Written Answers Nos. 1125-1144
1125. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the waiting times for a driver test at Gorey and Wexford test centres; the national average waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36544/18]
View answerThe information the Deputy is requesting is available on the Road Safety Authority website at http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/The-Driving-Test/Test-Waiting-Times/. This information is updated weekly.
1126. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the full-year cost of halving public transport fares; the full-year cost of making public transport free for all; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36599/18]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for public transport fares and I have therefore 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
1127. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expected completion date for the widening of the N7; the contractual stipulations in regard to timelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36610/18]
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 operation of individual roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1128. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the rationale for the law under which haulage motorists may be fined €80 or more and receive one penalty point for overtaking a slow-moving vehicle on a motorway; and his plans to amend the legislation (details supplied). [36651/18]
View answerThe reason for the ban on the use of the furthest right-hand lane on a motorway by vehicles that are subject to a maximum speed limit of 90 km/h is based on vehicle speed differentials and the consequent road safety considerations. For example, the road speed for cars on a motorway is a maximum of 120 km/h whereas the maximum speed a heavy good vehicle (“HGV”) may travel is 90 km/h. The allowable maximum speed of HGVs therefore renders them incapable of reaching the maximum motorway speed of 120 km/h that other vehicles are permitted to reach. This forms the basis for disallowing HGVs from driving in an outer motorway lane (the so-called ‘fast lane’ or ‘overtaking lane’).
Regulation 33(1)(d) of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 182 of 1997) as amended by the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 74 of 2012), provides that a driver on a motorway shall not “drive a vehicle of a class for which an ordinary speed limit of not more than 90 kilometres per hour is prescribed by regulations under sections 3 and 4 of the Road Traffic Act, 2004 in the traffic lane nearest the right hand edge of a carriageway having more than one traffic lane except where it is necessary to proceed in that lane due to an obstruction or because another lane or lanes is or are for the time being closed to traffic”.
There are no plans to amend the current provisions in this regard.
1129. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the Dublin city centre resignalling project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36659/18]
View answerThe City Centre Resignalling Project is part of the DART Expansion Programme which, as the Deputy is aware, is a series of interlinked projects that also have benefits as stand-alone projects. The City Centre Re-signalling project is expected to be completed in 2019 and will allow for an increase in the number of trains travelling through the city centre. This will enhance both speed and services on the rail network not just in the city centre but throughout the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).
Noting the role of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in ensuring the planning and delivery of the public transport infrastructure priorities in the GDA, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for further response.
1130. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce legislation to extend eligibility to a disabled parking permit to provide for the carers of persons with autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36682/18]
View answerI currently do not have any plans to expand the current criteria for eligibility for the Disabled Person’s Parking Permit to cover children or adults with autism, or other hidden disabilities. At present, the permit is available to people living in Ireland with a permanent disability, medical condition, severe mobility difficulties and to people who are registered blind. The medical criteria for issue of the permit are strict and only persons whose mobility is severely and permanently restricted qualify.
These criteria were revised and clarified in my Department’s Review of the Disabled Parking Scheme in 2010. The review recommended revising the eligibility criteria for the disabled parking permit to focus on limitations on mobility rather than on diagnosis of particular medical conditions or illness. This was in line with the original intention of the scheme. Where a condition is associated with a de facto physical inability of the disabled person to walk related to development delay with physical impacts, respiratory problems or cardiac problems, a permit is usually granted as there are measurable criteria to assist making a judgement and a recognised practitioner base to refer to.
To extend the criteria to include other categories, key stakeholders would need to present a case for a further review of the scheme which I would be willing to give consideration to. This submission would need to take account of the benefit to the person with the particular category of disability from access to the parking spaces designated for disabled persons. A definition of the category, including the point of severity where the need for the permit can be categorised as severe, a mechanism for measurement and the professional body competent to define severity would also be required, along with an estimate of the likely population to be included in the category.
1131. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of plans to develop the M20 motorway between Limerick and Cork; when a design team will be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36690/18]
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 operation of individual roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1132. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has been furnished with the preliminary report on the route and design of the proposed M20 Cork to Limerick motorway. [36710/18]
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 operation of individual roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
With regard to reporting requirements I would like to explain that, in line with the requirements of the Public Spending Code (PSC) and my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework (CAF), two sets of approvals are required in relation to projects such as the M20 Cork to Limerick motorway - approval of the Business Case and Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) for the project and separately, approval by An Bord Pleanála (ABP) of an application for development consent. Neither of these milestones have yet been reached in respect of this project.
TII has advised me that Technical Advisors for the project are currently being procured by Limerick City and County Council. As a consequence the planning and design of the Scheme are due to commence in 2019. This process will include a number of project stages including an examination of project concept and feasibility, options selection and design and environmental evaluation.
1133. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the amount of sports capital funding 2018 will be increased in view of the fact that the terms of eligibility have been relaxed to enable more applicants to apply to the scheme. [36711/18]
View answerThe Sports Capital Programme is the Government’s primary vehicle for providing support to sports clubs and communities to develop sports infrastructure around the country. Under the 2017 round of the programme a record 2,320 application were submitted and €62m was allocated to 1,837 individual projects. For the first time, every valid local application received a grant offer. The funding in my Department's subhead in 2018 is sufficient to cover all commitments under the 2017 and previous rounds of the Sports Capital Programme.
On the 30 August 2018, having reviewed the 2017 round, and mindful of the need to further improve the programme, Minister Ross and I announced that a new round of the programme was opening for applications. €40m will be available. Applications can be made from Friday 7 September until Friday 19 October. All applications must be made online at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie and organisations not already registered on the site must do so by Friday 5 October. Prior to the closing date it is not possible to state the total amount sought under this new round.
