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Tuesday, 12 Jun 2018

Written Answers Nos. 1045-1063

Seismic Surveys

Questions (1045)

Eamon Ryan

Question:

1045. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of seismic surveys that will be conducted in 2018 in Irish waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25693/18]

View answer

Written answers

No application to conduct a seismic survey in the Irish Offshore in 2018 has been received or consented to. The following applications to conduct site surveys in the Irish Offshore in 2018 are currently under consideration:

- Application submitted by Providence Resources Plc to conduct a Seabed Debris Clearance, Environmental Baseline and Habitat Assessment Site Survey on Frontier Exploration Licence 6/14. The proposed site survey includes a geophysical survey element; and

- Application submitted by Shell Exploration and Production Ireland Ltd to conduct geophysical and visual Corrib Subsea Inspection, Maintenance and Infrastructure Renewal Surveys.

Details of these applications are available on my Department's website.

Exploration Licences

Questions (1046)

Eamon Ryan

Question:

1046. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the commitments his Department has made on work programmes for exploration licences and their extensions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25694/18]

View answer

Written answers

In making an application for an Exploration Licence; to extend the duration of a phase of an existing Exploration Licence; or to enter a new phase of an existing Exploration Licence the applicant must propose work programme commitments which will progress knowledge of the petroleum prospectivity of the licensed area. Evaluation of such work programme commitments by my Department forms one element of the application consideration process.

Work programme commitments will consist of activities such as the purchase or re-interpretation of existing data, geochemical and bio-stratigraphic studies, site surveys, the acquisition of 2D or 3D seismic data or the drilling of a well. The details of such work programmes are by their nature commercially sensitive.

It should be noted that an application to undertake a seismic survey or to drill a well on an Exploration Licence pursuant to a work programme commitment is subject to a separate consent process.

Seismic Surveys

Questions (1047)

Eamon Ryan

Question:

1047. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his Department will be making changes to guidelines for ocean seismic testing in view of new evidence published in 2017 and 2018 on the deadly impacts it can have on krill and zooplankton populations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25695/18]

View answer

Written answers

The Government’s integrated marine plan “Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth” recognises the importance of Ireland’s rich marine biodiversity and ecosystems. The Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, as regulator of petroleum authorisations, including seismic surveys, aims to ensure that such surveys are carried out in an environmentally sustainable manner. Applications to undertake seismic surveys are assessed in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive, the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive. An evaluation of the potential environmental effects of any proposed seismic survey is carried out by my Department’s independent environmental consultants.

Consultation also takes place with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to provide its observations in terms of Natura 2000 sites, where relevant, and Annex IV species (Cetaceans) in accordance with the Habitats Directive. The Department positively engages with other international regulators and is informed and mindful of scientific studies relating to the sector. Policy and practices are regularly reviewed in accordance with international best practice in this area.

Bioenergy Strategy Publication

Questions (1048)

Eamon Ryan

Question:

1048. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1146 of 21 March 2017 and 215 of 13 December 2017, when the strategic environmental assessment of the national bioenergy plan, which was drafted in 2014 and has remained in draft form since, will be published and put to public consultation; the reason for the disruption to the timeframe stated in the March 2017 reply; and the reason for the disruption to the timeframe stated in the December 2017 reply. [25697/18]

View answer

Written answers

There are a wide range of Government Departments, agencies and State bodies that are critical enablers for the development of bioenergy by virtue of their responsibility for areas such as forestry, agriculture, waste, research funding and business development. The draft Bioenergy Plan sets out the policy areas that must be coordinated to support the development of the bioenergy sector in Ireland. It identifies a range of supply-side and demand-side measures that are needed to release the full potential of the domestic biomass sector in Ireland.

Since the draft Bioenergy Plan was published in 2014, significant progress has been made in finalising the plan and on the actions set out under the plan.

Developments such as the publication of the Energy White Paper, the National Mitigation Plan and the National Policy Statement on the Bioeconomy have provided an updated policy context. As a result the draft Bioenergy Plan is being updated to reflect these and other policy developments. An updated Strategic Environmental Assessment and NATURA Impact Statement are also currently being finalised. In parallel, progress continues in relation to the key actions set out under the plan.

In this regard, I have secured Government approval for the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat - a key demand-side measure. I expect the scheme to commence operation later this year subject to State Aid approval. The objective of the scheme is to increase the level of renewable energy and reduce emissions in the heat sector. By stimulating demand for renewable energy feedstock, such as biomass, the scheme will provide an opportunity for the growth of indigenous bioenergy production.

