Written Answers Nos. 422-440
422. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way in which his Departmental officials have been contributing to and taking part in Government of Ireland social media messages; the way in which they are co-ordinated in each of the policy areas of his Department; the Department that is the lead Department in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15401/19]
View answerMy Department is active across a range of social media channels including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. My Department uses these channels to communicate ministerial news, Departmental updates, consultations, publications, events, and news about bodies under the aegis of the Department. In addition, these channels will communicate and share news from other Departments where appropriate, or where there is cross-Departmental relevance.
Co-ordination of social media communication across different policy areas of this Department is the responsibility of the Press and Communications Unit in the department. For wider cross-departmental information, co-ordination will, where appropriate, be the responsibility of the Government Information Service. In these instances, my Department will retweet and share relevant content. There will occasionally be cross-Departmental policy initiatives for which social media communication will be led and co-ordinated by the policy Department in question, including this Department. In these instances, my Department's communications or press team would request that other Departments retweet or share relevant and useful content.
423. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his Department has an operating language scheme in accordance with the Official Languages Act 2003; and the date when such a scheme was introduced. [15486/19]
View answerIn May 2018, my Department submitted its third language scheme for approval by the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. It was duly approved, coming into force on 28 May 2018. A copy of the scheme was at that time provided to the Office of An Coimisinéir Teanga. The scheme will, in accordance with section 14(3) of the Official Language Act, remain in force for a period of three years, or until such time as a new scheme is confirmed.
424. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the national policy in terms of parking electric vehicles during recharging; and if local authorities are within their rights to charge parking fees for cars which are charging in designated spaces. [14794/19]
View answerThe transition to alternatively-fuelled vehicles, including electric vehicles, EVs, is a necessary step-change to effect a substantial reduction in transport emissions. In order to expedite the deployment of low carbon technologies, especially the uptake of EVs, my Department and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment jointly convened an inter-Departmental Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce. The Taskforce includes representatives from across the public sector and has consulted widely with industry, stakeholders and representative groups. Phase 1 of its Work Programme focused exclusively on EVs.
The role of public parking and parking charges were considered for the potential development of a new further incentive to EV ownership as part of that Phase. A Progress Report summarising the deliberations of the task force has been published on my Department’s website (available at: http://www.dttas.ie/public-transport/publications/english/low-emission-vehicle-lev-taskforce-progress-report). Recommendations made by the task force were considered by Government ahead of Budgets 2018 and 2019, and a suite of continued and new EV supports was established, with a notable increase in demand for and take-up of EVs taking place in 2018 and 2019.
It is important to note that, under the Road Traffic Act, 1994, local authorities have the power to make bye-laws governing the type of paid parking controls in their areas. Therefore, it is a matter for each individual local authority to designate whether they apply and enforce free or paid parking for EVs while recharging.
425. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will proactively ensure the prosperity of Shannon Airport and the mid-west region in view of Brexit and other challenges faced by the airport. [15437/19]
View answerShannon Airport is a strategic business within Shannon Group, a commercial state company established by statute in September 2014. The purpose of Shannon Group, overseen by a management team and a board of directors, is to promote and facilitate air transport and aviation services in and around Shannon Airport and to optimise the return on its land and property and on its shareholdings in subsidiary companies. While I have no function in operational matters in the Company, as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I support all endeavours of the Group to ensure the prosperity of Shannon Airport in line with Government policy, taking account of national and EU law.
The Deputy previously raised the issue of Brexit and Shannon Airport's EU connectivity to which I explained that the introduction of new air services are commercial matters between airlines and airports, including Shannon Airport and I have no function in these decisions. I emphasised the importance of the aviation industry, including airports, taking steps to prepare and where possible to reduce their exposure and to limit reliance on any one particular destination or service.
As the Deputy is aware, the European Commission’s proposals aimed at ensuring basic air connectivity in a no deal scenario have now been finalised and the UK has confirmed its intention to reciprocate the proposed measures. While this cannot mitigate the overall impact of a no-deal scenario, or the assurances contained in the negotiated Withdrawal Agreement, the fears that aircraft might not be able to fly in the event of a no-deal Brexit are being addressed.
I recently met with the Chair and CEO of Shannon Group during which Brexit was raised, particularly in relation to EU hub connectivity. My officials are engaging with Shannon Group to explore what options are available to procure such air services, including supports from our Tourism agency for cooperative marketing activity.
426. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has raised the issue of the ownership of Rosslare Europort with his UK counterpart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14724/19]
View answer446. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 45 of 29 January 2019, if he has discussed the ownership of Rosslare Europort with his British counterpart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9439/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 426 and 446 together.
Rosslare Europort is unique among the State-owned ports, as it is not a commercial company operating under the Harbours Acts, but is instead operated on a commercial basis as a division of Iarnród Éireann. Technically, the port forms part of the Fishguard and Rosslare Railways and Harbours Company, which is a 19th-century joint-venture company, consisting today of Iarnród Éireann on the Irish side and Stena line on the Welsh (Fishguard) side.
The status of the port, and whether its current status potentially inhibits its development, was considered in a strategic review, commissioned by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and carried out by Indecon Economic Consultants.
Their report concluded that the creation of an independent port authority would be extremely difficult, given the port's complex legal structure. Instead, it was recommended that the port remain in public ownership and that the possibilities for increased private sector involvement be investigated.
In order to assist Iarnród Éireann's overall consideration of how best to move forward, the company then engaged consultants to assess market interest. The assessment was largely positive in terms of the potential for increased private sector investment in the port. However, it did identify possible implementation issues due to the complicated legislative basis of the port.
Following that assessment, the Department sought and received detailed advice from the Office of the Attorney General on the matter. That advice identified a number of legal issues with any such proposal and those issues remain under consideration by my Department.
I have met individually with my UK counterpart, Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling, to discuss Brexit matters on three occasions since mid-2017. I most recently met the Secretary of State, at his request, in Dublin on 8 November last. Our discussion fully respected the mandate of the EU’s Chief Brexit Negotiator, Michel Barnier. The Secretary of State outlined key areas of concern for the UK in relation to transport.
While I did not specifically raise the issue of ownership of Rosslare Europort with the Secretary of State, I set out the importance of continued transport connectivity between Ireland and the UK, including in relation to ports, aviation, road transport and cross-border rail services.
I am satisfied that Rosslare Europort as a division of Iarnród Éireann is effectively managing operations at the port and looking at the potential of the port to develop further and take advantage of any new opportunities. The port is targeting growth and new business opportunities and recently received the approval of the Iarnród Éireann Board for a strategic plan to grow the port’s business.
Iarnród Éireann and Rosslare Europort briefed my Department late last year on the company's plans for strategic development of the port over the coming years. This includes investment plans for up to €25 million in customer facilities and port infrastructure, port assets and new technology. The port is engaging with a number of potential new shipping customers to supplement existing operators and offer greater choice to freight and passenger business.
427. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the average waiting time at the National Driver Licence Service, NDLS, centre in Trim, County Meath in 2018 and to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14763/19]
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.
428. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by numerous service users of the NDLS centre in Trim, County Meath regarding the long waiting times they are facing when attending the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14764/19]
View answerThe National Driver Licence Service, NDLS, are currently experiencing significantly increased demand due to the number of people wishing to exchange their UK driving licence for an Irish licence before Brexit.
Extra resources are being put in place and many NDLS centres have extended their opening hours, by opening an hour earlier at 8 a.m. in the morning, and closing at 6 p.m. or 6.30 p.m. instead of 5 p.m. in the evening, resulting in a total of 220 extra opening hours this week across the network across the country. The extra opening hours are helping to meet demand. Priority is being given to UK licence exchanges with 38 staff working on UK licence exchange alone. Up to 600 licence exchanges are being processed daily.
When attending any of the 36 NDLS centres nationally for any reason, to apply for a learner permit or a driving licence, or to exchange a driving licence, it is recommended that an appointment be made. Due to the demand for UK licence exchanges, it may not be possible to make an appointment in time before 12 April deadline. The NDLS also provides approximately 1,300 slots per day for walk-in appointments. There will be a longer wait time for walk-ins, but I am in formed that no-one has been turned away from a centre and that the queues are not too long. The walk-in slots equate to about 50% of the total slots available. Walk-in visits are encouraged before 11 a.m. and after 3 p.m. to avoid peak times. Details of the centres’ opening hours are available on www.ndls.ie.
Booking availability has been increased from 4 to 6 weeks ahead to facilitate those who may be renewing a licence or learner permit and are not in an immediate rush. This has helped to reduce the pressure and allow more walk-in slots for exchange applications.
429. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding requested by Louth County Council in 2018 to support the development of the northern port access route in Drogheda, County Louth; the criteria laid down to qualify for such capital funding; the reason the funding application from Louth County Council was unsuccessful; his plan to fund the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14768/19]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in County Louth is the statutory responsibility of Louth County Council, 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. My Department has no grant application on hand in relation to the proposed Drogheda Northern Cross Port Access road.
Given the cutbacks in State funding for regional and local roads since the financial crisis, it has been necessary to curtail the grant programme for major new regional and local road schemes and for major realignment schemes in order to protect the funding available for the maintenance of the existing network. The bulk of the funding allocated under Project Ireland 2040 is, therefore, earmarked for the maintenance and renewal of the road network with some limited investment in the new projects.
430. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Athy train station will become a staffless station; and if so, his plans to ensure that assistance is provided to persons who need it to alight and disembark trains. [14776/19]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
431. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures in place to ensure that UK driver licences are recognised here in the event of a no-deal Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14809/19]
View answerIreland recognises driving licences issued by other Member States. When the UK leaves the EU, the UK will no longer be a Member State and therefore UK driving licences will no longer be recognised.
Legislation exists to allow for the recognition of foreign driving licences for exchange purposes in section 23A of the Road Traffic Act 1961. If there is a no-deal Brexit, the UK becomes a third country and the potential then exists for arrangements to be made under section 23A. Ireland will be pursuing this option. The introduction of such legislative measures here in Ireland will depend on a formal agreement with the UK being finalised, following the UK's departure from the EU.
432. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to manage the identified noise issues and effects in Ongar, Dublin 15 deriving from changes in flight paths in and around Dublin Airport; his plans to prevent and reduce environmental noise in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14813/19]
View answerI recall the Deputy made reference to this matter last week in the Dáil, during our debate on the the Aircraft Noise (Dublin Airport) Regulation Bill, 2018. As the Deputy is aware, this Bill implements EU Regulation 598/2014 and designates Fingal County Council as the noise regulator for Dublin Airport.
This Bill provides that noise mitigation measures and operating restrictions can be introduced, where necessary, to mitigate any identified noise problem. Furthermore, the Bill provides enforcement powers to the regulator and strengthens its monitoring role. It is also important to note that the Bill requires full public consultation before the regulator makes a final decision about noise-related operating measures or restrictions at the airport. The Bill provides for an independent appeals process, with An Bord Pleanála as the appeals body.
In summary, this Bill provides, for the first time, that noise generated by aircraft activity at Dublin Airport – including inbound and outbound flights – will be subject to extensive, detailed assessment; to on-going monitoring; and to regular review. I am proposing to raise the bar in relation to what the DAA – as the operator of Dublin Airport – is required to do in terms of complying with noise rules.
As regards any change in flight paths in and around Dublin Airport, that is an operational matter for the Irish Aviation Authority, which is responsible for managing the safe passage of flights into and out of Dublin Airport. I have referred the Deputy's question to them for direct reply in respect of flight paths affecting the Ongar area. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
433. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he met with a person (details supplied) on 12 July 2017; if so, the minutes for the meeting; if other persons were present; the issues that were discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14888/19]
View answerIn June 2017, the person mentioned by the Deputy requested a meeting with the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport and me to brief us on progress within the women's game in the relevant sport and to discuss areas where my Department could assist the organisation in its efforts to positively drive the women's game forward. The Minister of State, Deputy Brendan Griffin and I, accompanied by an official from my Department, met with the CEO and another representative from the organisation on 12 July 2017 at which they made a presentation on developments in the women's game, including a proposal for Government support. The Minister of State and I undertook to consider the proposal.
The meeting was not minuted. However, the official who attended the meeting did prepare a note on the meeting for the information of the head of the relevant division within my Department. I will arrange for a copy of the official's note to be forwarded to the Deputy.
434. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he met with a person (details supplied) on 20 October 2017; if so, the minutes for the meeting; if other persons were present; the issues that were discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14889/19]
View answerI can confirm that I met with the person mentioned by the Deputy on 20 October 2017. I was accompanied at the meeting by the assistant secretary in my Department with responsibility for sport.
The meeting was not minuted. However, I can inform the Deputy that the discussion related to the overall level of funding allocated for Sport Ireland in the 2018 Budget.
435. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he met with persons (details supplied) on 2 March 2017; if so, the minutes of the meeting; if other person were present; the issues that were discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14890/19]
View answerI can confirm that I met with the persons mentioned by the Deputy on 2 March 2017. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss funding for the payment of legal bills in a legal case in which the relevant organisation was the defendant.
