Niamh Smyth
Question:115. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps he will take to resolve a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37957/18]
View answerNational Broadband Plan Implementation
Questions (115)
Written answers
The Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention.
The premises of the Deputy’s constituent is in an AMBER area according to my Department’s High Speed Broadband Map, available at www.broadband.gov.ie.
It is therefore included in the State Intervention Area under the NBP.
My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company who will roll out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. That procurement process is now in its final stages, with my Department now evaluating the Final Tender submission received from the bidding consortium on 18 September 2018.
With regards to the ongoing rollout of infrastructure in the area, decisions made by private telecommunication operators relating to the rollout and siting of infrastructure to provide high speed broadband services throughout Ireland are undertaken on a commercial basis by competing service providers operating in a liberalised market. I have no statutory role or function to intervene in the commercial decisions of private operators, and therefore cannot direct operators regarding infrastructure installation or delivery of services.
I note the Deputy’s constituent’s concerns relating to the reliability of service they have been experiencing from their provider.
Issues relating to the provision of telecommunications services, including loss of service are, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant service provider to resolve.
If, after having exhausted the service provider's complaint handling procedures, a customer is not happy, they may contact the independent regulator, Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, on 1890 229 668; online at www.askcomreg.ie or by email at Consumerline@comreg.ie, for further assistance and guidance. ComReg will investigate such complaints to ensure that the companies in question are delivering services in line with its licence obligations.
Alternative Energy Projects
Questions (116)
Micheál Martin
Question:116. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if funding is available to private actors seeking to install CNG refilling stations on their premises either for company or private company use. [37977/18]
View answerWritten answers
The work of the Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce, co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, involves examining how best to support the development of alternative transport fuels including compressed natural gas. The first phase of the Taskforce's work, which focused on electric vehicles, is currently nearing completion. The second phase, which will commence this month, will look at other alternative fuels including compressed natural gas. This will include the examination of what supports are needed to incentivise investment in compressed natural gas refuelling infrastructure.
In July I launched the first Call for Applications for the Climate Action Fund. This is one of the four funds established under the National Development Plan 2018-2027 as part of Project Ireland 2040. It will provide at least €500 million to support initiatives that contribute to the achievement of Ireland's climate and energy targets over the next decade. Alternative fuels infrastructure projects, such as compressed natural gas refuelling infrastructure, are eligible to apply. Further information can be found on my Department’s website.
In addition, Gas Networks Ireland are currently developing 14 publicly accessible compressed natural gas refilling stations. The first of these, at Dublin Port, is due to open later this year.
Although there are currently no specific supports for the installation of compressed natural gas refuelling infrastructure, there is a commitment set out in the National Policy Framework for Alternative Fuels Infrastructure in Ireland 2017-2030 to introduce a new accelerated capital allowance tax incentive for companies.
The aim of this incentive is to encourage investment in refuelling infrastructure and equipment for compressed natural gas. Such an incentive would allow companies to write off 100% of the purchase value of qualifying vehicles and refuelling equipment, including compressed natural gas compression refuelling infrastructure, against their profit in the year of purchase.
As the Deputy is aware, taxation matters ultimately fall under the remit of the Minister of Finance, who must assess the merit of proposed new incentives and consider the need to balance the investment of public resources and monies with the effective contribution towards achieving our decarbonisation objectives.
Motor Tax Yield
Questions (117)
Mattie McGrath
Question:117. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of motor tax that has been collected in County Tipperary in each of the years since January 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37995/18]
View answerWritten answers
Motor tax receipts for County Tipperary from 2013 to the end of August 2018 are set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Motor tax receipts |
Online receipts |
Total |
|
2013 |
€23,859,407 |
€19,529,836 |
€43,389,243 |
|
2014 |
€20,128,078 |
€24,562,099 |
€44,690,177 |
|
2015 |
€15,994,541 |
€27,158,588 |
€43,150,129 |
|
2016 |
€12,860,867 |
€26,886,852 |
€39,747,719 |
|
2017 |
€11,619,129 |
€27,039,749 |
€38,658,878 |
|
2018 (to end August) |
€7,227,022 |
€18,934,869 |
€26,161,891 |
Road Improvement Schemes
Questions (118)
Niamh Smyth
Question:118. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided for the repair of rural roads due to stretched council resources and recent weather occurrences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37703/18]
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 Councils' 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.
