Skip to main content
Normal View

Tuesday, 22 Oct 2019

Written Answers Nos. 516-540

Environmental Protection Agency Remit

Questions (516)

Willie Penrose

Question:

516. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his Department has reviewed a judgment (details supplied); his plans to introduce primary legislation to deal with the issues raised therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43615/19]

View answer

Written answers

The judgment of 20 September 2019 referred to by the Deputy set aside both S.I. No. 4 of 2019 and S.I. No. 12 of 2019, which were enacted by my Department and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government respectively, and which jointly sought to make the Environmental Protection Agency the single competent authority for peat extraction over 30 hectares in Ireland. Both Departments are giving the judgment, and potential responses on the part of Government, detailed consideration and have sought legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General. That formal advice has now been received and will inform both Department's deliberations on next steps.

Litter Pollution

Questions (517)

Willie Penrose

Question:

517. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated amount it would cost in 2020 if the budget for local authority anti-litter anti-graffiti awareness grant increased by 50%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43623/19]

View answer

Written answers

The Local Authority Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme (ALAGS) aims to assist local authorities in their efforts to raise awareness of the litter and graffiti problems in their respective functional areas. Local Authorities are responsible for selecting suitable anti-litter awareness projects for funding and deciding on the grant allocations in individual cases. These should seek to promote greater public awareness and education in relation to litter and graffiti and should, as far as possible, have a particular focus on voluntary initiatives by community and environmental groups, and on involving schools and young people in anti-litter and anti-graffiti action.

My role as Minister is to provide an appropriate legislative and national policy framework through which the issue of litter can be addressed. The Litter Pollution Act 1997 provides the statutory framework to combat litter pollution. Under the Act, the primary management and enforcement responsibility rests with the local authorities.

The 2019 allocation from my Department towards ALAGS is €771,500. The additional cost of increasing this contribution by a further 50% would be in the order of €385,750.

Road Improvement Schemes

Questions (518)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

518. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the funding application for a walkway on Ardfinann Bridge, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43300/19]

View answer

Written answers

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.  The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the Council.

Given the limited funding available for the Specific Grant Programme,  all applications received from local authorities for specific grant allocations have to be assessed taking into account competing projects and the available budget with a view to maximising value for money and meeting Government strategic objectives, where possible.

An allocation of €400,000 was given to Tipperary this year for repair works on Ardfinnan Bridge and these works have been completed recently. 

Grant allocations for 2020 will be notified to local authorities early next year.

Public Transport

Questions (519)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

519. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding a local link. [42922/19]

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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public 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 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

Cycling Facilities Funding

Questions (520)

Marc MacSharry

Question:

520. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €61 million which it was asserted (details supplied) was spent on cycling infrastructure in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42948/19]

View answer

Written answers

Budget 2019 provided a total allocation of approximately €61million to the two principal active travel programmes and the Greenways programme.  The breakdown of those allocations was approximately €48 million toward active travel and €13 million toward greenways.

These allocations are used for the delivery of projects under these multi-annual capital expenditure programmes.  The timing of expenditure on individual projects within programmes such as these are, by their nature, dependent on a number of variables and each year the majority of the allocated funding tends to be drawn down toward the year end.  Following each year, overall programme expenditure is reported publicly and to the Oireachtas through the Department's audited Appropriation Account.

The Deputy will be aware that allocations made available under these specific funding programmes do not capture all public expenditure dedicated to active travel (or leisure-orientated walking and cycling), as it also benefits from funding provided under BusConnects, the roads programmes, the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, and from the tax incentive available under the Bike-to-Work Scheme.

Cycling Facilities Funding

Questions (521)

Marc MacSharry

Question:

521. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €114 million which was asserted (details supplied) will be spent on cycling infrastructure in 2020. [42949/19]

View answer

Written answers

I am aware that there has been some confusion in relation to the allocations provided under Budget 2020 toward active travel and greenways development.

Budget 2020 has allocated €91million to the two principal active travel funding programmes which are administered through the National Transport Authority. This is a significant increase on Budget 2019's allocation of €48million toward the same two programmes.

Separately there is also a €23million allocation for the Greenways programme, which supports leisure-orientated walking and cycling.  This is a significant increase on Budget 2019's allocation of €13million toward the same programme.

Together these three funding programmes total €114million next year, and that includes the €9million additional allocation, split evenly across active travel and greenways programmes, which arises from the introduction of carbon tax measures.

The Deputy will be aware that allocations made available under these funding programmes do not capture all public expenditure dedicated to active travel (or leisure-orientated walking and cycling);  it also benefits from funding provided under BusConnects, the roads programmes, the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and from the tax incentive available under the Bike-to-Work Scheme.

