Written Answers Nos. 90-109
90. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if cuts to the cycling budget over the past two years will be revised; if a statutory instrument for placing a minimum passing distance on a legislative basis will be published; and if he will publish the national greenway strategy. [25404/18]
View answerIn relation to funding, I have no doubt the Deputy welcomes the increases I have secured over the 2018 to 2021 period. The next four years will see over €110million allocated to develop cycling and walking infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. In addition, I have also secured funding of €135million over the same period for sustainable transport projects in the five cities. These projects will also improve, directly and indirectly, both the cycling and walking infrastructure in the cities in question, and the efficiency and safety of their existing infrastructure.
As well as that, the significant investment planned in the BusConnects programme will also deliver an extensive new network of cycle lanes, greatly improving the safety of our cyclists. My Department also spends over €2.5million per annum on behavioural programmes to encourage a modal shift and to increase safety and awareness among all road users.
In relation to the minimum passing distance, draft regulations providing for an amendment to article 10 of the Road Traffic (Traffic & Parking) Regulations 1997 were submitted to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for consideration and settling. As that process identified a number of complex issues, legal advice was sought within the Office of the Attorney General. The Department is currently giving consideration to that advice and will shortly be engaging with the AGO to resolve outstanding issues.
Finally, as regards the National Greenways Strategy my Department is currently finalising the Strategy and I expect to be in a position to publish in the coming weeks. 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 by project promoters with communities and affected landowners.
92. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline for the transfer of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25417/18]
View answerDun Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC) is designated under National Ports Policy 2013 to transfer to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (DLRCoCo) and the process is still ongoing.
The Chief Executive of DLRCoCo undertook due diligence of the port company in preparation for transfer and presented her report to the Council on 9 January 2017. As the report raised a number of further issues for clarification, the CE engaged a financial consultant to carry out a risk assessment to enable the Council to fully understand the implications of the two different models of transfer and the responsibility that will transfer in financial and other terms. The CE presented the risk assessment report to the Council at a Special Meeting held on 6 March 2018. At that meeting the CE and the Council concluded that the most appropriate method of transfer for the company is the transfer and dissolution method.
I subsequently advised the Council in writing that my preferred model of transfer is the transfer and dissolution model for DLHC. When the transfer takes place, the company will be dissolved and all assets, employees and liabilities will transfer to the Council. I understand that the main issue now outstanding relates to remedial works in the harbour and how those works will be funded. My Department has been informed that there is no immediate Health and Safety issue with any pier in Dun Laoghaire harbour.
National Ports Policy clearly states that there is no Exchequer funding for any port company. 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). In addition Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC) has a substantial asset which will transfer to the Council.
My officials are currently in touch with officials in the Department Housing, Planning and Local Government to finalise issues outstanding.
93. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the release of information contained in two databases (details supplied) to potential new entrants to the Irish insurance market to encourage free and fair competition with new entrants able to enter and compete in the market here on a level playing field with existing market players; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24967/18]
View answerBoth databases referred to come under the remit of Insurance Ireland and all access to these databases is a matter for Insurance Ireland.
Section 5(1) of the Road Traffic Act 2014 enables the supply of data by my Department's National Vehicle and Driver (NVDF) to the insurance industry. Access is available to all vehicle insurers operating in the state who are registered with the Central Bank of Ireland.
94. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt an bhfuil sé chun gach iarracht a dhéanamh a chinntiú nach gcuirfidh forbairt Metrolink isteach ar fhorbairt Scoil Mobhí agus Scoil Chaitríona i nGlas Naíon, ná ar an bpobal Gaeilge timpeall orthu; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [24335/18]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail. Recently the NTA and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) launched a public consultation on the details in relation to the "Emerging Preferred Route" for the MetroLink Project, which extends between Swords and Sandyford.
