Thursday, 27 Sep 2018

Written Answers Nos. 180-204

EU Directives

Questions (180)

Eamon Ryan

Question:

180. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a 3% annual rate of renovation for Government-owned and occupied buildings as required by Article 5 of the Energy Efficiency Directive 2012/27/EU and Article 4 of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2010/31/EU has been achieved for each of the years from 2014 to 2017, respectively; if the 3% target has been achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39293/18]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The Energy Efficiency Directive sets out measures Member States must take for the EU to meet its 20% energy efficiency target by 2020.  Article 5 provides for the exemplary role of public bodies buildings and includes achieving an annual rate of energy efficient renovation for Government buildings of 3%.  The directive allows for this to be achieved either through renovation or by “alternative measures”.  Ireland has chosen the alternative approach which entails a mix of energy management and efficiency upgrade measures rather than a focus only on renovation.  Article 4 of The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive deals with cost optimal energy performance requirements.  As you will be aware, Ireland set a more ambitious energy efficiency objective for our public sector than required under the EU Directives.  In 2009 in our first national Energy Efficiency Action Plan gave our public sector bodies a more ambitious 33% target - going beyond the 3% renovation requirement in the EU directive.  

Progress is monitored annually in terms of the overall levels of energy use and efficiency across the sector.   Details of efficiencies achieved by all public bodies is published in the Annual Report on Public Sector Energy Efficiency Performance - available on the SEAI website.   Progress been good with the most recent report (covering energy use data to end 2016) showing a 20% improvement in energy efficiency achieved across the public sector by then. The detailed monitoring and reporting shows that there has been a steady increase in efficiency achieved from c.5% in 2009 to c.20% in 2016.  The figures for the 2017 performance will be available later this year once all of the data has been analysed.  The cumulative energy savings from 2009 to 2016 also amount to 2.6 million tonnes of CO2 emissions reduction and €737m in energy spend avoided.

To further drive the effort required to achieve the 33% target, I published the first Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy in 2017.  It introduces new governance structures, enhanced support measures, and provides clarity on the retention of financial savings achieved by public sector bodies from the energy efficiency measures they implement.  Since the launched of the Strategy in 2017 all government departments have appointed a designated Energy Performance Officer (EPO) to drive the Strategy and provide the necessary strategic leadership to the bodies within their groups.  My Department, along with the SEAI, and the OPW have been engaging pro-actively with Departments and their EPO’s through workshops and individual advisory sessions.  The main focus is to support EPO's to work with the bodies in their sector to identify and develop energy efficiency projects and avail of the advice and supports available. 

Since 2017, to further support the Strategy I have also provided €14m in funding to the SEAI to engage and work with the OPW and the Department of Education & Skills on two pilot projects.  These are delivering energy retrofit upgrades, and crucially, informing and developing replicable and scalable models for energy retrofit investment that can be more widely deployed.

Illegal Fuel Sales

Questions (181)

Brendan Smith

Question:

181. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the widespread illegal importation of smoky coal from Northern Ireland; the measures being implemented to deal with this illicit trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39301/18]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Local Authorities are primarily responsible for the enforcement of legislation on solid fuel including the ‘smoky coal’ regulations within their functional areas.  The powers that Local Authorities have in this area are extensive. For example: - Local Authority staff may undertake inspections of premises and vehicles being used for the sale and distribution of solid fuel as well as collect samples

- A Local Authority may bring a prosecution under the Air Pollution Act for breaches of the Regulations

- The maximum fine amounts for breaches of the Regulations is €5,000 on summary conviction

- Fixed payment notices (or ‘on the spot fines’) applied by the Local Authority are in operation for alleged offences relating to the marketing, sale and distribution of prohibited fuels in Low Smoke Zones (LSZs).

In addition, coal and low-smoke coal based products being offered for sale within the State must meet environmental specifications.  The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) has prepared an annual traceability audit system, known as SWiFT 7, for showing compliance these specifications. Bagging operators placing these products on the market must have the SWiFT7 certificate and must also register with the EPA.

My officials are also currently examining other enforcement options to ensure the continued success of the existing smoky coal ban in urban areas, including the establishment of multiagency teams. This is in line with other areas of environmental enforcement such as waste, where such an approach has proved successful.