I have no doubt the Deputy welcomes these increased allocations and looks forward, as I do, to the delivery of a number of important projects across the country in 2020.

Public Transport Data

Questions (522)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

522. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of drivers and-or transport vehicle operators that failed alcohol and drugs tests over past three years to date in 2019 in Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Irish Rail, Luas and at companies awarded contracts to operate public transport services; the nature of the sanctions imposed on those that have failed such tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42961/19]

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 individual transport operators and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to them 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 (523)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

523. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of taxi and or limousine drivers that failed alcohol and-or drugs tests over past three years to date in 2019 while delivering their services; the nature of the sanctions imposed on those that have failed such tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42962/19]

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. 

Accordingly, 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

Departmental Communications

Questions (524)

Alan Kelly

Question:

524. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a copy of all communications to and from his Department with Transport Infrastructure Ireland in October, November and December 2018. [42966/19]

View answer

Written answers

I wish to be as helpful as possible to you in addressing the issue raised.  However, given the extent of the information requested and the tight timeframe for answering a Parliamentary Question (PQ), it will not possible to provide the requested information in the context of this PQ.  

My Department would be happy to facilitate and assist you with your request through the normal channel for this type of query which is the Freedom of Information Act 2014.

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

Road Improvement Schemes

Questions (525)

Robert Troy

Question:

525. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an application submitted under the specific improvement grant scheme by Westmeath County Council in the context of the circular management and appraisal of regional and local road strategic and specific road improvements programme will be expedited (details supplied). [42976/19]

View answer

Written answers

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant County or City Council, 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.  The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for each Council.

Before the financial crisis, local authorities could apply on a regular basis for grants for Specific Improvement Grants for the strengthening, widening or realignment of rural roads, including bridges, where the proposed scheme cost generally less than €5 million. However, the extent of the cutbacks in grant funding during the crisis meant this grant scheme had to be curtailed after 2013 because expenditure on maintenance/renewal was falling well short of what was required to adequately maintain the regional and local road network.

Project Ireland 2040 does provide for the gradual build up in funding for the road network but it will take time to reach the level required for the adequate maintenance and renewal of the network. For this reason there is limited scope at present for funding projects under the Specific Grant Programme. 

Any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under this Grant Programme are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis.  All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework and it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind. Westmeath County Council have submitted an application for funding under the Specific Improvement Grant for the Saunders Pedestrian and Cycleway Bridge Project in Mullingar, Co Westmeath.

As required under the capital project appraisal process Westmeath County Council has also submitted a Preliminary Appraisal in relation to this project. Once that appraisal is assessed, taking into account other competing projects and the overall roads budget, my Department will respond to Westmeath County Council.

Departmental Reports

Questions (526)

Dara Calleary

Question:

526. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress to date for each of the 41 action points made in the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce report published in December 2016 in which his Department has lead or joint responsibility for implementing following the third National Stakeholder Forum; if each such action point has been completed, not completed or is ongoing, respectively; and the revised deadlines for action points not delivered by the original timeframes set out in tabular form. [42988/19]

View answer

Written answers

My colleague the Minister for Rural and Community Development is responsible for overseeing the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce and I understand is replying to the Deputy outlining the current position in relation to the 'Action Points' collated by the Taskforce.

Public Transport Data

Questions (527)

Noel Grealish

Question:

527. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of tram sets operating on the Luas green line; the number, length and passenger capacity of type 401 and 402 trams operating on the line; the number of type 401 and 402 trams that have been lengthened; the number of type 502 tram sets operating on the line; the passenger capacity of the type 502 tram; the number of type 502 tram sets on order but not delivered to date; the date by which it is expected that each of 502 tram sets will be delivered; the date by which they are expected to be in service; the number of 55 m tram sets expected to be in service at the end of 2020; the planned percentage increase in passenger capacity of trams operating on the Luas green line over the period 2019 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43056/19]

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 National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including Luas.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed 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

Driver Licences

Questions (528)

James Browne

Question:

528. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason UK driver licence holders cannot carry over entitlements onto an Irish driver licence, namely, code 1 within the D1 category for driving a minibus that is not for hire or reward; if his attention has been drawn to the potential impact on drivers here including parents of large families that require a minibus for personal use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43057/19]

View answer

Written answers

There are a number of situations where a person exchanging a UK driving licence might not get all the categories carried forward to the Irish licence.