1134. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or the NTA have plans or proposals to bypass the town of Headford, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36725/18]
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 operation of individual roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1135. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the review of phase 2 Athenry to Tuam and phase 3 Tuam to Claremorris of the western rail corridor has commenced; if not, when it is expected to commence; the details of the appointed contractor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36751/18]
View answer1136. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline for the completion of the review of the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36752/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1135 and 1136 together.
As the Deputy is aware, both the Programme for a Partnership Government and the recently-published National Development Plan commit to an independent review of the costings for a proposal to extend the existing Western Rail Corridor (WRC).
My Department has been developing an approach for progressing such a review in line with these commitments, while also cognisant of the need for stakeholder consultation as part of the process.
I recently briefed Government on how I plan to give effect to the Government’s commitments in relation to the review. In this regard a process for an independent financial and economic evaluation of the WRC phase 2 is now underway that will also include broad consultation. I expect that Irish Rail and my Department will progress this over the coming months and I will then report to Government with the findings.
1137. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a driver test appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36761/18]
View answerThe driving test service is run by the Road Safety Authority and my Department has no input into the scheduling of appointments. The Authority provides a facility where driving test cancellations are made available to applicants who may need an urgent appointment. An applicant should contact the Authority directly and request that they be placed on the cancellation list. In order to be fair to all applicants, cancellation places will be assigned in order of the date of placement on the list. If an applicant requires a driving test urgently for employment or emigration purposes, the Authority will make every effort to accommodate them.
1138. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the extension of the Luas green line from Broombridge into the Dublin 15 area; his plans to investigate the benefits of such extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36804/18]
View answer1139. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to extend the Luas red and green lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36805/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1138 and 1139 together.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including the light rail network.
The NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2016-2035 provides the overarching framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the GDA over the next two decades.
The strategy includes a number of proposals to further develop the light rail network in the GDA including the Luas. These include Extension of the Luas Green Line to Bray; Extension of Luas Cross City to Finglas; Luas to Lucan; and Luas Red Line extension to Poolbeg. The strategy does not include a proposal for a light rail extension to the wider Dublin 15 area.
Building on the success of Government’s continued investment in building capacity and expanding the Luas network, the National Development Plan (NDP) will provide funding to undertake appraisal, planning and design of Luas network expansion to Finglas and also Bray, Lucan and Poolbeg. This is to ensure that we will be ready to expand Luas to where and when it is needed in line with sustained development in these areas.
1140. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when all sections of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2018 will be commenced; the sections which are awaiting commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36806/18]
View answerMy Department is working to implement the provisions of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2018 at the earliest possible date.
The Deputy will appreciate that a certain amount of preparatory work is necessary, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána in particular, before the new provisions can be commenced. As the Deputy will also appreciate, after the unconscionable delays to the passage of the Act caused by a small group, I am particularly eager to see this legislation brought into effect as quickly as is feasible. At the same time, it is important to be sure that all of the necessary mechanisms are in place before we do so.
To date no provisions of the Act have been commenced, but work is well advanced. I expect the drink-driving provisions of the Act will be commenced first, with the provisions relating to unaccompanied learner drivers to follow soon afterwards.
1141. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of proposed works on the N2 from Rath to Kilmoon, County Meath. [36833/18]
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 operation of individual roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1142. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline for the transfer of Dún Laoghaire harbour to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council; the directors of the harbour company; and the date each directorship expires. [36897/18]
View answerDun Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC) is designated under National Ports Policy 2013 to transfer to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (DLRCoCo).
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. The CE then presented a further risk assessment report to the DLR 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 wrote to the CE DLRCoCo on 29 March 2018 to confirm the model of transfer as that of the dissolution of the company and the transfer of all assets, employees and liabilities to the Council on the date of transfer. This is in line with the expressed preference of the CE and Council that the port will operate as part of the local authority structure. Issues raised in relation to the risk assessment were then clarified at meetings that took place between the relevant officials after that date.
I gave my consent to the transfer on 11 July and Minister/PER (as a Shareholder) gave his consent on 17 July and signed the Order for transfer. The Order was then sent to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government in mid July.
The current Board of Directors is as outlined below:
Ms Eithne Scott Lennon (Chair) Expiry of term 23 September 2018
Mr Mark Finan Expiry of term 11 February 2019
Mr James Jordan Expiry of term 11 February 2019
Mr Gerry Dunne CEO Ex–officio
1143. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, that Waterloo junction on the N21, Cork, remain permanently open while health and safety measures are implemented. [36898/18]
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 operation of individual roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Therefore, I have no statutory remit over the planning and design of individual projects.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1144. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied that the National Transport Authority is undertaking sufficient public consultation in respect of the BusConnects project; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the consultation sessions across the greater Dublin area are not in the format of community meetings but, rather, information stands; his views on the fact that commuters need a more in-depth consultative process to ensure the success of the revision of the greater Dublin area public transport network; his plans in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36954/18]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware the “Dublin Area Bus Network Redesign Public Consultation Report” was published by the National Transport Authority (NTA) on 2 July. A public consultation process on the Network Redesign proposals launched on 16 July was immediately followed by local and national representative’s briefings and publication of proposals. The public consultation process will run until 28th September.
The NTA and Dublin Bus have embarked on a process of full public consultation involving local brochures, local face-to-face events organised at various locations around the city, digital imaging of the network, online surveys and consultation with user groups.
I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for a further update on the matters raised.
