Written Answers Nos. 1-29
11. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has applied to the European Union to designate the Dublin to Rosslare railway line with Trans-European Transport Network, TEN–T, core status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14750/19]
View answerThe TEN-T Core Network is a subset of the Comprehensive Network and represents the strategically most important nodes and links of the trans-European transport networks.
The Core TEN-T network on the Island of Ireland links the main urban centres of Belfast-Dublin and Cork and encompasses the road, rail and other transport modes on this route. There is also an offshoot to the Core Port of Shannon Foynes. The Dublin - Rosslare Europort rail line links to Rosslare Harbour, a Harbour which is on the TEN-T Comprehensive Network but which doesn’t meet the threshold for TEN-T Core port status. I have not applied to the European Commission to designate the Dublin to Rosslare railway line as part of the Core Network.
EU Transport Commissioner, Violeta Bulc, wrote to Ministers in February 2019 announcing that the Commission is considering advancing the review of the TEN-T Network, which was due to take place no later than December 2023. My Department will be making a formal submission to the Commission in April 2019 requesting an early review of the TEN-T Network, as outlined in the Programme for a Partnership Government. This submission will note that national developments since the TEN-T network was established should be taken into account during the review, including the National Development Plan, the National Planning Framework, and the implications of Brexit.
Separately, the Deputy will be aware that Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) co-funding is available to projects on both the comprehensive and the core parts of the TEN-T Network, subject to such projects satisfying the eligibility criteria of a given call for proposals, and being seleted in the evaluation process.
The current CEF programme finishes at end 2020. A proposal for a new Regulation of the Connecting Europe Facility for the period 2021 –2027 was published by the European Commission in May 2018. Ireland has advocated at EU level for projects on our comprehensive network to continue to be eligible for co-funding during the period 2021 - 2027.
Ireland submitted written comments to the European Commission in conjunction with two other island Member States, Cyprus and Malta, calling for projects on the comprehensive network in Member States which have no land border with another Member State to be included as eligible actions. This position was accepted by the Commission during negotiations, and as a result the latest text of the proposal retains this amendment. Subject to the proposed Regulation being adopted, this means that during the period 2021 – 2027, projects on Ireland’s comprehensive TEN-T network, includingthe rail network, will be eligible to apply for CEF co-funding through relevant Calls for Proposals.
13. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will recommend that responsibility for the application and assessment of all sports capital grants be allocated to a fully independent body in the interests of transparency and efficiency and to build the best national sports infrastructure for all persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14772/19]
View answerThe Sports Capital Programme (SCP) as operated by my Department provides funding to voluntary, sporting and community organisations for the provision of sports and recreational facilities. Over 12,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to close to €1 billion. The programme has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland with improvements in the quality and quantity of sporting facilities in virtually every village, town and city in the country.
The most recent fully completed round of the programme was the 2017 round. Under this 2017 round a record 2,320 application were submitted and €62m was allocated to 1,837 individual projects. The exact amount allocated to each project was based on a formula which combined the assessment score obtained, the amount of funding sought and the total amount of funding available for that county based on a per-capita basis. The full scoring system and assessment manual was published on the Department’s website prior to any assessments commencing. Ministers were presented with a list of applications and a proposed monetary allocation for each valid application and no subsequent changes to these amounts were made. Further details of the allocation process are available in the Review of the 2017 Sports Capital Programme which is published on the Department's website at http://www.dttas.ie/sites/default/files/publications/sport/english/sports-capital-programme-2017-review/review-2017-sports-capital-programme.pdf .
Work is now under way on the assessment of applications under the 2018 round of the SCP and again the full scoring system and assessment manual was published on the Department's website before the detailed assessment work commenced.
In relation to future funding of larger sports projects, the National Sports Policy was published on 25th July 2018 and provided for a Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) with at least €100 million available over the coming years. The fund was launched in November 2018 and is open to applications until 17th April 2019. Full details of the new Fund are available on the Department's website. The fund will initially focus on the requirements and development plans of National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Authorities and they will be required to prioritise their projects and certify that their proposals accord with their development strategies and plans. As with the SCP, it is envisaged that the full scoring system will be published prior to any assessment work commencing.
The SCP and the LSSIF are managed in a transparent and open manner as set out above. While the programmes will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, I have no plans to move responsibility for sports capital grants.
14. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions he has had with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and the water sports clubs in Dún Laoghaire harbour with regard to a municipal water sports centre in the harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15051/19]
View answerBoth Minister Ross and I are aware of proposals for the possible development of a multi-purpose watersports centre in Dun Laoghaire harbour. While I have not met with either Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council or water clubs in the harbour to discuss the proposal, I understand that Minister Ross did meet a delegation on September 2016 to discuss general issues regarding the harbour including the proposal for a National Watersports Centre.
The National Sports Policy was published on 25th July 2018 and provided for a Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) with at least €100 million available over the coming years. The fund was launched in November 2018 and is open to applications until 17th April 2019. Full details of the terms and conditions of the scheme are available on the Department's website. Until proposals are received and assessed it is not possible to suggest the number of projects that will benefit from the fund although I do envisage a high level of demand for the funding available. The fund will initially focus on the requirements and development plans of National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Authorities, all of which received letters inviting them to make applications. Accordingly, it is open to Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council or any of the relevant water sport National Governing Bodies to make an application under the scheme for any project considered suitable.
15. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the basis on which the decision was taken to extend the contract for the supply, installation, maintenance and ongoing operation of the public bike share schemes in Cork, Galway and Limerick from April 2019 to May 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15167/19]
View answerI have no doubt that the Deputy welcomes the fact we have public bike schemes in most of our major cities, including Galway. These schemes have an important role to play in fostering a cycling culture and providing an alternative, sustainable transport option within the cities. I can also inform the House that there are advanced plans to extend the scheme to Waterford, and I understand the National Transport Authority (NTA) expects to commence rolling out a scheme in that city toward the end of this year.
I recognise of course that investment in schemes such as these requires investment in our cycling infrastructure also. In that regard, as Minister, I have significantly increased the amount of funding available to support the development of improved cycling infrastructure and I know the NTA is working closely with the local authorities in all the main cities to improve cycle lanes and tracks and encourage greater usage of cycling.
As the Deputy is probably aware, the arrangements for the public bike schemes are a matter in which, as Minister, I have no direct role; instead these schemes and decisions about them come within the functions of the National Transport Authority (NTA), and the relevant contract is between the NTA and a particular company.
I am advised that in May 2014, the NTA awarded a contract for the supply, installation, maintenance and on-going operation of Public Bike Share Schemes in Cork, Limerick and Galway to a company known as Telfourth Limited.
The term of the contract was for five years, with an option to extend by a further period of up to five years, at the discretion of the NTA. Accordingly, the original contract was due to expire in mid-May 2019.
Obviously a decision in regard to the contract needed to be made well in advance of its expiry in May this year. Key elements of the hardware and software pertaining to bike schemes are specific to different operators, with patents and intellectual property rights applying in many cases. This means sufficient time would be required for any newly contracted party to put in place their own systems, docking stations, kiosks and bikes etc.
The NTA therefore considered the issue of the contract last year and in accordance with the terms of the original contract the NTA approved the extension of the contract with Telfourth Limited for a further five-year period, commencing this May and running until May 2024.
16. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request European wide enforcement for all safety features on offer from manufacturers as mandatory on aircraft entering European airspace in view of recent tragic disasters involving an aircraft (details supplied) which did not have optional safety features fitted. [15031/19]
View answer20. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the attention of the Irish Aviation Authority has been drawn to fact whether a company (details supplied) paid for two safety features missing from an aircraft that crashed in Ethiopia and Indonesia, were included in the aircraft on order by the company; and if not, if the IAA will seek assurances from the company that it has. [15030/19]
View answer35. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Irish Aviation Authority will insist that all aircraft flying in Irish airspace are fitted with all optional safety extras on offer from aircraft manufacturers in view of recent tragic disasters involving an aircraft (details supplied) likely caused by the failure to have optional safety features fitted. [15029/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 20 and 35 together.
Public confidence in the safety of air travel underpins all other Government objectives in the aviation sector. Maintaining the highest standards of safety in Irish aviation is a priority for the Government.
As the Deputy is aware, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has statutory responsibility for regulating and enforcing safety standards in civil aviation in Ireland, with a remit to ensure that Irish industry complies with the highest European standards. These standards are prescribed in EU Regulation 2018/1139, which was updated and endorsed by the European Parliament and the European Council in July of last year. Overseen by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Regulation represents a comprehensive set of aircraft and flight safety rules that applies across all Member States, to all aircraft registered and operating within the European Union. All matters of aviation safety are coordinated and addressed at a pan-European level under the auspices of EASA, and that wil continue to be the case.
