Written Answers Nos. 78-105
78. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the number of driver testers will be increased in the Skibbereen, Mallow, Cork, Killarney and Tralee test centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6688/19]
View answerThis 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.
79. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amendments being made with regard to traffic regulations to take account of the arrival of electric scooters, battery scooters and electric bicycles; his plans to introduce a speed limit in cycle lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6253/19]
View answerAs the Deputy's question indicates, we live in a time of rapidly emerging transportation innovations. While welcome, this inevitably raises the question of the safety implications of these new technologies and how to best accommodate them in our public spaces. As Minister, my highest priority in all areas of transport must always be safety.
I indicated in response to a recent parliamentary question on eScooters that I shall in due course be asking the Road Safety Authority to consider the question of these vehicles and their safe use. I look forward with interest to the outcome.
80. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the Bonagee link road project in County Donegal; when the project will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6463/19]
View answerAs 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 construction of individual national roads is a matter for TII, 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.
81. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the engagement he has had with an association (details supplied) regarding its compliance with the governance code endorsed by his Department; his views on recent changes at the organisation that will see board members who are serving terms in excess of ten years' duration seeking re-election for a further four-year term; the oversight his Department has in this regard; if he has the authority to impose penalties on non-compliant bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6712/19]
View answerThe governance of National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) is a matter for the NGBs themselves and Sport Ireland as the statutory body with responsibility for governance oversight of NGBs.
Minister Ross and I, as well as my predecessor Minister of State Patrick O'Donovan, have made it clear that all sporting bodies in receipt of public funding must work towards compliance with the Governance Code for the Community, Voluntary and Charity Sector. The Government’s National Sports Policy 2018-2027 recognises the importance of good governance for the effective and efficient running of sport and it includes an action that Sport Ireland will oversee a process to have all NGBs and Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) adopt the Governance Code by the end of 2021. My Department and Sport Ireland have underlined that future funding for NGBs and LSPs will be conditional on compliance with the Governance Code.
I have had no engagement with the association mentioned by the Deputy regarding its compliance with the Governance Code. However, I understand that the association is on the journey to adoption of the Code and I welcome the recent changes it has made regarding term limits for Board members as a positive step on that journey.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for consideration and direct reply with any further information.
82. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the internal review of the Air Navigation (Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989 has been completed; and if so, when it will be published. [6352/19]
View answer83. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the arrangements regarding the transit of weapons, troops and munitions on civilian aircraft. [6353/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 83 together.
My Department is responsible for the carriage of munitions of war on Irish registered civil aircraft and on civil aircraft transiting through Irish sovereign airspace, in accordance with the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons of War and Dangerous Goods) Orders, 1973 and 1989.
The provisions of the order and the associated administrative arrangements have been largely effective over many years. The potential to improve all processing systems naturally exists, and this is the primary purpose of the internal review.
The internal review, which is examining the above orders from both an administrative and legislative perspective, is currently being finalised in consultation with Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. I understand the draft report includes a number of recommendations designed to deliver a more efficient and effective processing system, with a view to reducing the administrative burden on the Department.
84. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the contract renewal for the public bike share schemes in regional cities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6690/19]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to cycle and public transport infrastructure. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, including the management of public bike schemes.
Noting the National Transport Authority's statutory responsibilities in relation to cycling and cycling infrastructure, 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.
85. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration has been given to providing funding for the creation of activity tourism hubs in which persons and groups in rural Ireland offering such activities could come together and provide a joint offer to tourists within an area. [52143/18]
View answerThe Deputy will be pleased to note that investment in activity-based tourism and tourist attractions has been prioritised under the National Development Plan 2018-2027 in order to provide the type and quality of experience that visitors are seeking. Funding in the order of €110 million has been allocated to Fáilte Ireland for capital investment in tourism between 2018 and 2021 and it is intended that this level of funding will be maintained over the lifetime of the National Development Plan. This investment will support and grow tourism across Ireland in line with the further development and promotion of the regional tourism brand experiences.
