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Thursday, 5 Mar 2020

Written Answers Nos. 1040-1059

Rail Network

Questions (1040, 1071)

Niall Collins

Question:

1040. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a report (details supplied) will be released; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2798/20]

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Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

1071. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the recently received report on the possible extension of the western rail corridor will be published; when a decision will be made on the report; the reason for the delay on same; if he will make a decision on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3476/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1040 and 1071 together.

As the Deputies are aware, Project Ireland 2040 committed to conducting an independent review toward evaluating a possible extension of the existing Western Rail Corridor northwards to Tuam (Phase 2) and/or Claremorris (Phase 3).  Project Ireland 2040 also states that if Government accepts a proposal to extend the route then that extension will be prioritised over the lifetime of the National Development Plan.

In line with this commitment, Iarnród Éireann commissioned a financial and economic appraisal of the proposal and in late 2019, submitted a copy of that appraisal to my Department. As was signalled publicly at the time of the commissioning of the appraisal, in accordance with the Public Spending Code (PSC) my Department is now reviewing the documentation that has been received and is engaging with Iarnród Éireann and the consultants as required.  Again as has been stated previously and as indicated in Project Ireland 2040, the matter will then be brought to Government for its decision once this reviewing is complete.

Driver Licences

Questions (1041)

Jack Chambers

Question:

1041. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which driver licenceholders separating from a spouse can change the name on their licence to their maiden name in circumstances in which the separation has not yet been completed; if his attention has been drawn to the legal costs involved in such a procedure; if his attention has been further drawn to the difficulties encountered by drivers in this regard; his plans to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2822/20]

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Written answers

When an applicant has obtained a driving licence having presented some level of ID evidence of their married name, and then wishes get a licence in a different name, the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) needs to link the licence given in the married name to the maiden name. There is an onus on the NDLS to make this link before a renewal can be issued.

The applicant can submit evidence of divorce/separation or dissolution of civil partnership or evidence of initiation of same i.e. letter from the customer’s solicitor confirming that a separation has been sought or referring to a separation.

Evidence of previous name is also required by way of a Birth or Marriage/Civil Partnership certificate which serves to verify the applicant’s previous name which they are now resuming the use of. Alternatively, a primary photographic ID document in their previous surname (e.g. a passport or Public Service Card) is also acceptable.

There is no fee for making an application to amend personal details unless the person's driving licence is also due for renewal or has been lost or stolen, in which case the application fee is €55.00 (renewal) or €35.00 (replacement).

I am unaware of difficulties encountered by drivers in this regard. If the Deputy wishes to share the details of the specific case, I will have the matter examined.

Public Service Vehicles

Questions (1042, 1043)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

1042. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a registered hackney carrying passengers as a public service vehicle cannot use bus lanes particularly in the case of hospital appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2844/20]

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Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

1043. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to amend legislation to allow hackneys as a public service vehicle for hire use bus lanes in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2845/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1042 and 1043 together.

The starting point for considering access to bus lanes is that they were created - at some expense to the public - to provide on-street priority for bus-based public transport. Their goal is to make bus transport faster and more reliable, thereby encouraging more people to switch from private cars to public transport. This will achieve the twin goals of reducing congestion and reducing pollution.

In addition to buses, bus lanes may also be used by cyclists who, as vulnerable road users, are safer in bus lanes than in general traffic. The lanes may also, of course, be used by the emergency services. Finally, after the lanes were originally introduced it was decided to allow taxis to use them. This was a concession based on the fact that taxis are a form of public transport available for on-street hire.

Since bus lanes were first introduced, there have been many requests to allow other classes of traffic to use the lanes. These have included requests on behalf of motorcyclists, multi-occupancy vehicles, electric vehicles, hired limousines, hackneys, and animal ambulances, among others. My predecessors and I have always rejected these requests. Any addition to the categories of vehicle permitted to use the lanes would inevitably reduce their efficiency for performing their original purpose of prioritising bus-based public transport as well as making them less safe and available for cyclists.

Park and Ride Facilities

Questions (1044)

James Browne

Question:

1044. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to create a park and share facility near Gorey, County Wexford or close to the border of counties Wexford and Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2849/20]

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Written answers

As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport.  The provision of park and ride facilities in for example Gorey, is a matter in the first instance for the local authority or larnród Éireann in the case of park and ride at railway stations such as Gorey.

In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact 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 51

Road Network

Questions (1045)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

1045. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the status of the N2 will be reviewed with a view to upgrading the route to motorway status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2883/20]

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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 construction or upgrading 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 51

Road Network

Questions (1046)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

1046. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be considered for the extension of the M3 motorway to Cavan town and the east west link, which are urgently needed in the north-east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2884/20]

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Written answers

In relation to the East West link, this year I again allocated €100,000 to Cavan County Council to enable the Council to continue their work in undertaking an appraisal to assess the extent to which the scheme or elements of it can be justified in terms of the Public Spending Code and the Common Appraisal Framework. Preparation of an appraisal is the responsibility of the Council. Following the completion of this appraisal work the possible funding of future upgrade works would be dependent on a number of matters including the outcome of the appraisal, Government policy and the availability of funding.

Regarding the M3, as Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and construction, including the distribution of funding for individual national roads, is a matter for 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 51

Tourism Funding

Questions (1047)

Brendan Smith

Question:

1047. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if grant aid is available towards the provision of tourist facilities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2912/20]

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Written answers

With the exception of capital funding for Greenways projects, all monies voted to my Department for tourism are channelled through the tourism agencies. With specific regard to grants schemes for tourism facilities, these are operational matters for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland.

Regarding the particular matter raised by the Deputy, I can confirm that all accommodation projects (including the type of facility referenced by the Deputy) are currently ineligible under Fáilte Ireland's capital grants schemes and that there is there is no other discretionary funding available from either my Department or the tourism agencies through which financial assistance could be provided.

Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme

Questions (1048)

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

1048. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the substantial cuts imposed on members of a pension scheme (details supplied) in advance of the sale of the stake owned by the State in Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2944/20]

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Written answers

The Irish Airlines (General Employees) Superannuation Scheme (IASS) is currently the subject of on-going legal proceedings. As this matter is sub judice it would not be appropriate for me to comment any further on the issue.

Football Association of Ireland

Questions (1049, 1054)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1049. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the recovery guarantees in place in respect of the repayable grant worth a total of €7.63 million to the company which owns a stadium (details supplied); if the schedule of repayments on a monthly basis that have been agreed with the organisation will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2959/20]

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Catherine Murphy

Question:

1054. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the terms and conditions he attached to the reinstatement and increased funding provided to an organisation (details supplied) and related parties in 2020; if there are penalty clauses in place for late or non-payment of loans provided in respect of the funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3147/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1049 and 1054 together.

On 30th January the Government approved an agreement to participate in a joint funding package for the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), subject to certain conditions. The conditions for the reinstatement of funding and the provision of additional funding to the association are set out in a Memorandum of Understanding between my Department and the FAI. The Memorandum of Understanding is published on my Department's website and is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c58dee-memorandum-of-understanding-between-minister-for-transport-tourism-a/

The funding package includes the provision of a grant in the sum of €7.6338 million to the company referred to by the Deputy, in recognition of the importance of the continued operation of the stadium. The grant is to be paid in three instalments of €2.5446 million, directly to the company, in each of the years 2020, 2021 and 2022 and will be recouped from 2024 onwards.

My officials are currently finalising the precise terms for the funding agreement, including the terms for recoupment of the grant mentioned by the Deputy. The terms will be set out in relevant legal documents.

I anticipate that the terms for the funding agreement will be finalised shortly.

Question No. 1050 answered with Question No. 1022.

Bus Éireann

Questions (1051)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

1051. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a response has not issued from Bus Éireann to a person (details supplied); the reason the bus stop cannot be fixed and made safer for passengers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3005/20]

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Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. I am not involved in the day-to-day operational aspects of public transport such as maintenance.

The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with Bus Éireann, and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my Office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (1052)

Peter Burke

Question:

1052. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the option of allowing prospective tourists to countries infected with Covid-19 to cancel their holidays and receive a refund from their travel agent has been considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3063/20]

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Written answers

The EU Package Travel Directive 2015/2302 which came into effect on 1 July 2018 sets the legal framework for consumer protection as respects package travel and linked travel arrangements. The provisions of the Directive were transposed into Irish legislation through Statutory Instruments numbers 80 and 105 of 2019. Among the provisions of the Directive are those that provide for refunds to consumers including in the event of "unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances".

The Commission for Aviation Regulation, which administers the licensing and bonding of travel agents and tour operators established in Ireland has published on its website (www.aviationreg.ie) COVID-19 advice to consumers in relation to options for their travel arrangements. In summary consumers are advised to keep updated of the latest Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade travel advice and to contact their travel agent/tour operator, airlines, accommodation and/or other service providers directly to discuss options.

Córas Iompair Éireann

Questions (1053)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

1053. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the next round of pension increases will be paid to CIÉ group pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3071/20]

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Written answers

Issues in relation to Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the pension schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees. Therefore, I have referred the question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my Office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Question No. 1054 answered with Question No. 1049.

Road Projects Status

Questions (1055)

James Browne

Question:

1055. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timescale for the development of a road project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3148/20]

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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 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 51

Road Projects Status

Questions (1056)

Dara Calleary

Question:

1056. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position as of 28 February 2020 in relation to road schemes (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3154/20]

View answer

Written answers

With regard to your question concerning National Roads, 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 with regard to National Roads. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Regarding the R312 Bangor to Castlebar, 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 local authority.

Mayo County Council received an allocation of €500,000 this year under the Specific Improvement Grant Programme for the road re-alignment and bridge replacement scheme at Glenisland on the R312.

Rail Network Expansion

Questions (1057, 1058)

Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

1057. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the electrification of the Maynooth N3 parkway lines; if all level crossings along the line will be removed; if so, the alternatives being put in place at each level crossing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3167/20]

View answer

Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

1058. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that previous incumbents of his office made commitments that there would be early engagement with residents and communities in relation to existing level crossings on the Maynooth line in the event that there were proposals to close these level crossings; if such engagement will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3168/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1057 and 1058 together.

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 responsibility for the development and delivery of public transport infrastructure including the implementation of the DART Expansion Programme. The electrification of railway lines, including the Maynooth Line, and ancillary works for same are part of that Programme.

In light of the NTA's responsibility on this matter, I have referred the Deputies' questions to the NTA for a detailed direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Free Travel Scheme

Questions (1059)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

1059. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if correspondence (details supplied) will be reviewed; his plans to ensure the free travel pass can be accepted on LocalLink bus services in such exceptional cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3181/20]

View answer

Written answers

I refer the Deputy to my answer to her previous Question on this issue (no. 36058 on 6th September 2019.)

As that reply explains, as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; it is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) which now operates under the Local Link brand.

Noting this, I forwarded the Deputy’s Question to the NTA for direct reply. The NTA replied to the Deputy on 22nd October 2019 and explained that the issue she raised concerns a contractual arrangement between Local Link Cavan Monaghan and the Health Service Executive (HSE). The NTA advised the Deputy that it does not have a role to play in terms of the management of the particular service, becuase it is a HSE-funded service and not a RTP service.

The Deputy also asked about the Free Travel Scheme, and I would like to advise her that issues relating to the Free Travel Scheme are a matter coming under the remit of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

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