I announced the 2018 regional and local road allocations in January and all grant funding available to my Department has been allocated. I have been liaising with Minister Paschal Donohoe, most recently in early August, regarding the provision of additional funding to further assist local authorities in the repair of roads affected by severe weather events over last winter but to date there is no indication that additional funding will be made available to my Department.
It is important to note that it is the responsibility of each Council to determine its priorities and decide its work programme taking available grant funding and its own resources into account.
Offshore Islands
Questions (119, 120)
Eamon Scanlon
Question:119. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 464 of 3 July 2018, the reason it has taken a decade to cease landings on Inishmurray Island in view of an assessment in 2008 which deemed it to be unsuitable; the plans in place to provide for a safe landing facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37892/18]
View answerEamon Scanlon
Question:120. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 464 of 3 July 2018, if the ban on paid access to Inishmurray Island will be removed; if a safe landing facility will be provided in view of the fact that the lack of same is dangerous to the archaeology of the island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37893/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 120 together.
In 2008, officials from the Marine Survey Office (MSO) carried out an assessment of the landing facilities at Inishmurray island and deemed the recognised landing on the island to be wholly unsuitable for landing passengers. As a consequence, no passenger licences have been issued which include Inishmurray on their plying limits. It was recommended that no such licences be issued until such time as the appropriate landing facility has been provided. No passenger boat licences have been revoked due to this issue and those passenger boats which have the appropriate licences may approach the island so that passengers may see the island and take photographs.
It was brought to the attention of the MSO that certain boats were advertising trips to the island and as such may have been operating outside the terms of their passenger boat licences. As safety regulator, the MSO has a responsibility to ensure the safety of passengers and officials of the MSO contacted the owners of these vessels to remind them of their obligations.
Further to my response to Parliamentary No 464 on 3 July 2018, I wish to make clear that this issue relates to the issuing of passenger boat licences. A passenger boat is defined in the Merchant Shipping Act 1992 and includes a boat carrying up to 12 passengers for reward or while carrying up to 12 persons to or from their place of work. It would not include persons using a boat by themselves or while carrying friends or family as non-fare paying passengers. Such vessels may be considered to be recreational craft which do not require passenger boat licences but may still be subject to other regulation. My Department recently updated its code of practice on the safe operation of recreational craft.
The solution is the provision of an appropriately safe landing facility. This is a matter for the owner of the property on which the facility would be built and the appropriate local authority, which in this instance is Sligo County Council. Once an appropriate landing facility is provided, officials of the MSO can assess it and any passenger vessel proposing to use it with a view to granting the appropriate licence.
Departmental Correspondence
Questions (121)
Micheál Martin
Question:121. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has received correspondence from a person (details supplied) regarding development of lands at Harristown, Dublin Airport; his views on the grievances outlined in the letter relating to accusations made regarding his departmental officials and officials of Aer Rianta; the actions he and his Department have taken to address these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37941/18]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm that my Office received the correspondence referred to by the Deputy. This matter is subject to legal proceedings currently underway and is therefore sub-judice. In the circumstances, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the matter raised.
Road Improvement Schemes
Questions (122)
Eamon Scanlon
Question:122. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding available for local authorities to upgrade class 2 and 3 roads in 2018; the funding available to local authorities to upgrade roads in circumstances in which residents are not willing or able to contribute the 15% needed to allow the community involvement scheme to progress; if it could be considered that funding under CIS and CLÁR for school car parks and school playgrounds could be transferred to the Department of Education and Skills to allow for more funding for local and regional public roads in need of repair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37967/18]
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.
Regional and local road grants are allocated by programme not category of road. Details of the 2018 regional and local road grant allocations to local authorities are available from the Dáil library.
As regards the Community Involvement Scheme (CIS), €10m ring-fenced funding has been provided to local authorities in 2018 for CIS. The CIS is based on community contributions within the range of 15% to 30% and the purpose of the CIS is to facilitate local community participation in the repair of local roads. The focus of the programme is on the repair of more lightly trafficked public roads not school car parks or school playgrounds.
As regards roads where local contributions are not available, it is for the relevant local authority to consider repairs to such roads as part of its annual roadworks programme.
I have no function in relation to the CLÁR programme. The programme is administered by the Department of Community and Rural Development.