Under EU law, an application for a truck or bus licence (categories C's and D's) must be accompanied by a completed medical report. If a person with the relevant truck or bus category on their UK licence attends at a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) Centre without the relevant medical report, they will be given the option to sign a form stating that they do not wish the categories to be exchanged. The applicant can request the categories be re-instated on their Irish licence by presenting a medical report.

Some UK categories known as ‘National Categories’ [similar to our category W for tractors] only apply in the UK and they are not exchangeable. For example, in the UK if you passed your test for category B (car) before 1 January 1997, your licence would show entitlement to C1 and C1E (trucks) and D1 and D1E (bus) categories. These categories are given with restrictions identified by codes.

The C1E category with a restriction code 107 on it entitles the driver to drive a C1E vehicle provided the combined weight of the trailer and the towing vehicle does not exceed 8.25 tonnes/kg. In Ireland the combined weight of the C1E is 12 tonne/kg. Therefore we do not have an equivalent to exchange this category for. The D1 and D1E categories with a restriction code 1 or 101 on it only allows the driver to drive a vehicle not for hire or reward. We do not have the corresponding category as so cannot exchange it.

Public Transport Data

Questions (529)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

529. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of carbon used in public transport per year; the carbon tax liability on same; the estimated cost of the increase in carbon tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43129/19]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and aggregate Exchequer funding of public transport. The National Transport Authority has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of Public Service Obligation (PSO) bus and rail services throughout the State. In light of the NTA's responsibility in relation to PSO services, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct response; please contact my Office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

As set out by my colleague the Minister for Finance in Budget 2020, the increase in carbon tax from €20 to €26 per tonne is expected to raise €90 million in total in 2020, all of which will be allocated to fund new climate action measures, including some in the transport area.

This is in addition to the substantial investments - some €8.6 billion under the National Development Plan - that we are making to expand the capacity of the public transport fleet, so that it can carry more passengers, and that more people can use sustainable modes of transport such as bus and rail for more of their journeys.

We are also moving to ‘green’ the public transport sector by moving away from fossil fuels and transition to alternative fuels such as electricity or biomethane. Over time, this will reduce the level of fossil fuel purchased (and carbon tax paid) by our public transport providers, although it should be noted that buses currently account for less than 3% of land transport fuel use and emissions.

This is why I am maintaining a strong focus on expanding the carrying capacity of our public transport system over the coming years. That is how we can really help address the largest sustainability challenge in the transport sector - which is shifting more journeys from private motoring towards suitable alternatives in public transport and active travel. Our vision is to build up our public transport and active travel system to move more people to more places for more of their journeys.

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

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (530)

Gino Kenny

Question:

530. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital expenditure of his Department from 1 January to 31 August 2019 under the heading of B8.5, cycling and walking. [43172/19]

View answer

Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, funding provided under this subhead is in relation to capital expenditure programmes and is part of a multi-annual capital funding programme.

The timing of expenditure on programmes such as this is by its nature dependent on a number of variables and therefore monthly or quarterly expenditure must be viewed within that context.

It is the case that each year the majority of funding is drawn down 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.

Departmental Funding

Questions (531, 532)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

531. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department provides funding to a body (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43188/19]

View answer

Niamh Smyth

Question:

532. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has provided funding for an event (details supplied) which is due to take place here in April 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43189/19]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 531 and 532 together.

My Department’s role in relation to tourism is primarily to develop national tourism policy.  The implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, as well as other bodies. 

With regard to events, Ireland's hosting of international participative and spectator events brings overseas visitors and associated revenues to the country and often also provides a media platform to showcase our qualities as an event destination.  Accordingly, I am very supportive of the ongoing efforts of the tourism agencies to attract and support such events.  Although my Department provides funding to the agencies, the question of State financial support for specific events is a matter for agency decision, based on their assessment of a detailed business case and the costs and benefits accruing.

With specific regard to the event and organisation mentioned by the Deputy, I have asked Fáilte Ireland to reply directly to the Deputy with information on any tourism-related supports available from it.  Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.

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

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Questions (533)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

533. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a sports capital application for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43220/19]

View answer

Written answers

2,337 applications were submitted under the 2018 round of the Sports Capital Programme  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 to these organisations in May.

Work is now underway in assessing the remaining applications for capital works, including an application from the organisation referred to by the Deputy. 

For the first time, applicants who submitted incorrect documentation under this round were given the opportunity to correct their application during the assessment period. 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 further number of weeks before allocations are announced.

Sports Capital Programme

Questions (534)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

534. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will announce the latest allocations of sports capital funding. [43290/19]

View answer

Written answers

2,337 applications were submitted under the 2018 round of the Sports Capital Programme 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 to these organisations 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 were given the opportunity to correct their application during the assessment period. 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 further number of weeks before allocations 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 of the Programme.

