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Tuesday, 9 Jul 2019

Written Answers Nos. 601-630

Sports Capital Programme Administration

Questions (601)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

601. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date the latest round of sports capital grants will be announced. [29157/19]

View answer

Written answers

The 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.   

Public Bike Schemes

Questions (602)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

602. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the locations that will be confirmed for the expansion of the public bike scheme in Cork city. [29158/19]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to cycle and public transport infrastructure. The administration and expansion of the public bike scheme in the regional cities is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Noting the NTA's responsibilites in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply . Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Road Toll Data

Questions (603)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

603. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount collected in road tolls in the past two years to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29177/19]

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Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. 

Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads and the establishment of a system of tolls, are within the remit of TII.  More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended).  

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

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Road Tolls

Questions (604)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

604. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of State subvention paid to all road toll operators in the past two years to date; if subvention for road tolls is being reviewed in the context of the Climate Action Plan 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29178/19]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. 

Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads and the establishment of a system of tolls, are within the remit of TII.  More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended).

The contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between TII and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned.

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

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Road Network

Questions (605)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

605. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Galway County Council or Transport Infrastructure Ireland has ownership of the road connecting the motorway to the local road at a site (details supplied); if the public has a right of way to the road as per the Roads Act 1993; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29198/19]

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Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and construction, including the procurement and compulsory purchase of lands, in respect 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 the question of ownership, of the location referenced, to TII for a direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Road Projects Expenditure

Questions (606)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

606. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the compensation paid to landowners to date for the construction of the N63 between Annagh Hill and Abbeyknockmoy; the timeline for the remainder of payments due; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29199/19]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design, construction and associated compulsory purchase of lands 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 the question to TII for a direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Road Projects Expenditure

Questions (607)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

607. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the mechanism used to calculate the price paid to landowners for the construction of national roads when the lands are acquired through a compulsory purchase order; the reason there is a discrepancy for such payments nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29200/19]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design, construction and associated compulsory purchase of lands for 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 the question to TII for a direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Roads Maintenance

Questions (608)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

608. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the person or body responsible for the maintenance of the N63 at Abbeyknockmoy, County Galway, that is, roadside fencing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29201/19]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, operation and maintenance 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 the question to TII for a direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Road Projects Status

Questions (609)

Micheál Martin

Question:

609. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request from Transport Infrastructure Ireland the status of progress and the delivery date for the next stage of the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy motorway scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29208/19]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. 

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

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Transport Infrastructure Provision

Questions (610)

Micheál Martin

Question:

610. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the capital plan published in September 2015 on the outlined proposed transport investment priorities to 2022; the status of each project; if there are delays in particular projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29209/19]

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Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, the Capital Plan 2016-2021 to which he refers has been superseded by Project Ireland 2040.

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 Deputy.

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:

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

Road Network

Questions (611)

Micheál Martin

Question:

611. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of public private partnerships, PPPs, in the capital programme involving road networks; the progress regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29210/19]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and construction of individual national roads, including the PPP projects, is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. 

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

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Road Projects Status

Questions (612)

Micheál Martin

Question:

612. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on large capital projects planned in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland for Cork city and county (details supplied); the progress of each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29211/19]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. 

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

Questions Nos. 613 and 614 answered with Question No. 103.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Railway Stations

Questions (615)

David Cullinane

Question:

615. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on moving the existing train station in Waterford to the North Quays; if the move will be supported as part of the redevelopment of the quays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29228/19]

View answer

Written answers

I am aware the Waterford North Quays SDZ was approved in 2018 and that Project Ireland 2040 recognises that redevelopment of the North Quays is a key growth enabler for this important city.

The Waterford North Quays SDZ seeks to support the sustainable growth of the city and build a city of scale in line with the objectives of Project Ireland 2040 which envisages the city's population expanding to approximately 85,000 by 2040. The approved SDZ comprises different elements and is designed to fully harness the city's riverfront potential as a focus for the development of a new urban area. As part of the redevelopment and regeneration of the area, there is a proposal to relocate the train station from its current location to the North Quays SDZ site.

In order to support National Strategic Obejctive 1: Compact Growth, Government established an Urban Regeneration and Development Fund which is designed to support the the co-development of Project Ireland 2040's recognised key growth enablers for the cities.  Administration of the Fund is a matter for the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

Public Transport Provision

Questions (616)

David Cullinane

Question:

616. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the additional bus and rail routes planned and the increased spend in public transport for Waterford city and county envisaged to meet climate change targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29229/19]

View answer

Written answers

The Deputy will be aware that the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Waterford City and County Council will this year begin work on a new Waterford Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy.

Development of the Strategy will be similar to the work already done in Galway and underway in Cork and will allow for consideration of the area's transport needs over a 20 year period.