Although my Department provides funding to Fáilte Ireland for investment in tourism, it has no role in the design or administration of the agency’s funding programmes or in the development of specific types of amenities such as activity tourism hubs. Accordingly, I have asked Fáilte Ireland to provide the Deputy with further detail in regard to investment in this sector and on the types of projects eligible for assistance under its capital grants schemes. Please contact my office if you do not hear within ten working days.
86. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the categories in which large vehicles are required to be equipped with a tachograph; the categories of such vehicles that are exempt; the road safety measures that will be introduced to improve safety regarding heavy goods and public service vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6260/19]
View answerSuch a question falls within the remit of the Road Safety Authority and accordingly, it would normally be referred to the Authority for direct reply to the Deputy. However, I understand that such a reply issued from the RSA on 11 February 2019 to the Deputy in respect of this specific matter.
87. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date on which the large-scale sport infrastructure fund will be announced; the stage the assessment of the projects is at; and the number of projects likely to benefit from the fund. [6699/19]
View answerThe National Sports Policy was published on 25th July 2018 and provided for a Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) with at least €100 million available over the coming years.
The fund was launched in November 2018 and is open to applications until 17th April 2019. The fund will initially focus on the requirements and development plans of National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Authorities, all of which received letters inviting them to make applications.
Assessment of the proposals received will commence after 17th April. Until proposals are received and assessed it is not possible to suggest the number of projects that will benefit from the fund.
The details of the programme are available on the Department's website.
88. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider funding for the extension of the M3 motorway to Cavan town and the east-west link; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6589/19]
View answerAs 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.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question, concerning the M3 motorway, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
With regard to funding for regional and local road projects, there are considerable financial demands on my Department for road improvement projects across the country. In relation to the East-West Dundalk to Cavan link, my Department has provided funding this year to allow the project appraisal to be updated.
89. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to reduce the waiting times for driver tests in the Skibbereen, Mallow, Cork, Killarney and Tralee test centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6687/19]
View answerThis 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.
90. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the status of the N2 will be reviewed with a view to upgrading it to motorway status in view of the number of recent accidents on the route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6590/19]
View answerAs 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 construction of individual national roads is a matter for TII, 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.
91. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 939 of 6 November 2018, the status of the provision of park and ride facilities for Galway city as recommended in the Galway transport strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6689/19]
View answerI understand the National Transport Authority (NTA) wrote to the Deputy on 14 November 2018 regarding the issues raised in Parliamentary Question 939 of 6 November 2018.
I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for any further update that may be available at this time.
92. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for investment in vital recreational infrastructure for local communities such as swimming pools, community centres and other sporting facilities; the extent to which recent budgetary allocations are sufficient to meet demand in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6717/19]
View answerThe 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. Under the 2017 round of the programme €62m was allocated to 1,837 sporting projects and my officials continue to assist these grantees in completing their projects and draw down their grants.
Sanction was received last year from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to open a new round of the Programme with allocations of up to €40m. This new round opened for applications on Friday 7 September and the application period closed on Friday 19th October. By that deadline, a record 2,337 applications were submitted seeking a total of €162m in funding.
186 of these applications were for projects deemed invalid under the 2017 round of the programme but who subsequently submitted corrected documents. These applications were assessed first and approximately €7m in allocations to 170 projects were announced on the 17th January.
In relation to new applications, for the first time applicants who have submitted incorrect documentation under this round will be given the opportunity to correct their application during the assessment period. While there will be no undue delay in completing the assessment process, in view of the opportunity to correct documentation, the record number of applications received and the detailed information contained in each application, it is likely to take a number of months to have all applications assessed. Accordingly, I expect that it will be at least the second quarter of this year before the full set of allocations under this current round of the programme are announced. Sufficient resources are available this year to cover all existing commitments under the programme in addition to the new allocations.