Complaints regarding the sale of prohibited fuels, smoky emissions or other breaches of the regulations should, in the first instance, be reported to the Environment Section of the Local Authority concerned.

Sports Capital Programme

Questions (182)

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

182. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of an approved sports capital grant application by a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39131/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

The organisation referred to by the Deputy has been allocated a total of €500,000 under various rounds of the Sports Capital Programme. I understand that only the most recent grant of €44,000, from the 2015 round of the programme is still outstanding. The organisation were given formal approval for this grant in June 2018 and were informed that they could proceed with the project. There will be no undue delay in paying out the grant once the standard necessary documentation is submitted to my Department by the organisation.

Road Signage

Questions (183)

Paul Murphy

Question:

183. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if requests by the local community in Tallaght village to have a "Welcome to Tallaght" sign erected by Transport Infrastructure Ireland will be supported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39174/18]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have overall responsibility for roads policy in Ireland. However, under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and implementation of individual road projects on national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland in conjunction with the relevant local authority and is a matter for the relevant local authority in the case of regional and local roads.

Should the request, therefore, relate to the location of a sign on a national road, then it would be a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the relevant local authority. However, should the request relate to the location of a sign on a regional or local road, then it is a matter for the local authority itself, which in this case would be South Dublin County Council.

In either case, the Traffic Signs Manual (TSM) stipulates the traffic signs to be used on Irish roads, their layout and symbols, the circumstances in which each sign should be used and the rules for positioning them. The TSM constitutes a Ministerial Direction to road authorities under section 95(16) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, and is available from my Department's website.

Road Tolls

Questions (184)

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

184. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the contract for the operation of the secondary toll ramps on the M1 entering Drogheda town will conclude; if the ramps in question will be managed by public authorities on conclusion of the contract; the cost if the remaining years of the contract were to be bought out by the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39193/18]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & 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.

More specifically, the statutory powers to levy tolls on national roads as well as regional and local roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors are vested in TII (for national roads) and each local authority (for regional and local roads) under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007). Accordingly, the information requested all falls within the operational capacity of TII.

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

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

Railway Stations

Questions (185)

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

185. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the National Transport Authority plans to commission a feasibility study for a train station for the northside of Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39194/18]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA), working with other relevant State bodies, is responsible for ensuring the planning, development and delivery of the public transport infrastructure priorities, including train station developments, in the Greater Dublin Area including Drogheda.

In light of the NTA’s role, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the NTA for their response regarding this matter.

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

Driver Test Data

Questions (186)

James Browne

Question:

186. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on recent statistics confirming a high failure rate among driver test candidates in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39197/18]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

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

Light Rail Projects

Questions (187, 190)

Robert Troy

Question:

187. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if studies and appraisals conducted by his Department in designing the MetroLink project will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39207/18]

Robert Troy

Question:

190. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has commissioned a business case appraisal of the MetroLink project. [39210/18]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 190 together.

As the Deputy is aware the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.

The development of the proposed MetroLink has been subject to a number of studies and appraisals, the most current of which are available to view on the project's dedicated website www.metrolink.ie

All Exchequer-supported capital projects are subject to applicable guidelines and procedures including the Public Spending Code and projects within the transport sector are also subject to the Common Appraisal Framework for Transport Projects and Programmes.

In line with the requirements of both the Public Spending Code and the Common Appraisal Framework, a cost benefit analysis (CBA) of the MetroLink project was commissioned by the NTA, and it was published earlier this year. That analysis indicated that "investment in MetroLink is worthwhile, based on economic benefits alone and the scheme will provide a high level of value for money ." This CBA report is available to view on the project's dedicated website www.metrolink.ie and I would encourage all interested parties to read it and the various other studies and reports relating to the project which are available to view on that website.

The Deputy may be aware that a public consultation on the "Emerging Preferred Route" for the Metrolink was conducted earlier this year and the NTA and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) are now carefully considering the views elicited and matters raised during the consultation, as these will inform the development of the actual route for the project. It is expected that a report of that public consultation process will be published later in the year.

