Imelda Munster
Question:483. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the 2018 capital budget allocation to Iarnród Éireann. [26758/18]
View answerRail Network
Questions (483)
Written answers
Exchequer capital funding is provided to semi-State providers of public transport both directly and through the NTA.
In accordance with the requirements of EU law, my Department provides capital funding to Iarnród Éireann for the maintenance and renewal of the heavy rail network under the Infrastructure Manager Multi-Annual Contract (IMMAC). The present IMMAC covers the five-year period 2014-2018. €160 million is allocated to Iarnród Éireann under the IMMAC for 2018.
Iarnród Éireann also receives capital funding, via the NTA, for heavy rail projects in the Greater Dublin Area as well as funding under the Accessibility Grants and Regional Cities Programmes. I understand that the NTA has allocated €18.5 million under these programmes for 2018.
Cycling Facilities Funding
Questions (484)
Imelda Munster
Question:484. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the spend in 2018 on the development of cycling infrastructure. [26759/18]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, cycling infrastructure investment is spread across several programmes. Funding is allocated on a multi-annual basis, with details of individual projects and associated funding managed by the National Transport Authority in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.
Funding of in the region of €8m has been allocated in 2018 to develop the cycling and walking infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, and in the regional cities of Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford from an overall budget of €110m allocated for investment in cycling and walking infrastructure during the period 2018-2021.
Further funding of over €10m has been allocated in 2018 for investment in Sustainable Urban Transport projects, in the GDA and in the cities of Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford which include projects that will provide either direct or indirect improvements for urban cycling, from an overall €135m budget package during the period 2018-2021.
In addition €4.3m had been allocated in 2018 to Greenways outside of the five cities, from the overall €55m budget package provided over the same 4 year period.
Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme
Questions (485)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:485. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will make a recommendation to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine that under the TAMS, the construction of cattle underpasses be grant aided in view of his responsibility to ensure health and safety on roads. [26197/18]
View answerWritten answers
As TAMS is the responsibility of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, it is for that Minister to consider whether it would be appropriate to include cattle underpasses in the Scheme, having regard to the requirement for any such expenditure to support agricultural modernisation. I note that the scheme is not intended to support road safety.
Sports Events
Questions (486)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:486. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to bid for future sporting events (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26203/18]
View answerWritten answers
The hosting of major sports events, both participative and spectator sports, can provide a great showcase for Ireland and drive international visitor numbers. In addition, the media coverage of sports events helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination.
I am very supportive of the ongoing efforts of the tourism agencies and the national governing bodies of sport to attract international events. Any proposal to host an event must be subject to an assessment of the costs/benefits involved in any State financial support, in particular the number of overseas visitors.
As the Deputy may be aware, we hosted the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2017 and the tournament was a great success. Ireland will also host four games as part of EURO 2020 in June 2020. In partnership with the FAI and Dublin City Council, we won the bid to host three group games and one round 16 game of EURO 2020 back in 2014. Preparations have been progressing for 18 months with the Dublin Local Organising Committee’s Project Working Group working closely with UEFA and key local and state agencies on all aspects of the hosting. Depending on qualification, up to 160,000 overseas visitors may attend Euro 2020 matches in Dublin.
Dublin also made a successful bid to host the EURO 2020 Televised Qualifying Draw which takes place this December in the Convention Centre – with almost 1,000 guests expected, including over 300 international media from more than 50 countries resulting in global international coverage.
Ireland will also host the UEFA European Under 17 Championships in 2019.