With regard to swimming pools, the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP), as operated by my Department, provides grant aid to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. To date 51 pools have been completed and four swimming pool projects remain in the current LASPP. The priority this year is on advancing these four projects and sufficient resources are available to cover these commitments.
In relation to the future funding of swimming pools and other larger projects, the National Development Plan confirmed the establishment of a new Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) with at least €100m available over the coming years. The new scheme opened for applications on 19th November and the closing date for applications is the 17th April 2019. Full details of the scheme and application forms are available on my Department's website at http://www.dttas.ie/sport/english/large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif. The aim of the fund is to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects where the Exchequer investment would be greater than the maximum amount available under the SCP. Initially, the scheme has a particular focus on National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Authorities. Swimming pool projects will also be considered.
93. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the underspend from the 2018 carbon reduction programme will be carried forward and added to the €7.6 million allocation for 2019 (details supplied); the programmes and projects that will be supported under same in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6432/19]
View answerThe Carbon Reduction Programme was established to fund measures that support decarbonising transport. As noted in my recent response to the Deputy’s PQ (No. 1623), this funding only represents a single element in a wider range of transport mitigation efforts underway, including significant support for new and improved public and sustainable transport; a number of incentives to encourage a transition away from conventional fuels towards low and zero emitting alternatives; increasing the proportion of biofuels in the fuel mix; and working to improve EU efficiency standards for all vehicles produced. Collectively, these measures are assisting in decarbonising the sector. The most recent emission inventories indicated a small fall in transport emissions for the first time in four years.
In 2019 the Carbon Reduction Programme is allocated €7m to further support some of these measures and help maintain this downwards trend in transport emissions. Noting that the measures funded under this Programme are largely new, innovative and often associated with emerging technologies/research and, accordingly, tend to take more time to develop, establish and gain acceptance, there was an underspend in 2018. To continue and expand projects and programmes commenced last year €1.965m was carried over from 2018 to the Programme in 2019. Funding reallocated during 2018 was supportive of sustainable transport generally, with increased expenditure in 2018 recorded across both public transport and active travel projects and programmes.
It is envisaged that the 2019 allocation will support four main work streams. Firstly, the Low Emission Bus Trials, which commenced in 2018 and will run into Q2 this year, which will help to further inform purchasing decisions for transitioning the bus fleet to lower emitting alternatives. Secondly, supporting electric vehicle uptake through the Electric Vehicle Tolling Incentive Scheme and the Electric Small Public Service Vehicle Grant Scheme – based on recent electric vehicle sales I expect to see significant increase in demand in both Schemes in 2019. Thirdly, funding from the Carbon Reduction Programme will be used to cover the cost differential of purchasing low-emission public transport vehicles, beginning with nine hybrid double-deck buses for the Dublin Bus fleet and a small pilot programme in rural Ireland. Finally, in support of evidence building, the Programme will support much needed Irish-specific transport mitigation research; four projects have commenced and will be co-funded in 2019 examining subjects such as behavioural change and the decarbonisation of the freight sector in Ireland.
Tackling national emissions is an evolving challenge, affected greatly by population levels, economic activity and strongly influenced by behavioural change. In tandem, the mitigation measures and technologies currently available to us are constantly developing. In recognition of this, Ireland’s responses to tackling challenge must be equally dynamic. Accordingly, the work streams for the Carbon Reduction Programme will evolve and be informed by the actions in the forthcoming All of Government Plan to Tackle Climate Disruption and the deliberations of the Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce.
94. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the perceived considerable waiting periods nationally for driver tests and the impact this can have on persons living in rural areas. [6696/19]
View answerI accept that current waiting times remain high but I am assured that measures being put in place by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) will have the desired effect of reducing waiting times for the public.
I approved the appointment of 67 additional driver testers, on a phased basis for a period of 12-18 months, to address any surge in driving test applications due to the new legislation in relation to unaccompanied learner drivers. The first cohort of these testers have been deployed to test centres to conduct driving tests, with the training of the remaining testers to be completed by end February 2019.
95. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the progress of the A5; the details of his engagement with his counterpart in Northern Ireland on the project; the funding that will be made available for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6464/19]
View answerThe planning and implementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities. In this context it will be for the Northern Ireland authorities to consider how to proceed in light of the outcome of judicial review proceedings regarding the scheme.
The current funding arrangements in relation to the A5 are governed by the Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start. This Agreement reaffirmed the Government's commitment to provide funding of £50 million for the A5 project and committed an additional £25 million towards the cost of Phase 1 of the project (Newbuildings to north of Strabane).
In the absence of the Northern Ireland Executive, the Deputy will be aware that I currently do not have a counterpart and the North South Ministerial Council has not been meeting. However, the Senior Officials Group comprising Northern and Southern officials, including from my Department, established to oversee implementation of the Fresh Start Agreement, has been continuing to meet. Similarly, my Department attends the ongoing meetings of the North West Strategic Gateway Group.
96. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the next stage of the public consultation process for the metro with particular reference to alternative routes for the metro in south County Dublin. [6691/19]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including MetroLink.
Noting their responsibility in relation to this matter, I have forwarded your query to the NTA for their consideration and direct reply. Please notify my office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
97. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of roadworthiness inspections on HGV operators carried out by the RSA and An Garda Síochána, respectively in each of the years 2016 to 2018; the number of such inspections carried out in respect of out-of-state operators and their countries of origin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6697/19]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006), the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has responsibility for the operation, oversight, development, quality assurance and delivery of commercial vehicle roadworthiness testing arrangements.
I have therefore forwarded this Question to the RSA for direct reply to the Deputy. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
98. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the review of the policy under which asylum seekers cannot apply for driver licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6694/19]
View answerThis matter is still under consideration in consultation with my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality. It is one of a number of priority issues that my officials are currently dealing with.
99. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views regarding safety procedures for maritime operations within the jurisdiction of the State; his plans to review same; and if it is planned to ratify the Torremolinos Convention. [5616/19]
View answerMaritime safety is the key concern of the Irish Maritime Administration which is a part of my Department.
The breadth of maritime operations in Irish waters is vast. It ranges from recreational craft users through to the smaller passenger boat and fishing vessel operators, on up to larger passenger and cargo ships and fishing vessels and internationally trading ships, both passenger and cargo.
The Administration performs many roles in relation to maritime safety in the State, both of a preventative and a reactive nature.
For example, the Marine Survey Office carries out a wide variety of regulatory and enforcement functions concerning vessels, seafarers, ports and cargos in the areas of safety, security, pollution prevention, accessibility and living and working conditions (for Irish ships in Irish waters and worldwide; and for foreign ships while in Irish ports).
The Irish Coast Guard is responsible for the response to, and coordination of, maritime accidents which require Search & Rescue and Counter Pollution & Ship Casualty operations. It also has a role in marine communication, surveillance and emergency management in Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Ensuring safe maritime operations and, in the unfortunate instances where things go wrong, an efficient and effective emergency response, is the top priority for the Administration. While these activities are constantly under review as part of its day to day work it is useful to take a step back and conduct a separate review from time to time or as the circumstances require.
For instance, following the tragic incidents involving the Coast Guard RIB, or Rigid Inflatable Boat, off Kilkee in 2016 and, separately, the Coast Guard Rescue 116 helicopter off the coast of Mayo in 2017, I have instigated a review into the national Search & Rescue Framework and the important work of the Review Group is on-going.
Furthermore, in 2017, the Maritime Safety Policy Division of my Department also issued a revised edition of the Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft, which provides users of recreational craft with important, practical safety advice and recommendations.
Prior to this, in April 2015 my Department, following a wide consultation, published its Maritime Safety Strategy 2015-2019, and this document contains a list of actions that the Irish Maritime Administration is currently working on implementing.
