART service will be introduced from September this year. In addition, procurement work has begun with an order expected to be placed in 2019 for hybrid diesel-electric rail fleet to provide an extended DART service across the Dublin rail network as envisaged in the National Development Plan.
69. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the progress of the A5; the details of his engagement with his counterpart in Northern Ireland on the project; the funding that will be made available for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25395/18]
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 towards the cost of Phase 1 of the project (Newbuildings to north of Strabane).
The funding allocated to my Department as part of the Capital Plan Review last year includes financial provision for meeting the Government's commitment regarding the A5 in three £25 million (sterling) tranches over the period 2019 to 2021. The project is the subject of legal proceedings at present.
