Written Answers Nos. 561-578
561. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans in setting a 70% target for renewable electricity by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42332/18]
View answerMy Department has the lead role in developing Ireland’s first National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), covering the period 2021-2030. The creation of a NECP is one of the key provisions of the proposed Governance of the Energy Union Regulation, part of the European Clean Energy Package published in November 2016. This is an overarching, consolidating regulation that will consolidate the existing patchwork of national energy and climate planning and reporting obligations. The NECP will include trajectories for renewable energy (including renewable electricity), energy efficiency, and national emissions, as well as the measures required to achieve these trajectories.
The Plan, which will cover all five dimensions of the Energy Union, will contain the policies and measures proposed to reach our 2030 energy and climate goals, and will be based on a common EU template to allow for comparability. The first draft is due for submission to the European Commission by 31 December 2018, with the final version due by 31 December 2019. Energy and Climate Change modelling work to look at energy and climate policy options out to 2030 has already started under the auspices of the Technical Research and Modelling (TRAM) Group. The outcomes of this modelling work will underpin the development of the draft NECP, in particular on identifying cost effective, yet realistic solutions that will contribute to compliance with our binding 2021-2030 national greenhouse gas emissions target and underpin the development of our renewable energy and energy efficiency ambitions.
The high level design of the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) was approved by Government in July 2018 and it is expected that the first renewable electricity auctions will take place under RESS in 2019. The RESS has been designed to deliver Ireland’s contribution towards an EU-wide renewable energy target of 32% out to 2030, within a competitive auction-based, cost effective framework. The scheme will provide for a renewable electricity (RES-E) ambition of up to a maximum of 55% by 2030 subject to determining the cost effective level which will be set out in Ireland's first draft National Energy and Climate Plan.
562. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the measures he is taking to put additional resources in place to ensure that the renewable electricity support scheme, RESS, receives state aid approval in the EU and that the first auctions take place as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42333/18]
View answerThe high level design of the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) was approved by Government in July 2018 and it is expected that the first renewable electricity auctions will take place under RESS in 2019. The RESS will be subject to the new rules on public support for projects in the field of energy, adopted by the European Commission in April 2014, which seek to promote a gradual move to market-based support for renewable energy. In this regard, the scheme has been designed in line with the 2014-2020 EU State Aid Guidelines.
The RESS has been designed to deliver Ireland’s contribution towards an EU-wide renewable energy target of 32% out to 2030, within a competitive auction-based, cost effective framework. The RESS will deliver a broad range of policy objectives including: the provision of pathways and supports for communities to participate in renewable energy projects; broadening the renewable electricity technology mix and increasing energy security, energy sustainability and ensuring the cost effectiveness of energy policy.
The scheme will provide for a renewable electricity (RES-E) ambition of up to a maximum of 55% by 2030 subject to determining the cost effective level which will be set out in Ireland's first draft National Energy and Climate Plan.
My Department is now progressing the RESS design across three main work streams: the EU State Aid approval process; the development of an Enabling Framework for Community Participation; and the detailed design of the first RESS auctions. Engagement with relevant stakeholders including the European Commission’s Directorate-General (DG) for Competition, will continue in the coming months and Departmental resources will be assigned accordingly.
563. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff in his Department and bodies under his aegis appointed to principal officer arising from internal competitions since 7 July 2015, by year. [41849/18]
View answerThe following table sets out the number of staff in my Department appointed to Principal Officer from internal competitions since 7th July 2015.
|
Year |
Number |
|
2015 |
1 |
|
2016 |
0 |
|
2017 |
2 |
|
2018 |
1 |
|
Total |
4 |
I have asked the State agencies under the aegis of my Department to provide the Deputy with the information requested. If he does not receive a reply from the agencies within ten working days, he should advise my private office.
564. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons appointed from the panels arising from the 2015 and 2017 open competitions for principal officer run by the Public Appointments Service, by year; if a table (details supplied) will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41862/18]
View answerPlease see the table setting out the number of persons appointed to Principal Officer (PO) from internal competitions since 7th July 2015 and Open Public Service Appointments competitions for PO conducted in 2015 and 2017.
|
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
Number of PO appointments arising from internal competitions since 07/07/2015 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
|
Number of PO appointments arising from the 2015 Open competition conducted by the PAS (Campaign ID: 1512210) |
n/a |
2 |
2 |
0 |
|
Number of PO appointments arising from the 2017 Open competition conducted by the PAS (Campaign ID: 17101202) |
n/a |
n/a |
0 |
0 |
My Department is an equal opportunities employer and organises internal competitions in accordance with the Code of Practice for Appointments to positions in the Civil and Public Service published by the Commissioners for Public Service Appointments (CPSA).
565. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding is provided for schemes which provide resources to establish benches at key walking and cycling points; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41873/18]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport and active travel.
In relation to active travel specifically, my Department provides funding to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for both cycling and walking infrastructure projects and sustainable urban transport projects. Details of individual projects are managed by the NTA in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The Deputy is also likely aware that funding is also available under the recently published Greenways Strategy in relation to the development of greenways in more rural areas. A call for funding applications is currently open and the Strategy and its requirements in relation to the development of such greenways is available to view on my Department's website - www.dttas.gov.ie.
566. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the data available in regard to regular overcrowding of commuter buses, trams and trains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41901/18]
View answer569. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the frequency of the DART service; the length and number of carriages of the DART at peak times; if severe overcrowding has been brought to his attention (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42069/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 566 and 569 together.
