Tom Neville
Question:1075. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a team (details supplied) receives State funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13067/19]
View answerSport Ireland Funding
Questions (1075)
Written answers
Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes. Sport Ireland channels funding for sport through the relevant National Governing Bodies of Sport.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Ports Traffic
Questions (1076, 1079, 1080, 1082)
Micheál Martin
Question:1076. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the changes his attention has been drawn to regarding the number of cruise ships arriving at ports here; the actions he is taking to prevent same (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13129/19]
View answerMicheál Martin
Question:1079. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a decrease in the number of cruise ships that dock in Dublin Port automatically decreases the number of cruise ships docking in other ports (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13132/19]
View answerMicheál Martin
Question:1080. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which decisions are taken regarding email on cruise ships (details supplied); if his Department is involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13133/19]
View answerMicheál Martin
Question:1082. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Dublin Port has made a decision on reducing the number of cruise ships travelling to Dublin due to Brexit; if this will impact on other ports here (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13135/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1076, 1079, 1080 and 1082 together.
I met with Dublin Port Company on the 20 March 2019 in relation to this issue.
Dublin Port is currently undertaking major capital infrastructure development in its Alexander Basin to provide additional cargo handling capacity for our growing economy. In the last six years there has been a 36% growth in freight at the port.
Dublin Port has confirmed that it will operate a full cruise season in 2019 and 2021 but that there will be some disruption to cruise business from 2021 to 2023 to enable construction work to take place while ensuring the port continues to handle large cargo volumes. Cruise berths will have to be limited to around 80 cruise ships yearly for a three year period from 2021. The port hopes to revert with increased cruise capacity after 2023 when its infrastructural works are completed and increase cruise calls back to 150 ships for the 2024/2025 season, and more thereafter.
To allow for this, Dublin Port has already secured planning permission to construct new berths for cruise ships on the North Wall Quay Extension. A cost benefit analysis is currently underway on these additional berths (due for publication later this year) and this forms a solid basis for discussion on how this vision can be brought to fruition.
In the interim Cobh continues as a dedicated cruise berth and it will remain so post Brexit. The Port of Cork has advised that they are working with Belfast Harbour to see if they can take some of the business that may be lost as a result of Dublin infrastructural works.
Fáilte Ireland (the National Tourism Development Authority) supports the development and promotion of various tourism sectors, including cruise tourism.
Ports Traffic
Questions (1077)
Micheál Martin
Question:1077. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the impact of increased freight volumes through Dublin Port due to Brexit will impact on the number of cruise ships being accommodated; if an economic assessment on the impact this will have on the economy has been carried out (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13130/19]
View answerWritten answers
Dublin and Rosslare ports handle almost all of Ireland’s Roll-on/Roll-Off (RoRo) traffic destined for the UK market or using the UK landbridge to Europe. As such these ports, and shipping services from these ports, will remain of crucial importance to Ireland in the event of a hard Brexit.
I met with Dublin Port Company on the 20 March 2019 in relation to this issue.
Dublin Port is currently undertaking major capital infrastructure development in its Alexander Basin to provide additional cargo handling capacity for our growing economy. In the last six years there has been a 36% growth in freight at the port.
Dublin Port has confirmed that it will operate a full cruise season in 2019 and 2021 but that there will be some disruption to cruise business from 2021 to 2023 to enable construction work to take place while ensuring the port continues to handle large cargo volumes. Cruise berths will have to be limited to around 80 cruise ships yearly for a three year period from 2021. The port hopes to revert with increased cruise capacity after 2023 when its infrastructural works are completed and increase cruise calls back to 150 ships for the 2024/2025 season, and more thereafter.
To allow for this, Dublin Port has already secured planning permission to construct new berths for cruise ships on the North Wall Quay Extension. A cost benefit analysis is currently underway on these additional berths (due for publication later this year) and this forms a solid basis for discussion on how this vision can be brought to fruition.
In the interim Cobh continues as a dedicated cruise berth and it will remain so post Brexit. The Port of Cork has advised that they are working with Belfast Harbour to see if they can take some of the business that may be lost as a result of Dublin infrastructural works.
Fáilte Ireland (the National Tourism Development Authority) supports the development and promotion of various tourism sectors, including cruise tourism.
Ports Traffic
Questions (1078)
Micheál Martin
Question:1078. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the number of cruise ships that dock at Port of Cobh will be reduced in the future due to Brexit (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13131/19]
View answerWritten answers
Cobh is a dedicated cruise berth for the Port of Cork and will remain so post Brexit.
Questions Nos. 1079 and 1080 answered with Question No. 1076.
Ports Facilities
Questions (1081)
Micheál Martin
Question:1081. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the cruise ship terminal will proceed at Dublin Port; the plans he has been informed of regarding same (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13134/19]
View answerWritten answers
I met with Dublin Port Company on the 20 March 2019 in relation to this issue.