The Emerging Preferred Route is the proposal which has been identified as the likely optimal scheme from a technical design perspective, without the benefit of public consultation and input. It is not a finalised and selected scheme – the final layout will only be determined after consideration and evaluation of the issues raised during the consultation process.
Following receipt of all of the submissions, the issues and concerns identified will be carefully considered by TII and the NTA in determining the final scheme proposal and a report will be prepared on the consultation process. It is envisaged that the public consultation report will be published later this year.
I understand the concerns raised by affected stakeholders including residents, local amenities and schools. I believe there are many benefits the Metro project can bring. The NTA and TII, through the consultative process they have underway, are working collaboratively to address concerns identified and to develop mitigating proposals. Their aim is to find a way of delivering the MetroLink project, while maintaining good routes that interchange with other public transport and doing it in such a way that respects the social and community life of our city.
97. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure equality between men and women in sport in view of the fact no woman appeared on the recently published report on 100 top sport earners. [25405/18]
View answerThe context of the Deputy's question relates to professional sport and the earnings accruing to any individual sportsperson or sport, which is not within the purview of my area of responsibility, or indeed that of Sport Ireland.
I would consider that the issue of securing equality between men and women in sport is fundamentally concerned with equality of opportunity and the provision of access to a variety of sporting activities that are of interest and are sought by men and women.
It is of course hugely important to ensure that men and women are equally as involved in all aspects of sport, and this is a key aim in our upcoming National Sports Policy. In terms of the measures being taken to work towards equality, I think that the Deputy will be interested to hear that real and substantial progress is being made in the sports participation rates of men and women.
Just over a decade ago, in 2007, there was a gap of almost 16% in active participation levels between genders. In the intervening decade, we have narrowed this gap to just 4.5% in 2017 according to the recently published Irish Sports Monitor Annual Report.
In the last four years alone, Sport Ireland has allocated almost €2,400,000 in specific Women in Sport funding to 31 different National Governing Bodies of Sport. This investment is clearly delivering strong results.
We will continue to work towards the achievement of parity in the area of active participation in sport by gender. My Department's new National Sports Policy aims at increasing the levels of participation in sport and physical activity across the population over the next ten years, with a specific focus on less active groups including women and girls.
There is also significant work to be done in increasing involvement of women in areas such as coaching, administration and membership of Club and NGB boards. This will be a focus of our efforts to strengthen the overall capacity of sports organisations as part of our National Sports Policy. It is important to ensure that representation by women at all levels of sport is evident and becomes the norm into the future.
The new National Sports Policy will be published in July 2018.
98. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which the Hidden Heartlands experience will be developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25204/18]
View answerI was very happy to launch the Ireland's Hidden Heartlands Brand earlier this year and I believe that the area has great potential. In this regard, the development of the concept and the operational development of the tourism brand experiences like Ireland's Hidden Heartlands is a matter for Fáilte Ireland, which operates under the aegis of my Department. Accordingly, I am referring the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for information on how the experience will be developed. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
99. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the Bonagee link road project in County Donegal; when the project will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25396/18]
View answerAs 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.
100. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the transfer of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25416/18]
View answerDun Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC) is designated under National Ports Policy 2013 to transfer to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (DLRCoCo) and the process is still ongoing.
The Chief Executive of DLRCoCo undertook due diligence of the port company in preparation for transfer and presented her report to the Council on 9 January 2017. As the report raised a number of further issues for clarification, the CE engaged a financial consultant to carry out a risk assessment to enable the Council to fully understand the implications of the two different models of transfer and the responsibility that will transfer in financial and other terms. The CE presented the risk assessment report to the Council at a Special Meeting held on 6 March 2018. At that meeting the CE and the Council concluded that the most appropriate method of transfer for the company is the transfer and dissolution method.
I subsequently advised the Council in writing that my preferred model of transfer is the transfer and dissolution model for DLHC. When the transfer takes place, the company will be dissolved and all assets, employees and liabilities will transfer to the Council. I understand that the main issue now outstanding relates to remedial works in the harbour and how those works will be funded. My Department has been informed that there is no immediate Health and Safety issue with any pier in Dun Laoghaire harbour.
