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Tuesday, 26 Feb 2019

Written Answers Nos. 546-565

Brexit Supports

Questions (546)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Question:

546. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to support tourism businesses and visitor attractions in County Kildare ahead of Brexit; the financial support provided by his Department and agencies under the aegis of his Department to visitor attractions in County Kildare in 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019; the locations of those attractions; the number of tourists to County Kildare in 2016, 2017 and 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9327/19]

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Written answers

My Department has supported a number of measures aimed at mitigating the impact of Brexit on tourism businesses operating in Ireland, such as Fáilte Ireland's Get Brexit Ready programme and targeted tourism marketing campaigns in the UK.

Fáilte Ireland also continues to provide a wide range of supports for tourism businesses and attractions throughout the country to help create new experiences and enhance existing ones; extend the season; and enhance the skills and business capability of tourism enterprises.

Tourism businesses and attractions also stand to benefit from Fáilte Ireland's continued development and promotion of the established tourism experience brands, targeted capital investments and programme supports aimed at further enhancing, animating and promoting these brands. For County Kildare, the relevant brand is Ireland's Ancient East.

I have asked Fáilte Ireland to provide the Deputy with further detail in regard to the types and level of supports it provides to tourism businesses and visitor attractions in County Kildare and any county-level statistics it has on tourist numbers.

With specific regard to the Deputy's query regarding the number of tourists visiting County Kildare, I must clarify that the collection and dissemination of official statistical information, including information relating to tourist numbers and expenditure, is a matter for the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Although the CSO does not publish tourism performance figures for individual counties, I am aware that Fáilte Ireland estimates individual county performance based on CSO data.

Please contact my office if you do not hear within ten working days.

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

Maritime Safety

Questions (547)

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

547. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his officials will visit Inishmurray Island with engineers from Sligo County Council to ascertain the work that needs to be carried out to provide a safe landing facility at the island; if he will liaise with the Marine Survey Office regarding the works required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9393/19]

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Written answers

Officials in my Department are happy to engage with Sligo County Council in relation to safe landing requirements and compliance with the Merchant Shipping Acts. Obviously, such engagement does not prejudice the role of Marine Survey Office as the maritime transport regulator in ensuring that all relevant safety requirements have been met.

Public Transport Expenditure

Questions (548, 549, 570)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

548. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding allocated for sustainable transport measures in 2019 by each heading; the funding code of his Department for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9409/19]

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Catherine Murphy

Question:

549. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding and-or grants available in 2019 and 2020 for the provision of new cycleways and pedestrian ways and the maintenance or upgrade of existing cycle and walk ways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9414/19]

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Catherine Murphy

Question:

570. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding under the B8 sustainable transport code by its various subheads for 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9667/19]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 548, 549 and 570 together.

I can advise the Deputy that the Sustainable Transport Measures Grants programme has now been replaced by the Sustainable Urban Transport Programme. Funding for cycling is provided under a number of different programmes, of which the two principal ones are now the Smarter Travel/Sustainable Urban Transport programme and the Cycling & Walking programme.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that I have secured a significant improvement in funding allocations over the period 2018-2021 which will benefit both cyclists and walkers. These improved allocations over this period include:

- €110 million specifically dedicated to cycling and walking infrastructure in our major urban areas;

- €135 million for sustainable urban transport measures;

- €750 million approximately towards the BusConnects programme in Dublin which will include the delivery of around 200 kilometres of segregated cycling lanes, where possible; and

- €53 million to support the development of new Greenways.

In addition to the above, Government has also made additional money available for cycling projects through both the Urban and Rural Regeneration and Development Funds under the National Development Plan.

For ease of reference please see below table which outlines the initial allocations per relevant programme and subhead of B8 (Public and Sustainable transport) for 2019 -

Subhead

Programme

Amount €m

B8.1

Smarter Travel /Sustainable Urban Transport

€20m

B8.2

Heavy Rail / Development

€274.7m

B8.3

Public Transport Infrastructure

€156.4m

B8.4

Green Schools

€1.6m

B8.5

Cycling and Walking

€28m

Tourism Data

Questions (550)

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

550. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of national and international visitors visiting County Cork; the bed nights available in north County Cork; the demographic of visitors by age, income and nationality; the tourism budget spent in north County Cork in each of the years 2013 to 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9446/19]

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Written answers

The collection and dissemination of official statistical information, including information relating to tourist numbers and expenditure, is a matter for the Central Statistics Office. The CSO does not publish tourism performance figures for individual counties. However, I understand that Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, does estimate individual county performance based on CSO data. Similarly, expenditure on tourism programmes is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland and I am not aware that it publishes information at the level of detail required by the Deputy in respect of County Cork.