As regard any further events currently being considered, I have asked Fáilte Ireland to reply directly to the Deputy in this regard. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Bus Services
Questions (487)
Seán Haughey
Question:487. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding is being provided to a private bus company (details supplied) having regard to its recent announcement of an €8.5 million investment and the creation of 450 jobs; the role played by his Department in relation to this initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26286/18]
View answerWritten answers
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Road Safety
Questions (488)
Bríd Smith
Question:488. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to regulate through a licensing system similar to other trades the trade of motor mechanic in order to ensure the road safety standards of motor vehicles. [26302/18]
View answerWritten answers
The regulation of the trade of motor mechanics does not come within my remit as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. However, as the Deputy will be aware, the road safety of all motor vehicles is very important to me and my Department, as exemplified by the National Car Test (NCT) and Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) which have both been very successful at improving the safety standards of motor vehicles used on our roads. I understand that all motor mechanics are required to complete a FETAC Level 6 Advanced Certificate that is awarded upon completion of a motor industry apprenticeship which has a minimum of four-years duration. This qualification is validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
Electric Vehicles
Questions (489)
Bríd Smith
Question:489. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to monitor or regulate the safety and standard of electric vehicles, charging points in relation to same, the installation of such charging points and the qualifications needed to work on the vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26303/18]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to the road safety and vehicle standards aspect of the question, which comes within the remit of my Department, Electric Vehicles (EVs) must undergo the same rigorous safety testing and meet the same safety standards required for any conventional vehicle driving on European roads and in addition must comply with national legislative requirements including the National Car Test (NCT) or the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT).
The remaining queries raised in the question do not fall within my remit however I understand that the responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets, including safety, is a statutory function of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, which is an independent Regulator. I understand that the installation of electrical equipment, including public chargepoints for electric vehicles, is subject to the standards set out in the National Wiring Rules.
On 21 May 2018, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) published an amendment to the National Wiring Rules. This specifies requirements for ‘Supplies for Electric Vehicles’ by way of an additional section which will be included in a new version of the National Wiring Rules.
In relation to the installation of home chargers, a Safe Electric electrician can ensure the product installed is of an appropriate technical standard and provide the relevant certification to homeowners.
Finally, I understand all Motor Mechanics are required to complete a FETAC level 6 Advanced Certificate which is awarded upon completion of a four-year motor industry apprenticeship and which is validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
Motor Industry
Questions (490)
Bríd Smith
Question:490. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the oversight in place to ensure that garages and motor trade dealers have the expertise and equipment to correctly calibrate the safety critical systems involved with new advanced driver assistance systems; and his plans to regulate this aspect of the motor trade. [26305/18]
View answerWritten answers
While the oversight of after-sales motor vehicle servicing does not fall within the remit of my Department, both the National Car Test (NCT) and the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) examine malfunction indicators such as those for Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) and Electronic Braking Systems (EBS) to ensure these systems are in working order.
As regards the expertise of qualified motor mechanics, I understand that all motor mechanics are required to complete a FETAC Level 6 Advanced Certificate that is awarded upon completion of a motor industry apprenticeship which has a minimum of four-year duration. This qualification is validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
Swimming Pool Programme
Questions (491)
Niall Collins
Question:491. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided as requested by a company (details supplied) in County Limerick to address health and safety issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26335/18]
View answerWritten answers
My officials recently wrote to Limerick City and County Council stating that the Department is not in a position to provide funding for the works referred to at this time. As the Deputy may be aware, the pool in question received funding of €3,809,214 under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme with the final (retention) payment made in March 2009. As is the norm for grants under the Swimming Pool Programme, the original grant was conditional on the Council maintaining the facility.
