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Tuesday, 14 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 132-151

Bord na Móna

Questions (132)

Carol Nolan

Question:

132. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when funding will be provided to Bord na Móna for the enhanced peatland rehabilitation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15973/20]

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Written answers

Bord na Móna announced, on 16 June, their intention to suspend peat harvesting activities for 2020 while its substitute consent application is under consideration by an Bord Pleanála, and to put in place an enhanced peatlands rehabilitation scheme as a key component of Bord na Móna’s move away from peat.

The Government is committed to supporting Bord na Móna to deliver an extensive multi-annual programme of rehabilitation of the company’s land bank. My Department and Bord na Móna are progressing the necessary measures, including funding, to facilitate the advanced rehabilitation of 33,000 hectares of Bord na Móna bog previously harvested for peat used in electricity generation, commencing this year. I expect this work to be completed shortly.

Public Inquiries

Questions (133)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

133. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of tribunals, public investigations and commissions of investigations in process; the length of time each has been under way; when each will conclude; the cost to date of each; and the estimated cost of each at completion. [16141/20]

View answer

Written answers

My Department has no tribunals, public investigations or commissions of investigation in process.

Road Projects

Questions (134)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

134. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if critical road infrastructure such as the proposed Adare bypass (details supplied) in County Limerick will not be abandoned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14719/20]

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Written answers

As Minister for Climate, Energy, Communications, Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme.

Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the current National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.

In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project. 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.

As set out in the Programme for Government, the Government will be carrying out a review of the National Development Plan later this year, taking account of the priorities of Government set out in the Programme. The Deputy may wish to address further questions he may have on the review of the NDP to my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (135)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

135. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to a proposal by a person (details supplied) to boost the tourism sector and ensure small local businesses survive the difficult economic situation due the Covid-19 crisis. [14732/20]

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Written answers

The Programme for Government contains a commitment that the Government will publish a series of immediate actions to support the economy - the "July Stimulus". In this context the Government will, among other things, consider further additional measures that may be needed to support the tourism and hospitality sector.

My Department has liaised with other Government departments and industry representative bodies, to align the economy wide COVID-19 supports and initiatives with tourism and hospitality needs. The Government will continue to explore funding potential for all enterprises including tourism businesses as they work through the challenges facing them, including through any mechanisms allowable through the EU’s state aid framework.

Fáilte Ireland has put in place a number of supports for the tourism and hospitality sector. Details of these are available on Fáilte Ireland's website.

My predecessor also established the Tourism Recovery Taskforce on 20th May 2020 to prepare a Tourism Recovery Plan. This will include a set of recommendations on how best the Irish tourism sector can adapt and recover in the changed tourism environment as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. The Taskforce has submitted an initial report.

Road Projects

Questions (136, 137, 138)

Noel Grealish

Question:

136. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the start date for the commencement of the construction of the J14 link road and Bracken Link Road, Sandyford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14747/20]

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Noel Grealish

Question:

137. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the tender process for the construction of the J14 link road and Bracken link road, Sandyford, has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14748/20]

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Noel Grealish

Question:

138. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the appointment of contractors for the construction of the J14 link road and Bracken link road, Sandyford, has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14749/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 to 138, inclusive, together.

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (RLR) is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants, where applicable. In the case of the four Dublin Councils, since the revision of the arrangements for the retention of Local Property Tax in 2015 these Councils are required to largely self-fund their road programmes.

As the statutory road authority for their area, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is responsible for the implementation of this project. My Department is not funding any element of this scheme under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme and I have no function in relation to the tender and contract award process.

In view of the above I would suggest that contact is made with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council directly for updates on this project.

National Vehicle and Driver File

Questions (139)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

139. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter regarding a dealership number in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14784/20]

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Written answers

My Department through the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) maintains a record of the ‘registered owners’ of motor vehicles in this State. Central to this is notifications of vehicle ownership changes from motor dealers. In the administration of this system, motor dealers are issued with an identity number from my Department where they meet the specified criteria.

My officials in the Driver and Vehicle Computer Services Division (DVCSD), who manage the NVDF, have no record of receiving an application from your constituent. However I have asked my officials to contact the person concerned directly, using the details provided, to discuss the matter and address his concerns.

Cycling Facilities

Questions (140)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

140. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of daily disinfecting and cleaning the public bike scheme in Cork, Dublin, Limerick and Waterford in each area in tabular form. [14812/20]

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Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to cycle and public transport infrastructure. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, including the management of public bike schemes.

Decisions regarding contracts, operation and expansion of existing and proposed bike schemes fall under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Noting the NTA's responsibilities 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 51.

