Written Answers Nos. 526-545
526. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding provided to the National Transport Authority from 2000 to 2019; and the amount expressed as a percentage of total general expenditure in each year, in tabular form. [9113/19]
View answer527. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport The public service obligation subvention provided to public transport in gross terms; and the amount expressed as a percentage of total funding provided to NTA public transport in 2000 to 2019, in tabular form. [9114/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 526 and 527 together.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) was established on 1 December 2009 under the Dublin Transport Authority Act, 2008. Therefore, further to the Deputy's requests about NTA allocations, the table below sets out the following information for the period 2010 to 2019 inclusive: the Exchequer funding allocated from the Department's Vote to the NTA for the purposes of both capital and current expenditure; this allocation to the NTA expressed as a percentage of the Department's overall allocation under the Vote; the PSO funding allocation to the NTA; and this PSO funding expressed as a percentage of the NTA's allocation.
It should be noted that, over the period, there were changes to the Department's remit and the range of areas that fall to be funded under the Vote. Also - in common with many areas of Government expenditure during and after the economic and fiscal crisis - there were some considerable changes in the period in the level of funding available especially for Exchequer capital investment.
|
- |
NTA capital and current Exchequer allocation as per published Agency Statements €m |
NTA Allocation as % of total allocation for Vote |
PSO funding allocated to the NTA under Vote €m |
PSO funding as % of NTA allocation |
|
2010 |
905 |
39% |
276 |
30% |
|
2011 |
507 |
30% |
265 |
52% |
|
2012 |
377 |
24% |
278 |
74% |
|
2013 |
399 |
33% |
227 |
57% |
|
2014 |
361 |
28% |
212 |
59% |
|
2015 |
350 |
29% |
210 |
60% |
|
2016 |
449 |
33% |
237 |
53% |
|
2017 |
461 |
32% |
264 |
57% |
|
2018 |
525 |
26% |
285 |
54% |
|
2019 |
584 |
25% |
287 |
49% |
528. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his consideration of a report (details supplied) on the future of Rosslare Europort has concluded; if not, when it will conclude in view of responses to parliamentary questions that acknowledge the restrictions the ownership model places on future development; if the report will be published; and if a debate in Dáil Éireann on the matter will be facilitated in view of importance of the port after Brexit. [9144/19]
View answerRosslare Europort is unique among the State-owned ports, as it is not a commercial company operating under the Harbours Acts but is instead operated on commercial basis as a division of Iarnród Éireann. Technically, the port forms part of the Fishguard and Rosslare Railways and Harbours Company, which is a 19th-century joint-venture company, consisting today of Iarnród Éireann on the Irish side and Stena Line on the Welsh (Fishguard) side.
The status of the port, and whether its current status potentially inhibits its development, was considered in a strategic review, commissioned by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and carried out by Indecon Economic Consultants. Their report concluded that the creation of an independent port authority would be extremely difficult, given the port's complex legal structure. Instead, it was recommended that the port remain in public ownership and that the possibilities for increased private sector involvement be investigated.
In order to assist Iarnród Éireann's overall consideration of how best to move forward, the company then engaged consultants to assess market interest. The assessment was largely positive in terms of the potential for increased private sector investment in the port; however, it did identify possible implementation issues due to the complicated legislative basis of the port.
Following that assessment, the Department sought and received detailed advice from the Office of the Attorney General on the matter. That advice identified a number of legal issues with any such proposal and those issues remain under consideration by the Department.
As such, there is currently no plan to publish the report to which the Deputy's question refers although a redacted version of the report was released under Freedom of Information in 2017.
I am however satisfied that Rosslare Europort as a division of Iarnród Éireann is effectively managing operations at the port and looking at the potential of the Port to develop further and take advantage of any new opportunities. The port is targeting growth and new business opportunities, and recently received the approval of the Iarnród Éireann Board for a strategic plan to grow the port's business. This includes investment plans for up to €25 million in customer facilities and port infrastructure, port assets, and new technology. The Port is engaging with a number of potential new shipping customers to supplement existing operators and offer greater choice to freight and passenger business. Iarnród Éireann and Rosslare Europort briefed my Department late last year on the company's plans for strategic development of the Port over the coming years.
Finally, Brexit will have implications for a number of key ports and airports, including Rosslare, and Rosslare continues to work closely with my Department and a range of other relevant Government Departments and Offices in preparing for Brexit.
In this context, my Department has met Rosslare Port management on a number of occasions over the past year, most recently last month, about the infrastructural requirements of the port in connection with Brexit. My Department has also been meeting ferry and shipping companies regarding their plans for dealing with the challenges of Brexit.