I have asked Fáilte Ireland to reply directly to the Deputy with any further information it may have in relation to the statistical and budgetary information requested. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

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

Tourism Policy

Questions (551)

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

551. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which the food tourism, activity tourism and initiatives (details supplied) in north County Cork fit within the market and branding strategy for the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East and the Hidden Heartlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9447/19]

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Written answers

The tourism potential of the various counties and regions is developed and promoted in line with the relevant tourism experience brands, which provide the overarching context for related marketing, enterprise supports and tourism product development (including food- and activity-tourism initiatives).

I have asked Fáilte Ireland to provide the Deputy with further detail on its marketing and branding strategies for the regional experience brands and how these align with the tourism offering in north County Cork. 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

Brexit Preparations

Questions (552)

James Browne

Question:

552. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to protect the road haulage industry in the event of a hard Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9448/19]

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Written answers

My Department hosted a Freight Forum with stakeholders including industry representative bodies on Monday 21 January 2019 to inform them of the latest Brexit developments. My Department, along with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Agriculture, addressed the group. I will keep industry representative bodies informed and the information on the Department’s website will continue to be updated as further developments arise. In the context of the haulage sector it is vital to minimise the impact of Brexit by avoiding any new undue regulatory burden for our hauliers. I can assure you that I and other Government Ministers continue to engage with our EU counterparts, our colleagues across Government and the European Commission to protect the interests of our haulage sector and more particularly our connectivity. In December 2018 the European Commission made a proposal for a regulation relating to road freight transport to ensure basic road freight connectivity with regard to the withdrawal of the UK from the EU. My Department’s officials are working with the EU Commission and our EU counterparts to advance this legislative proposal.

All Government Departments and agencies are continuing their contingency planning for Brexit, both for an orderly and a disorderly scenario. The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, along with other Government Departments, has emphasised the importance of stakeholders taking all necessary steps within their control to prepare for Brexit, including undertaking contingency planning to minimise the impact of Brexit on their operations. I would remind stakeholders to refer to the European Commission’s published Notices to Stakeholders in the field of transport.

Sports Facilities Provision

Questions (553)

Brendan Ryan

Question:

553. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of his engagement of a mediator from an organisation (details supplied) to assist in discussions between Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and a club (details supplied); the cost incurred in doing so in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the name of the mediator; if the mediator has been contracted by his Department; if so, the length of time for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9455/19]

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Written answers

The key policy objective of the Sport area of my Department is “To contribute to a healthier and more active society by promoting sports participation and supporting high performance and the provision of facilities.” Within the Sport area, the Sports Capital Programmes Division facilitates the building and maintenance of sports facilities by clubs, local authorities and National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sport.

The case to which the Deputy refers involves a Local Authority swimming pool that is now closed and would require a multi-million euro investment to become fit for purpose. Should the Local Authority decide to proceed with the renovation works and investment required, agreement would need to be reached with one local sports club, whose lands surround the swimming pool. It would be expected that any works to the pool would cause significant disruption to the activities of the local sports club. For example, access and egress by construction traffic to the swimming pool site, the storage of construction materials close to the site, and potential cordoning off of the site during construction.

Over the last number of years, the sports club and the Local Authority have engaged on how best to move forward with the swimming pool renovation project. Progress has been quite slow due to a wide range of complex issues. The issue was brought to my attention and I discussed it with my officials who in turn consulted Sport Ireland. Sport Ireland has experience in resolving sport related disputes and grievances and use a panel of experienced facilitators in this regard.