School Transport

Questions (141, 265)

Paul Murphy

Question:

141. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has approved the cancellation by Dublin Bus of all school transport contracts operated by private bus companies in the Dublin area; his plans for the way in which those private bus operators that depend on school transport contracts will continue in business if the school transport contracts are cancelled; his further plans for the way in which and by which service operator a comprehensive school transport service is to be provided at least to the level previously provided when the schools reopen if the private school transport contracts are cancelled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14954/20]

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Paul Murphy

Question:

265. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a series of matters relating to the non-renewal of school transport contracts (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15964/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 265 together.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The School Transport Scheme comes under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Education and Skills. Bus services outside of that scheme are part of the overall public transport sector. Day-to-day management and operational aspects of public transport are the responsibility of the individual operators, in this case Dublin Bus, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to Dublin Bus 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 51.

Driver Test

Questions (142)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

142. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the consultation with driving instructors that has taken place with the view to restarting driver tests; if he is satisfied appropriate guidelines will be in place to resume testing and lessons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14955/20]

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Written answers

The RSA has been working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publication of the Government roadmap and, more recently, the National Return to Work Safely Protocol as agreed by employer and trade union representatives.

On Monday 29 June, driving tests resumed on a gradual basis for trucks, buses and motorcycles . Driving test for cars, vans and minibuses are expected to commence on a phased basis this week and the RSA will prioritise tests for essential workers in the first instance. The resumption of services is dependent on strict protocols being in place for staff and customers in order to comply with public health guidelines.

The RSA wrote to Approved Driving Instructors on 22 June, informing them of the imminent resumption of driver testing and is in regular communication with this sector. The Authority included a series of Frequently Asked Questions, which provided details of the protocols being applied to driver testing in order to comply with health requirements in line with Government's Protocol on Returning to Work Safely. These protocols may assist driving instructors in taking the necessary measures resuming their business safely.

The RSA cannot dictate to driving schools on how they should run their business, or issue medical advice. Approved Driving Instructors are independent contractors and have personal responsibility to follow the Government Protocols. It is up to each driving instructor or driving school to protect themselves, their families and communities by adhering to the official Government guidelines on hygiene and social distancing.

While the RSA is responsible for driver testing and took the original decision to close the driver testing service during the pandemic, the RSA has no authority to order a suspension or resumption of driving instruction. This is done by driving instructors and schools in light of national policy and taking into account their own personal circumstances.

I understand that any company which reopens is subject to inspection by Health and Safety Authority, and may face serious sanctions, including closure, if found to be not in compliance with Covid-19 requirements.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (143)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

143. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which he plans to support the thousands of workers employed in airlines and the airline industry in view of the huge challenges now facing the sector due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14956/20]

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Written answers

The aviation industry is one of the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and all airlines have seen severe depletion of revenue and are facing various degrees of financial challenge.

In order to assist businesses and protect employment, the Government has put in place a comprehensive suite of supports for companies of all sizes, including those in the aviation sector, which includes the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates, deferred tax liabilities, and the ISIF Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund for medium and large enterprises. These supports are designed to build confidence, to further assist businesses in terms of the management of their companies and to allow them to begin looking to the future and start charting a path forward for the weeks and months ahead.

The Aviation Recovery Taskforce, announced on 10 June and which first met on 12 June, was requested to set out recommendations for consideration by Ministers and Government on what needs to be done to assist the Irish aviation sector to recover from the COVID-19 crisis. The taskforce published an interim report on 23 June and a final report on Friday 10 July. These recommendations will be considered in the ongoing work to manage the impact of Covid 19 on aviation and the wider economy.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (144)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

144. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding requested by each airline in view of the challenges facing the sector due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14957/20]

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Written answers

My Department is assessing the financial impact of Covid on the Irish airline sector on an ongoing basis. The sector was represented on the Aviation Recovery Taskforce and the final report of this group was recently published on my Department's website. The recommendations contained in this Report will be considered as appropriate in the context of the ongoing work to manage the impact of Covid 19 on aviation and the wider economy.

In order to assist businesses and protect employment, the Government has already put in place a comprehensive suite of supports for companies of all sizes, including those in the airline sector, which includes the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme and the ISIF Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund. It remains open to airlines to engage directly with the relevant agencies concerned with a view to drawing down such supports. The amount of any funding sought by each airline would be a commercial matter for the airlines concerned.

Driver Test

Questions (145)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

145. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to prioritising front-line workers who are waiting for driver tests due to the postponement during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14968/20]

View answer

Written answers

The RSA has been working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publication of the Government roadmap and the National Return to Work Safely Protocol, as agreed by employer and trade union representatives.

Driver testing services restarted, on a phased basis, during Phase 3 of the Government’s road map for the easing of Covid19 restrictions. On Monday 29 June, driving tests resumed on a gradual basis for trucks, buses and motorcycles. Fourteen driving test centres reopened initially, but as the number of tests and categories of vehicles being tested increases in the coming weeks, the remaining 38 test centres will reopen. The RSA will update its website, rsa.ie to advise on each centre as they re-open.

Following the publication by Government of a revised Phase 3 roadmap for reopening Ireland, driving tests for cars, vans and minibuses are now expected to resume on 16 July on a phased basis. The RSA will prioritise tests for those who are in the emergency services and who contacted them during the suspension of the service. Initially, only those who are frontline healthcare workers will be deemed eligible for an urgent test slot.