I do not accept that the ownership structure is impeding the development of Rosslare Europort and, as outlined above, a significant investment plan and preparations for Brexit are underway. Accordingly, I do not consider it appropriate to have a debate in the Dáil on this matter at the current time.
529. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on reopening Killucan railway station. [9146/19]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, Project Ireland 2040 notes the funding priority for the inter-urban rail network is to protect the investment already made in the national rail network, including the Mullingar line, by funding projects needed to maintain safety and service levels in railway operations. Project Ireland 2040 also confirms a number of key investment priorities to address transport demand and deliver a range of benefits over the next ten years.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport; the operation of the rail network and stations on the network is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in these matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
530. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a matter (details supplied) in relation to taxi licence exams will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9154/19]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the licensing and testing of drivers within this sector, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Given the role of the NTA in these matters, I have referred your questions to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
531. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a road project (details supplied) in County Kildare; and the efforts being made to complete the project on time. [9156/19]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants.
Project Ireland 2040 identifies a programme of regional and local road improvement projects to be progressed with grant support and the Athy Southern Distributor Road is one of those projects. Implementation of the programme of projects is on a phased basis and progression of each project is subject to the profile of annual capital allocations available to the Department.
Implementation of the Athy scheme is the responsibility of Kildare County Council. To date grant funding of €6.72 million has been allocated to the Council for this project including €3m in 2019. This year's funding is to continue to advance the design, land acquisition and advance works for the project.
532. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of conferences staff of his Department have attended in each of the years 2017 and 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form; the number of staff who attended each conference; the cost of this in each year; if he will make a statement on the matter. [9177/19]
View answer533. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount spent on advertising or sponsorship, or both, in respect of conferences, external and internal, respectively, in each of the years 2017 and 2018 and to date in 2019, by conference; the aggregate amount for each year; the amount available in the remainder of 2019 to fund same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9194/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 532 and 533 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated by my officials and will be forwarded to the Deputy within 10 working days.
|
Year |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
|
Number of conferences attended |
20 |
14 |
1 |
|
Number of staff that attended conferences |
26 |
21 |
1 |
|
Total Cost of attendance |
€19,967.71 |
€7,439.65 |
€430.00 |
|
Amount spent in advertising and/or sponsorship in respect of external conferences (by conference) |
€1,672.80 |
||
|
Amount spent in advertising and/or sponsorship in respect of internal conferences (by conference) |
|||
|
Aggregate amount |
€1,672.80 |
534. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff in his Department who attended a summit (details supplied) in Dublin in 2017 and 2018, respectively; the cost to his Department or agency under the remit of his Department; if his Department or an agency under the remit of his Department undertook advertising or sponsorship in respect of the summit; the cost in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9211/19]
View answerThe Secretary General of my Department attended part of the summit in question in 2017 at no cost to the Department. No other staff attended the summit in either 2017 or 2018 and no advertising or sponsorship was undertaken in respect of it.
My Department is committed to the provision of learning and development opportunities to all of it's staff including personal, traditional and sectoral specific training courses, mentoring and coaching courses.
In respect of the agencies of my Department, I have referred the Deputy's question to them for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
535. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if concessions will be offered in cases in which more than one member of a family must purchase disabled parking discs in respect of the mobility of the same family member; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9239/19]
View answerThe terms of the Disabled Parking Scheme are such that the permit is issued directly to the person with the mobility impairment rather than to the person driving them. The permit holder is then free to use their permit while travelling in any vehicle or with any accompanying driver, provided the permit in question in valid and clearly displayed. The issue of paying for multiple permits should not arise as no eligible user of the scheme can be issued with more than one permit at a time.
I would remind the Deputy that although my Department is responsible for creating the legislation underpinning the Disabled Parking Scheme, the day-to-day running of the scheme comes under the remit of the issuing bodies, the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) and the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland (DDAI).
536. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the provision of a footbridge over the N4 at Collooney to connect the commercial zones with the town and ensure public safety will be supported; if funding will be provided for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9241/19]
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 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 to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
537. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of public lights repaired in each year since 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9247/19]
View answer544. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the maintenance arrangements in place in relation to public lighting on national routes, including motorways; if an audit has taken place regarding the number of public lights out of order on national routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9308/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 537 and 544 together.
The Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport has 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 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 Deputy's question to TII for a direct reply in respect to public lighting on national roads and motorways. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
As regards regional and local roads, under Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993 to 2015, the improvement and maintenance of public roads, including public lighting, is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority. Maintenance of public lighting on regional and local roads is, therefore, a matter for each local authority and not a matter for my Department.
538. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans of the National Transport Authority and Dublin Bus to alleviate customer congestion on bus services from Bray and Greystones to Dublin city along the N11 corridor; if the NTA and Dublin Bus will provide additional bus services on the 84x route; if an additional three buses will be provided on the service in the morning during rush hour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9250/19]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the implementation and development of public transport infrastructure including the BusConnects project.
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.
539. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of occasions the National Civil Aviation Security Committee has met in the past five years to date; if it has identified new risks at airports in that time; the progress made to date in mitigating those risks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9273/19]
View answer540. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the rule or directive under which airport security officers have the authority to stop and search Revenue Commissioners enforcement officers at Dublin Airport; the date on which this practice began; the body that has directed these measures be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9274/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 539 and 540 together.
The National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC) is comprised of key Government Departments, State Agencies (including the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, An Garda Síochána, the Irish Aviation Authority), and industry stakeholders (including airports and airlines). Its purpose is to advise and inform me as Minister on all matters of aviation security and to coordinate the implementation of the National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP), which is a work programme agreed on an annual basis with the objective of improving aviation security and ensuring international standards are met. The Committee meets on a six-monthly basis. It has met eleven times over the last five years. The Deputy will understand that due to the security sensitive nature of the deliberations of the NCASC, discussions and decisions are confidential.
Aviation security is a highly regulated area in accordance with international agreements. It is subject to requirements arising from Ireland's membership of the UN's International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and European Regulations. The State is committed to implementing best international practice.
European Regulations on aviation security are reflected in the NCASP, as required by Article 10 of EC Regulation 300/2008 and S.I. 226 of 2003, as amended. Of particular relevance, Article 1.3.2 of the Annex to EC Regulation 300/2008 states that "All persons other than passengers, together with items carried, shall be screened upon entering critical parts of security restricted areas in order to prevent prohibited articles from being introduced into these parts." While there is an option in this Regulation for objective reasons to exempt certain persons other than passengers, new, enhanced security arrangements were introduced at airports on 30 January 2019. This decision was based on a security risk assessment carried out by the IAA in accordance with the Security Programme (NCASP) and agreed by the Security Committee (NCASC).
As is standard procedure, the new security arrangements are subject to periodic review to ensure that they are being implemented as required and that they remain an effective component of the overall aviation security response by the State.
541. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an application by a school (details supplied) will be reviewed; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9279/19]
View answerThe 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.
One hundred and eighty-six 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 approximately €7m in allocations to 170 projects were announced on the 17th January.
In terms of new applications, I can confirm that an application has been submitted by the organisation referred to by the Deputy.
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 third quarter of this year before the full set of allocations under this current round of the programme are announced.
542. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the average charge for the weekly use of park-and-ride facilities at Irish Rail stations. [9291/19]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
543. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the average charge for the weekly use of park-and-ride facilities at Bus Éireann stops. [9292/19]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Bus Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
545. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures that will be put in place to mitigate, even temporarily, the effects of a no-deal Brexit on regional airports such as Ireland West Airport. [9315/19]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, Brexit and its potential implications for Ireland are being managed on a whole-of-government basis. My Department is represented on all relevant cross-Departmental coordination structures, and an internal Departmental Committee on Brexit meets regularly to oversee the Department's analyses and planning in the areas of aviation, land transport, maritime transport and tourism.
My Department is engaged in extensive contingency planning in relation to Brexit, including for a possible no-deal scenario. I, and officials from my Department, have continually stressed the importance that all stakeholders, including the regional airports, take all necessary steps within their control to prepare for Brexit, including the importance of undertaking contingency planning to minimise the impact of Brexit on their operations. Ongoing engagement with stakeholders, including with regional airports, on Brexit continues to be a central part of Government's preparations for Brexit.
In terms of connectivity, the European Commission published a draft proposal last December for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules ensuring basic connectivity with regard to the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the Union. Subject to reciprocity from the UK, it is anticipated that the vast majority of flights to/from Ireland to the UK, including from the regional airports, would still be able to operate post-Brexit.
However, under all possible scenarios, the UK's withdrawal from the EU will bring change to the Aviation sector and while much is being done by Government, it is also very much up to the all those doing business in Ireland, including the regional airports themselves to prepare for a 'no-deal' scenario, and to engage in their own specific contingency planning.
