Robert Troy
Question:195. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when a property (details supplied) will be connected to efibre broadband. [38190/19]
View answerBroadband Service Provision
Questions (195)
Written answers
Every home, farm, school and business in Ireland will have access to high speed broadband – no matter where they are located – following the Government’s decision to approve the appointment of a preferred bidder to the National Broadband Plan. Under this plan, Ireland will become one of the first countries in the world to ensure that those in rural areas have the same digital opportunities as those in urban areas. The premises referenced by the Deputy is located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map, which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER areas represent the target areas for the proposed State led Intervention under the NBP.
The State intervention is the subject of the procurement process to engage a company to build, operate and maintain the NBP State intervention network. In May I brought a recommendation to Government to confer Preferred Bidder status on Granahan McCourt, the remaining bidder in the NBP procurement process and Government agreed to this.
The Government Decision of 7 May 2019 means that it is intended to award the State Intervention contract to the Bidder. This award is subject to contract close. The finalisation of financial closure and legal requirements are progressing towards contract award. Deployment of the NBP State Intervention network will commence shortly after that.
The Bidder has indicated that the NBP State intervention will take an estimated 7 years from the beginning of deployment.
A deployment plan will be made available by the Bidder once the contract is signed. In the first year of roll out, the Bidder will deploy approximately 300 Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) across all counties. It is anticipated that between 7 and 23 BCPs will be deployed in each county. BCPs will provide a community based high speed broadband service, enhancing online participation and allowing for the establishment of digital work hubs in these locations.
The Bidder is aiming to pass 133,000 premises at the end of the second year, with 70-100,000 passed each year thereafter until roll out is completed.
Work continues on finalising the contract and in parallel to this work, I am considering the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Communications Committee report which was published recently. I will bring my deliberations of the report to Government in due course.
Capital Expenditure Programme
Questions (196)
Maurice Quinlivan
Question:196. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital expenditure of his Department from 1 January 2019 to 31 August 2019 under the heading of B8 Sustainable Transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37962/19]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, funding provided under this subhead is part of a multi-annual funding programme.
The timing of expenditure on programmes such as this are by their nature dependent on a number of variables and therefore monthly, quarterly or periodic expenditure must be viewed within that context.
It is the case that each year the majority of funding is drawndown toward the year end and overall reporting on programme expenditure is then made available through the Department's publicly available annual Appropriation Accounts and related reports to, and appearances before, the Oireachtas.
Road Projects Status
Questions (197)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:197. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, requested Louth County Council to review the Ardee bypass scheme project; if all available resources will be made available to progress the review as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37992/19]
View answerWritten 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
Road Projects Status
Questions (198)
Robert Troy
Question:198. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the planned upgrades to the N4 road at Ballinalack and Rathowen, County Westmeath; if a preferred route option has been identified; and if so, the details of same. [37996/19]
View answerWritten 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, upgrading 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
Light Rail Projects Expenditure
Questions (199)
Barry Cowen
Question:199. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of the Luas cross-city project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38043/19]
View answerWritten answers
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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including Luas Cross City.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Road Projects Status
Questions (200, 201, 207, 209, 210, 213, 215, 216, 217)
Barry Cowen
Question:200. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the N56 Dungloe to Glenties project has been completed; if not, when it is expected to be completed; the estimated cost of the project; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38044/19]
View answerBarry Cowen
Question:201. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the N56 Mountcharles to Inver Road project has been completed; if not, when it is expected to be completed; the estimated cost of the project; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38045/19]
View answerBarry Cowen
Question:207. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy motorway public private project has been completed; if not, when it is expected to be completed; the cost of the PPP; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38053/19]
View answerBarry Cowen
Question:209. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the N25 New Ross bypass public private project has been completed; if not, when it is expected to be completed; the cost of the PPP; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38055/19]
View answerBarry Cowen
Question:210. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom capital project has commenced; if so, the stage the project is at; when the project is expected to go out for tender; when construction will commence; when the project will be completed; the estimated cost of the project; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38075/19]
View answerBarry Cowen
Question:213. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Listowel bypass capital project has commenced; if so, the stage the project is at; when the project is expected to go out for tender; when construction will commence; when the project will be completed; the estimated cost of the project; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38078/19]
View answerBarry Cowen
Question:215. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the stage the M8/N4/N25 Dunkettle interchange project is at; when the project will go out for tender; when construction will commence; when the project will be completed; the estimated cost of the project; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38092/19]
View answerBarry Cowen
Question:216. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the stage the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin project is at; when the project will go out for tender; when construction will commence; when the project will be completed; the estimated cost of the project; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38093/19]
View answerBarry Cowen
Question:217. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the stage the Ardee bypass project is at; when the project will go out for tender; when construction will commence; when the project will be completed; the estimated cost of the project; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38094/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 200, 201, 207, 209, 210, 213, 215 to 217, inclusive, together.