In addition, I recently published a Policy Statement outlining the future development of the Biofuels Obligation Scheme. The scheme has been the primary policy measure used to increase the share of renewable energy in the transport sector and has also made a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Policy Statement is intended to provide certainty to industry and stakeholders thus facilitating the longer term planning necessary to increase the use of biofuels. One of the actions is an increase in the Biofuel Obligation Rate to 10% by volume with effect from 1 January 2019.

Supply-side measures, such as support for bioenergy crops, come within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I would highlight the recent significant increase in supports under the Forestry for Fibre Scheme that were made as part of the mid-term review of the Forestry Programme. These supports will provide an increased incentive for those landowners considering planting forestry to supply the energy sector.

I expect the updated draft Bioenergy Plan and associated assessments to be published for public consultation this summer in order to finalise the plan later this year.

Fines Data

Questions (1049)

Michael McGrath

Question:

1049. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the EU fines paid in each of the years 2015 to 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25728/18]

View answer

Written answers

My Department has not been liable for or paid EU fines in any of the years 2015 to 2017.

Road Safety

Questions (1050)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

1050. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department received applications from Galway County Council to extend the speed limit at a school (details supplied) on the grounds of speed and health and safety for persons locally using the school in each of the years 2010 to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24589/18]

View answer

Written answers

Under the Road Traffic Acts, a Special Speed Limit may, as in the case detailed above, include a periodic speed limit which can be designed to apply and operate outside schools at specified periods, for example when children are arriving at, or leaving a school during term time.

Statutory responsibility for the making of Special Speed Limit bye-laws is a matter for the elected members of local authorities, in this case Galway County Council, subject to the consent of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in the case of national roads.

To assist local authorities in the application of Special Speed Limits, my Department's Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits in Ireland provide detailed guidance on the application of Special Speed Limits outside of schools and is available to all local authorities.

As such, my Department would not receive applications from local authorities to extend speed limits. The matter referred to would be dealt with directly by Galway County Council in consultation with TII.

Road Safety

Questions (1051)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

1051. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Galway County Council roads department applied to the Department of Justice and Equality or the local Garda division for a reduction in the speed limit on the N17 at a school (details supplied) due to health and safety concerns outlined by the board of management, parents and teaching staff; if so, when the application was submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24611/18]

View answer

Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, statutory responsibility for the making of Special Speed Limit bye-laws is a matter for the elected members of local authorities, in this case Galway County Council, and subject to the consent of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in the case of national roads. The process includes local consultation, by means of press advertising, in advance of any new Special Speed Limit being introduced.

As such, my Department would not receive, nor expect to receive, applications from local authorities to extend speed limits. The matter referred to would be dealt with directly by Galway County Council in consultation with TII.

Road Improvement Schemes

Questions (1052)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

1052. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a detailed design has been carried out by Galway County Council and submitted to TII for funding on the R333 at Claretuam; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24690/18]

View answer

Written answers

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant County or City Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. TII's remit relates to national roads not regional and local roads.

Works on regional and local roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by road grants provided by my Department. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for each Council.

My Department's regional and local road grant programmes include the Bridge Rehabilitation Grant scheme and the Safety Improvement Works scheme. Under both programmes local authorities submit a list of projects in order of priority for consideration for funding. Within the constraints of the overall roads budget, allocations are then made to local authorities. The grant allocation to Galway County Council this year includes €100,000 for Bridge Rehabilitation works at Coheenaheeny, Headford on the R333, and €25,000 for Safety Improvement works at Crossura Junction on R333 (main Tuam to Headford road) with the L6134.

As regards any proposal for upgrading the R333 near Claretuam, before the financial crisis, local authorities could apply on a regular basis for grants for Specific Improvement Grants for the strengthening, widening or realignment of rural roads, including bridges, where the proposed scheme cost generally less than €5 million. However, the extent of the cutbacks in grant funding during the crisis meant this grant scheme had to be curtailed after 2013 because expenditure on maintenance/renewal was falling well short of what was required to adequately maintain the regional and local road network.

The Capital Plan does provide for the gradual build up in funding for the road network but it will take some years yet to reach the level required for the adequate maintenance and renewal of the network. For this reason there is limited scope at present for funding projects under the Specific Grant Programme.

Any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under the Specific Grant Programme are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework and it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.

Road Improvement Schemes

Questions (1053)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

1053. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a design plan has been completed by Galway County Council and submitted to TII for the upgrade of the N54; when it will be part of the funding allocation by Galway County Council in 2019 for major road works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24739/18]

View answer

Written answers

As 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.