Driver Licence Applications
Questions (123)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:123. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for a driver licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37988/18]
View answerWritten answers
The operation of the National Driver Licensing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority, and I have no power to intervene in individual cases. I have therefore referred the Question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Road Safety Authority
Questions (124)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:124. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a group (details supplied) can meet with RSA representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37994/18]
View answerWritten answers
Requests for meetings with the Road Safety Authority should be directed to the Authority for its consideration in the first instance. It would be inappropriate for me to make arrangements for such meetings in the absence of a request so directed.
Road Network
Questions (125)
Bernard Durkan
Question:125. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he plans to prioritise the upgrading of existing major arterial routes and the provision of strategic motorways to facilitate economic development throughout the country in both urban and rural settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38010/18]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and operation of individual roads is a matter for the relevant road authority in relation to local and regional roads, or for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned in relation to national roads.
However, with regard to my plans and priorities for the upgrading of road infrastructure and the provision of strategic motorways across the country, I would like to emphasise that I am committed to the delivery of road development projects under my Department's Road Capital Programme. I am also committed to the objectives in the National Development Plan in the context of the National Planning Framework i.e.
- to enhance regional and urban accessibility;
- increase connectivity;
- to reduce journey times;
- remove bottlenecks and improve safety.
New roads are and will be built to connect communities and encourage economic activity. For example, regional and local roads will benefit from an estimated €4.5 billion investment under the National Development Plan, which is a significant increase compared to previous years. Also, critical national road developments, already underway and committed to, are outlined under the National Strategic objectives.
An important element of the National Roads Network is maintenance and development. The upgrading of the National Roads Network (5,260 km) involves on-going work to keep the network in an adequate condition. There is also the Rural Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (RRIS) and the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS). Both Schemes support improvement works to Regional and local roads in order to maintain them to a high quality. Funding has been made available to road authorities for national and regional/local road upgrades. There are many examples of national and regional/local road projects that are currently being developed and maintained.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for direct reply. TII will be in a position to provide details on the various road projects and upgrades currently underway and planned projects for the future. If you do not hear within 10 working days, please revert to my private office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Traffic Management
Questions (126)
Bernard Durkan
Question:126. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when plans will be advanced to combat the traffic congestion on the M50 route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38011/18]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and operation of individual roads is a matter for the relevant road authority in relation to local and regional roads, or for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned, in relation to national roads.
However, I can advise that in relation to traffic congestion, the M50 Traffic Flow Optimisation project is currently underway. This project will implement a Variable Speed Limit regime on the M50 Dublin Ring Road to improve its operational efficiency by smoothing traffic flow, improving journey time reliability and reducing the number of secondary traffic collisions. This will be achieved through the setting of mandatory speed limits. The expected benefits of these new measures shall be a reduction in the impact of congestion and the level of disruption resulting from incidents on the M50 while enhancing journey time reliability. This project will also allow the rapid deployment of lane closures to protect road users and emergency services during an incident on the route, thus reducing the impact of disruption.
In conjunction with TII, officials in my Department are currently working on arrangements to put this project in place.
Road Network
Questions (127)
Bernard Durkan
Question:127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when plans will be advanced to provide an orbital outer route beyond the M50 with a view to easing traffic congestion and reducing travel times for commuters and the business sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38012/18]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and operation of individual roads is a matter for the relevant road authority in relation to local and regional roads, or for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned, in relation to national roads.
However, I can explain that there was a study prepared on a Leinster outer orbital route back in 2009, which is a route connecting the national routes through the Leinster area. However, the scheme has not progressed past the early study stage. I understand from TII that there are no current plans to progress it further at this point in time.
While the concept of an outer orbital route has not progressed, I would like, however, to advise you that in relation to traffic congestion, the M50 Traffic Flow Optimisation project is currently underway. This project will implement a Variable Speed Limit regime on the M50 Dublin Ring Road to improve its operational efficiency by smoothing traffic flow, improving journey time reliability and reducing the number of secondary traffic collisions. This will be achieved through the setting of mandatory speed limits. One of the expected benefits of these new measures shall be a reduction in the impact of congestion and the level of disruption resulting from incidents on the M50 while enhancing journey time reliability.