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 questions 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
Sports Facilities Provision
Questions (202)
Barry Cowen
Question:202. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the National Indoor Arena phase 2 project has been completed; if not, when it is expected to be completed; the estimated cost of the project; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38046/19]
View answerWritten answers
Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the development of the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus at Abbotstown.
Work commenced in July 2017 on the development of Phase 2 of the National Indoor Arena. The overall cost of the project was €26m, €6m provided in 2017, €18m in 2018 and the balance of €2m in 2019.
The project was completed and handed over to Sport Ireland on 31st May 2019. Phase 2 saw the construction of full-sized and half-sized covered synthetic pitches, primarily for soccer and rugby but capable of accommodating all field-sports, together with changing facilities, strength and conditioning facilities, offices and meeting rooms.
Road Projects Status
Questions (203, 204, 205, 206, 212, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224)
Barry Cowen
Question:203. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Grange Castle business park project has been completed; if not, when it is expected to be completed; the estimated cost of the project; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38047/19]
View answerBarry Cowen
Question:204. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Portlaoise southern distributor road project has been completed; if not, when it is expected to be completed; the estimated cost of the project; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38048/19]
View answerBarry Cowen
Question:205. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Laytown to Bettystown link road project has been completed; if not, when it is expected to be completed; the estimated cost of the project; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38049/19]
View answerBarry Cowen
Question:206. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Dingle relief road has been completed; if not, when it is expected to be completed; the estimated cost of the project; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38050/19]
View answerBarry Cowen
Question:212. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Coonagh to Knockalisheen capital project has commenced; if so, the stage the project is at; when the project is expected to go out for tender; when construction will commence; when the project will be completed; the estimated cost of the project; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38077/19]
View answerBarry Cowen
Question:218. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the stage the Garavogue River project is at; when the project will go out for tender; when construction will commence; when the project will be completed; the estimated cost of the project; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38095/19]
View answerBarry Cowen
Question:219. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the stage the Sligo western distributor road project is at; when the project will go out for tender; when construction will commence; when the project will be completed; the estimated cost of the project; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38096/19]
View answerBarry Cowen
Question:220. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the stage the R498 Latteragh realignment project is at; when the project will go out for tender; when construction will commence; when the project will be completed; the estimated cost of the project; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38097/19]
View answerBarry Cowen
Question:221. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the stage the Shannon crossing project is at; when the project will go out for tender; when construction will commence; when the project will be completed; the estimated cost of the project; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38098/19]
View answerBarry Cowen
Question:222. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the stage the Tralee northern relief road project is at; when the project will go out for tender; when construction will commence; when the project will be completed; the estimated cost of the project; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38099/19]
View answerBarry Cowen
Question:223. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the stage the Laytown to Bettystown link road project is at; when the project will go out for tender; when construction will commence; when the project will be completed; the estimated cost of the project; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38100/19]
View answerBarry Cowen
Question:224. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the stage the Dingle relief road project is at; when the project will go out for tender; when construction will commence; when the project will be completed; the estimated cost of the project; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38101/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 203 to 206, inclusive, 212, and 218 to 224, 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.