In terms of any possible future funding, 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. It is intended that the Fund will primarily be targeted at larger new projects, including swimming pools, where the proposed Government contribution exceeds the amount currently available for individual projects under the Sports Capital Programme. The draft terms and conditions of the new scheme are expected to be finalised shortly and an announcement in relation to when applications will be accepted will be made once this work is complete. At this stage, it is envisaged that the fund will be initially focused on the National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Authorities and the possibility of accepting applications for larger scale refurbishment work is being considered. Accordingly, it will be a matter for Limerick City and County Council to consider any possible suitable projects for application once the new scheme opens later this year.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (492)
Catherine Murphy
Question:492. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount paid per project to a company (details supplied) since 1 January 2016 to date by year, amount and project name; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26397/18]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table:
|
Year |
Project |
Amount |
|
2016 |
This is for advertising in Irish Times, Irish Independent andIrish Daily Mail for Gallantry Awards in 2016. Nominations were invited in respect of the National Marine Gallantry and Meritorious Service Awards 2016. The purpose of this awards scheme is to recognise outstanding acts of courage, heroism, skill and initiative in the context of marine emergency incidents. The scheme also recognises exceptional dedication to duty in the execution of Ireland’s marine emergency response. |
€5,767.11 |
|
2017 |
This is for the advertising of the opening for applications of the 2017 Sports Capital Programme in The Irish Examiner, Irish Examiner, the Star, Irish Times, Irish Independent, Irish Mirror, Irish Daily Mail, Irish Sun and Seachtain. |
€7,285.37 |
|
2017 |
The Climate Change Unit of the Department engaged the services of Mediavest on three occasions in 2017. On all three occasions, the company was engaged by them to place a statutory notice in a national newspaper, the Irish Times, required to fulfil obligations in relation to various policy documents. The company was paid a collective fee of €2,839.62 in relation to the placing and design of the statutory notice regarding policy document, entitled, National Policy Framework on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland, 2017 to 2030 and was paid €1,476.60 in relation to the placing and design of the statutory notice regarding policy document on adaptation policy, entitled, Adaptation Planning-Developing Resilience to Climate Change in the Irish Transport Sector. |
€4,316.22 |
|
2017 |
Medivest was paid €2,385.29 for placing an advertisement in the Irish Times regarding the Plan for the Dublin to Galway Greenway in December 2016. They were also paid €2,498.87 for an advertisement placed in the Irish Times to announce the Public Consultation on the Greenways Strategy that took place in June 2017 |
€4,884.16 |
Road Projects Status
Questions (493)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:493. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a road project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26423/18]
View answerWritten answers
The 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 (New buildings 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.
Sports Capital Programme Administration
Questions (494)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:494. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the sports capital programme will reopen for funding applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26424/18]
View answerWritten answers
The 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. Some of these changes require amendments to the Department's online application system and work in this regard has now commenced. I expect to make an announcement in relation to the timing of the next round as soon as possible. All clubs and organisations registered on the Department's online application system will be notified at this time.
Taxi Licences Renewals
Questions (495)
Brendan Ryan
Question:495. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the delay in the renewal of a taxi licence for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26425/18]
View answerWritten answers
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the issuing of taxi licences, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Public Consultation Process
Questions (496)
Shane Cassells
Question:496. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of public consultations held by his Department or by a State agency under the remit of his Department; the number of replies received per consultation; and the cost of each consultation in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form. [26469/18]
View answerWritten answers
Deputy, in the following table are details of consultations held by my Department. Your query will be sent to agencies under my Department's remit for direct reply to you within 10 working days. If you don't hear with the timeline please contact my private office.
|
Year |
Consultation |
Replies Received |
Cost |
|
2011 |
Stakeholder Consultation on Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 |
6 |
Nil |
|
|
|||
|
2013 |
Proposed transfer of Bantry Bay Harbour to the Port of Cork Company |
28 |
€1,849.24 |
|
2013 |
Public consultation on European Commission’s proposals for a Fourth Railway Package. |
4 |
2013 |
|
2013 |
Issues Paper in respect of the development of a National Aviation Policy for Ireland |
74 |
Nil |
|
2013 |
Tourism Policy Statement |
170 |
€613.37 |
|
2013/2014 |
The development of the Maritime Safety Strategy. |
37 |
€13,765.49 |
|
|
|||
|
2014 |
Draft National Aviation Policy for Ireland |
