Tuesday, 25 Jun 2019

Written Answers Nos. 619-644

Rural Transport Services

Questions (619)

Robert Troy

Question:

619. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of passenger journeys on Local Link services in 2018. [26119/19]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

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

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. It also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which now operates under the Local Link brand.

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

Public Transport Data

Questions (620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 628, 629, 630, 643, 670, 671)

Robert Troy

Question:

620. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the metro north project; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost to finishing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26120/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

621. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the DART underground project; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost to finishing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26121/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

622. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the DART expansion programme; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost to finishing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26122/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

623. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the Dublin city centre resignalling programme; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost to finishing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26123/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

624. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the reopening of the Phoenix Park tunnel; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost to finishing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26124/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

625. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the central traffic control centre for commuter and intercity rail; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost to finishing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26125/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

626. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to safety and efficiency maintenance of the rail network; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost to finishing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26126/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

628. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the capital plan 2016-2021 to the acquisition of replacement buses; the amount spent; the number of buses acquired; the estimated expenditure on replacement buses over the life of the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26128/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

629. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to upgrading quality bus corridors; the amount spent to date; the number of bus corridors upgraded; the estimated capital expenditure to be spent over the remaining life of the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26129/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

630. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the Luas cross-city project; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost to finishing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26130/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

643. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the Capital Plan 2016-2021 to the smarter travel policy; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost to finishing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26143/19]

Pearse Doherty

Question:

670. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital funding provided through the National Development Plan 2018-2027 for upgrading or improvement of rail lines outside the greater Dublin area by region and year in which funding is expected to be used in tabular form. [26577/19]

Pearse Doherty

Question:

671. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital funding provided through the National Development Plan 2018-2027 for the electrification of rail lines outside the greater Dublin area by region and year in which funding is expected to be deployed in tabular form. [26578/19]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 620 to 626, inclusive, 628 to 630, inclusive, 643, 670 and 671 together.

As the Deputies are aware, the Capital Plan 2016-2021 has been superseded by Project Ireland 2040.

As the Deputies are also aware, Project Ireland 2040 provides indicative allocations over the next ten years for a range of public transport related projects and programmes including those referred to by the Deputies.

As noted in Project Ireland 2040 individual projects and programmes remain subject to compliance with the Public Spending Code, including its requirements in relation to appraisal and Sanctioning Authority approval points.

Details regarding indicative allocations, current status and expected completion dates where applicable are published on the Project Ireland 2040 Tracker as published by the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform and available at the following link:

www.gov.ie/en/publication/6db7c4-investment-projects-and-programmes-tracker/.

With regard to DART Underground, the DART Expansion Programme as proposed to be funded under Project Ireland 2040 does not include the Underground element but that instead the route for the Underground Tunnel will be established and protected to allow for its future delivery.

In relation to the Luas Cross City and Phoenix Park Tunnel projects, it should be noted that both projects are completed since 2017 and are contributing to the provision of an enhanced public transport service for all users.

In terms of the potential electrification of the rail network outside the Greater Dublin Area, Project Ireland 2040 commits toward an evaluation of high-speed rail on the main inter-urban network against improvements to existing line speeds and that evaluation will be commenced next year.

Rail Services

Questions (627)

Robert Troy

Question:

627. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a feasibility study has been implemented in accordance with the capital plan 2016-2021 to examine options for expanding freight on the railways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26127/19]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

In relation to the movement of goods, i.e. freight, it is an objective of my Department to generally ensure that this key element of economy and society operates in an optimal manner, taking account of the needs of the environment, as well as that economy and society. The performance and competitiveness, in quality, service and cost, of all the participants in the transport and logistics chain, including producers, retailers, importers, exporters and transport providers, are relevant.

The question of what mode is used depends on what is most appropriate, taking account of the technical aspects of each mode, the nature of the goods being moved and requirements of those using them, and Ireland’s geographical characteristics. Rail freight currently accounts for a very low share of freight transported in Ireland, at just over 1% of total domestic freight tonnage. This reflects the short distances within the island and the generally high-value, low-volume nature of goods being moved.

A key priority for the Government in relation to investment in the rail network is to safeguard investments already made and to maintain safety standards. In the framework of national and EU objectives to move to lower-emission modes of transport, my Department will continue to examine with the relevant stakeholders how to support such developments, including where appropriate the development of rail freight.

Questions Nos. 628 to 630, inclusive, answered with Question No. 620.