Dublin Port is currently undertaking its most ambitious capital infrastructure development programme in over a century. It will provide additional cargo handling capacity and will future-proof the port in terms of being able to facilitate larger-sized vessels into the future (in terms of both length and draft). This is necessary as in the last six years alone there has been a 36% growth in freight at the port.
Given the space constraints in Dublin Port, to enable this construction work to take place, while ensuring the Port continues to process the cargo volumes required by the economy will mean that for a number of seasons cruise berths will have to be limited.
Dublin Port has always actively supported the growth of cruise tourism into the Port, as can be evidenced by the impressive increase in cruise ship calls in the last number of years. Dublin Port has planning permission from An Bord Pleanála to construct new berths for cruise ships on North Wall Quay Extension. The temporary reduction in berths available to cruise calls between 2021 and 2023 is regrettable. However the Port has confirmed that it will operate a full cruise season in 2019 and 2020 and it is the intention of the port, to build cruise calls back to 150 ships for the 2024/2025 season.
The port is currently undertaking an analysis of its cruise strategy, which is due for publication later this year.
In the interim Cobh continues as a dedicated cruise berth and it will remain so post Brexit. The Port of Cork has advised that they are working with Belfast Harbour to see if they can take some of the business that may be lost as a result of Dublin infrastructural works.
Fáilte Ireland (the National Tourism Development Authority) supports the development and promotion of various tourism sectors, including cruise tourism.
Question No. 1082 answered with Question No. 1076.
Flood Prevention Measures
Questions (1083)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:1083. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he and TII can further assist in establishing when urgent works are due to commence to alleviate flooding problems on two properties owned by elderly persons (details supplied) which arose following works carried out. [13179/19]
View answerWritten answers
As 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, construction and maintenance of individual national roads (such as the N73) is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authority concerned.
While I note your comments regarding the National Roads Design Office (NRDO), given the concerns raised, I have referred your question to TII for their attention and direct reply to you. 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
Haulage Industry Regulation
Questions (1084, 1085)
James Browne
Question:1084. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding road hauliers being fined in Germany when a truck licensed in a different EU member state carries a trailer licensed here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13245/19]
View answerJames Browne
Question:1085. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding Germany refusing to accept a green card for trailers issued by local authorities here as a valid document; his views on Germany rejecting the validity of these handwritten documents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13246/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1084 and 1085 together.
My Department was in liaison with the German Federal Transport Ministry on this matter last year and a notice was published in the official German transport bulletin. This notice stated that on foot of information provided by my Department, Irish licensed trailers are permitted unrestricted temporary use of the German road network.
In November 2018 my Department sent a copy of the notice in German, together with a translation in English, to the Irish Road Haulage Association and the Freight Transport Association Ireland. The Department has also brought this notice to the attention of some individual haulage companies.
Hauliers using Irish licensed trailers in Germany are advised to retain a copy of this notice to bring it to the attention of the German authorities as required, in order to minimise misunderstandings.
Should further problems of this kind be brought to the attention of my Department, it will contact the German authorities again as necessary.
Road Safety
Questions (1086)
James Browne
Question:1086. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding Germany rejecting the validity of RSA-issued trailer certificates of roadworthiness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13247/19]
View answerWritten answers
I am unable to comment on the operation of other Member States' road safety measures. However, Article 8 of Directive 2014/45/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council provides conditions regarding the proof of test issued with respect to roadworthiness testing within the EU and that Directive states “For the purpose of free circulation, each Member State shall recognise the proof provided by a testing centre or competent authority of another Member State”.
This Directive came into effect from 20 May 2018 and the proof of roadworthiness testing for commercial vehicles and their trailers in Ireland is the Commercial Vehicle Certificate of Roadworthiness (CVRT).
Swimming Pool Programme Expenditure
Questions (1087)
Eamon Ryan
Question:1087. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of the budget allocation of his Department in 2019 that will be allocated to the local authority swimming pool programme. [13260/19]
View answerWritten answers
The Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP) provides grant aid to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. The budget allocation for 2019 in €4.1m. Along with €2,823,260 carried forward from 2018, this funding will be sufficient to meet all drawdown requests arising in the year. There are four swimming pool projects remaining in the LASPP, namely Castlebar, Lucan, Buncrana and Edenderry and the priority in 2019 is on progressing these projects.
In relation to the future funding of swimming pools and other larger projects, the National Development Plan confirmed the establishment of a new Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) with at least €100m available over the coming years. The new scheme opened for applications on 19th November and the closing date for applications is the 17th April 2019. Full details of the scheme and application forms are available on my Department's website at http://www.dttas.ie/sport/english/large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif. The aim of the fund is to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects where the Exchequer investment would be greater than the maximum amount available under the SCP. Initially, the scheme has a particular focus on National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Authorities. Swimming pool projects will be considered.
