Written Answers Nos. 558-580
558. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to meet the chairperson and director general of RTÉ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50677/18]
View answerI have not been in a position to meet with the Chairperson or Director General of RTÉ since my appointment as Minister for Communications, Climate Action & Environment. It is my intention to meet with the bodies under the remit of my Department and a date for this meeting will be scheduled in due course.
559. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if all sections of the Broadcasting Act 2009 are signed into law; if not, when remaining sections will be signed into law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50678/18]
View answerThe Broadcasting Act 2009 was commenced in full on enactment on 12 July 2009.
560. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a time limited grace period will be implemented in situations in which a renewable energy project may miss a REFIT 2 target as a result of a delay in connecting the project to the grid; if not, the rationale for not providing a grace period in view of the need to achieve the target to provide 40% of electricity from renewable energy by 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50936/18]
View answerAccording to the latest projections by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, 30.1% of our electricity came from renewable sources in 2017 and Ireland is expected to achieve over 80% of its 16% renewable energy target by 2020.
The Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff (REFIT) schemes, which are funded by a public service obligation levy on all electricity consumers, were designed to provide financial certainty to renewable electricity generators to help meet Ireland’s binding EU 2020 renewable energy targets. The Schemes have in-built deadlines designed to incentivise projects to become operational and maximise their contribution to meeting Ireland’s 2020 renewable energy targets, in accordance with the methodology set out in the Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC).
A number of extensions to both the REFIT 2 and REFIT 3 deadlines have already been granted in recent years, in particular to facilitate significant volumes of projects that were facing technology specific delays in the planning and connection processes and meeting the financing timeframes originally set out in the REFIT terms and conditions. The Department is working closely with ESB Networks, EirGrid and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to ensure that renewable electricity projects are connected as soon as possible to the electricity grid and that the current deadlines are met in order to maximise their contribution to the 2020 target.
Looking ahead, the policy focus is moving to a competitive framework for the support of renewable electricity projects, which are anchored in robust community engagement as set out in the high level design of the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). The RESS high level design was approved by Government in July 2018 and it is expected that the first renewable electricity auctions will take place 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 and underpinned by strong community participation requirements.
The role of government is not to crowd out private sector investment through extending subsidy schemes. Corporate contracting of renewable energy is becoming an increasing feature of the global energy transformation, harnessing the capital that large demand users can bring to bear on the sector and driving down consumer costs. I would like to see corporate power purchase agreements start to take off in Ireland, contributing to our 2020 and 2030 renewable targets and delivering value for money to consumers.
A request for a grace period under the REFIT 2 scheme is currently being examined by my officials, taking into account the available evidence and impacts and the issues I have outlined above, and will then be submitted to me for decision.
561. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on whether Chinese technology companies (details supplied) pose a threat to State security; if so, the work that has been done to mitigate this risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50971/18]
View answer562. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on whether an EU led initiative to assess the security threat of Chinese technology providers is warranted (details supplied); his further views on the establishment of such an initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50973/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 561 and 562 together.
EU initiatives which impact across sectors and areas of ministerial responsibility are assessed across Government as appropriate. State security, however, is primarily a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality.
My Department nonetheless keeps the security of the telecommunications sector under ongoing review.
Additionally, there are legislative requirements on telecoms operators in relation to managing risks posed to the security of their networks and services. The European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Framework) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 333 of 2011), set out, inter alia, the requirements of operators with regards to the security and integrity of their networks. The Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, which is statutorily independent in the exercise of its functions, is responsible for ensuring compliance with these provisions.
563. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the nature of his meeting with persons (details supplied); if he has committed State support or funding to the European tour and Ryder Cup organisers regarding hosting the event here in 2026; and if he will provide minutes of his meeting with the European tour and Ryder Cup representatives. [50168/18]
View answerAlong with officials from my Department, I met with representatives of the European Tour on 30th September at the Ryder Cup in Paris and viewed the event infrastructure and facilities.
Along with the Taoiseach and officials, I attended a further meeting on 5th November with officials from the PGA European Tour. The purpose of the meeting was to explore the opportunities that may exist for hosting the Ryder Cup in Ireland in the future. Discussions are at a very early stage and no State support or funding has been committed in relation to any future event.
The hosting of major sporting events brings very considerable benefits to the host countries, including economic, tourism, reputational and other benefits. It is, of course, important to ensure that my department's processes for engaging with external parties on the hosting of major events are fully transparent. My officials and I are also mindful of the need for efficiency, effectiveness and full accountability with regard to public funding and other resources. While I would be happy to provide full information in relation to the engagements with the European Tour, I am also mindful of the importance of protecting both (a) my department's negotiating position and (b) the integrity of the process of the engagement with the European Tour. Consequently, I do not propose to publish the notes of the engagements with the European Tour at this time but would be happy to do so after the process has concluded.
564. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a lease (details supplied) will not be renewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50353/18]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of developing national tourism policy, while the tourism agencies have operational responsibility for the implementation of this policy.
The Skellig Experience Centre lease is an operational matter for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland. Fáilte Ireland has advised me that they are dealing with this matter. Given that it involves certain legal matters, it would not be appropriate for me to comment any further.
I have asked Fáilte Ireland to respond to the Deputy. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
565. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding and-or grant aid his Department has made to an association (details supplied) from 1 January 2008 to 2017 and to date in 2018; the purpose for which the funding and-or grant aid was released to the association; if the way in which the funding and-or grant aid is used is audited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50074/18]
View answer570. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of national lottery funding granted to an association (details supplied) in the past 25 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50208/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 565 and 570 together.
Details of the total Exchequer allocations to the relevant National Lottery supported subheads within my Department's vote are published in the annual Revised Estimates for Public Services. The Sport Ireland subhead and the Sports Capital Programme subhead are partly funded from the proceeds of the National Lottery. These programmes are only part-funded by the National Lottery with the remaining expenditure coming from general Exchequer funding. The Revised Estimates do not specify the precise amount of National Lottery funding in each individual subhead. Accordingly, it is not possible to say how much of the funding provided to the organisation mentioned by the Deputy relates to proceeds of the National Lottery.
Sport Ireland is the statutory body with responsibility for the promotion, development and co-ordination of sport, including responsibility for the allocation of current expenditure funding to the organisation referred to by the Deputy. In addition to current funding, Exchequer capital funding of €500,000 was provided through Sport Ireland during the period mentioned under a Partnership Agreement between Sport Ireland and the organisation, to facilitate works relating to the development of pitches for the relevant sport at the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to the allocation of funding to the organisation mentioned in each of the years 2008 to 2018, and the way in which the funding is audited. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
In relation to assistance for capital projects, the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. From 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2017 grants totalling €1,694,000 have been allocated directly to the organisation referred to by the Deputy. No amounts were allocated in 2018. Separately, numerous individual clubs and other units at county and provincial levels which are affiliated to the organisation referred to by the Deputy have received SCP funding over the years. Details of all allocations to all clubs and organisations under the SCP since 1998 are published on the Department's website at www.dttas.ie/sport/english/sports-capital-programme. Spot-checks in relation to the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) are carried out in accordance with the relevant Department of Finance Guidelines and are carried out by the Finance Unit of my Department. Checks are undertaken in respect of payments made in the previous year. The checks are primarily designed to ensure that the work undertaken by grantees is consistent with that indicated in the grant award, ensure that payments were paid correctly and in a timely manner, and that appropriate insurance is in place for grant aided facilities. The inspections are also used to obtain feedback from grantees on the Sports Capital Programme.
566. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the external consultant reports commissioned by his Department in each of the years March 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018; the cost of same; the company involved; and the title and publication date by report in tabular form. [50104/18]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is published on my Department's website under the following link: www.dttas.ie/corporate/english/expenditure-external-services.
The information is published on a six-monthly basis. The second part of 2018 (July - Dec) will be published early in 2019.
567. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the annual amount granted to underage and-or junior soccer clubs and-or teams in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the annual amount granted to senior soccer clubs and-or teams in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018 by way of the sports capital stream of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50118/18]
View answerThe Sports Capital Programme is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sport and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.
In relation to grants which identified soccer as the primary sport to benefit from an allocation, the total amounts are: €0 in 2016; €7,755,829 in 2017; and €512,700 in 2018.
In relation to individual grant allocations, my Department does not collect information on whether particular soccer clubs play in senior, intermediate or junior leagues. Details of all allocations under the Programme are published on my Department's website at www.dttas.ie/sport/english/sports-capital-programme-awards-new.
568. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a number of queries raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50136/18]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport infrastructure. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, including the management of public bike schemes.
Decisions regarding contracts and the operation of bike schemes are matters that fall under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA). I have forwarded your question to the Authority for consideration and a direct response. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
569. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the progress being made on the planning and funding for an inner relief road in Edenderry, County Offaly, to alleviate traffic congestion in the town. [50204/18]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant County or City Council, 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 Council.