In conjunction with TII, officials in my Department are currently working on arrangements to put this project in place.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Road Network
Questions (128, 129)
Bernard Durkan
Question:128. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he will prioritise upgrading of existing bridges or replacement as required at the various traffic bottlenecks throughout the greater Dublin area; if such bottlenecks have been identified; if plans including costs have been drawn up for their replacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38013/18]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:129. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the recently announced proposals for bridge enhancement and traffic diversion in Celbridge, County Kildare, are costly, ineffective and unacceptable in view of the fact that they represents an interim measure which will exacerbate the traffic problems (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38014/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 129 together.
I would like to explain that the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993.
As regards funding, roadworks on regional and local roads are funded from each local authority's own resources supplemented by State road grants, where applicable. Arising from the arrangements in place in relation to Local Property Tax receipts, the four Dublin Councils are largely self-funding for works on regional and local roads since 2015 and my Department no longer provides grants to these Councils under the main regional and localroad grant categories.
The National Transport Authority's (NTA) Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area provides the overarching framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services for Dublin over the next two decades. Addressing urban congestion on both the strategic road network and locally in certain locations is an important theme in the Strategy. The measures proposed are linked to an analysis of current and projected levels of travel demand across the region.
The recently announced proposals for bridge enhancement and traffic diversion in Celbridge is also an NTA project, and driven by them.
In light of this I have also forwarded the Deputy's requests for information to the NTA for direct reply.
Sports Capital Programme Applications
Questions (130)
Bernard Durkan
Question:130. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when further applications for grant aid through the sports capital programme will be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38015/18]
View answerWritten answers
The 2018 round of the Sports Capital Programme opened for applications on Friday 7 September and the application period closes at 5pm on Friday 19th 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.
Swimming Pool Programme
Questions (131)
Bernard Durkan
Question:131. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when an application for grant aid for a swimming pool in north County Kildare is likely to be accepted and supported either through the sports capital programme or otherwise with particular reference to the need to accommodate the growing population in each of the main towns and adjoining in addition to an ever increasing student population; if negotiations have been advanced in respect of the previous project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38016/18]
View answerWritten answers
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.
In January 2016, my Department contacted local authorities and sought expressions of interest in a limited round of swimming pool allocations. There were three expressions of interest received for new pools, two of which were valid and both in Dublin, one in Lucan and the other in Ballyogan. The third was for North Kildare but was not valid as the Council did not have title to the proposed site. Following consideration of the expressions of interest, and the two valid proposals for new pools, it was decided to include the proposal from South Dublin County Council (SDCC) for a new swimming pool in Lucan in the LASPP.
Accordingly, there are now 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 National Development Plan (NDP) confirms the establishment of a new Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). An initial amount of €100m has been provided in the plan for the period from 2019 to 2027. It is intended that the Fund will be for larger projects where the proposed Government contribution exceeds the amount currently available for individual projects under the Sports Capital Programme. The fund will initially focus on the National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Authorities. While the detailed terms and conditions of the new scheme are currently being finalised in my Department, it is envisaged that applications for new swimming pool projects will be accepted. An announcement in relation to when applications will be accepted will be made shortly.
Sports Capital Programme
Questions (132)
Bernard Durkan
Question:132. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which his Department can interlink with sport and recreational bodies with a view to improving coaching facilities in respect of track and field events, swimming and all other sports and with a view to improving Irish participants' chances in the international arena including the Olympics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38017/18]
View answerWritten answers
Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the promotion, development and co-ordination of sport, including high performance sport.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Sport and Recreational Development
Questions (133)
Bernard Durkan
Question:133. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which his Department can identify particular sports with a view to positive intervention and support which might result in improved performances in the international arena; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38018/18]
View answerWritten answers
Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the promotion, development and co-ordination of sport, including high performance sport.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Tourism Industry
Questions (134, 136)
Bernard Durkan
Question:134. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which he expects to be in a position to further expand the tourism sector with a view to ensuring a longer tourism season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38019/18]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:136. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which winter tourism can be promoted throughout the country in the future with a view to maximising tourism here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38021/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 136 together.
Lengthening the season is an essential part of developing a sustainable tourism industry into the future. Accordingly, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland have been very focused on not only improving the spread of tourists across the country, but also across a longer tourism season.
I have asked both agencies to reply directly to the Deputy with further information on this matter. 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