Under Project Ireland 2040 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 these regional and local road schemes.
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 the end of August this year. 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 end August 2019 € |
Total Estimated Cost to DTTaS |
Estimated Project Completion Date |
|
R407 Sallins By Pass |
3,646,262 |
57,000,000 |
2020 |
|
Coonagh to Knockalisheen |
1,675,744 |
52,000,000 |
2022 |
|
Athy Southern Distributor Road |
617,778 |
34,000,000 |
2023 |
|
Adamstown and Nangor Road Upgrade |
3,769,578 |
18,000,000 |
Construction Complete |
|
Eastern Garavogue Bridge and Approach Road |
50,000 |
20,000,000 |
2022 |
|
Sligo Western Distributor Road |
5,943,498 |
15,000,000 |
2020 |
|
R498 Latteragh Realignment |
0 |
15,000,000 |
2022 |
|
Tralee Northern Relief Road |
0 |
11,000,000 |
2021 |
|
Portlaoise Southern Distributor Road |
2,505,615 |
7,000,000 |
2019 |
|
Laytown to Bettystown Link Road |
38,606 |
8,000,000 |
2020 |
|
Dingle Relief Road |
821,867 |
4,000,000 |
Construction Complete |
|
Shannon Crossing/Kilalloe Bypass/R494 Upgrade |
1,505,815 |
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.
Question No. 207 answered with Question No. 200.
Road Projects Status
Questions (208)
Barry Cowen
Question:208. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the N17/N18 Gort to Tuam public private project has been completed; if not, when it is expected to be completed; the cost of the PPP; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38054/19]
View answerWritten answers
The N17/N18 Gort to Tuam public private project was completed and opened on the 27th September 2017. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the construction cost 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
Questions Nos. 209 and 210 answered with Question No. 200.
Rail Network
Questions (211)
Barry Cowen
Question:211. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the national train control centre capital project has commenced; if so, the stage the project is at; when the project is expected to go out for tender; when construction will commence; when the project will be completed; the estimated cost of the project; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38076/19]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. As the Deputy is aware the National Transport Authority (NTA) has a statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area.
Under the Public Spending Code there are certain Government approvals required of certain projects with an expected cost of €100million or more. In line with the requirements of the Code, Government recently approved the National Train Control Centre project and noted the roles of the National Transport Authority as Sanctioning Authority and Iarnród Éireann as Sponsoring Agency responsible for delivery of the project.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities in the matter raised, I have referred the Deputy's 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
Question No. 212 answered with Question No. 203.
Question No. 213 answered with Question No. 200.
Sports Facilities Provision
Questions (214)
Barry Cowen
Question:214. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the velodrome and national badminton centre capital project has commenced; if so, the stage the project is at; when the project is expected to go out for tender; when construction will commence; when the project will be completed; the estimated cost of the project; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38079/19]
View answerWritten answers
Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the development of the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus at Abbotstown.
Under the National Development Plan 2018-2027, €16m has been committed over the two year period of 2020 and 2021, for the development of a National Velodrome and Badminton Centre at the Campus. It is expected that the proposed facility would comprise a 250-metre cycling track, between 12 and 16 Badminton Courts in the in-track area, some spectator seating and ancillary facilities including office space.
In July 2019, Sport Ireland appointed project managers and a design team to work on the project. Initial work is focussing on matters relating to planning permission and ensuring the end product is designed to be state-of-the-art and fully fit for present and future purposes. Thereafter, a tender package will be prepared with a formal tender expected to take place in during 2020. It is expected that, subject to the tendering process producing an acceptable tenderer, construction would commence before the end of 2020.
Questions Nos. 218 to 224, inclusive, answered with Question No. 203.
Questions Nos. 215 to 217, inclusive, answered with Question No. 200.