Road Improvement Schemes

Questions (1054)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

1054. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a design plan being completed by Galway County Council and submitted to TII for the upgrade of the N17 at a school (details supplied); if it will be part of the funding allocation by Galway County Council in 2019 for road safety realignment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24740/18]

View answer

Written answers

As 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.

Fuel Oil Specifications

Questions (1055)

James Browne

Question:

1055. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a ban on the use of heavy fuel oil in the Irish Sea will be implemented; if so, when it will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24767/18]

View answer

Written answers

Regulation of emissions from maritime fuels in shipping comes under both EU legislation and IMO (International Maritime Organisation - part of the United Nations) obligations. Ireland complies fully with both EU and IMO requirements.

In that context, I am not aware of any proposals or discussions at EU or IMO levels to ban the use of heavy fuels oil in the Irish Sea.

In the EU, the relevant legislation is Directive 2012/33/EU which amended Council Directive 1999/32/EC as regards the sulphur content of marine fuels.

These EU Directives align EU legislation with the related IMO obligations. They were given effect in Irish law by the European Union (Sulphur Content of Marine Fuels) Regulations 2015 (S.I. No. 361 of 2015).

The IMO obligations, which arise from the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, were given effect in Irish law by the Sea Pollution (Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 313 of 2010).

Arising from all of the above obligations, the sulphur content of any fuel oil used on board ships in Irish waters has, and will continue to be reduced over time as follows: (a) 4.50% by mass prior to 1 January 2012;

(b) 3.50% by mass on and after 1 January 2012; and

(c) 0.50% by mass on and after 1 January 2020.

However, notwithstanding the above, passenger ships operating in Irish waters, shall ensure that the sulphur content of marine fuel used on board such passenger ships does not exceed 1.50 per cent by mass until 31 December 2019, and 0.50 per cent by mass thereafter.

Road Traffic Offences

Questions (1056)

Robert Troy

Question:

1056. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the full range of legal punishments applying to motorists who drive without insurance that are available to An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25018/18]

View answer

Written answers

Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 empowers An Garda Síochána to detain, store, release, or dispose of vehicles in certain specified circumstances including if the vehicle is not insured, or An Garda Síochána reasonably believe it to be uninsured, in contravention of Section 56 (1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961.

When a Garda detects a motorist driving uninsured, a summons to Court is issued to the driver, and any subsequent sanctions against the motorist are up to the Court to decide.

Driving without motor insurance in Ireland is punishable by a fine of up to €5,000, disqualification from driving and up to six months imprisonment, on conviction. Where a driver is convicted of an offence undersection 56 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, the presiding Judge shall make an a consequential disqualification order under section 26 of the Act. However, the Judge may, in the case of a first offence under the section, where he or she is satisfied that a special reason has been proved by the convicted person, decline to make a consequential disqualification order. In such cases, 5 penalty points are endorsed on the driver record of the person so convicted.

Road Traffic Offences Data

Questions (1057)

Robert Troy

Question:

1057. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of penalty points that have been issued for driving without insurance in each of the years 2013 to 2017, by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25020/18]

View answer

Written answers

The details requested by the Deputy are provided in the following tabular statement.

Number of penalty points recorded on the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) for driving without insurance in each of the years 2013 to 2017 by county.

COUNTY

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

CARLOW

32

32

37

33

20

CAVAN

72

75

79

121

71

CLARE

99

116

109

103

120

CORK

247

204

279

292

372

DONEGAL

100

120

124

136

135

DUBLIN

580

714

791

808

1,185

GALWAY

141

167

167

177

190

KERRY

33

52

61

78

109

KILDARE

102

129

132

149

194

KILKENNY

38

40

34

44

27

LAOIS

44

68

55

70

96

LEITRIM

8

18

13

11

12

LIMERICK

117

100

166

200

176

LONGFORD

42

52

57

72

59

LOUTH

86

73

63

68

102

MAYO

33

34

28

42

36

MEATH

63

90

87

105

217

MONAGHAN

30

41

31

83

44

OFFALY

58

65

60

75

94

ROSCOMMON

31

44

29

37

43

SLIGO

29

34

26

27

41

TIPPERARY

116

118

130

100

104

WATERFORD

43

81

86

80

64

WESTMEATH

58

83

61

109

135

WEXFORD

47

43

69

45

157

WICKLOW

41

75

53

48

60

FOREIGN LICENCE HOLDER

54

98

164

182

200

UNKNOWN

20

20

20

23

19

Total

2,364

2,786

3,011

3,318

4,082

Bus Services

Questions (1058)

Brendan Ryan

Question:

1058. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to support an increased service for the 101 Bus Éireann route with particular reference to the village of Balrothery in Fingal, which is only served by this bus and does not have another bus or rail service for its growing population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25336/18]

View answer

Written answers

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has advised that Bus Éireann operates Route 101 under a public service contract.