Given the relatively slow pace of progress in recent years, my official suggested that the services of a facilitator might be useful. Both parties were agreeable and Sport Ireland recommended some facilitators who might be suitable. My official contacted one of the facilitators, Mr. Austin Kenny, and Mr. Kenny agreed to facilitate discussions between the Local Authority and the sports club. I understand that discussions between the Local Authority and the sports club commenced soon afterwards. I further understand that considerable detailed technical work is underway by both parties and that this work needs to be completed before more material discussions take place between the parties.

Facilitation is a voluntary process entered into by the relevant parties. Terms of reference, timelines and costs are matters for the relevant parties. Sport Ireland would, from time to time, advise NGBs on dispute resolution, including efficient approaches to mediation, facilitation and arbitration. Requests from NGBs for assistance with the costs of facilitation are considered by Sport Ireland and are treated on their merits.

Sports Facilities Provision

Questions (554)

Brendan Ryan

Question:

554. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the name of mediators engaged by him from an organisation (details supplied) between 2016 and 2019; the reason for which they were engaged; the costs incurred in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9456/19]

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Written answers

My Department has not directly engaged any mediators from the organisation mentioned by the Deputy.

I would refer the Deputy to my detailed reply to Question No. 608 of today's date regarding the arrangement of a facilitator in a specific instance.

The key policy objective of the Sport area of my Department is “To contribute to a healthier and more active society by promoting sports participation and supporting high performance and the provision of facilities.” Within the Sport area, the Sports Capital Programmes Division facilitates the building and maintenance of sports facilities by clubs, local authorities and National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sport.

The case referred to involves a Local Authority swimming pool that is now closed and would require a multi-million euro investment to become fit for purpose. Should the Local Authority decide to proceed with the renovation works and investment required, agreement would need to be reached with one local sports club, whose lands surround the swimming pool. It would be expected that any works to the pool would cause significant disruption to the activities of the local sports club. For example, access and egress by construction traffic to the swimming pool site, the storage of construction materials close to the site, and potential cordoning off of the site during construction.

Over the last number of years, the sports club and the Local Authority have engaged on how best to move forward with the swimming pool renovation project. Progress has been quite slow due to a wide range of complex issues. The issue was brought to my attention and I discussed it with my officials who in turn consulted Sport Ireland. Sport Ireland has experience in resolving sport related disputes and grievances and use a panel of experienced facilitators in this regard.

Given the relatively slow pace of progress in recent years, my official suggested that the services of a facilitator might be useful. Both parties were agreeable and Sport Ireland recommended some facilitators who might be suitable. My official contacted one of the facilitators, Mr. Austin Kenny, and Mr. Kenny agreed to facilitate discussions between the Local Authority and the sports club. I understand that discussions between the Local Authority and the sports club commenced soon afterwards. I further understand that considerable detailed technical work is underway by both parties and that this work needs to be completed before more material discussions take place between the parties.

Facilitation is a voluntary process entered into by the relevant parties. Terms of reference, timelines and costs are matters for the relevant parties. Sport Ireland would, from time to time, advise NGBs on dispute resolution, including efficient approaches to mediation, facilitation and arbitration. Requests from NGBs for assistance with the costs of facilitation are considered by Sport Ireland and are treated on their merits.

Rural Transport Services

Questions (555)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

555. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a matter regarding transport in rural areas will be addressed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9463/19]

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Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, the regulation of the small public service vehicles (SPSV) sector is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.

As regards rural transport, the NTA has been assigned responsibility for providing integrated local and rural transport. This includes responsibility for the Rural Transport Programme which now operates under the "Local Link" brand.

With this in mind and given the two distinct roles of the NTA in this respect, I have also referred your question to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

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

Driver Licences

Questions (556)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

556. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures put in place to enable Irish citizens resident in Northern Ireland to apply for an Irish driver licence post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9470/19]

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Written answers

Under EU law, a person must be resident in the Member State to apply for a driving licence in that State. This requirement will not change post-Brexit.

Dublin Bus Fleet

Questions (557)

Robert Troy

Question:

557. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of buggy and wheelchair zones that will be aboard the new buses purchased for the Dublin Bus fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9479/19]

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Written answers

The National Transport Authority (NTA) have statutory responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the purchase of bus fleet.

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.