With regard to the specific matter of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, the Deputy will note that on March 12, the IAA suspended the operation of all variants of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into and out of Irish airspace. This suspension, which was reinforced across the EU by EASA later the same day, will remain in place as a precautionary measure to ensure the continued safety of passengers and flight crew. It will not be removed until such times as there are acceptable grounds to have confidence in the safety of the aircraft model. All further action in relation to the treatment of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will be done in close coordination with EASA.
I am not willing to comment on what may or may not arise from the ongoing investigations into the crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia, however, I can assure this House that only aircraft which are safety assured – to European standards - will be allowed to operate in Irish airspace.
The IAA remains in close contact with EASA and other national aviation safety authorities on this matter.
17. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to lower fares to encourage uptake of public transport in relation to BusConnects plans; if he has reviewed the increase in fares across public transport since 2011; his views on whether the present fare structures may be discouraging uptake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15153/19]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decisions on fares. Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the NTA is the statutory body with responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service contracts.
The NTA also has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services by way of public transport services contracts in respect of services that are socially necessary but commercially unviable.
The funding of those services comprises both the fares paid by passengers and the subvention payments from the Exchequer. The main purpose of the subvention payment is to meet the gap between income from fares and the cost of operating services. In 2019, the Irish Exchequer will provide just over €300m in subvention for public service obligation (PSO) transport services and Rural Transport Local Link services.
The BusConnects programme for Dublin will see the transformation of Dublin's bus system, so that journeys by bus will be fast, reliable, punctual, convenient and affordable. Part of this programme is to simplify the fares structure, to encourage interchange between services and modes of travel and to reduce boarding times.
A revised fare structure is required for transport in the city which will easily allow seamless movement between different transport services without financial penalty. The last NTA fares determination published in October 2018, follows on from the 2017 determination by taking another step toward this new fare structure.
Under BusConnects the NTA proposes to move to two main fares namely, a short distance similar to the current 1-3 stages fare on buses in Dublin and a 90-minute fare which will allow travel on bus, LUAS or DART or any combination of those three PSO public transport services for 90 minutes. In its last fares determination, the NTA adjusted the Dublin City bus fares towards the two fare system. However, it will take at least one other fares determination later this year, before the two fare system is finally in place.
Last year we saw an increase of almost 16 million passenger journeys provided by Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Irish Rail, Luas and Go-Ahead Ireland on PSO services. That is an increase of over 6% compared to 2017. I think the Deputy would agree that this increase in passenger growth is very positive. The growth in public transport services has been supported by higher levels of subvention in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and as I mentioned earlier it was increased again this year to provide a total allocation of over €300m.
Finally, the €8.6bn capital investment programme for public transport under Project Ireland 2040 will also allow us to continue investing in our public transport to ensure we can accommodate the future growth in passenger numbers in the years ahead.
18. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of applications made for exemptions for the transportation of munitions or weapons of war through Shannon Airport to date in 2019 under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, SI 224 of 1973; the number of these applications which were granted and denied, respectively, to date in 2019; the reason given for each decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15121/19]
View answer24. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of US troops that have passed through Shannon Airport to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15122/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 24 together.
The carriage of munitions of war on board civil aircraft in Irish sovereign territory and on Irish registered civil aircraft, wherever they may be, is governed by the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders, 1973 and 1989 ("the Orders"). When considering an application for an exemption for the carriage of munitions of war under the Orders, my Department consults with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on foreign policy issues and the Department of Justice and Equality on security issues.
My Department publishes statistics on its website regarding the number of such applications made and further details the numbers that are granted, refused and cancelled. The statistics for 2019 are available at the following link:
http://www.dttas.ie/sites/default/files/publications/aviation/english/statistics-munitions-war/2019-mw-statistics-february.pdf
One application was refused in the period in question on the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
My Department has no function with regard to the transit of foreign military personnel through Irish sovereign territory or Irish Airports. Shannon Airport Authority has informed my Department that the number of US troops that passed through Shannon Airport between the 1st of January 2019 to the 22nd of March 2019 was 24,521.
19. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided for the re-establishment of the rail line from Dublin to Kingscourt, County Cavan. [15164/19]
View answerI thank the Deputy for her question and her interest in this issue.
As she is aware the maintenance, renewal and operation of the rail network is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I understand that you have raised this matter directly with the company in recent months.