Light Rail Projects Expenditure

Questions (188)

Robert Troy

Question:

188. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the cost of constructing the Luas cross city with reference to the cost of land, the amount spent on analysis from engineers and other consultants and the cost of materials used will be published. [39208/18]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport in the Greater Dublin Area, including the Luas Cross City project.

In light of the NTA's responsibility in the matters raised, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

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

Light Rail Projects

Questions (189)

Robert Troy

Question:

189. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department or transport agencies have commenced a feasibility study on the introduction of light rail in Cork city and suburbs. [39209/18]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As stated in the National Development Plan (NDP the relevant local authorities, in partnership with both the National Transport Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, are currently finalising a Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy.

The Strategy will include proposals for a revised bus system for Cork and enhancements to the commuter rail service in Cork including additional stations and rail fleet. As referenced in the NDP, the Strategy will also provide for the evaluation of the potential of a Bus Rapid Transit or Light Rail corridor to serve the increased population growth out to 2040 as envisaged by the National Planning Framework.

The Strategy will be subject to public consultation prior to finalisation.

Question No. 190 answered with Question No. 187.

Commencement of Legislation

Questions (191)

Robert Troy

Question:

191. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason section 17 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, has not been commenced. [39211/18]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 provided for a new authority to oversee the development of transport in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). Section 17 of the Act allowed for the setting up of an Advisory Council of a Chairperson and 23 ordinary members. Under the Act, a majority of the Council would comprise officials and elected members of the various local / regional authorities in the GDA.

However, given that the remit of the Authority has been broadened over the years since 2008 especially by bringing national transport issues within its remit (rather than exclusively GDA matters), establishing an advisory council solely for GDA transport (as enabled by the legislation) would probably no longer be appropriate.

However, I am open to considering the merits of a broader national level advisory council and this is one of the broad range of matters that is within the scope of the Public Transport Policy Review which my Department is currently undertaking. I intend to launch a public consultation on the Review around the end of October.

Cycling Facilities Funding

Questions (192)

Robert Troy

Question:

192. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding which has been made available to local authorities for the maintenance of cycle paths in each year since 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39213/18]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Allocation of funding and details of individual cycle lane projects are managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with the relevant local authorities. Once a cycle lane has been completed, maintenance is entirely a matter for the Local Authority.

As the Deputy is aware I secured over €110m in capital funding in Budget 2018 which is specifically allocated to develop cycling and walking infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford over the period 2018-2021.

A further €135m capital funding was allocated over this same period for investment in Sustainable Urban Transport projects, this investment includes projects that will provide either direct or indirect improvements for urban cycling. Also in the budget there was a doubling of investment in Greenways, with a capital allocation of €53m being made available over the 2018 to 2021 period for the construction of Greenways.

Furthermore, investment of more than €750m on the BusConnects Programme in the same period, will deliver a transformative investment package that will finance new and expanded bus routes, greatly improve bus access, and includes over 200km of, where possible, designated segregated cycle lanes.

Weather Events Response

Questions (193)

Robert Troy

Question:

193. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided to local authorities in order to treat footpaths in freezing weather conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39214/18]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (including footways and footpaths) in its area, is a statutory responsibility of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its 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.

In January this year, I announced the €417m investment programme for regional and local roads in 2018. From this investment, over €70.6 million has been allocated to local authorities under a Discretionary Grant (DG) programme. Councils have discretion in using DG grants for a multiplicity of eligible works which include footway repairs and winter maintenance. It is therefore open to local authorities to fund these types of works either from their DG allocation or alternatively from its own resources should it so wish.

In addition I have recently supplemented funding for the purchase of salt by €700,000 in order to further rebuild salt stocks for the forthcoming winter. Some of those stocks will of course be available to local authorities for the salting of footways.