The issues raised are a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with the transport providers and I have forwarded the Deputies questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
567. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to recent changes in the United Kingdom regarding shared space guidance in the public realm; his plans to make changes in Irish guidance to reflect this, such as modifying the design manual for urban streets and roads and other design guidance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41902/18]
View answerI understand that UK Authorities are looking at issues around shared spaces and navigability with a view to ensuring that they are accessible, inclusive and well-designed.
With regard to Ireland, the shared space approach to urban design is already addressed in the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) which is available on my Department’s website. The Manual sets out design guidance and standards for constructing new and reconfiguring existing urban roads and streets in Ireland. It aims to end the practice of designing streets as traffic corridors and instead focuses on the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users. DMURS emphasises the role of streets as social spaces, where people come first and uses practical examples from Irish cities and towns to show how these issues can be designed for and managed successfully. Among other things, the Manual acknowledges issues that can arise for impaired users, in particular visually impaired users, where shared spaces are involved and suggests some remedial measures in that regard.
Supplementary material is currently being prepared for inclusion in the Manual towards providing additional clarity. The National Disability Authority has been consulted in the matter and has advocated a universal design approach for incorporation therein including for shared spaces. It is intended to publish the supplementary material early next year. Further updates to the Manual will occur from time to time.
568. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the criteria required in order to secure a Local Link bus service in a rural area in the evening time. [42033/18]
View answerAs 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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. It also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) which now operates under the Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
570. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for a former Fáilte Ireland centre (details supplied); if a business plan for the centre has been developed; the date on which retrofitting it for its future use will begin; if the centre remains part of Fáilte Ireland’s property portfolio; the duration of the lease that may have been granted to a body or company in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42092/18]
View answerI have no direct role in relation to the management or future use of the property detailed by the Deputy. This is a matter for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly I have referred the question to the agency for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
571. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a schedule of all Fáilte Ireland-owned properties and lands here and outside the State; the uses of those properties and lands; the properties and lands that have been leased out; the purpose and duration of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42093/18]
View answerThe matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the question to the agency for further information and direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
572. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the development of greenways in consultation with communities and without dividing farm holdings. [42095/18]
View answerAs laid out in the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways, the first option for future Greenways is to examine use of lands that are already in State ownership. In addition to this, the Strategy also sets out a number of options for project promoters to access land for Greenways such as permissive access and land purchase. The aim is to have Greenways that have community support, minimise the impact on landowners, particularly those whose businesses would be affected, and that provide access to scenery and things to see and do for Greenway users. Where the use of private land is necessary it is incumbent on project promoters to engage with stakeholders as early as possible in the process, engage agronomists to ascertain the impact on farming of the proposed route corridor, avoid severance as far as possible and to make all attempts to achieve agreement on routes.
573. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the scheduling of a driver test for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42125/18]
View answerAs this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority I have referred this 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.
574. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a reply to a letter sent to him on 11 May 2018 (details supplied) will issue; the reason for the delay in replying to this letter despite reminders seeking a reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42134/18]
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 national roads including motorways 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 question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
I understand from TII that the signage on the M17/M18 for Ireland West Airport and Shannon Airport adheres to the principles of the current edition of the Traffic Signs Manual (TSM).
The 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 Manual 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.
Regarding the correspondence received in my Department referred to by the Deputy, regarding signage issues relating to Ireland West Airport, these issues raised are now being considered in the context of a general review of the TSM which is now under way. The Deputy will appreciate that such a review must consider the impact of any amendments on the safety and efficiency of the road network as a whole and not just individual cases. I intend to revert to the Deputy with the outcome of the review, including in relation to these matters, when it is complete.
575. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the rural transport programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42138/18]
View answerAs 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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. It also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) which now operates under the Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
576. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for an increase in the CIÉ wage grade pension scheme; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42189/18]
View answerIssues in relation to Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the pension schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
577. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of his discussions with the organisers of a tournament (details supplied) regarding Ireland potentially hosting the 2026 tournament; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42210/18]
View answerThe 2018 Ryder Cup is a three day golf tournament organised by one of the governing bodies for golf in Europe, the European Tour.
The European Tour recently conveyed their wish to discuss the possible hosting of a future Ryder Cup in Ireland and sought a meeting with me to discuss same. Along with officials from my Department, I attended meetings with representatives of the European Tour on 30th September at the Ryder Cup in Paris and viewed the event infrastructure and facilities. My officials have since been engaging with the European Tour to ascertain what support is generally required from the Government of a hosting country. Further meetings are planned.
The hosting of a Ryder Cup gives rise to considerable economic value in the host country. Deloitte have reported on the value to the Irish economy of the 2006 Ryder Cup. The direct economic value was estimated to be more than €140m and the full impact was reported to be around €240m. Similarly, the value to the Scottish and Welsh economies, from the 2014 and 2010 events respectively, have been reported as substantial.
578. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or officials from his Department have met an organisation (details supplied) regarding plans to join the bid to host a tournament; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42211/18]
View answerRepresentatives of the FAI recently met with officials from my Department to brief them on the invitation that the FAI received to join the feasibility study to look into the possibility of a joint British-Irish bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The process is at a very early stage and my Department indicated to the FAI that it would be happy to engage with them on the study.
