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Tuesday, 26 Feb 2019

Written Answers Nos. 506-525

Irish National Stud

Questions (506)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Question:

506. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if investments will be made to the National Stud to support it as an iconic tourist destination nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9330/19]

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Written answers

In addition to its importance for the horseracing industry, the Irish National Stud and its gardens are an important tourism attraction for County Kildare and Ireland. I know that Fáilte Ireland has been working with the National Stud, with a view to further enhancing its tourism offering, so I have asked Fáilte Ireland to provide the Deputy with further detail in this regard. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.

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

Driver Test Waiting Lists

Questions (507)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

507. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for a driver test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8980/19]

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Written answers

The driving test service is run by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and my Department has no input into the scheduling of appointments.

Ministerial Meetings

Questions (508)

Mick Wallace

Question:

508. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the Minister of State with responsibility for defence met the European Commissioner for Transport, Ms Violeta Bulc on 1 February 2019 and not him; if this was an official meeting; if officials from his Department were present; if his attention was drawn to the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8986/19]

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Written answers

My understanding is that the meeting was organised by Minister of State Paul Kehoe and included a delegation comprising of Rosslare Europort, Wexford County Council, a private freight company (Perennial Freight), and Irish Rail. Ireland's European Commissioner, Phil Hogan, was also in attendance. My office was not contacted about the meeting and no officials from this Department attended.

Military Aircraft Landings

Questions (509, 510)

Clare Daly

Question:

509. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 222 of 14 February 2019, if the only munitions on board the aircraft were unloaded personal weapons of troops of the United States of America. [8995/19]

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Clare Daly

Question:

510. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 222 of 14 February 2019, the procedures followed to check if there were weapons or munitions on board other than the unloaded personal weapons of troops in view of the fact that the destination of the aircraft was an airbase being used to support the Saudi Arabian and Emirati war against Yemen at a time of ceasefire. [8996/19]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 509 and 510 together.

This particular civil aircraft was granted an exemption for the carriage of munitions of war in respect of the personal weapons of the troops on board with no ammunition present pursuant to Article 5 of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders, 1973 and 1989.

This exemption was granted as it met with the requirements for the grant of exemptions administered by my Department.

No objections were raised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with regard to matters of foreign policy, the Department of Justice and Equality with regard to matters of security or the Department of Defence. No further checks relating to compliance with the exemption were undertaken.

Public Service Vehicles

Questions (511)

Robert Troy

Question:

511. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has investigated international best practice in terms of evaluating the relative safety merits of different bus models; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9022/19]

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Written answers

Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council established an approval system for vehicles within the EU. This system ensures that a vehicle must be manufactured in compliance with a wide range of safety standards before it can be placed on the market. This ‘type-approval’ system is periodically updated to account for improvements in safety standards and to allow advanced safety features to become mandatory requirements. Amendments to Directive 2007/46/EC are scrutinised, evaluated and voted upon by a number of different EU-level technical committees and working groups attended by representatives from the State.

The type-approval system is transposed into Irish law by SI No. 158 of 2009 – the European Communities (Road Vehicles: Type-Approval) Regulations 2009. These regulations have been amended several times to account for the continually improving safety standards that have become obligatory for vehicles in the European fleet.

Roadworthiness Testing

Questions (512)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

512. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has received concerns from the public that among the large number of cars imported in recent years are repaired vehicles which suffered extensive damage in collisions in the UK and that resulting defects are not readily detectable by the NCT and may be a danger to road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9039/19]

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Written answers

My Department has received anecdotal indications of this issue however we have not received any data or verified figures that can corroborate the matter. We have recently been notified that changes to the export regime have taken place in the UK with respect to certificates of permanent export and ‘V5C’ vehicle registration certificates. We are currently in the process of determining what effects these changes have made on the export/import system.

Please also note that the National Car Test is not a comprehensive technical examination of a vehicle and accordingly it such should not be relied upon as a method of determining whether a vehicle has been involved in a collision. We would advise that a certified mechanic undertakes a thorough examination of any used vehicle before it is purchased or imported.

Roadworthiness Testing

Questions (513)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

513. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has liaised with the RSA in regard to imported vehicles which may have been repaired in the UK but whose defects are not apparent under the current NCT; his views on whether the legislation in regard to category C and D damaged vehicles needs to be updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9040/19]

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Written answers

My Department and I are constantly working with the RSA to improve road safety and as the matter regarding imported used vehicles has been brought to our attention, work is currently underway to review the system in place in the UK to determine whether further action is required in the State. No comprehensive evidence has yet been made available to suggest there is a serious issue regarding the importation of used vehicles from the UK.

The National Car Test is not a comprehensive technical examination of a vehicle and accordingly it such should not be relied upon as a warranty or a method of determining whether a vehicle has been involved in a collision. We would advise that a certified mechanic undertakes a thorough examination of any used vehicle before it is purchased or imported.

In relation to updating existing domestic legislation, work is due to commence this year to regulate for the establishment of a written-off vehicles database.