National Ports Policy clearly states that there is no Exchequer funding for any port company. 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). In addition Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC) has a substantial asset which will transfer to the Council.
My officials are currently in touch with officials in the Department Housing, Planning and Local Government to finalise issues outstanding.
101. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the consultative process with residents and affected stakeholders along the initially proposed MetroLink line in Dublin 7; his views on concerns raised; his plans to recommend an alternative route to the one proposed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25313/18]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail. Recently the NTA and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) launched a public consultation on the details in relation to the "Emerging Preferred Route" for the MetroLink Project, which extends between Swords and Sandyford.
The Emerging Preferred Route is the proposal which has been identified as the likely optimal scheme from a technical design perspective, without the benefit of public consultation and input. It is not a finalised and selected scheme – the final layout will only be determined after consideration and evaluation of the issues raised during the consultation process.
Following receipt of all of the submissions, the issues and concerns identified will be carefully considered by TII and the NTA in determining the final scheme proposal and a report will be prepared on the consultation process. It is envisaged that the public consultation report will be published later this year.
I understand the concerns raised by affected stakeholders including residents, local amenities and schools. I believe there are many benefits the Metro project can bring. The NTA and TII, through the consultative process they have underway, are working collaboratively to address concerns identified and to develop mitigating proposals. Their aim is to find a way of delivering the MetroLink project, while maintaining good routes that interchange with other public transport and doing it in such a way that respects the social and community life of our city.
102. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 202 of 30 May 2018, if the section 32 examination of the performance by the IAA of its functions in so far as they relate to the application and enforcement of technical and safety standards regarding aircraft and air navigation will be complete before the end of 2018 in view of the fact that the public tendering process to appoint the entity to conduct this examination has not yet commenced. [25028/18]
View answerAs I indicated in my reply to Question No. 202 of 30 May 2018, it is proposed that a competitive tendering process will be undertaken in relation to the appointment of an external party to carry out a Section 32 examination. My Department proposes to commence work on the tendering process shortly, and subject to a successful outcome to this I will seek to appoint a party to carry out the examination in accordance with the Irish Aviation Act 1993. The Act requires that a person is appointed to carry out an examination of the IAA's performance at least once in every three year period.
103. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the proposed cycle route along the seafront from Sandymount to Dún Laoghaire as part of the proposed Sutton to Sandycove route; and if the project will be allocated capital funding from the €110 million allocated for new urban cycling routes in the four year enhanced capital envelope outlined in budget 2018. [25401/18]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public and sustainable transport. With the increased multi-annual capital funding that I secured as part of Budget 2018, €110 million is specifically allocated to developing "active travel" (i.e. cycling and walking) infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, and in the cities of Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford over the period 2018-2021. This programme will provide safe alternative active travel routes to help alleviate congestion by providing viable alternatives and connectivity with existing public transport infrastructure. This investment is in addition to the substantial improvement in cycling infrastructure that will be carried out as part of both the BusConnects programme and the investment that is allocated for sustainable urban transport initiatives.
My Department allocates overall funding to the National Transport Authority (NTA) that is responsible for the development and implementation of public transport and sustainable transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), who provide onward funding to the various local authorities who progress and implement cycling infrastructure schemes. This includes the proposed Sutton to Sandycove route that forms part of GDA Cycle Network Plan which was published by the NTA in 2014.