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

Bus Éireann

Questions (558)

Eugene Murphy

Question:

558. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Ballydangan and Creagh bus stops will be reinstated in the Expressway service in County Roscommon in view of the population base and level of demand for the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9531/19]

View answer

Written answers

The 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.

Bus Services

Questions (559)

Eugene Murphy

Question:

559. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the LocalLink bus service for counties Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon can be extended to the Ballydangan and Creagh areas of County Roscommon in view of the withdrawal of the Bus Éireann stops from the Expressway services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9532/19]

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Written answers

As 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.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's Question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

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

Driver Test

Questions (560)

Robert Troy

Question:

560. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of driving test instructors that have been hired in each quarter since the first quarter of 2016. [9533/19]

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Written answers

This 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.

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

Roads Maintenance

Questions (561)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

561. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if work will be carried out on a road (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9549/19]

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Written answers

Firstly, I would like to explain that the maintenance of regional and local roads (RLR) is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.

Overall, therefore, it is a matter for the relevant Local Authority to assess and prioritise work within its area of responsibility. Kerry County Council should, therefore, be able to advise the Deputy if works are planned for the Conor Pass road.

EU Funding

Questions (562)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

562. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of funds received by his Department or channelled through his Department from EU funds in 2017; and the programmes these funds supported. [9578/19]

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Written answers

The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is the EU's funding instrument for the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Funding under the CEF is delivered in the form of grants allocated following competitive calls for proposals. Irish beneficiaries participate in 23 projects and receive €118.6 million in CEF Transport co-funding, with total investments in these projects of €565.9 million. The EU funding provided is not readily available by year.

These include successful applications for the deployment of Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research (SESAR) and road transport projects with other Member States, which includes studies on the harmonisation of interoperable intelligent transport systems (ITS) and cooperative Intelligent transport systems (C-ITS).

Details of all of Ireland’s successful projects are available on the INEA website at the following weblink: https://ec.europa.eu/inea/sites/inea/files/eu_investment_in_transport_in_ireland.pdf

In addition, my Department applied for and was successful in obtaining a grant from the EU, via the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (INEA) for the period 1 January 2017 up to 31 December 2019. The grant is for a total of €110,400, €8,146 of which was spent in 2017. The purpose of the grant is to enhance Ireland's participation in activities relating to the TEN-T Core Network Corridors.

My Department also provided funding of €14,339.38 in 2017 for the INTERREG VA Programme, which is run by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) for cross-border projects, in respect of the Carlingford Lough and Ulster Canal Greenways. Up to 85% of the Programme is subsequently reimbursed from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The division and allocation of this fund is the responsibility of the SEUPB.

My Department encourages operators in our transport sectors to explore all avenues of finance available for capital investment projects including domestic banks, the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), as well as the European Investment Bank (EIB), Irish Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) and the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI) in order to secure the most suitable funding instrument at the most favourable commercial rates. In many cases, a mix of funding instruments is used for capital projects by ports, roads aviation and public transport sectors.

Bus Éireann Services

Questions (563)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

563. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether it is acceptable that Bus Éireann requires at least 24 hours' notice for disability access; if public transport should be accessible at all times under the EU directives; and the steps he is taking to ensure that bus stations that have been given at least 24 hours' notice will have the facility to offer the service in commuter towns such as Ballyshannon, County Donegal. [9585/19]

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Written answers

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

Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have forwarded your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. 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 Provision

Questions (564)

Robert Troy

Question:

564. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the NTA will be requested to work with Irish Rail to ensure overcrowded services are supplemented with buses (details supplied). [9607/19]

View answer

Written answers

The National Transport Authority has responsibility for ensuring the development and delivery of public transport infrastructure, both bus and rail, in the Greater Dublin Area, including, in consultation with Irish Rail and other relevant public transport providers, the augmentation of such services.

I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

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

Park and Ride Facilities

Questions (565)

John Curran

Question:

565. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Luas park and ride facility at a location (details supplied) is due to close on 31 March 2019; if the facility can be renegotiated or an alternative park and ride facility be sought to serve passengers from Newcastle and Rathcoole who use the Fortunestown Luas red line stop; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9610/19]

View answer

Written answers

As 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 provision of park and ride sites.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

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