78 |
Nil |
|
2015 |
English Language Proficiency Requirements for Certificates of Competency and for Recognition of Professional Qualifications for Irish Flagged Fishing Vessels |
8 |
Nil |
|
|
|||
|
2016 |
Statement of Strategy |
60 |
Nil |
|
2016 |
Review of Regulatory Regime of Airport Charges In Ireland |
22 |
Nil |
|
2016 |
Consultation on EU Proposal Union certification system for aviation screening equipment |
1 |
Nil |
|
2016 |
Proposal for Amendment to National Legislation concerning Aviation Security Regulation and Related Matters |
6 |
Nil |
|
2016 |
Proposal for a revision of the European Aviation Safety Regulation 216/2008 |
9 |
Nil |
|
2016 |
Aviation Emissions (CO2) |
8 |
Nil |
|
2016 |
Galway to Dublin Greenway Plan |
55 |
€2,385.29 |
|
2016 |
National Sports Policy |
54 |
Nil |
|
|
|||
|
2017 |
National Policy Framework for Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland |
47 |
€1,590.19 |
|
2017 |
Adaptation Plan |
10 |
€1,476.60 |
|
2017 |
Regulatory Impact Analysis for a Proposed Merchant Shipping (International Conventions) Bill |
12 |
Nil |
|
2017 |
Proposal for a Regulation on safeguarding competition in air transport |
5 |
Nil |
|
2017 |
Strategy for the future Development of Greenways |
5,365 |
€2,498.87 |
|
|
|||
|
2018 |
Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on port reception facilities for the delivery of waste from ships |
2 |
Nil |
The referred replies were forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Roads Maintenance Funding
Questions (497)
Niamh Smyth
Question:497. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to allocate significant additional funding to roads in counties Cavan and Monaghan in budget 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26492/18]
View answerWritten answers
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is a statutory function of local authorities in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on these roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants.
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 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.
The grant allocations for 2019 will be decided following the conclusion of the Estimates process.
As State grants are intended to supplement local authority funding, my Department continues to emphasise to local authorities the importance of prioritising roads’ maintenance when allocating their own resources.
Roads Maintenance Funding
Questions (498)
Niamh Smyth
Question:498. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be granted to address bad road conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26493/18]
View answerWritten 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 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.
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 of grant funding and its own resources into account. I always stress to Councils the importance of prioritising roads when allocating their own resources.
Wild Atlantic Way Project
Questions (499)
Brendan Ryan
Question:499. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason there are no wheelchair accessible points at the landmark locations along the Wild Atlantic Way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26497/18]
View answerWritten answers
My Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy. While the Department provides funding to Fáilte Ireland to invest in tourism, it is not directly involved in the management or development of individual tourism projects. These are operational matters for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy’s question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Ferry Services
Questions (500)
Catherine Murphy
Question:500. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or his officials have had engagement with a ferry company (details supplied) in 2018 regarding its failure to accommodate booked passengers due to the delayed delivery of a new ferry; if the company will be contacted to discuss its latest announcement in view of the fact that thousands of passengers are directly impacted by the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26498/18]
View answerWritten answers
Irish Ferries is a private commercial company operating ferry and passenger services between Ireland, Britain and France under the Cyprus flag or the Bahamas flag. In May 2016, the company entered into an agreement with a German company Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft & Co.KG (FSG) to construct the WB Yeats at a contract price of €144million.
My Department through the IMDO works closely with all existing ferry operators and have been in contact with the Company. Irish Ferries was advised by the German company on Friday 20 April of a delay in the delivery of the new vessel by at least a month. On the 12 June 2018 Irish Ferries issued a press release advising that the delivery of the W.B. Yeats from FSG was further delayed. The Company have stated that this delay is due to extraordinary circumstances beyond its control.
As a result of this Irish Ferries has now taken a commercial decision to cancel all planned sailings to France for the W.B. Yeats vessel this summer. They are proactively handling the situation and they are contacting affected customers informing them of the cancellations and offering alternative travel options, including alternative direct sailings.
Up to 90% of those affected can be accommodated on the Oscar Wilde sailings from Rosslare to France or on sailings on the Epsilon from Dublin to France at weekends or can opt for a land-bridge option i.e. sailing to the UK from either Dublin or Rosslare and then to France.
I understand that customers who choose the land-bridge option will be reimbursed the cost of their fuel requirements from the port of arrival in the UK to the port of arrival in France.
If alternative travel options do not suit customers full refunds of any monies paid will be given. They are also offering each affected customer a €150 voucher which can be used on any of their Ireland-France routes next year.