The detail and timing of individual projects, including the proposed cycle route along the seafront from Sandymount to Dun Laoghaire as part of the proposed Sutton to Sandycove route, is a matter for the National Transport Authority working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities who progress the individual schemes.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply with regard to this particular project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will consider a further tranche of major and minor capital sports grants to include swimming pools and other categories previously unable to qualify for various reasons; if he has examined the extent to which groups failed to qualify in the past with a view to addressing issues which may facilitate them in the future; if he will identify areas throughout the country to which special consideration may be provided on socio-economic grounds in both urban or rural settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25323/18]
View answerThe 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) attracted a record 2,320 applications and in November and December last, Minister Ross and I announced €60m in allocations to a record 1,800 projects. 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 that worked well but also suggests some further improvements which are being considered prior to the next round of the programme. Formal sanction has now been received from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to open the new round of the programme and an announcement in relation to the timing of this 2018 round is expected in the coming weeks.
In relation to applications that do not qualify for funding, a number of measures were introduced for the 2017 round of the SCP 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%. While this was good progress, I am committed to lowering this figure even further for the next round. 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 new 2018 round of the SCP they will be given the opportunity to simply submit the corrected documentation needed to make their 2017 application valid (for the 2018 round of the SCP), without the requirement of going through a full new application process.
With regard to larger sports infrastructure including swimming pools, 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 been engaging with relevant stakeholders in recent weeks and are currently drafting the terms and conditions of the new scheme. An announcement in relation to when applications will be accepted will be made once these terms and conditions are finalised.
While the SCP already prioritises the needs of disadvantaged areas in the assessment of applications, the review of the 2017 round suggests that even greater weighting could be given to such applications. This is one of the changes being considered for the new 2018 round of the programme and it is intended that the LSSIF would also have an appropriate element of favourable weighting for projects in disadvantaged areas.
105. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if different route alignments on the MetroLink proposal project that is in public consultation at the moment will be considered including a spur to Rathfarnham and alternative approaches to the upgrading of the green line to metro status. [25402/18]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail. Recently the NTA and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) launched a public consultation on the details in relation to the "Emerging Preferred Route" for the MetroLink Project, which extends between Swords and Sandyford.
The Emerging Preferred Route is the proposal which has been identified as the likely optimal scheme from a technical design perspective, without the benefit of public consultation and input. It is not a finalised and selected scheme – the final layout will only be determined after consideration and evaluation of the issues raised during the consultation process.
Following receipt of all of the submissions, the issues and concerns identified will be carefully considered by TII and the NTA in determining the final scheme proposal and a report will be prepared on the consultation process. It is envisaged that the public consultation report will be published later this year.
Noting the responsibilities of the National Transport Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland in this matter, I have forwarded your questions to both organisations for direct reply and further detail in relation to the question raised. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
106. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on tourism potential in County Carlow following his recent visit and funding announcements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25249/18]
View answerI was happy to visit Carlow recently to announce a development grant of €48,000 to Duckett's Grove Historic House and Garden Park, awarded under Fáilte Ireland's Ireland's Ancient East Grants Scheme for Storytelling Interpretation. This grant is designed to improve the quality of physical interpretation at the site through a range of innovative resources including audio guides, video and interactive technology.
Carlow is a key player in the Ireland's Ancient East tourism experience brand with a wealth of experiences, culture and heritage available across the whole county, all year round. I am confident that such investment in attractions and further alignment and promotion of the county's overall tourism offering with the Ireland's Ancient East experience brand will enhance its appeal, grow visitor numbers and associated revenue and support employment.
Development of the tourism industry in our regions is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland and I have asked Fáilte Ireland them to provide the Deputy with further information on Carlow's tourism potential. Please contact my private office if you do not hear from Fáilte within ten working days.
107. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for a third terminal in Dublin Airport; if he will reference rumours that such a terminal would be built on the western boundary of the airport in the vicinity of St. Margaret's village; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25335/18]
View answerAs the deputy is aware, daa holds statutory responsibility for the management, operation and development of Dublin Airport, including the provision of adequate capacity (e.g. terminal capacity) to meet current and future demand.