It should be understood that there will be pressure on the available capacity when driver testing resumes. It must also be borne in mind that for all categories, at least for the initial resumption, it is almost certain that fewer daily tests will be conducted by each driver tester. Therefore, while there will be some availability for urgent tests, the RSA’s capacity to make these available to all cases will be limited. The RSA will keep the position under review as they move through the service resumption. The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time.

Railway Stations

Questions (146)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

146. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to conduct an impact assessment on the future limitations to capacity at Connolly Station that the proposed planning application at 115 Amiens Street will have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15017/20]

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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. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day management and operations of public transport.

Any plans to conduct an impact assessment on transport capacity at Connolly Station in connection with any particular planning application would be a matter for Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ), in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann. Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to CIÉ 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 51.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (147)

Neale Richmond

Question:

147. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the criteria for the allocation of Covid-19 funding support for the sport sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15115/20]

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Written answers

A funding package of up to €70 million was announced on Friday 19th June to support the sport sector, which has been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The funding package will be administered by Sport Ireland, which is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport.

This funding package includes;

- Funding of up to €40m for the three main field sports organisations – the FAI, the GAA and the IRFU.

- a Resilience Fund of up to €10m to support the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs),

- a Sports Club Resilience Fund of up to €15m to support clubs, and

- a Sports Restart and Renewal Fund of up to €5m.

The allocation of this funding to individual NGBs or clubs has not yet been determined. The funding will be invested through new grant schemes which are currently being developed. It is expected that the precise terms of each of the new grant schemes will be announced by Sport Ireland later this month and Sport Ireland will announce an open invitation to applications from funded bodies for assistance under the grant schemes.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (148)

John Brady

Question:

148. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the supports available to taxi drivers who have been impacted from Covid-19 and have still been unable to return to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15213/20]

View answer

Written answers

I recognise that from the onset of the COVID-19 Emergency and the introduction of restrictions as part of the necessary public health response, passenger demand for taxis and other small public service vehicle (SPSV) services fell considerably and many operators stopped working.

In recognition of the challenges facing businesses, the Government put in place a range of measures to assist businesses during the current COVID-19 pandemic, including the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme, the COVID-19 Restart Grant, and a waiver of commercial rates. Self-employed owner operators of SPSVs may also avail of the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment.

Over the past few months, the National Transport Authority (NTA), which is the body under the aegis of my Department with responsibility for regulating the SPSV sector, has undertaken a number of measures to assist operators in the industry including waivers, facilitating temporary licence suspensions, interaction with the Insurance industry, and providing guidance to operators on cleaning and other ways to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19.

At the present time, while the financial supports mentioned continue to be available, the focus now is on assisting those who have stopped working to get back to work as the economy reopens and passenger demand for SPSVs returns. My Department is in regular contact with the NTA to monitor the impact that the reopening of the economy in line with the Government's Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business is having on demand for SPSV services and to ensure that SPSV operators who have temporarily stopped working are well placed to return to work.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (149)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

149. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the proposal presented by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will engage with the organisation and respond to its proposals. [15324/20]

View answer

Written answers

My Department has been in discussion with the organisation concerned in relation to these proposals, which I am currently pursuing with Government colleagues.

The health, leisure and fitness sector plays an important role in improving the health and wellbeing of the Irish population and I am aware that it has been significantly impacted by both the three-month closure and the continuing capacity constraints associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The sector is also an important source of employment for young people in particular, in positions such as lifeguards, fitness instructors, swim teachers and summer camp coaches. It has been estimated that some two-thirds of the total sector workforce of 12,000 is aged 34 years and under.

Work on the preparation of the July Stimulus package is nearing completion. I believe that it will contain a series of measures and supports that will be of benefit to this sector.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (150)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

150. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when Sport Ireland will announce the opening of applications for assistance under the €70 million grant scheme; and the process sporting clubs can apply for this funding. [15325/20]

View answer

Written answers

A funding package of up to €70 million was announced on Friday 19th June to support the sport sector, which has been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The funding package will be administered by Sport Ireland, which is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport.

This funding package includes;

- Funding of up to €40m for the three main field sports organisations – the FAI, the GAA and the IRFU.

- a Resilience Fund of up to €10m to support the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs),

- a Sports Club Resilience Fund of up to €15m to support clubs, and

- a Sports Restart and Renewal Fund of up to €5m.

The allocation of this funding to individual NGBs or clubs has not yet been determined. The funding will be invested through new grant schemes which are currently being developed. It is expected that the precise terms of each of the new grant schemes will be announced by Sport Ireland later this month and Sport Ireland will announce an open invitation to applications from funded bodies for assistance under the grant schemes.

Public Transport

Questions (151)

Steven Matthews

Question:

151. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the Irish Rail Rosslare line service (details supplied); and when the normal schedule will return. [15343/20]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding relating to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport.

The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, and I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the company 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 51.
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