Prior to the financial crisis, applications for funding for projects such as the Edenderry Inner Relief Road would have been considered as part of the Specific Improvement Grant Scheme for regional and local roads. However, the extent of the cutbacks in grant funding during the crisis meant this grant scheme had to be curtailed after 2013 because expenditure on maintenance/renewal was falling well short of what was required to adequately maintain the regional and local road network.
The NDP does provide for the gradual build-up in funding for the road network but it will take some years yet to reach the level required for the adequate maintenance and renewal of the network. For this reason there is limited scope at present for funding projects under the Specific Grant Programme.
Any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under the Specific Grant Programme are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework and it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
As required under the capital project appraisal process Offaly County Council has submitted a Preliminary Appraisal in relation to the Inner Relief Road. Once that appraisal is assessed, taking into account other competing projects and the overall roads budget, my Department will respond to Offaly County Council.
571. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation that will be made by the National Transport Authority to County Waterford in each of the years 2019 to 2022, inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50248/18]
View answerWith regard to capital investment in public and sustainable transport infrastructure, my Department provides funding to the NTA in relation to projects in the regional cities, including Waterford.
The Deputy is aware that I have secured increased funding for both the sustainable urban transport programme and the dedicated cycling and walking infrastructure programme and, within that overall funding envelope, the NTA will work with relevant local authorities in relation to particular projects.
At a strategic level, it is envisaged that similar to the other major cities a transport strategy will be developed for the city and its metropolitan area and the NTA will work with the local authority in that regard as required. Development of such a strategy will provide the overarching framework within which infrastructure development can be prioritised and directed.
With regard to current expenditure, the Deputy may be aware that since 2010 my Department no longer pays subvention for public transport services directly to operators.
The award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA). The allocations to the companies are decided by the NTA in exercise of its statutory mandate and in accordance with the various contract arrangements that it has in place with PSO service providers.
The allocation for PSO public transport services for 2019-2022 is a matter for the NTA and is subject to the annual Budgetary process.
I have therefore referred the Deputy’s question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
572. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the full cost to date for the maintenance of the unopened private service station on the M11 at Ballyellin, Inch, Gorey, County Wexford; and the breakdown of the various costs. [50259/18]
View answerAs 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 maintenance, planning and operation of individual national roads and motorway service areas is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
573. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional funding has been extended to Tourism Ireland in the context of Brexit; the state of preparedness of the organisation regarding Brexit; the overall funding granted to Tourism Ireland in the past three years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50272/18]
View answerBudget 2019 provided for the largest increase in the tourism budget in 15 years. Additional funding has been allocated to Tourism Ireland to respond to the impact of Brexit. Details of funding for the various tourism subheads will be available in the Revised Estimates Volume, which will be published shortly by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
Brexit has been a major factor in Tourism Ireland’s planning for some time now, particularly given the importance of Britain as a key source market for tourism. It has already implemented a series of measures in the British market to address the impact of Brexit and the fall in the value of sterling. In addition, I am satisfied that the increased funding allocated to Tourism Ireland in 2019 will allow the agency to take further measures to counteract any negative impact on Irish tourism following the finalisation of the withdrawal of the UK from the EU.
The detailed plans of the agency are an operational matter for the board of management of Tourism Ireland. I have referred this part of the Deputy's question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
Tourism Ireland is jointly funded through the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Department of the Economy in Northern Ireland. Tourism Ireland's overall funding from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in each of the years from 2016 to 2018 inclusive is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Total Funding |
|
2016 (Outturn) |
€39,536,000 |
|
2017 (Outturn) |
€40,857,000 |
|
2018 (REV) |
€42,492,000 |
574. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the public events he attended by county since 1 May 2018 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50291/18]
View answerI publish my diary on the Department’s website www.dttas.ie/about-us/2018/minister-ross-diary.
All of my appointments and engagements can be accessed there.
575. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an application for funding to design and construct a bridge (details supplied) in County Mayo has been received. [50296/18]
View answerAn application was received from Mayo County Council for an Extension to the Great Western Greenway under the first funding call following the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways that closed on Friday November 30th. While the bridge in question does form part of this Greenway, it was not included in the application to my Department for funding. I understand that this is due to the fact that funding for the bridge was applied for under the ORIS Scheme of the Department of Rural and Community Development.
576. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the new swimming pool project at Lough Lanagh, County Mayo; the reason for the delay in opening the facility; the amount spent on the project to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50318/18]
View answerCastlebar Swimming Pool is in the 2000 round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme. In October 2015, Mayo County Council was given a formal allocation of €3.8m for the replacement swimming pool. In addition, a Sports Capital Programme allocation of €3.9m was approved for dry facilities. The project is being managed by Mayo County Council and construction commenced in 2016. I am informed by Mayo County Council that construction is almost complete, with fit out by the Council commencing this week. According to the Council, total expenditure on the project to date has been approximately €11.2m and of this €6,656,658 has been reimbursed by my Department. The new facility is expected to be open early in 2019.
577. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the long-term growth and development of Cork Airport; the details of investment plans for the airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50337/18]
View answer579. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the Review of Future Capacity Needs At Ireland’s State Airports by a company (details supplied) in the context of Cork Airport; the basis of the estimates used for future passenger numbers at the airport under the base, high and low scenario; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50339/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 577 and 579 together.
Oxford Economics and Cambridge Economic Policy Associates were contracted last year to conduct a high-level strategic capacity review of Ireland’s State airports. The report was published in late October and provides a very helpful assessment which is both specific about short terms actions as well as identifying further work needed to assist in decision-making regarding the provision of infrastructure at the airports for the longer term to 2050.
The Review took into account the policy objectives of supporting the roles of Cork as well as Shannon Airports as key tourism and business gateways for their regions, along with the development of Dublin as a secondary hub. This is in line with the National Aviation Policy which recognises the roles that both Cork and Shannon play in the regions.
To ensure that there is an open approach to policy-making, I have commenced a process of consultation on the Review in which all stakeholders will have an opportunity to set out their views. When I have all the views and information available to me, I will consider the issues and make recommendations to Government in early 2019.
While I have responsibility for overarching national airports policy, the specific plans for the long term growth and development of Cork Airport, including details of investment plans, are a matter for Cork Airport management working with DAA which has statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop both Dublin and Cork airports. On that basis, to be of assistance, I have referred your question to DAA for their attention and for direct reply.
If the Deputy does not receive a reply within ten working days, please advise my Private Office.
578. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the regional targets Tourism Ireland needs to achieve in respect of tourism visitors here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50338/18]
View answerTourism Ireland is responsible for promoting the island of Ireland overseas as a holiday and business tourism destination. It was established under the framework of the Good Friday Agreement, and is jointly funded by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland.
At the recent launch of its 2019 Market Plans, Tourism Ireland set out its targets for 2019. Next year, it aims to grow overseas tourism revenue by +6% to €6.5 billion for the island of Ireland and to grow visitor numbers to 11.67 million (+4%).
Whilst it does not set regional targets, Tourism Ireland’s strategy for 2019 is to focus on regional and seasonal growth. Its new global campaign, ‘Fill Your Heart with Ireland’, will place a greater focus on driving growth to less visited attractions and locations, as well as on driving business in the off-peak and shoulder seasons.
580. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce a connectivity funding programme in respect of airports here in order to secure strategic routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50340/18]
View answerThe establishment of air transport connections are the result of commercial agreements between airlines and airports. I, as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, do not have any function in these commercial decisions.
In addition to incentive schemes offered directly by airports, the Government already supports the development of air connectivity through funding for cooperative marketing activity. Cooperative campaigns with partners facilitate increased marketing effort and help promote the destination more widely. They assist in driving demand for new and existing inbound air and sea services and leverage commercial investment in marketing Irish tourism, thereby sustaining the island’s vital route network.
Funding of €1 million was made available to Tourism Ireland annually in 2016, 2017 and 2018 for cooperative marketing. This funding, supported by contributions from regional tourism stakeholders (airports and ports) was matched by air and sea carriers and resulted in total overseas marketing expenditure of €2.6m in 2016 and €2.4m in 2017. The funds were used to encourage new access and maximise the potential of existing services to the regions, thus optimising Ireland’s Ancient East, Wild Atlantic Way and more recently Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands’ initiatives.
Supporting both seasonal and regional growth, with an increased budget, will again be the focus for Tourism Ireland in 2019, with the aim of increasing visitor numbers in the shoulder season. This will be underscored by a commitment to focus co-operative partnership activities on the January-April and October-December periods for Great Britain and the North American and European markets.
The Government's Regional Airports Programme also provides Exchequer support to some of Ireland’s smallest airports, namely Donegal, Ireland West Airport Knock, Kerry and Waterford through a number of schemes in compliance with EU Guidelines on State Aid. Passenger numbers at these airports are less than 1 million per year and the capital supports under the Programme are limited to grant-aiding investments in safety and security enhancements, thus helping these small airports to comply with international regulatory obligations in these areas.
In light of the foregoing, I have no plans to introduce any additional funding measures along the lines referred to by the Deputy.
