Written Answers Nos. 1064-1085
1064. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the implementation of the Programme for A Partnership Government as it applies to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24582/18]
View answerThe Programme for Government Annual Report 2018 was recently approved by Government and I understand it will be published shortly and available to view.
The Annual Report will obviously contain a detailed progress report on all of my Department's commitments and I am pleased to report good progress generally.
In advance of that publication, please find below a snapshot of activity in 2017 across the different sectors under my Department's remit -
Aviation
An additional €17 million was secured under the 2017 Mid-Term Review of the Capital Plan for regional airports, considerably in excess of the €10 million originally mooted in the Programme for Government, while more than €5.5 million was allocated under the Regional Airports Programme in 2017 itself.
Public Transport
In October increased multi-annual capital investment funding envelopes were announced as part of the Budget which will provide an enhanced capital envelope of €2.7 billion for public transport investment between 2018 and 2021. In 2017 the new Luas CrossCity was completed and commenced services.
Roads
In September the M17/M18 Gort to Tuam PPP road scheme was opened ahead of schedule and in October an additional €4.2 billion was announced for capital expenditure on roads over the period 2018 to 2021.
Tourism
An additional €32.6 m was secured for tourism product development for the period 2018-2021 following the Mid-Term Review of the Capital Plan while a public consultation period on the development of a new National Greenways Strategy was also completed during the year.
Sports
Grants of €60 m were announced to a record 1,800 projects under the 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme. Under the NDP, over €100 million in capital funding has been allocated for the SCP for the period to 2021. Construction on Phase 2 of the National Indoor Arena commenced in July.
The above is just a brief overview of activity in 2017 with a comprehensive overview available to the Deputy in the Annual Report when it is published.
1065. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a product (details supplied) will be reviewed; if the DAA will introduce it to Dublin Airport to assist persons with disabilities; if he will contact the DAA on behalf of a person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24586/18]
View answerAs the deputy is aware, daa holds statutory responsibility for the management, operation and development of Dublin Airport.
The matter raised by the Deputy in relation to the use of a specific piece of equipment at Dublin Airport is an operational matter for the airport itself.
I understand that daa has previously been contacted on this matter and I can confirm that remains the most appropriate channel through which to address queries regarding the use of specific equipment. daa is obligated to ensure that it complies with the Code or Practice for the Governance of State Bodies in relation to the procurement of any equipment or services.
daa are also required to meet their obligations under EC Regulation 1007/2007 concerning the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air. Responsibility for the oversight of compliance with this regulation at Irish airports rests with the Commission for Aviation Regulation. I understand that the Commission provide for a complaint procedure if a passenger feels their rights have not been respected by the airport or air carrier. Further, the Commission may issue general directions to airports and airlines in relation to compliance with the regulation.
1066. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number required for a full complement of the board of Fáilte Ireland; the number required for a quorum; the number of vacancies as at 1 June 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24629/18]
View answerUnder the National Tourism Development Act 2003, the Board of Fáilte Ireland shall consist of a Chairperson and twelve ordinary members, who are appointed by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.
The quorum is five for a meeting of the Authority, unless otherwise directed by the Minister.
As of the 1st June, there are seven vacancies on the Board of Fáilte Ireland. Following an advertising campaign run by the Public Appointment Service, a short-list of suitable candidates for consideration has recently been submitted by the Public Appointments Service to the Department and I expect to be in a position to fill the seven vacancies in the very near future.
1067. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding a bridge. [24634/18]
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.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
1068. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if TII will confirm when a decision will issue on the latest developments on traffic calming proposals for Kilcornan, County Limerick, in view of the fact that Limerick City and County Council has stated it has submitted all the latest details. [24653/18]
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.
1069. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the change to the mandatory requirement for a public services card for applying for a driver licence and provisional licence; the cost of the project to make the public services card mandatory for applications; when similar changes for the driver theory test will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24664/18]
View answerIt is Government policy to integrate the Public Services Card (PSC) into applications across the range of Government services. Use of a single form of ID will reduce the burden on both individuals and the administration of the State.
The Public Services Card (PSC) became an optional form of proof of ID for the National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS) from 9 April 2018. The possibility of the PSC being made mandatory for driving licence/learner permit applications was considered. However, in line with Government Policy as set out in the eGovernment Strategy 2017 - 2020, while encouraging the use of the PSC, I made clear that it would be necessary to have an alternative to the PSC. The option of using the new NDLS on-line system is being introduced from 5 June, with the alternative of visiting a front office for the purposes of applying for a licence/permit, using the supporting documentation as previously set out in Regulations, remaining in place.