Project Ireland 2040 states that the priority funding objective in relation to mainline rail is the maintenance and renewal of the existing network so that it continues to provide a safe and reliable infrastructure that enables the provision of quality rail services for passengers across the country. This means ensuring ‘steady state’ levels of investment in our rail infrastructure each year for the foreseeable future and requires a significant and recurring capital investment of around €200 million from the taxpayer every year.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the funding I have secured under Project Ireland 2040 means that we are in a position to provide this steady state level of funding and this is significant and very welcome progress.
It will deliver benefits to passengers across the network by allowing for increased levels of investment in things like signalling, ballast cleaning and track relaying which in turn improve passenger journey experience and can lead to better journey times.
These improvements will be made possible by the funding committed under Project Ireland 2040.
Another of the commitments contained within Project Ireland 2040 is to continue to keep under review the potential extension of the existing M3/Parkway Line northwards to Navan. The next review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area must be completed by 2021 and that review will reconsider the population and commuting forecasts in order to determine whether any revised Strategy might include such an extension.
Currently the Kingscourt area is served by bus based public transport and I note that the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area categorises the M3/N2 route as a core regional bus network and the area will therefore benefit from the planned improvements along that corridor under Project Ireland 2040.
I can therefore confirm to the Deputy that there is no funding allocated under Project Ireland 2040 for the disused Kingscourt rail line.
21. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for future investment in the secondary routes in County Meath. [15150/19]
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. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.
During the recession there were substantial cutbacks in the funding available for State grants for national, regional and local road programmes. Project Ireland 2040 does provide for the gradual build up in funding for the road network but it will take some time to reach the level required for the adequate maintenance and renewal of the network. Grants in the three main grant categories (Restoration Improvement, Discretionary Grant and Restoration Maintenance) are allocated based on the length of regional and local roads within a local authority area of responsibility and it is envisaged that grants will continue to be made available on that basis.
There is limited scope at present for funding projects under the Specific and Strategic Grant Programmes and any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under these Grant Programmes are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework and it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
Under the capital project appraisal process a Preliminary Appraisal has to be submitted in relation to each proposed project. Once an appraisal is received it is assessed taking into account other competing projects and the overall roads budget.
I have been pleased to be able to allocate significantly increased grant funding to Meath County Council in respect of regional and local roads over the last two years. In this context grant allocations to Meath in 2019 total €19,676,500 which is an increase of over 45% compared to the 2017 allocation.
22. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions he has had with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, on the development of the Dublin-Galway greenway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14771/19]
View answerLast year I asked Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to manage the development of the Dublin-Galway greenway project. Since then my officials have been involved in a number of discussions with TII to progress a range of matters in relation to the project. In particular, they have discussed the construction of an underpass under the railway line in Athlone this Easter and the subsequent extension of the greenway to the banks of the Shannon.
Further discussions have also been held with TII and representatives from Meath and Kildare County Councils and Waterways Ireland to progress and finalise sections of this greenway in counties Kildare and Meath.
As a result of this work, it is planned that it will be possible to cycle off-road from Maynooth to the banks of the Shannon later this year, a distance of approximately 100km and a very significant addition to our greenways infrastructure.
In regard to further progress of the greenway west of the Shannon, officials are working with TII and other stakeholders to put in place a process to develop a Code of Best Practice for Greenways as set out in the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways.
23. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of his plans to alleviate passenger congestion on the northern commuter rail line; if measures will be introduced in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15169/19]
View answerThe Deputy is aware that it is a statutory function of the National Transport Authority (NTA) to develop public transport infrastructure and services in the Greater Dublin Area, including in relation to the Northern Line commuter line, and it is the NTA, in co-operation with Iarnród Éireann, who are developing plans as referred to by the Deputy.
The need for additional capacity on the Line arises from the increasing numbers of people choosing to travel by train, which is linked to the very welcome growth in the economy and employment generally.
As the Deputy knows, addressing capacity needs can only be successful through a combination of short, medium and longer term responses and it is precisely that type of approach the NTA is implementing.
In the short term, the NTA and Iarnród Éireann introduced 10-minute DART toward the end of last year and, in response to particular issues on the non-DART part of the Northern Line, also introduced additional morning services to deal with demand. In December, additional off-peak services, and some timetabling changes of other services were also introduced, all with the objective of providing additional capacity on the Line.