In relation to your specific enquiry regarding the Torremolinos Convention, that convention, which was agreed at the International Maritime Organization in 1977, never entered into force and is no longer open for accession. The Convention represented the first attempt internationally to regulate the larger fishing vessel sector – this is fishing vessels of 24 metres in length and over. It was replaced in 1993 by the Torremolinos Protocol, which updated and amended the provisions of the prior Convention to try and encourage a greater number of ratifications from states. Ireland acceded to the Protocol in 2001 and has domestic legislation for such fishing vessels. However, similar to the prior Convention, the Torremolinos Protocol has also failed to reach the required number of ratifications to enter into force internationally.
Further amendments to the Protocol were adopted by the International Maritime Organization in 2012, namely the Cape Town Agreement or, to give it its full title, the ‘Cape Town Agreement of 2012 on the Implementation of the Provisions of the 1993 Protocol relating to the Torremolinos International Convention for the Safety of Fishing Vessels, 1977’. That Agreement has not yet entered into force. My Department is currently preparing proposals for Irish legislation on the matter which, if passed, will facilitate Ireland ratifying the Agreement in due course.
100. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which planners for BusConnects have engaged and held consultations with affected residents along initial routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6255/19]
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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the development of BusConnects.
As the Deputy is aware, extensive public consultations are taking place with regard to the project.
In relation to proposals to develop new bus lanes as part of the BusConnects programme, any property owner whose property is impacted by the development of the new bus lanes is offered a one-to-one meeting by the NTA and I would encourage any such property owner to meet with the NTA to discuss the proposals and their implications. In addition to that personalised consultation with individual property owners, the NTA also publishes detailed booklets in relation to each proposed "corridor", establishes a community forum for each corridor and holds public information events in relation to the various corridors. The Deputy will, I am sure, acknowledge the extensive scope of this non-statutory consultation process.
I believe the consultation processes I have referred to above demonstrate the extensive engagement that has taken place and will continue to take place with communities. I would encourage as many people as possible to engage with these processes on this potentially transformative public transport initiative.
101. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to overcrowding across the public transport system; and the steps he is taking to address the matter. [6695/19]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to his previous question Priority Question No. 53 which I answered earlier.
102. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the planned review of the evening and weekend local link rural bus pilot scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6700/19]
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, which now operates under the Local Link brand.
As the Deputy will be aware, following engagement with key stakeholders in late 2017, I tasked the NTA to examine the potential to extend existing Local Link services into the evening and proposals I had received in this regard from the Deputy. Subsequently, the NTA approved funding for 65 new pilot evening and late night Local Link services, operating across all 26 counties, to run on a pilot basis for 6 months to end December last. Following a review of the services by the NTA, the pilot was extended until end quarter 1 2019, when the NTA will conduct a further review of the performance of the services and a decision taken as to future funding of these services.
I would like to acknowledge the help I received from the Deputy in getting this important initiative for rural Ireland off the ground and I look forward to working with him further when this pilot reaches a conclusion.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's Question to the NTA for further response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
103. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if measures are being considered to reduce waiting times for driver tests in County Kildare and nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6673/19]
View answerThis 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.
104. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Taoiseach if the lack of the Northern Assembly was discussed when he met the British Prime Minister, Mrs. Theresa May, on 8 February 2019. [6676/19]
View answerI met with the Prime Minister when she visited Dublin on 8 February and we briefed each other on our respective engagements in Belfast and Brussels that week. We discussed developments in Northern Ireland and our shared interest in seeing the devolved institutions restored as soon as possible.
105. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if Cabinet committee D, infrastructure, met recently. [6683/19]
View answerCabinet Committee D last met on 31 January 2019.
The Committee works to ensure a coordinated approach to the delivery of work and the ongoing development of policy across the areas of infrastructure investment and delivery, housing, and climate action. It also provides political oversight in relation to Project Ireland 2040.
Significant work is underway across each of these areas through Government Departments and Agencies and a range of inter-departmental groups such as the Climate Action High Level Steering Group and the Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board. In addition, these matters are regularly considered at meetings of the Government itself.