I very much welcome the development of this new Strategy which will allow us build upon the improvements already made to the city's public transport network, such as the launch earlier this year of a much improved bus network which has resulted in impressive increases in bus usage in the city. 

Finalisation of the Strategy will provide the strategic backdrop to the increased levels of investment that are now being made available to support the further development of both active travel and public transport infrastructure. I look forward to the Deputy engaging with the consultation process which will take place as the new Strategy is being developed.

Greenways Development

Questions (617)

Robert Troy

Question:

617. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the differing modes of transport that are permitted to use greenways. [29281/19]

View answer

Written answers

Greenways are multi-functional and designed for use by all types of bicycles. They must also be designed to be as accessible as possible for those with mobility issues and users of Wheelchairs and Mobility vehicles.  It is also important to remember that many users of Greenways are pedestrians and thus design must also accommodate buggy and pram users. 

The decision on the modes of transport permitted to use a particular Greenway, or sections thereof, is ultimately a decision made by the Local Authority or State Agency in charge of that Greenway. However, as is stated in my Department's Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways, there may be some short sections of Greenways where some motorized vehicles, such as cars and tractors, may use the Greenway. Generally this tends to be on discrete sections where houses have been built or where access to farmland is required and would entail a very low number of vehicular journeys per day, these movements would also tend to be at a low speed.

Public Transport Fares

Questions (618)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

618. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which a person can claim a refund for a cash overpayment for a fare on a bus operated by a company (details supplied); if the company refunds overpayments to either the customer or the NTA; the way in which cash fare overpayments are used; the amount collected in cash fare overpayments since the company began operating services here to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29341/19]

View answer

Written answers

As 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 the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days. 

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Taxi Regulations

Questions (619)

Bríd Smith

Question:

619. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if proposals to operate a service (details supplied) in the taxi industry that uses mobile apps and shared ridership has been examined by the National Transport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29358/19]

View answer

Written answers

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) 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

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Questions (620)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

620. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of an application for funding under the sports capital programme by a school and a club (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29374/19]

View answer

Written answers

The 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, including an application from the school and organisation referred to by the Deputy. 

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 will be towards the end of the third quarter before the full set of allocations under this current round of the programme are announced.

Departmental Advertising Expenditure

Questions (621)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

621. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount spent on digital marketing in each of the past eight years; the items on which funds were spent; the criteria by which target audiences were selected; the amount of the digital spend targeted here; the amount targeted abroad; the amount that related to private companies; the amount that related to policy initiatives; and the purpose of the digital advertisements. [29399/19]

View answer

Written answers

The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated by my officials and will be forwarded to the Deputy within 10 working days. 

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
 This Department has not incurred any expenditure on digital marketing in the past eight years.

Sports Capital Programme Eligibility

Questions (622)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

622. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which funding can be secured for a facility (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29419/19]

View answer

Written answers

The 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, including the application referred to by the Deputy. 

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 will be towards the end of the third quarter before the full set of allocations under this current round of the programme are announced.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (623)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

623. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the costs paid to companies (details supplied) for projects for which each was engaged by his Department in each of the years 2015 to 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form; the reason each was engaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29451/19]

View answer

Written answers

My Department routinely publishes financial information in relation to expenditure and payments.

Details of expenditure on external services made for the years 2015 to 2018 are available on my Department’s website at the following link:

http://www.dttas.ie/corporate/english/expenditure-external-services

Details of expenditure to date in 2019 will be available shortly.

Question No. 624 answered with Question No. 103.

Greenways Funding

Questions (625)

Marc MacSharry

Question:

625. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the full budget for greenways remains to be exhausted; if €500,000 will be provided to facilitate the progressing of the design and planning stage of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29469/19]

View answer

Written answers

In addition to the recent allocations my Department is also funding from its annual allocation a number of greenways projects which were allocated funding in previous years.  Available resources in any given year will depend on the rate of drawdown and the allocation in the annual estimates process.  I am aware of the widespread interest across the country in developing Greenways as evidenced by the recent funding call and subject to the allocations in annual estimates process I will explore options for further funding calls over the coming years.   

In regard to the project mentioned by the Deputy the most recent funding call was focused on greenways in a position to commence construction in the near future rather than for feasibility studies or design.  Unfortunately the project was not therefore not in a position to be funded during this round.

Semi-State Bodies Expenditure

Questions (626, 631, 632, 634)

Marc MacSharry

Question:

626. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action he has taken with regard to recent media reports of alleged extravagant expenditure of public funds on credit cards by executives at Dublin Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29478/19]

View answer

Marc MacSharry

Question:

631. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason he is not taking a similar hands-on approach further to the widespread reporting of the alleged gross misuse of taxpayers' money at Dublin Port as previously in a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29483/19]

View answer

Marc MacSharry

Question:

632. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has absolute confidence in the board and executive of Dublin Port further to media reports of alleged gross misuse of taxpayers' money at the port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29484/19]

View answer

Marc MacSharry

Question:

634. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether there is a need for a public inquiry into the use of credit cards by Dublin Port executives. [29486/19]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 626, 631, 632 and 634 together.