In the medium term, the challenge is to source additional rolling stock as efficiently and effectively as possible and ensuring value for money for the taxpayer in that regard. The NTA and Iarnród Éireann are currently exploring two options -
1. The purchase or lease of second-hand fleet;
2. The purchase of additional carriages to augment the existing “ICR” commuter fleet.
The Deputy will be aware that the first option is complicated by the different gauge of the Irish rail network compared to international norms; however, the NTA has recently advertised seeking expressions of interest and is currently considering the responses it received, as well as the proposal to purchase additional carriages. I expect a decision on the medium term response to the capacity challenge will be made very shortly.
In the longer term, and as part of the DART Expansion programme generally, there is a need to significantly increase the size of the rail fleet. Work on developing tender documentation and train specifications for the proposed bi-mode fleet of rail vehicles is progressing. It is expected that the formal fleet acquisition tender process will be initiated in the coming months and that the fleet manufacturing contract will be awarded either at the end of this year or the start of next year.
25. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for future investment in the primary routes in County Meath. [15151/19]
View answerAs 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 improvement 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 your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
26. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered introducing new driver licences that show the organ donor preferences of the holder. [15104/19]
View answerThis facility is already available on the current plastic learner permits and driving licences.
When applying for a learner permit or driving licence, the applicant has the option to tick a box on the application form if they wish to become an organ donor. If this box is ticked, the code 115 will appear on their permit or licence.
27. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his officials have costed the implementation of a programme making all public transport fully accessible for persons with disabilities in the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10481/19]
View answerAs 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.
Accessibility features, such as wheelchair access and audio/visual aids, are built into all new public transport infrastructure projects and vehicles from the design stage. Newer systems such as LUAS are fully accessible.
The National Development Plan (NDP) for the period 2018-2027, sets out the national vision and ambition for the delivery of key critical infrastructure over the next 10 years, including in relation to public transport infrastructure. Investment in public transport will be accelerated under the NDP to support the development of an integrated and sustainable national public transport system. A number of key new major public transport programmes are being considered under the NDP over the period to 2027.
As with all new and recently developed public transport projects, these programmes will be fully accessible as part of the normal design. There will also be a continued investment programme under the NDP to fund retro-fitting of older existing public transport facilities to enhance accessibility.
However, work remains to be done in terms of the retro-fitting of older infrastructure to make it accessible for people with a disability. In particular, gaps remain in relation to railway infrastructure and facilities as most of the rail network was originally developed during the Victorian era.
To address infrastructural legacy issues, my Department funds a programme of accessibility improvement grants, managed by the NTA, to upgrade existing and older infrastructure and facilities, such as
- the installation of accessible bus stops,
- upgrading train stations to make them accessible to wheelchair users, and
- providing grant support for the introduction of more wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) into the taxi fleet.
Last year I asked the NTA to provide information on the cost of making public transport services wheelchair accessible.
The information provided by the NTA, and other related information, is available on my Department's website at http://www.dttas.gov.ie/public-transport/english/accessibility. For the assistance of the Deputy, I have outlined in the table the cost figures provided by the NTA, of making public transport services wheelchair accessible.
|
Bus Stations |
Bus/Coaches PSO Services |
Bus Stops PSO Coach Services |
Train Stations |
Taxis/Hackneys |
TOTAL |
|
€16.35 m |
€22.5 m |
€10 m |
€76 m |
€214 m |
€339 m |
I would emphasise that the figures provided by the NTA are estimates, due for example to complexities in relation to providing accessible bus stops in rural/regional areas. In addition, the figures relate to Public Service Obligation (PSO) services only, and to Exchequer funding rather than industry costs in the case of Taxi/Hackneys.
28. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the mediation process ongoing between Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and a club (details supplied) with regard to a swimming pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15050/19]
View answerThe 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 requires a multi-million euro investment to become fit for purpose. The Local Authority needs to come to an agreement with one local sports club, whose lands surround the swimming pool, prior to proceeding. Any works to the pool could 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.
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 official 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 to the Local Authority and the sports club 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 once this work is completed, more material discussions will take place.
Facilitation is a voluntary process entered into by the relevant parties. The status of the ongoing mediation process, along with terms of reference, timelines and costs, is a matter 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.
29. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the assessment made to establish the extent to which the proposed new ring road in Galway will contribute to transport carbon emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15166/19]
View answerAs 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 appraisal of their environmental impact, is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
However, I would add that there is a common misrepresentation of road investment as being in some manner opposed to investment in public transport or cycling and walking. Given our size and population, the most important mode of public transport in Ireland is buses - and the delivery and maintenance of high quality road infrastructure is crucial for the sustainable mobility all vehicles, not least buses, coaches and bicycles.
