Written Answers Nos. 570-592
570. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding the implementation of regulations relating to the sale and purchase of smoky coal in smaller towns and villages nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28125/19]
View answerThe ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous coal, or ‘the smoky coal ban’ as it is commonly known, was first introduced in Dublin in 1990, and subsequently extended to our major cities. Following a public consultation process, it was further extended in 2012, and now applies in 26 urban areas nationwide. The ban has proved very effective in reducing particulate matter and sulphur dioxide levels and has had the effect of significantly improving public health. Research indicates, for example, that the ban has resulted in over 350 fewer annual deaths in Dublin alone.
I am disappointed that a number of coal firms have indicated that they would challenge the decision of two former Ministers to expand the smoky coal ban nationwide. Banning the use of smoky coal would have a positive impact on air quality and public health, particularly in built up areas.
I am working with the Attorney General to finalise a legally robust plan which will improve air quality by reducing particulate matter in the air. High levels of particulate matter arise from a number of sources, including the burning of smoky coal.
572. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the eligibility criteria for the better energy warmer homes scheme will be reviewed in order that persons who have previously availed of the scheme for minor works or improvements to their homes are not prevented from availing of the newer scheme. [28229/19]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. To date over 135,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level.
The aim of the scheme is to deliver a range of energy efficiency measures in a way which represents the best possible use of Exchequer funding. The rules of the Scheme stipulate that repeat upgrade visits are not provided. This rule is in place to ensure that the available Exchequer funding provides upgrades to as many eligible homes as possible and to prioritise eligible homes that have never had any work done under the scheme.
Last year, the scheme was expanded. Subject to a survey by SEAI and an assessment of potential for improved energy performance, the scheme can now, in certain circumstances, include internal or external wall insulation. This will permit the upgrade of more property types such as homes with solid walls, and also increase the energy savings and emissions reductions that the scheme can achieve. In addition, it will enable future fuel switching. Demand for the scheme is extremely high, reflecting the shift to deeper measures, and is impacted by longer delivery times associated with these type of works and the delivery capacity of SEAI’s contractor panel.
My Department is currently working with the SEAI to determine whether further changes to the scheme are required. It is expected that this review will be completed in the coming months.
573. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the sites on which the OPW and Inland Fisheries Ireland experiment strategies were implemented in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28258/19]
View answer574. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 592 and 593 of 25 June 2019, the reason the stakeholder uptake (details supplied) of the fishery enhancement element is so low in view of the amount of available funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28259/19]
View answer575. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if Inland Fisheries Ireland will conduct pre-fishery enhancement test sites for an Inland Fisheries Ireland and OPW enhancement programme in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28260/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 573 to 575, inclusive, together.
I am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that the term “experimental strategies” is considered to cover a wide range of habitat – fisheries interactions in the drained rivers managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
As previously advised, OPW undertakes maintenance on about 2000 km of channels annually. OPW uses an environmental guidance procedure, agreed with IFI, to ensure habitat retention and to implement value-added works that are consistent with the OPW’s compliance requirement with the Water Framework Directive and with fisheries issues.
In the overall planning process, the two organisations under their joint agreement, have also examined the rationale for experimental strategies in respect of:
- reconnection of old channel meanders cut off in drainage works;
- mitigating for gravel traps on OPW channels, constructed as part of the original schemes, that may be impeding fish passage and sediment transport; and
- mitigations for fish passage at bridge structures etc. that can be addressed in OPW work programmes
As previously confirmed the agreement between IFI and OPW was signed in mid-2018 and provides that “proposals from 3rd parties to undertake in-stream and/or riparian works should be tested in advance to assess appropriateness of interventions and the most relevant measures, if the works are to proceed”. The agreement envisages IFI undertaking surveys in this context on an agreed small number of cases annually.
The four sites referred to are all third party projects proposed in 2017 but not progressed by the third party applicants. IFI has advanced matters by organising that these sites are surveyed to facilitate progression of the projects. IFI will, therefore, conduct pre-fishery enhancement surveys on four locations in 2019, in line with agreement with OPW. IFI envisages that further such surveying will be undertaken in 2020 as part of the on-going IFI-OPW programme.
The previous questions, Nos. 592 and 593, referenced by the Deputy do no appear to relate to uptake on fishery enhancement funding schemes. In that regard, I assume the Deputy is referring to the Salmon and Sea Trout Conservation Fund.
If this is the case I can advise the Deputy that uptake in the most recent call, following the expansion of the scheme, has been as expected, with 32 expressions of interest received by IFI, for this scheme alone, with an investment value in excess of €1 million.