Road Projects Expenditure

Questions (631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 644, 647, 648, 649, 650, 651, 652, 653, 654, 658, 659)

Robert Troy

Question:

631. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount spent from the Exchequer under the capital plan 2016-2021 on the N25 New Ross bypass public private partnerships, PPP, by year to date; the completion date of the project; the expected annual amount to be allocated from the Exchequer to the end of the PPP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26131/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

632. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the Galway bypass; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost to finish the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26132/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

633. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the Mallow relief road; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost to finish the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26133/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

634. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the Adare bypass; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost to finish the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26134/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

635. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the Slane bypass; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost to finish the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26135/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

636. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the N28 Cork to Ringaskiddy road; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost to finish the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26136/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

637. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the N69 Shannon to Foynes road; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost to finish the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26137/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

644. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the Cork Limerick road; the estimated cost of the project; the expected completion time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26144/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

647. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the N5 Westport to Turlough project; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost of finishing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26173/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

648. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom project; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost of finishing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26174/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

649. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the N8-N25 Dunkettle Interchange project; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost of finishing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26175/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

650. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin project; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost of finishing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26176/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

651. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the M7 Naas to Newbridge bypass widening project; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost of finishing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26177/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

652. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the N56 Dungloe to Glenties project; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost of finishing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26178/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

653. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the Moycullen bypass project; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost of finishing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26179/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

654. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the N56 Mountcharles to Inver road; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost of finishing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26180/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

658. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the N17-N18 Gort-Tuam PPP; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost of finishing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26184/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

659. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy PPP; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost of finishing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26185/19]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 631 to 637, inclusive, 644, 647 to 654, inclusive, 658 and 659 together.

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 and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

The Government's Capital Investment Plan (CIP) "Building on Recovery - Infrastructure and Capital Investment" provided the strategic and financial framework for TII's activities for the period 2016 to 2021. This was followed by the National Development Plan (NDP) 2018-2027. When my Department provides capital funding to TII for the implementation of the NDP, TII's function is to then deliver on an integrated approach to the future development and operation of the national roads network throughout Ireland. Consequently, TII is best placed to advise on the current status and funding in respect of the above schemes.

Noting the above position, I have referred your questions to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Road Projects Expenditure

Questions (638, 639, 640, 641, 642, 646, 655, 656, 657)

Robert Troy

Question:

638. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the Shannon crossing bridge at Killaloe; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost to finish the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26138/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

639. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the Athy southern distributor road; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost to finish the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26139/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

640. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the Portlaoise southern distributor road; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost to finish the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26140/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

641. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to phase 4 of the Dingle relief road; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost to finish the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26141/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

642. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the Laytown to Bettystown link road; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost to finish the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26142/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

646. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the roads maintenance programme; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost of finishing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26172/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

655. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the Sallins bypass project; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost of finishing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26181/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

656. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the Garavogue River road project in County Sligo; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost of finishing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26182/19]

Robert Troy

Question:

657. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan 2016-2021 to the Grange Castle business park upgrade; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; the estimated capital cost of finishing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26183/19]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 638 to 642, inclusive, 646 and 655 to 657, inclusive, together.

The 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. Each local authority is the contracting authority for the purpose of implementation of regional and local road improvement projects.

Project Ireland 2040, including the National Development Plan (NDP), is the continuation of the original 2016-2021 "Building on Recovery" capital plan. Under the NDP my Department is committed at present to providing grant funding towards the cost of 12 significant capital road improvement schemes. The table below reflects the current position regarding my Department's funding of the NDP regional and local road schemes mentioned by the Deputy.

As regards grant expenditure to date on these schemes, the Regional and Local Road payment booklets available in the Oireachtas library provide details of grant payments made by my Department to the end of 2018. The 2019 Regional and Local Road allocation booklet outlines the allocations for these schemes this year and the table below outlines grants paid out to date in 2019. I would point out that cost estimates for road improvement schemes are reviewed at project development milestones and allowing for cost inflation and project implementation risks can be subject to change.

Name of Project	Spend to Date in 2019 €	Total Estimated Cost to DTTaS	Project Completion Date
R407 Sallins By Pass	1,594,133	57,000,000	2020
Athy Southern Distributor Road	416,333	34,000,000	2023
Adamstown and Nangor Road Upgrade	3,769,578	18,000,000	2019
Eastern Garavogue Bridge and Approach Road	50,000	20,000,000	2022
Portlaoise Southern Distributor Road	1,091,956	7,000,000	2019
Laytown to Bettystown Link Road	38,606	5,000,000	2020
Dingle Relief Road	634,119	4,000,000	2019
Shannon Crossing/Kilalloe Bypass/R494 Upgrade	900,956	62,000,000	2023

The bulk of the funding available under the NDP for regional and local roads is earmarked for maintenance and renewal work. In this context grants are provided on an ongoing basis to local authorities under a range of programmes operated by the Department with the allocations for individual programmes determined on an annual basis within the overall capital envelope. The Regional and Local Road allocation and payment booklets in the Oireachtas library provide allocation and expenditure details by grant programme.

Question No. 643 answered with Question No. 620.

Question No. 644 answered with Question No. 631.