The Deputy will also be aware that, in order to ensure Dublin Airport, along with our other State airports at Cork and Shannon, are prepared for the longer term to 2050, an independent Review of their capacity needs is now underway. In the case of Dublin Airport only, the study is considering the time frame for the development of new terminal capacity – Terminal 3 – and its appropriate design and optimum location as well as an assessment of the relative advantages and disadvantages of the funding and operation of Terminal 3 by the existing airport operator in comparison to being operated on an independent basis.
I expect the review to be completed shortly and that its conclusions will inform any decision on where, when and how Terminal 3 might be progressed.
108. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the modal share targets set out in the smarter travel A Sustainable Transport Future, A New Transport Policy for Ireland 2009-2020 will be met; and the details of new modal share targets his Department may have in place. [25400/18]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware "A New Transport Policy for Ireland 2009-2020" sets out key modal share targets for achievement by 2020. These targets are aimed at reducing work-related commuting by car as a modal share of 65% to 45% and accommodating car drivers on other modes of transport such as walking, cycling, public transport and car sharing to the extent that commuting by these modes would rise to 55% by 2020 (or through other measures such as e-working).
Recent figures released from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) National Travel Survey of 2016 indicate that the use of private cars nationally for work commuting purposes has dropped from 67% in 2011 to 66% in 2016 . This has occurred against a background in the last few years of strong economic recovery, growth in the numbers of people at work, and consequent increases in travel demand and numbers of people commuting.
In the Greater Dublin Area there has been a much greater and a more significant modal shift. The Annual Canal Cordon Report recently published by Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority - which provides data on trends in mode share of vehicles and people crossing the Canal Cordon in Dublin between 7am and 10am - indicates that a strong modal shift has been occurring in the Dublin City Centre area. It shows that 70% of all inbound trips crossing the canal cordon were made by a sustainable mode which includes cycling, walking, taxi and other public transport. Over the last 11 years, the share for sustainable modes has grown by 9 percentage points, and since 2010 there has continually been year-on-year growth. The most recent figures show that the mode share for cars has dropped to under 30% for the first time; it is now 29.2%, compared to 40% as recently as 2010.
In order to continue to build on this momentum and to encourage further modal shift nationally, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have secured over €110m in capital funding which is directly allocated to develop cycling and walking infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford over the period 2018-2021. A further €135m capital funding is allocated over this same period for investment in Sustainable Urban Transport projects, and these will include projects that will provide either direct or indirect improvements for urban cycling. Investment of more than €750m on the Bus Connects Programme in the same period, will deliver a transformative investment package that will finance new and expanded bus routes, greatly improve bus access, and also includes the commencement of construction of core bus routes that include segregated cycle lanes and pedestrian footpath all which will greatly assist in encouraging modal shift. My Department also spends over €2.5m per annum on behavioural change programmes including Green Schools, Cycle Right and Smarter Travel Workplace and Campus programmes aimed at encouraging a modal shift.
As the Deputy may be aware my Department has commenced a review of public transport policy “to ensure services are sustainable into the future and are meeting the needs of a modern economy”. Work on this policy review is at an early stage and is currently drawing together data and information from many sources, including that discussed earlier, which will inform its work. My Department will continue to monitor trends in modal shift in order to inform future policies in the context of encouraging further modal shift from the private car to sustainable public transport modes.
109. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a risk analysis has been conducted in regard to potential infringement proceedings being launched by the European Commission against Ireland on the appointment of Fingal County Council as the competent authority with regard to the process to be followed when adopting noise-related operating restrictions in view of the fact that per Article 3 of Regulation 598/2014 (details supplied) competent authorities must be independent of organisations which could be affected by noise-related action. [25031/18]
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.
The process that will be put in place for the implementation of EU Regulation 598/2014 will be supported by primary legislation which will ensure that Fingal County Council will have the legal basis to carry out it functions in full accordance with the Regulation. I am confident that the arrangement will represent the best interests of all stakeholders, will be transparent and independent and will fully meet all the requirements set out in the Regulation.