Value for Money Reviews

Questions (535)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

535. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the consultancy service providers engaged by his Department from 1 January 2018 to 1 January 2019; the costs associated with each (details supplied); the reason for each service engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43322/19]

View answer

Written answers

My Department publishes information on all expenditure on external services on a six monthly basis each year.  The information on consultancy service providers requested by the Deputy is available on my Department's website at the following link:

 https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/30ae9c-expenditure-on-external-services/

Value for Money Reviews

Questions (536)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

536. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of each value for money and policy review conducted by his Department from 1 January 2018 to 1 January 2019; the cost of each exercise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43339/19]

View answer

Written answers

In the period in question, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport conducted one Value for Money and Policy Review of the Tourism Marketing Fund.

The review arose from an action included in the Tourism Action Plan 2016-2018 and considered the fund over an eleven-year period from 2006 to 2016 inclusive, evaluating it for its relevance, efficiency and effectiveness and making a number of recommendations around its future implementation. The review has been completed should be published before the end of the year.

Following a competition to secure consultancy services through an OGP framework, a consultancy firm was awarded a contract in July 2017 to assist my Department with the with the review. The total value of this contract was €64,575 (excluding VAT).

Additionally, during early 2018, surveying and baselining analysis was conducted on the Sports Capital Programme, with preliminary findings published as part of the Spending Review that July. This work serves as the basis for a forthcoming review which will be recommenced with another data collection exercise in early 2020.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (537)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

537. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 142 of 9 October 2019, the details on the measures or items the €8.77 million in incidental expenses was spent on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43344/19]

View answer

Written answers

Incidental expenses incurred by my Department between 1st January 2018 and 1st January 2019 amounted to €8.77m and are detailed in the following table:

 Legal Settlements & Costs * 

    €6,812,259.29

 Incidentals Other **

€1,140,510.72

 Cleaning

       €196,174.96

 Annual Subscriptions & Licence Fees

      €130,840.82

 Security

         €95,888.34

 Health & Safety

         €84,193.29

 Conferences

         €55,199.07

 Accident Investigation

         €50,737.70

 Entertainment & Catering Costs***

         €42,700.23

 Printing Expenses

         €34,520.28

 Newspapers, Books, Trade Journals

         €29,735.92

 Non-Departmental Staff Costs

         €24,929.51

 Advertising

         €19,506.02

 Printing Expenses

         €14,396.51

 Incidental Taxis/Buses

         €13,196.86

 Translation services

           €8,811.81

 Couriers

           €7,781.36

 Photography Costs

           €3,967.18

 Bank Charges

           €3,865.25

 Office Supplies

           €1,768.87

 OCR and Staff Engagement

           €1,000.00

 Total

     €8,771,983.99

  *      Legal Settlements & Costs include €6.7m  related to the settlement of a long running legal case.

**   Incidentals include costs such as publications, research, equipment, professional fees and  pension costs. 

*** Entertainment and catering costs are in line with Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport's polices.

Road Improvement Schemes

Questions (538)

Maurice Quinlivan

Question:

538. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline of works for the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Road, County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43373/19]

View answer

Written answers

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.  The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.

Under Project Ireland 2040 my Department is committed, subject to necessary approvals, to providing grant funding towards the cost of 12 significant capital road improvement schemes on non national roads and the upgrade of the Coonagh to Knockalisheen road is one of these schemes.  Implementation of the scheme is the responsibility of Limerick City and County Council.  I understand that construction of the main scheme is expected to start in 2020.

Road Projects Status

Questions (539)

Lisa Chambers

Question:

539. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the new Westport to Turlough road will begin construction; and when it is estimated to be complete and open to the public. [43387/19]

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 your 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

Rail Network

Questions (540)

Lisa Chambers

Question:

540. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the western rail corridor review being carried out by a company (details supplied) will be published; the person or body which will conduct the peer review; and when the peer review will be complete. [43388/19]

View answer

Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, Project Ireland 2040 committed to conducting an independent review of a possible extension to the Western Rail Corridor (WRC).

In line with that commitment an external company, as referred to by the Deputy, was commissioned to prepare a financial/economic appraisal and business case on proposals for extending the existing WRC from Athenry to Claremorris.

I understand the work is almost complete and I expect the business case will then be submitted to my Department where it will be reviewed in line with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. 

As stated in Project Ireland 2040 if the findings of the review are approved by Government, the project will be prioritised during the lifetime of the National Development Plan.

Top
Share