I want to emphasise that Dublin Port is an independent commercial State company and receives no Exchequer funding. 

On foot of the recent media reports I immediately sought a meeting with the port.  I can confirm that I have met with representatives from Dublin Port Company including the Chair and the CEO, to discuss the issues in detail.

The port outlined a number of areas of spending where credit cards are used and detailed how this spending is approved in advance at the correct management or board level, in accordance with internal company procedures. The port has stated there is no allegation of wrongdoing made in any report and that the leak of data to the media has been notified to the Data Protection Commissioner.

In addition, the port has engaged external consultants to carry out an independent review of all credit card expenditure and the company’s policies and procedures around credit card use. This is to determine whether all expenditure was appropriate and properly authorised. The report is expected to be completed in approximately eight weeks.

Ports Policy

Questions (627)

Marc MacSharry

Question:

627. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact Dublin Port plans to ban cruise ships in the port from 2020; the analysis his Department has undertaken in terms of loss of tourists and revenue to Dublin as a result; the way in which he can reconcile such action against national objectives in growing tourism to Dublin and all of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29479/19]

View answer

Written answers

I am of course aware of the decision taken by Dublin Port Company to restrict its cruise shipping capacity from 2021-2023, rather than ban cruise ships, owing to the impact of major construction works on berth availabilities.  I am keen where possible to help mitigate any adverse impacts on the cruise tourism industry.  With these concerns in mind, I first met with Dublin Port Company on this issue in March, when the Company outlined its capital development plans and rationale for prioritisation in the context of Brexit, as well as the specifics with regard to cruise berths.  In my engagements with Dublin Port Company, I have always emphasised the need for it to take account of the broader impact of its commercial decisions. This includes the effect on sectors supporting the cruise tourism industry or serving cruise visitors, not just in Dublin but in other ports and associated regions around Ireland.

I have since held further, positive meetings with key stakeholders, including Dublin Port Company, and representatives of other ports, the tourism agencies and other industry stakeholders.  These meetings have assisted the relevant bodies to consider the options available that could help mitigate any potential negative impacts on the cruise industry and Irish tourism during the period of construction work.

Through my wider stakeholder engagements, I have encouraged port and cruise industry stakeholders to take maximum advantage of other options available during the period of construction at Dublin port.  While Dublin Port is important in attracting cruise liners to Ireland through Dublin, other benefits can accrue to other ports around our coast.   To this end the Port of Cork, Dun Laoghaire Harbour and Belfast Harbour are considering how they can take some of the additional business that may be lost as a result of Dublin Port's infrastructural works. 

Fáilte Ireland continues to support the development and promotion of the cruise tourism sector and assists with the visitor welcome at Dublin Port.  I understand that they have completed survey research amongst cruise tourism passengers.  This analysis has been shared with the economic advisers working on behalf of Dublin Port Company for input into their deliberations in respect of future investment in cruise shipping capacity at the Port.  Tourism Ireland is supporting the Port of Cork and the Port of Belfast, to assist them with their programmes overseas, and is actively engaging with Cruise Ireland regarding marketing initiatives that could be pursued jointly overseas.

My officials continue to monitor developments on this matter, together with both tourism agencies.  Given these ongoing efforts to disperse business across other ports, it remains to be seen what the ultimate impact the construction work at Dublin Port will have on overall cruise business.  

Semi-State Bodies Expenditure

Questions (628, 629, 630)

Marc MacSharry

Question:

628. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request Dublin Port to make available details of credit card spending for each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to 30 June 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29480/19]

View answer

Marc MacSharry

Question:

629. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has requested Dublin Port to provide further details in relation to a matter (details supplied); if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29481/19]

View answer

Marc MacSharry

Question:

630. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has requested Dublin Port to clarify if the moneys highlighted in recent press reports as credit card expenditure by executives at the port were spent on entertaining public representatives or departmental officials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29482/19]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 628 to 630, inclusive, together.

Dublin Port is an independent commercial state company and receives no Exchequer funding.

On foot of recent media reports, I have met with representatives from Dublin Port including the Chair and CEO to discuss matters in detail. 

The port has confirmed that policies and procedures are in place for the use of company credit cards. All expenditure is reviewed by the company’s internal auditor to ensure compliance with approved procedures and reported to the Audit and Risk Committee.

In the normal course of their work, public representatives and officials, national, international, European and UN delegates have attended official events and meetings at Dublin Port Company. While I note that a considerable amount has been spent on hospitality I cannot comment until further clarification is available.  

The port has now engaged external experts to carry out an independent review of credit card expenditure and the company’s policies and procedures around same. The report should be completed in approximately eight weeks.

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