I have already offered the Deputy a briefing from IFI on all these matters and, in view of the questions tabled by her in relation to fisheries schemes, I extend that offer again.
576. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has carried out an audit of the number of public buildings that may require retrofitting; the expected cost to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28293/19]
View answerThe Government is committed to ensuring that the public sector continues to play a leadership role in tackling climate change through the achievement of further energy efficiency gains and carbon emissions reductions. The Climate Action Plan sets a target to improve the energy efficiency of public sector buildings by 50%.
The public sector has already made a strong contribution in this regard with the sector improving its energy efficiency by 24% to end 2017. Cumulatively, the energy efficiency improvements achieved by public sector bodies have resulted in an avoided energy spend of more than €1 billion and a carbon emissions saving of over 3.5 million tonnes. The achievements to date result from a combination of improved energy management as well as equipment and building fabric improvements. A combination of approaches will continue to be necessary in the future to meet our targets including targeted energy efficiency investment in the retrofitting of buildings.
My Department is providing leadership and guidance to other Government departments and public sector bodies to help them to achieve their efficiency targets as part of the process of implementing the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy. This includes the SEAI engaging with Public Sector Bodies to assess the range and nature of project opportunities (project pipeline) including building fabric upgrades. This ongoing exercise will help to inform the assessment of the costs to achieve the targets for 2030 and beyond. It is also important to note that the achievement of public sector targets will require initiatives beyond those targeted at the building stock. This would include initiatives relating to public transport fleets, water and waste facilities, public lighting and other energy users across the public sector.
My Department is working with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to avail of expertise under the EU Structural Reform Support Service (SRSS) to inform the development of a comprehensive building upgrade programme for the Public Sector. It is intended that this will incorporate an assessment of the total level of investment required to achieve the 2030 targets and recommendations for the optimal mix of funding options to reach the necessary objectives. This exercise, which is included as an action in the Climate Action Plan, will commence in Q3 this year and report in 2020.
Project Ireland 2040 has made significant funding available in pursuit of our public sector targets. This includes funding of €800 million for public building energy retrofit, along with further funding for school energy retrofits, third level building renovations, and public transport fleet replacement. The potential for this investment to be supported by non-exchequer sources of funding such as Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) will be also be explored as part of the SRSS exercise.
577. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated number of bicycle spaces available to Civil Service staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28294/19]
View answerMy Department currently has 86 bicycle parking spaces. Under my Department’s Resource Efficiency Action Plan a staff survey on how staff commute to work will be undertaken with a view to promoting more sustainable options and to feed into the design of our new HQ due for completion in early 2023.
I understand that information on the total number of bicycle spaces across the Civil Service is not available as these facilities are managed on a local basis by individual Departments.
578. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is a right of appeal before a person is disqualified from driving, having received 12 penalty points within the required period. [27462/19]
View answerDisqualification from driving based on penalty points occurs when a person reaches a cumulative total of 12 or more points, except in the case of learner or novice drivers, who are disqualified on reaching or exceeding 7 points. Penalty points may be endorsed on a licence record following payment of a fixed charge for a road traffic offence or following conviction in court.
Where an offence is a fixed charge offence, the person has the option of refusing to pay the fixed charge and going instead to court. If they are then convicted in court - or if the offence is not a fixed charge offence and they have gone straight to court and been convicted - they have the right of appeal against that specific conviction.
As penalty points are accrued in relation to specific offence, a person who has paid a fixed charge has accepted that they are receiving penalty points, while a person convicted in court who has chosen not to exercise their right to appeal, or who has appealed and lost, has had an opportunity to challenge each and every conviction and its consequential penalty points.
There is no specific mechanism for challenging disqualification once the person reaches 12 points, nor is there any need for one, given that each penalty point event could have been challenged.
579. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding his Department granted the Dublin Port Company in the past ten years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27489/19]
View answerIn line with National Ports Policy the State Port Companies including Dublin Port Company receive no exchequer funding.
580. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of all reported anti-social behaviour on Irish Rail services in 2018 to 1 June 2019, by route; and the actions of Irish Rail in response to the incidents. [27500/19]
View answerWhile the vast majority of public transport passenger journeys occur without incident, I am concerned to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff travelling and working on our rail network.
The safety and security of public transport passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour, are important matters that, first and foremost, must be managed by every public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, where appropriate.
In view of this, and given that the collection of details of reported incidents of anti-social behaviour on the rail network, as sought by the Deputy, is undertaken by Iarnród Éireann, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
581. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the funding for the sports capital fund will be released. [27501/19]
View answerThe 2018 round of the Sports Capital Programme closed for applications on Friday 19th October last. By that deadline, a record 2,337 applications were submitted seeking a total of €162m in funding.