Road Safety Authority Staff
Questions (1088)
Seán Haughey
Question:1088. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied that enough driver testers are in place to meet the demand for driver tests; his plans to recruit additional driver testers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13283/19]
View answerWritten 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
Driver Licence Applications
Questions (1089)
Imelda Munster
Question:1089. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the additional resources including funding of pay, additional staff or other measures that have been introduced to cope with the expected surge in motorists applying to transfer their British and Northern Irish driver licences to Irish driver licences. [13303/19]
View answerWritten 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
Driver Test Centres
Questions (1090)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:1090. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a driver test centre will be established in Fermoy, County Cork in view of the number of persons applying for tests and the long waiting lists particularly in County Cork. [13317/19]
View answerWritten 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
Road Signage
Questions (1091)
Dara Calleary
Question:1091. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he has taken to ensure that Ireland West Airport Knock is receiving adequate motorway signage and exposure on the M6, M17 and M18; if the traffic sign manual has been updated as anticipated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13328/19]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy in relation to 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. For regional and local roads it is a matter for each respective local authority.
My Department is currently working on an update to the Traffic Signs Manual and is expected to be published shortly. This will provide updated guidance on the matter.
Noting the above position, I have also 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
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles
Questions (1092, 1097, 1099, 1100)
Thomas Pringle
Question:1092. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to establish a wheelchair accessible bus route between County Donegal and Sligo IT for students living in County Donegal taking up courses in Sligo; if students can block book accessible buses for each semester instead of having to book each journey 24 hours in advance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13351/19]
View answerImelda Munster
Question:1097. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the Bus Éireann expressway route 100X is not designated wheelchair accessible despite having wheelchair accessibility at all stops on the route and the buses driving the route have wheelchair accessibility; and his plans to designate the route as wheelchair accessible. [13447/19]
View answer
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:1099. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of Bus Éireann coaches operating on Expressway and regional services that have wheelchair accessibility, the number of services that currently have no wheelchair accessibility; his plans to rectify same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13476/19]
View answerThomas P. Broughan
Question:1100. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if provisions will be made to ensure that all bus stops are made wheelchair accessible in view of the fact a number of Bus Éireann routes do not have accessible bus stops meaning many persons with a disability have no access to public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13477/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1092, 1097, 1099 and 1100 together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of 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 the Deputies 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
Ports Traffic
Questions (1093, 1113, 1117)
Catherine Murphy
Question:1093. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to accommodate cruise ships berthing here in view of the fact that the new Dublin Port cruise berthing policy will reduce the number docking here; if he has engaged with Dublin Port in this regard; if he has undertaken a financial impact assessment in respect of this policy in the context of the number of tourists visiting Dublin and its surrounds (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13352/19]
View answer
Michael McGrath
Question:1113. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the decision by Dublin Port to restrict the number of cruise ships visiting from 2021; his views on the fact that implementing this policy will have a negative impact on the tourism offering not just in Dublin but also will have knock-on effects elsewhere due to a reduction in the number of cruise ships visiting ports such as Cork; the steps he plans to take to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13703/19]
View answer
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1117. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to protect and enhance visits by cruise ships (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13728/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1093, 1113 and 1117 together.
I met with Dublin Port Company on the 20 March 2019 in relation to this issue.
Dublin Port is currently undertaking major capital infrastructure development in its Alexander Basin to provide additional cargo handling capacity for our growing economy. In the last six years there has been a 36% growth in freight at the port.
Dublin Port has confirmed that it will operate a full cruise season in 2019 and 2021 but that there will be some disruption to cruise business from 2021 to 2023 to enable construction work to take place while ensuring the port continues to handle large cargo volumes. Cruise berths will have to be limited to around 80 cruise ships yearly for a three year period from 2021. The port hopes to revert with increased cruise capacity after 2023 when it infrastructural works are completed and increase cruise calls back to 150 ships for the 2024/2025 season, and more thereafter.
To allow for this, Dublin Port has already secured planning permission to construct new berths for cruise ships on the North Wall Quay Extension. A cost benefit analysis is currently underway on these additional berths (due for publication later this year) and this forms a solid basis for discussion on how this vision can be brought to fruition.
In the interim Cobh continues as a dedicated cruise berth and it will remain so post Brexit. The Port of Cork has advised that they are working with Belfast Harbour to see if they can take some of the business that may be lost as a result of Dublin infrastructural works.
Fáilte Ireland (the National Tourism Development Authority) supports the development and promotion of various tourism sectors, including cruise tourism.
Greenways Development
Questions (1094)
Jack Chambers
Question:1094. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the preparatory work undertaken when deciding upon the emerging preferred route for the Royal Canal greenway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13353/19]
View answerWritten 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) is responsible for the development and implementation of public and sustainable transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including cycling infrastructure.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Road Projects
Questions (1095)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1095. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided for a pedestrian crossing adjacent to a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13372/19]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and construction of individual national roads (including ancillary works on national roads) is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. TII also arrange payments to local authorities for various projects relating to the national roads programme.
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