The total cost to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) of the IT element of the project was some €2 million, along with advertising costs in the range of €30,000 to €40,000. While the card is not being made mandatory, I do not regard the advertising costs as wasted, since it did raise awareness of the PSC, the availability of an on-line option for driving licence applications and encourage the use of both.
At present, to undertake the Driver Theory Test, a PSC is being called for. However, in the interests of consistency, options to the PSC will be catered for. As the Driver Theory Test is operated under contract to the RSA by a private company, I gather that allowing for use of a passport, for example, may involve revisions to that contract. That is however an operational matter for the RSA.
1070. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration has been given under the Sports Capital Programme to allow for flexibility for a sports club which operates on State-owned land which the club itself does not own (details supplied) and has been consistently rejected due to the ineligibility even though the land is ultimately State-owned. [24685/18]
View answerThe Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.
Even if a club does not own land, it is possible to receive funding under the SCP. Clubs which do not own land can still apply for funding towards sports equipment. Furthermore, if a club does not own land but has a registered lease in place with at least 15 years remaining at application stage, the club can apply for any works that comply with the general terms and conditions of the SCP. I understand the club referred to has previously been allocated grants of over €920,000 under the SCP and this amount has been fully paid.
In relation to future rounds of the SCP, formal sanction was received last week from the Minister from Public Expenditure and Reform to open a new 2018 round of the programme. Accordingly, I expect to make an announcement in relation to the timing of the next round in the coming weeks.
In relation to the club referred to by the Deputy and any issues precluding them from submitting a valid application, I have asked my officials to engage with them, their landlord and the Office of the Chief State Solicitor as necessary to ensure a solution is found to allow them to apply for SCP funding in the future.
1071. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration has been given to a multi-annual programme of sports capital grants (details supplied). [24687/18]
View answerThe Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. The Programme operated on an annual basis up to and including 2008. There were also Programmes in 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2017.
The recently published National Development Plan reaffirms the Government’s commitment to sport infrastructure in the years ahead. At least €100 m in capital funding will be provided for the SCP for the coming four years. This will cover all of our existing commitments and also allow new rounds of the programme to open for applications. Formal sanction for the first new round of the programme has now been received from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and I expect to make an announcement in relation to a new 2018 round of the programme in the coming weeks. Further rounds of the SCP will be open in subsequent years. It will be open to any organisation with a suitable project to apply for funding under this round of the programme and all organisations that are registered on the Department's online application system will be informed of the new round when it is open for applications.
With regard to how applicants plan their projects, many organisations complete their projects in phases using grants from several rounds of the SCP. While grantees are normally given a two year timeframe to begin the draw down of their grants, the Department would extend this period where a grantee has made significant progress with their project.
Finally, the upcoming National Sports Policy, which will be considered by Government in the coming weeks, and published shortly thereafter, will include a specific focus on how Government should fund sports facilities, including through the SCP, in the years ahead.
1072. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount awarded across the past four rounds of the sports capital grant; the number of grants awarded; the number of grants drawn down; and the amount drawn down. [24688/18]
View answerDetails of all allocations and payments to all clubs and organisations under the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) since 1998 are published on the Department's website http://www.dttas.ie/sport/english/sports-capital-programme. Allocations under the most recent (2017) round of the programme were made at the end of last year. The summary information sought by the Deputy in relation to the last four rounds (2012, 2014, 2015 & 2017) of the SCP is set out in the following table.
|
2012 - 2017 Sports Capital Programmes |
|
|
Total amount allocated |
€174.8m |
|
Total amount paid |
€90.1m |
|
Total number of allocations |
4,256 |
|
Number of grants fully drawn down |
1,439 |
|
Number of grants fully outstanding |
2,073 |
|
Number of grants partially drawn down |
734 |
|
Number of grants withdrawn/partially withdrawn |
10 |
1073. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to consult with a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24712/18]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, my Department has been considering a range of options for regulating rickshaws. Options considered include introducing a framework to regulate rickshaws up to introducing a prohibition. Consideration is from the perspectives of proportionality, public safety and enforcement as well as regarding the question of costs and benefits.
While this examination is now at an advanced stage, I would welcome the input of the person referred to by the Deputy, and my Department will be in touch to arrange a meeting with him very shortly.