186 of these applications were for projects that were deemed invalid under the 2017 round of the programme that subsequently submitted corrected documents. These applications were assessed first and approximately €7m in allocations to 170 projects were announced on the 17th January.
619 equipment only applications were assessed next and 466 allocations with a value of €9.8m were announced in May.
Work is now underway in assessing the remaining applications for capital works.
For the first time applicants who submitted incorrect documentation under this round are being given the opportunity to correct their application during the assessment period. While there will be no undue delay in completing the assessment process, in view of the opportunity to correct documentation, the record number of applications received and the detailed information contained in each application, it is likely to take a number of months to have all applications assessed. Accordingly, I expect that it may be the third quarter of this year before the full set of allocations under this current round of the programme are announced.
As soon as allocations have been made, my Department will carry out a review of all aspects of the 2018 round of the programme to include any possible improvements for the future. This review will include consideration of the timing and scale of the next round but I fully expect that the SCP will again be open for new applications before the end of this year.
582. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the regulatory and licensing application system for public service vehicles; the number of licences in operation for large public service vehicles and small public service vehicles in tabular form; and the number of licences issued in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019. [27562/19]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for both the licensing of public bus passenger services under the provisions of the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009 and the regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
583. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the driver test centre will open in Drogheda, County Louth; if the centre will be permanent; the location of the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27621/19]
View answerAs this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority I have referred the question to the Authority for direct response. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
584. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated difference between the average annual steady-state cost of national, regional and local roads, heavy rail, Luas and buses with regard to the integration initiative as estimated in a report (details supplied) and the actual expenditure outlay in each of the years 2017 to 2020. [27655/19]
View answerIn 2015 my Department published the Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport (SFILT). As part of the extensive preparatory work for this publication, 21 background papers were produced and one of these estimated the steady state funding requirement for the transport network, as referenced by the Deputy. From 2017 onwards, SFILT estimated that the annual steady state funding requirement for my Department would be approximately €1.2bn. For ease of reference, I include the full SFILT steady state estimates in Table 1.
Table 1: Estimated annual steady state expenditure requirement, 2014-2016 and post-2016 (€m)
|
Average Annual Cost 2014-2016 |
Average Annual Cost Attributable to DTTaS 2014-2016 |
Average Annual Cost post-2016 |
Average Annual Cost Attributable to DTTaS post-2016 |
|
|
National Roads |
585 |
481 |
573 |
469 |
|
RLR Roads |
580 |
480 |
580 |
480 |
|
Heavy Rail |
291 |
195 |
291 |
195 |
|
Luas |
81 |
60 |
49 |
21 |
|
Buses |
61 |
61 |
61 |
61 |
|
Integration |
15 |
15 |
15 |
15 |
|
Total |
1,613 |
1,292 |
1,569 |
1,241 |
Isolating steady state investment from other types of transport expenditure can be difficult but, on the basis of available information, I include in Table 2 my Department’s best estimate of steady state investment in the regional and local road network and public transport from 2017 to 2020.
Table 2: Departmental steady state expenditure, 2017-2020 (€m)
|
2017 |
2018 |
2019* |
2020** |
|
|
RLR Roads |
300 |
384 |
418 |
- |
|
Heavy Rail |
158.8 |
160.0 |
197.0 |
199.7 |
|
Buses |
60.7 |
92.1*** |
100.6*** |
122.7*** |
|
Integration |
4.3 |
6.9 |
11.4 |
13.0 |
*Allocated
**Projected
***Includes some additional capacity provision
Finally, I include in Table 3 the difference between the estimated steady state requirement and investment in regional and local roads and public transport from 2017 to 2020. As steady state expenditure on the regional and local road network includes current and capital expenditure, and current allocations are determined annually as part of the Budget process, a 2020 figure is not available at this point.
Table 3: Estimated difference between steady state requirement and investment, 2017-2020 (€m)
|
2017 |
2018 |
2019* |
2020** |
|
|
RLR Roads |
(180) |
(96) |
(62) |
- |
|
Heavy Rail |
(36.1) |
(43.2) |
0 |
0 |
|
Buses |
(0.3) |
31.1 |
39.6 |
61.7 |
|
Integration |
(11.7) |
(8.1) |
(3.6) |
(2.0) |
In a constrained fiscal context, Departmental spending fell short of the estimated steady state requirement over a number of years. However, with the increased capital allocations for my Department announced in Budget 2018 we will be investing more into our existing infrastructure in the years ahead. The steady state funding requirement for heavy rail, through the Infrastructure Manager Multi-Annual Contract, and buses has been met in 2019, while we will be investing the required level of funding into national, regional and local roads by 2021.