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Questions (514)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

514. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when successful applicants for the sports capital grant will be notified of funding; and the status of same. [9049/19]

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Written answers

The 2018 round of the Sports Capital Programme 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.

Some 186 of these applications were for projects that were deemed invalid under the 2017 round of the programme that subsequently submitted corrected documents. These applications were assessed first and €7m in allocations to 170 projects were announced on the 17th January.

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 may well be the third quarter of this year before the full set of allocations under this current round of the programme are announced.

Road Safety Strategy

Questions (515)

Robert Troy

Question:

515. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the cost of introducing a nationwide accident signalling system in order to alert motorists to the presence of accidents on major roadways has been examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9072/19]

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Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. When Exchequer funding has been allocated, under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and operation of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (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.

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

Dublin Port Tunnel

Questions (516)

Robert Troy

Question:

516. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of allowing small public service vehicles, SPSVs, to utilise the Dublin Tunnel free of charge. [9073/19]

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Written answers

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

More specifically, the statutory powers to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007). TII is also best placed to assess the composition of traffic using the Port Tunnel.

Noting the above, I am referring the question to TII for direct reply within 10 working days. Please inform my private office if you do not receive the information.

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

Rail Network Expansion

Questions (517)

Robert Troy

Question:

517. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost to construct the DART underground tunnel. [9074/19]

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Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, as part of Project Ireland 2040 the funding priority in relation to the DART Expansion Programme is to ensure delivery of the non-tunnel elements of the programme over the next ten years.

The initial sequencing of investment will therefore focus on -

- electrification of the Northern Line to Drogheda

- electrification of Kildare Line to Hazelhatch

- electrification of Maynooth Line to Maynooth and M3 Parkway

- better utilisation of the Phoenix Park Tunnel

- purchase of additional bi-mode rail fleet

- other measures such as re-signalling and junction/station changes.

The DART Expansion Programme's remaining element is the DART Underground Tunnel. Project Ireland 2040 commits toward establishing the route of the DART Underground Tunnel and ensuring its protection to allow for its future delivery.

Noting the National Transport Authority's statutory responsibilities in relation to the delivery of public transport infrastructure including the DART Expansion Programme, I have directed the question to the NTA for consideration and direct reply. Please contact my Office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

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

Public Transport Data

Questions (518)

Robert Troy

Question:

518. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of passenger journeys by operator in each of the years 2006 to 2010, in tabular form. [9086/19]

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Written answers

The table below shows the number of passenger journeys by operator in each of the years 2006 to 2010 as requested by the Deputy.

Passenger Numbers (million)

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Irish Rail

43.3

45.5

46.7

38.8

38.2

Dublin Bus

146.3

147.5

143.5

128.3

119

Bus Éireann*

49.7

50

48.2

42.3

37.2

Luas

26

28.4

27.4

25.4

27.5

*excludes school transport

Public Transport Data

Questions (519)

Robert Troy

Question:

519. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the revenue generated by each State operator in each of the years 2006 to 2010, in tabular form. [9087/19]

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Written answers

I have referred the Deputy's question to the commercial state bodies under the aegis of my Department for answer.

Please contact 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

Traffic Calming Measures

Questions (520)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

520. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures and funding that can be provided to alleviate speeding in a village (details supplied) in County Cork. [9098/19]

View answer

Written answers

The provision and funding of traffic calming measures in Ballintemple are the responsibility of the relevant local authority, in this case Cork City Council. I suggest, therefore, that the Deputy bring this matter to the Council directly.

Public Transport Fares

Questions (521, 522, 523)

Imelda Munster

Question:

521. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the increase in public service obligation subvention needed to reduce average Iarnród Éireann ticket prices by a quarter, a half and to completely subsidise all public train usage. [9108/19]

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Imelda Munster

Question:

522. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the increase in public service obligation subvention needed to reduce average Bus Éireann ticket prices by a quarter, a half and to completely subsidise all public bus usage. [9109/19]

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Imelda Munster

Question:

523. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the increase in public service obligation subvention needed to reduce prices of all public transport covered by the public service obligation to average European Union prices. [9110/19]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 521 to 523, inclusive, together.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland.

The award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA). The allocations to the transport 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 National Transport Authority (NTA) also has the statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services and decisions on fares are set out in the NTA Fare Determinations document which is published on the NTAs' website. The funding of PSO services comprises both the fares paid by passengers and the subvention payments from the Exchequer, the latter which amounts to €287m in 2019. The main purpose of the subvention payment is to meet the gap which exists between income from fares and the cost of operating services. To subsidise public transport services completely would require substantial additional funding by the taxpayer or from other sources.

I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA to respond directly in relation to some of the detail sought. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

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

Public Transport Data

Questions (524, 525)

Imelda Munster

Question:

524. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated usage of Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus by estimated age groups of passengers in tabular form. [9111/19]

View answer

Imelda Munster

Question:

525. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of bus and train journeys completed each year by transport services covered by the public service obligation by county or comparable regional data set. [9112/19]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 524 and 525 together.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the collection and publication of statistics relating to public transport and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

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