Written Answers Nos. 188-206
188. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of plans to introduce a support scheme for renewable heat; if state aid approval has formally been applied for; and if so, when approval will be granted and the scheme opened for biomass; if approval has not been sought, when it will be applied for; when he expects the scheme to open for biomass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9952/19]
View answerThe Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) has been developed to financially support the adoption of renewable heating systems by commercial, industrial, agricultural, district heating and other non-domestic heat users not covered by the EU Emissions Trading System. Under Project Ireland 2040, the National Development Plan published earlier this year sets out an allocation of €300 million for the rollout of the scheme for the period 2018 to 2027. The first phase of the scheme, an installation grant for heat pumps, opened for applications on 12 September 2018. This phase of the scheme will support ground, air and water source electric heat pump installations providing grant-aid of up to 30% of the installation cost. The first phase of the scheme was implemented under the State aid General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) and did not require prior approval from the European Commission.
The second phase of the scheme, an operational support for biomass boilers and anaerobic digestion heating systems, cannot be accommodated within the provisions of the GBER and, therefore, must follow the full State aid notification process. My Department has submitted a formal State aid notification to the European Commission. It is intended to open the second phase of the SSRH for applications early this year, subject to the State aid process.
The Scheme Overview is available on my Department's website at the following link: https://www.dccae.gov.ie/documents/Scheme%20for%20Renewable%20Heat%20Scheme%20Overview.pdf
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), as scheme administrator of the SSRH, is currently finalising the detailed Terms and Conditions for the operational support element of the scheme. In order to assist stakeholders, the SEAI has published a working draft of the Terms and Conditions for the scheme on their website. This can be found at: https://www.seai.ie/resources/publications/Support-Scheme-Renewable-Heat-Draft-Terms-and-Conditions-.pdf
189. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if motor tax can be paid in smaller monthly instalments rather than larger quarterly payments to assist those with limited means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9974/19]
View answerThere are no plans currently to review the basis for paying motor tax.
On the basis of the current arrangements, the number of motor tax discs issued each year is in the order of some 5m discs. In addition, renewal notices are issued to vehicle owners in the month of expiry of a motor tax disc. The introduction of a facility whereby a motor tax disc can be taken out on a monthly basis would significantly increase the volume of discs and renewals, with a resultant increase in the costs of operating the motor tax system administratively and in terms of financial costs and controls, including bank charges, which are not currently met by vehicle owners.
If a system of payment by direct debit is being proposed, it should be noted such a proposal would require significant additional enforcement provisions to recoup income lost to the taxpayer where there are insufficient funds in personal accounts to meet the payment or where the direct debit option is cancelled after a disc has been issued, as well as provisions to enable recovery of a disc in such circumstances.
190. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department notified local authorities in relation to the recently confirmed new round of the CIS; when the funding will be distributed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9785/19]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants.
Local authorities were notified of the Department's regional and local road allocations for 2019 including those for CIS on the 1st February 2019. Details of the regional and local road grant allocations to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road grant booklets which are available in the Oireachtas Library.
191. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce BusConnects to County Limerick; if so, the timescale in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9775/19]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware work is ongoing to develop a Limerick – Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy. The Strategy will evaluate the potential for a BusConnects-type investment programme for Limerick and will provide the strategic framework within which public transport will be improved in the area in the years ahead.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is working in partnership with the local authorities in developing that Strategy, a model which has worked well in Galway and Cork already. I understand that a public consultation will take place this year.
Given the NTA's role in the development of the Strategy, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply in relation to the timescale involved. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
192. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether it is prudent or good practice by the National Transport Authority to run buses from Kilkenny to Clonmel four times a day to begin service in Clonmel that are empty; the reason they cannot stop in various towns and villages on the route to collect and carry passengers to and from Kilkenny and Clonmel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9779/19]
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.
193. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for accessibility of public transport for persons with disabilities in view of the fact that there are no accessible routes for wheelchair users on a route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9810/19]
View answerAs 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.
194. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an undertaking that the Metro project will be delivered in a timely and cost-effective fashion; and the concerns he has regarding same. [9869/19]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) are developing revised proposals for public consultation in relation to a "Preferred Route" of the proposed MetroLink.
This "Preferred Route" follows on from last year's public consultation on what was known as a "Emerging Preferred Route", a public consultation which gave rise to much public commentary, particularly regarding a number of different local areas across the city.
In developing their revised proposals the NTA and TII are seeking to develop a new cross-city public transport corridor via the airport and out to Swords and, in doing so, increase capacity on the Luas Green Line. In trying to achieve that ambition they are also listening to the views of the public, including those living along the Green Line, as regards what level of disruption is acceptable to deliver the increased capacity the Line needs.
It is a matter for the NTA and TII to bring their revised proposals forward for public consultation and I look forward to hearing the public's views on the "Preferred Route" when it is published in the coming weeks.
The Deputy is right to note the importance of timely and cost effective delivery of projects such as this, and those issues are obviously important matters for consideration as the project moves onto this next phase of consultation.
195. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of Irish drivers' licences that were required by law to be surrendered and were surrendered, respectively in each of the years 2011 to 2018 and to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9909/19]
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.
196. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of taxi plates in County Kildare; the number in each county nationally in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9912/19]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the licensing of taxis, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Given the particular role of the Authority in these matters, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
197. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are grants available through the sports capital allocations for schools for low-cost projects such as play trails and play spaces within school grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9920/19]
View answer198. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding is available outside of sports capital funding mechanisms for schools for low-cost projects such a play trails and play spaces within school grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9921/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 198 together.
The provision of sports facilities in schools is primarily the responsibility of the Minister for Education and Skills.
In relation to sports facilities generally, the Sports Capital Programme is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment. Grants are available to sports clubs, voluntary and community groups, national governing bodies of sport, and local authorities. Third level colleges, Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and schools may only apply for funding jointly with sports clubs or organisations. It is a stated aim of the SCP to encourage the sharing of sports facilities and schools and other educational institutions gain extra marks at assessment by showing that their facilities are shared with local sports clubs and groups.
Under the most recent 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme 45 grants were allocated to schools and other educational organisations with a total value of over €2m. These grants included walking/jogging tracks, multi-use games areas and sports equipment. The programme does not fund playgrounds.
In terms of future priorities, the National Sports Policy which was published last year includes a specific chapter on the development of sports facilities and recognises that schools provide important opportunities for the development of physical literacy. A Sports Leadership Group has been established to drive the implementation of the policy and to draw up an Action Plan to deliver the objectives outlined in the policy. The Department of Education and Skills is represented on the Leadership Group and the first Action Plan is expected to be published later this year.
199. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding a traffic hazard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9923/19]
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, including the provision of bus stops and bus shelters.
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.
200. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the National Transport Authority has a designated preferential daily rate in the Dublin city coach park to facilitate all-day parking for operators of multiple services vehicles providing a scheduled licensed public service into Dublin in view of fact that Dublin City Council are proposing a charge of €9 in all coach parking locations throughout Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9930/19]
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 Coach Park referred to by the Deputy.
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.
201. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the code or heading under which the expenditure for cycling and-or walking appear in the accounts of his Department; the cycling and walking projects and the allocation to each which were funded between 1 January and 31 December 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9953/19]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware I have secured significant improved 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.
As the Deputy can see from the above, these are all multi-annual capital infrastructure programmes and annual allocations will vary over the lifetime of the individual programmes, while drawdown requirements within a particular year may also vary depending on various issues such as specific progress on individual projects over the course of a particular year.
Funding for cycling and walking 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 and Walking programme. Expenditure for these programmes is recorded under subhead B8 (Sustainable and Public Transport) in my Department.
The allocation of funding in respect of individual projects is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with the relevant local authorities, accordingly 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.
202. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or his officials have engaged with the European Commission for the provision of state aid to hauliers and other transport providers in the event of a no-deal hard Brexit; the meetings he has held on same; the organisations he has engaged with on same; the level of support which will be made available to the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9991/19]
View answerThe Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation is providing extensive supports, schemes and advice to ensure that businesses are prepared for Brexit, and the Department and its agencies are assisting businesses to meet their challenges by identifying key risk areas and the practical preparatory actions to be taken over the coming weeks. The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation has launched a €300 million Brexit Loan Scheme. For information on how this scheme may apply to the road transport sector, the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation should be contacted.
203. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans in relation to the provision of ring-fenced funding under the Tidy Towns competition funding for RAPID designated housing estates to encourage the residents of these estates to get involved in the management and maintenance of the estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9770/19]
View answerThe Tidy Towns competition was originally launched by Fáilte Ireland over 60 years ago. Since its inception, the competition has grown from 52 entrants in 1958, to 883 entrants in 2018.
As Minister for Rural and Community Development, I was delighted to be in a position to announce grant funding to TidyTowns Committees of €1.4 million for each of the years 2017 and 2018, to mark the 60th anniversary of the competition. This funding has allowed the Committees to prepare better for the annual competition through the purchase or upgrade of small equipment and other materials.
While there is no specific funding ring-fenced for TidyTowns Committees looking to maintain housing estates, it should be noted that TidyTowns Committees can apply, as community groups, for funding to other schemes within my Department, such as the Community Enhancement Programme. This programme is administered through the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), and allows applications for funding for the management and maintenance of estates.
In 2018, 158 applications were approved for funding of €536,816 to TidyTowns Committees under the Community Enhancement Programme.
204. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his Department notified local authorities in relation to the recently confirmed new round of the LIS; when the funding will be distributed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9785/19]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme, or LIS, is a programme for improvement works on small private or non-public roads in rural areas. The scheme is funded by my Department and is administered through the Local Authorities.
As the Deputy may be aware, there was no dedicated funding for this scheme for a number of years due to constraints on public expenditure. However, I was very conscious of the underlying demand for the scheme in rural areas throughout the country.
I reintroduced the LIS in September 2017 and allocated a total of €17.5 million to Local Authorities for LIS roads in 2017. In 2018, I allocated over €20 million for LIS roads in two phases - April 2018 and October 2018.
On 7th February 2019, I announced a further €10 million to Local Authorities for LIS roads across the country. The allocations for each county were published on my Department's website at:
https://drcd.gov.ie/about/news-centre/press-releases/funding-for-local-improvement-schemes-continues-to-be-a-lifeline-for-rural-communities-minister-ring/.
Formal notification and related terms and conditions for the funding is being issued to the Local Authorities this week.
The new round of funding will be released in two tranches following the completion of works as follows:
1. 50% of the funding will be made available once Local Authorities have certified completion of projects approved under the October 2018 LIS announcement, and completion of the first half of works from their 2019 allocation.
2. The balance will be made available at a later stage, following completion of the remaining projects under the 2019 scheme.
205. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the plans he has put in place in the event of a hard Brexit in relation to the senior alert scheme and the provision of panic buttons to ensure that there will be an adequate supply of this equipment for the elderly and vulnerable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9881/19]
View answerMy Department is responsible for the Seniors Alert Scheme which encourages community support for vulnerable older people in our communities through the provision of personal monitored alarms to enable them to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. Funding is available under the scheme towards the purchase by a registered community based-organisation of a personal alarm or pendant. Pobal administers the scheme on my Department’s behalf.
In relation to the potential impact of Brexit, Pobal has sought assurances from all equipment suppliers in respect of their Brexit readiness to ensure they are doing as much as possible to maintain the supply of equipment. My Department and Pobal are satisfied that suppliers are taking necessary steps to mitigate supply risks.
206. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a carer's allowance payment will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9780/19]
View answerCarer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
I confirm that my department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 31 August 2018.
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that although the person concerned is providing a certain level of care the person is not considered to be providing full-time care and attention.
The person concerned was notified on 2 Oct 2018 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
The person concerned requested a review of this decision. The outcome of the review is that the original decision is confirmed. On 25 February 2019 the person concerned was notified of this outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