I have referred your question to TII and the NTA for a direct reply in relation to steady state expenditure on national roads and Luas in the period 2017 to 2020. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
585. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason there are no appeals allowed for those who fail their driver tests, particularly those who fail them on multiple occasions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27694/19]
View answerDriver testing in Ireland is carried out directly by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to a standard that complies with the EU Directive on Driving Licences.
Under section 33(6)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, a person aggrieved by a test decision may appeal to the District Court. The Court can examine whether or not the test was conducted properly and if it finds that the tester did not conduct the test in accordance with procedures can direct that a further test be offered to the applicant free of charge.
586. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the failure rate in each driver test centre in Dublin in each of the years 2014 to 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27695/19]
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.
587. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a proposal within the national development plan (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27702/19]
View answerProject Ireland 2040 commits toward an evaluation of the economic benefits and value for money of high-speed rail on the main inter-urban rail network against improvements to existing and planned line speeds along the lines.
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department will commence this study during 2020.
588. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the planned capital expenditure on sport for years (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27703/19]
View answerWhile the published National Development Plan sets out the overall capital commitments for sports investment, the precise budget available for sports capital projects each year is subject to the annual estimates process.
The total funding currently available for sports capital projects (including planned allocations to Sport Ireland for the development of the Sport Ireland Campus) in the period 2019 - 2022 is set out in the table below. Figures for 2023 will be available once the overall 2023 capital allocation for my Department is agreed with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in accordance with the five year rolling capital investment plan.
|
Year |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Total Sport Capital Allocation (€m) |
61.38 |
65.47 |
60.50 |
48.37 |
589. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the engagement his Department has had and will have with the a State agency regarding a strategy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27704/19]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, section 12 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 provides for the making of a strategic transport plan, known as the transport strategy, by the National Transport Authority (NTA), in relation to the Greater Dublin Area.
The Act details the process by which the strategy shall be prepared, including its engagement with my Department. It requires the NTA to take account of various named policies and strategies and also requires the NTA to consult with various named stakeholders, including of course the general public and the Joint Oireachtas Committee.
The Act stipulates that, following these various consultations, the NTA shall submit a draft strategy to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for consideration and approval or otherwise.
In 2016 the then Minister approved the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 to 2035 and the Strategy is available to view on the NTA's website.
The Strategy is vitally important in assisting with the sustainable development of the Greater Dublin Area and it is a statutory requirement that the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the GDA is consistent with the Strategy. This statutory integration of strategic transport and land-use planning reflects international best practice.
The Act also requires that following publication of the Strategy, that the NTA review it within 6 years and every 6 years afterwards. I understand that the NTA has indicated that this review will commence during the latter part of 2020.
590. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reviews under way regarding the regulation of electric scooters; the timeframe for the completion of such reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27731/19]
View answerAt my request, the Road Safety Authority commissioned research into the current situation in relation to escooters in other countries, particularly other EU Member States, and the safety implications in the use of electric personal mobility devices.
The report was submitted to me on June 22nd, and is currently under examination by my officials.
I will make a decision on whether to legislate for escooters and other personal mobility devices when I have considered all of the implications of the report and its recommendations.
591. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce legislation regarding the regulation of e-scooters; the premise of such legislation; the date for publication of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27732/19]
View answerAt my request, the Road Safety Authority commissioned research into the current situation in relation to escooters in other countries, particularly other EU Member States, and the safety implications in the use of electric personal mobility devices.
The report was submitted to me on June 22nd, and is currently under examination by my officials.
I will make a decision on whether to bring forward additional legislation in relation to escooters and other personal mobility devices when I have considered all of the implications of the report and its recommendations.
592. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be allocated to Shannon Airport in view of the fact that other airports have recently received significant funding (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27779/19]
View answerShannon Group plc, a commercial State company, was incorporated following enactment of the State Airports (Shannon Group) Act 2014. Shannon Airport Authority (SAA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shannon Group plc, has statutory responsibility for the management and operation of Shannon Airport. In line with Government policy, Shannon Airport, which operates under a clear commercial mandate, is entirely funded from its own internal resources.
The Regional Airports Programme provides support to Donegal, Ireland West Airport Knock, Kerry and Waterford through a number of capital and operational schemes in compliance with EU Guidelines on State Aid. Passenger numbers at these airports are less than 1 million per year (three have less than 400,000) . It is recognised that, without State support, these smaller airports would struggle to comply with international regulatory obligations in these areas.
Supporting Ireland’s smallest airports through the Regional Airports Programme is a very clear policy objective in the National Aviation Policy. The policy does not provide for direct Exchequer funding of Shannon Airport, or any of the State owned airports, as part of the Programme.