1074. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding streams available for those wishing to enter the tourism accommodation sector, namely campsites, self-catering and bed and breakfasts in view of the lack of bed capacity in many counties such as County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24718/18]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy development. While the Department provides funding to Fáilte Ireland to invest in tourism, it does not have a role in the administration of Fáilte Ireland's grant programmes. Similarly, the Department does not have discretionary funds at its disposal to assist with individual tourism proposals.
Accordingly, I have asked Fáilte Ireland to provide information in relation to capacity in Wicklow as well as what business supports are available to the tourism accommodation sector directly to the Deputy. Please contact my private office if you do not hear within ten working days.
1075. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the NDLS is allowed to reissue a driver licence to the address that is on file for that person in the case of a driver licence that is still in date but has been lost; if the case of a person (details supplied) will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24771/18]
View answerWhere a person is temporarily abroad, they may renew their licence/replace a lost or stolen licence without appearing in person at a centre of the National Driver Licensing Service. This has been the case since 2014.
1076. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Collooney to Dromahair greenway is included in the national greenways plan for 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24794/18]
View answerThe 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.
My officials are currently finalising the Strategy which I expect to be in a position to publish in the coming month. The greenways to be funded under the Strategy will be determined after a 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 €55.9 m.
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.
1077. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a reply will issue to representations (details supplied) to Transport Infrastructure Ireland in respect of funding; the reason for the delay in issuing a response to the query; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24805/18]
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.
1078. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects to publish the promised review of the national sports policy; his plans to reintroduce the local authority swimming pool programme as part of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24825/18]
View answerI am pleased to confirm that, following a substantial consultation and drafting process, the new National Sports Policy will be considered by Government in the coming weeks and will, I anticipate, be published in July.
As previously advised to the House, the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP) provides grant aid to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. There are four swimming pool projects in the current LASPP and the priority in 2018 is on progressing these projects.
In relation to the future funding of swimming pools, the position remains that the upcoming National Sports Policy will include a specific focus on how Government should fund sports facilities, including swimming pools, in the years ahead.
1079. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the proposed upgrade of the N81 from Hollywood Cross to Tallaght, bypassing Blessington, has been suspended; his plans to improve the road in view of the large number of fatalities on the road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24848/18]
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.
1080. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to deal with the use of rickshaws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24853/18]
View answer1081. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce a ban on the use of rickshaws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24886/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1080 and 1081 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, my Department has been considering a range of options for regulating rickshaws from the perspectives of proportionality, public safety and enforcement as well as regarding the question of costs and benefits. Options considered include introducing a framework to regulate rickshaws up to introducing a full prohibition.
As I indicated recently when I attended a meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport at which the matter of rickshaws was considered, this examination by my Department is at an advanced stage and legal advice has been sought from the Office of Attorney General on the preferred approach. Once consultations with this Office are complete, I expect to be in a position to finalise and announce my decision before the end of this Dáil term, with any corresponding legislative provisions to be developed quickly thereafter.
1082. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeframe for the retrofitting of both audio and visual equipment to the Bus Éireann fleet in counties Sligo and Leitrim to assist persons who are deaf and visually impaired to travel independently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24925/18]
View answer1083. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of wheelchair-accessible buses available on routes licensed by the National Transport Authority serving counties Sligo and Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24926/18]
View answer1084. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the National Transport Authority will have its bus stop accessibility audit completed for counties Sligo and Leitrim; if it will be publicly available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24927/18]
View answer1085. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had an engagement with the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government with regard to the provision of additional funding to enable local authorities to provide wheelchair-accessible bus stops nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24928/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1082 to 1085, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. My Department's high level policy goal for accessible public transport is embodied in the concept of 'Transport Access for All'. This policy is based on the provisions of the Disability Act 2005 and related Government strategies, in particular the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021.
In Budget 2018 I secured a trebling of the funding provided for the accessibility retro-fit programme as part of the 4 year capital envelope for public transport announced. An amount of almost €28 million is being made available for accessibility upgrades for existing older infrastructure in the period 2018 to 2021. The additional funding will facilitate the continued roll-out of the programmes to install accessible bus stops, upgrade train stations to make them accessible to wheelchair users and provide grant support for the introduction of more wheelchair accessible vehicles into the taxi fleet. Under the National Development Plan 2018-2027 there will be continued investment in the retro-fit programme which is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 the NTA has functional responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network. This includes the provision of wheelchair accessible bus stops in rural and regional areas under the retro-fit programme and any issues in relation to audio and visual communications on the Bus Éireann fleet. In addition, as the licensing authority for public bus passenger services, the NTA will be in a position to answer the Deputy’s query regarding licences issued by it to the bus and coach industry.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