I was accompanied at the meeting by three officials and two advisers.
I will arrange for a copy of the minutes of the meeting to be forwarded to the Deputy.
436. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he met representatives from Sport Ireland on 2 June 2017; if so, the minutes of the meeting; the names of the persons who were present; the issues that were discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14891/19]
View answerI can confirm that I met with the persons mentioned by the Deputy on 2 June 2017. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the development of the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus and in particular Phase 2 of the National Indoor Arena. Minister Paschal Donohoe and I approved sanction for this project in July 2017. The project is proceeding within budget and currently in its final phase of construction. It is expected that construction will be completed at the end of April.
I was accompanied at the meeting by three officials and two advisers.
Given that the project is not yet complete, and the note of the meeting contains references to matters that are commercially sensitive, I do not propose to release the note of the meeting at this point in time. I would be happy to release all records relevant to the project at an appropriate time soon after the project is completed.
437. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of home and away Republic of Ireland soccer matches at all levels and categories he has attended since he assumed office; if an organisation (details supplied) has incurred costs regarding his attendance at matches here or abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14892/19]
View answerThe following is a list of the Republic of Ireland football games that I have attended since May 2016.
The FAI incurred no costs arising from me attending the games.
|
DATE |
GAME |
PLACE |
|
2016 |
|
|
|
27 May |
Rep of Ire V Netherlands |
Aviva Stadium |
|
18 June |
Rep of Ire V Belgium |
Stade de Bordeaux |
|
22 June |
Rep of Ire V Italy |
Stade Pierre Mauroy |
|
26 June |
Rep of Ire V France |
Lyon |
|
6 October |
Rep of Ire V Georgia |
Aviva Stadium |
|
DATE |
GAME |
PLACE |
|
2017 |
|
|
|
24 March |
Rep of Ire V Wales |
Aviva Stadium |
|
28 March |
Rep of Ire V Iceland |
Aviva Stadium |
|
10 April |
Women’s International Rep of Ire V Slovakia |
Tallaght Stadium |
|
11 June |
Rep of Ire V Austria |
Aviva Stadium |
|
5 September |
Rep of Ire V Serbia |
Aviva Stadium |
|
6 October |
Rep of Ire V Muldova |
Aviva Stadium |
|
11 November |
Rep of Ire V Denmark |
Copenhagen |
|
14 November |
Rep of Ire V Denmark |
Aviva Stadium |
|
DATE |
GAME |
PLACE |
|
2018 |
|
|
|
2 June |
Rep of Ire V USA |
Aviva Stadium |
|
13 October |
Rep of Ire V Denmark |
Aviva Stadium |
|
16 October |
Rep of Ire V Wales |
Aviva Stadium |
|
DATE |
GAME |
PLACE |
|
2019 – NIL to date |
|
|
438. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the report on the revised MetroLink route will be published; the expected timetable to complete a metro from Swords and Dublin Airport to O’Connell Street; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14905/19]
View answerAs the Deputy is likely now aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) published the MetroLink "Preferred Route" for public consultation on Tuesday, 26 March. The closing date for receipt of submissions on the "Preferred Route" is Tuesday 21 May 2019.
As stated in the documentation published for public consultation, the NTA and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) will then work on finalising a business case for submission to Government. It is expected that an Railway Order application will be lodged with An Bord Pleanála in Q2 2020 and construction can begin once that process is complete.
439. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the key road traffic legislation apart from section 9 of the Road Traffic Act 2004 and statutory instruments which indicate the speed limits which may be specified currently in by-laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14906/19]
View answerSections 5 to 8 of the Road Traffic Act 2004 set out default speed limits for different classes of roads. Section 9 of that Act 2004, and associated statutory instruments, set out special speed limits, that is the speed limits which may be set in bye-laws in this country and which differ from the default speed limits.
It is a matter for the local authorities to assign speed limits to each of the roads and streets under their jurisdiction.
440. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will publish the national freight policy. [14941/19]
View answerMy Department is reviewing how it intervenes in the various freight modes of road, rail, maritime and air, to identify how we can best support all involved in the logistics chain, including producers, retailers, importers, exporters and transport providers.
However, the current priority is to focus on the necessary contingency options and measures resulting from Brexit. As Brexit outcomes become clear over time, the Department will concentrate on how best to address freight movement priorities in the new post-Brexit environment.