Cycling Facilities Data

Questions (194, 195, 196)

Robert Troy

Question:

194. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of kilometres of cycle lanes in Cork city by dedicated separate cycle lanes and shared cycle lanes. [39215/18]

Robert Troy

Question:

195. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of kilometres of cycle lanes in Dublin city by dedicated separate cycle lanes and shared cycle lanes. [39216/18]

Robert Troy

Question:

196. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of kilometres of cycle lanes in Galway city by dedicated separate and shared cycle lanes. [39217/18]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 to 196, inclusive, together.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, including the number of kilometres of cycle lanes in any particular town or city.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the development and implementation of public transport and sustainable transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and the regional cities.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

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

Bus Services

Questions (197)

Robert Troy

Question:

197. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of buses using the recently opened coach park facility on Sheriff Street in each week since its opening. [39218/18]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport in the Greater Dublin Area including the provision of the North Wall Coach Park

In light of the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

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

Public Transport

Questions (198)

Robert Troy

Question:

198. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if licensed commercial coach operators are permitted to use bus lanes. [39219/18]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Yes, licensed commercial coach operators are permitted to use bus lanes.

Bus lanes can be used by large public service vehicles, which are defined in the Road Traffic Act 1961 (as amended) as mechanically propelled vehicles used for the carriage of persons for reward having seating passenger accommodation for more than 8 passengers exclusive of the driver.

Park and Ride Facilities

Questions (199, 200)

Robert Troy

Question:

199. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the location and capacity of each publicly owned park and ride facility in tabular form. [39220/18]

Robert Troy

Question:

200. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if new sites for park and ride facilities have been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39221/18]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 199 and 200 together.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, including the capacity of each publicly owned Park and Ride facility.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the development and implementation of public transport and sustainable transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and the regional cities, including the provision of Park and Ride facilities.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply with regard to this particular project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

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

Taxi Licences

Questions (201)

Peter Burke

Question:

201. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which taxi plates are transferred from parent to child will be examined; his views on whether a transfer based solely on the death of the licenceholder is fair in view of the fact that it does not take into account the holder's retirement age; his plans to review the arrangements; if there is scope for the taxi NTA to investigate the practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39283/18]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.

At present, the transfer of SPSV licences is prohibited under section 14(1) of the 2013 Act which was commenced with effect from 6 April 2014. However, in the case of the death of a licence holder, section 15 of the same Act applies special provisions. In such circumstances, a SPSV licence may continue to be operated by a person who was nominated by the licence holder in advance of his or her death. I have no plans at present to adjust these provisions.

Given the particular role of the Authority in these matters, 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

Sports Capital Programme Administration

Questions (202)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

202. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when funding will be made available to a club (details supplied) in County Donegal as a result of the flooding that occurred in Inishowen in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39303/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

The club referred to by the Deputy was allocated €139,200 under the Sports Capital Programme to make repairs to their sports facilities after the flood damage of 2017. I understand that the Chief State Solicitor's Office and the club's solicitor continue to engage in order to finalise the legalities necessary to protect the state's investment in this facility. As soon as these formalities are completed the club will be issued with formal approval and they can begin to drawn down the grant.

Child and Family Agency Services

Questions (203)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

203. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the process for handling subject access requests to Tusla; the personnel involved by name, job title and grade; the expenditure to third parties to date in 2018 in carrying out that function; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39236/18]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The subject raised by the Deputy is a matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have asked Tusla to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Community Services Programme Funding

Questions (204)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

204. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if additional supports, including funding, will be made available to community organisations which provide community services through the community services programme administered by Pobal; if his attention has been drawn to the financial difficulties being experienced by such organisations owing to minimum and living wage increases, the cost of which are not fully met by funding allocated through the scheme; the additional assistance such organisations may avail of should they experience such difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39262/18]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The Community Services Programme (CSP) supports around 400 community organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model. Funding is provided as a contribution to the cost of a manager and an agreed number of full-time equivalent (FTE) positions. More than €46 million is available to support community organisations under the programme in 2018.

The CSP provides a fixed annual of contribution of €19,033 per FTE and €32,000 per manager. The contribution is not aligned with the national minimum wage. Organisations are required to provide a top-up of €2,000 per FTE from other sources to meet minimum wage requirements, for example, from income received for the use of facilities and services.

A CSP Support Fund was established in 2016 to provide additional funding to certain organisations to help them secure their financial sustainability and meet their minimum wage obligations. My Department will commence a review of the CSP shortly. The review will consider inter alia funding levels and funding structures under the programme.