The service links Balrothery to the Dublin Airport and the City Centre as well as Balbriggan and Drogheda. The service provides 36 weekday departures in each direction with a bus every 20 minutes in the morning and evening peak, and every 30 minutes off peak.

While there are no immediate plans to revise the service, the NTA in conjunction with Bus Éireann is due to review the services along the M1 Corridor in late 2018.

Greenways Development

Questions (1059)

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

1059. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the development of the greenway from Sligo to Enniskillen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24240/18]

View answer

Written answers

My Department does not have an open funding call for greenways at present but it is in the process of developing a National Strategy for the future development of Greenways.

The Greenways Strategy will provide a framework for the development of Ireland's greenways and will determine the type of project to be funded by my Department over the coming decade. This is a long term Strategy with the aim of increasing the number, length and regional spread of greenways across the country. It will set out guidance to project promoters on matters including strategic nature, length, design standards, accommodation works and early consultation with communities and land owners along proposed routes.

This will be followed by call for applications later in 2018 with a view to awarding funding to a number of projects for drawdown between 2019 to 2021. In this regard, I was pleased to secure additional funding for greenways last year bringing the total available for the period 2018 to 2021 to €55.9m.

Given the increased interest in greenways in recent years I expect that there will be a strong response to this funding call. I would urge potential applicants for funding to progress their planning and design of greenways as far as possible in advance of any application for funding and to resolve any land ownership issues.

Railway Stations

Questions (1060)

Pat Deering

Question:

1060. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 508 of 22 May 2018, when funding will be available to progress the scheme in view of the fact that planning permission was granted in October 2017. [24295/18]

View answer

Written answers

As indicated in my reply to the Deputy's Parliamentary Question No. 508 of 22 May 2018, issues relating to the provision of infrastructure at train stations on the heavy rail network outside of the Greater Dublin Area and the cities - such as the matter of a bridge at Carlow train station - are an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann which receives Exchequer funding via the National Transport Authority (NTA).

I understand that following my referral of the Deputy's question, the NTA informed the Deputy in correspondence dated 24th May 2018 that with planning permission in place the NTA will fund the project and that it is expected that the footbridge will be completed by mid 2019.

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Questions (1061)

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

1061. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an approved sports capital grant application (details supplied) has now been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24394/18]

View answer

Written answers

Under various rounds of the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) almost €500,000 has been allocated to the organisation referred to by the Deputy. As is the norm for allocations of this scale under the SCP, a Deed of Covenant and a Deed of Charge is required to protect the Minister's investment.

The necessary deeds have been signed and sealed on behalf of the Minister and returned to the Chief State Solicitor's Office (CSSO) for their attention. As the organisation is a Limited Company, I understand the charge must be registered by the organisation's solicitor in the Companies Registration Office before formal approval can be provided to the organisation. The organisation's solicitor is aware of this requirement.

Roads Maintenance Funding

Questions (1062)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1062. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if emergency funding will be provided to Kerry County Council (details supplied) for road maintenance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24460/18]

View answer

Written answers

The 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.

Within the budget available to the Department, grant funding is allocated on as fair and equitable basis as possible. In this context, grants in the main grant categories, including restoration maintenance, are allocated based on the length of regional and local roads within a local authority area of responsibility and it is envisaged that grants will continue to be made available on that basis. My Department allocates funding at local authority level and allocations to individual Municipal Districts are a matter for the Council.

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 taking available grant funding and its own resources into account. I always stress to Councils the importance of prioritising roads when allocating their own resources.

Grant Payments

Questions (1063)

Imelda Munster

Question:

1063. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the grants available for taxi operators to purchase wheelchair accessible vehicles; the eligibility for persons who wish to apply for grant aid to purchase wheelchair accessible vehicles; and if these grants are available to individual drivers planning to purchase one vehicle in addition to taxi companies that may wish to purchase multiple vehicles. [24506/18]

View answer

Written answers

The 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. The NTA also administers the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) grant scheme for the SPSV sector.

Accordingly, I have referred your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.

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