Written Answers Nos. 109-129
109. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which he will address a recent request by the National Transport Authority for a clear policy commitment to bring forward legislative changes to allow it to carry out camera-based enforcement of bus lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16658/20]
View answerThe success of bus priority measures is an essential component in persuading people to switch from their cars to public transport, thereby reducing emissions and congestion. It is therefore necessary to ensure that we have the best possible system for enforcement of the rules on bus corridors, particularly in the context of BusConnects.
Officials in my Department are engaging with the National Transport Authority and other stakeholders to see how this can best be achieved.
110. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Smarter Travel: A Sustainable Transport Future - A New Transport Policy for Ireland 2009 - 2020 is an active transport policy; if so, the progress in implementing this policy to date; his plans for future implementation and revision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16660/20]
View answerAs the Deputy states, Smarter Travel - A Sustainable Transport Future was published in 2009 and set out national policy in relation to sustainability in transport over the period 2009 to 2020.
Smarter Travel remains government policy. Noting the policy horizon envisaged at the time of publication ends this year, the Deputy may be aware that an assessment of implementation progress has already been published and is available to view on my Department's website.
That assessment was conducted as part of the broader review of sustainable mobility policy which my Department has been undertaking. Over 250 submissions were received as part of a public consultation process held between end-November 2019 and February 2020 and these are currently being analysed. I intend to publish a report of the public consultation process shortly.
Unfortunately the targets in the Smarter Travel policy are not being achieved, reflecting the fact that some of the key actions in the policy have not been implemented. I intend, relying on this assessment and consultation, to develop a new policy framework for the next 10 years that can provide a strategic backdrop to the increased investment planned by this Government across the sustainable mobility programme. The new policy statement will build on the policies and actions of Smarter Travel and set out additional polices and actions to advance the ambitions of the Programme for Government in the area of sustainable mobility, including active travel, and will replace the 2009 policy.
111. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount allocated to privately owned golf clubs through the sports capital programme for 2020. [16663/20]
View answerThe Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.
The most recent (2018) round of the SCP attracted a record 2,337 applications. Allocations were announced in January, May and November of last year with a total of over €56 million awarded to 1,648 different projects. All unsuccessful applicants were given the opportunity to appeal the Department’s decision. In relation to the capital grants announced in November, a total of 122 appeals were submitted by the December deadline. The review of these appeals was completed in April 2020 with 6 new allocations approved. None of these 6 allocations were to golf clubs. No other allocations have been made under the SCP this year. Details of previous years allocations under the SCP can be found at the following link:- www.gov.ie/en/collection/471ed5-sports-capital-allocations/.
It should be noted that SCP funding is only available to organisations that are run on a not-for-profit basis and that are owned and run on behalf of the members. Any organisation allocated funding under the scheme must also be open for new members.
Following the finalisation of the appeals process, a full Review of the 2018 round of the SCP was undertaken. This Review is currently under consideration and includes recommendations for some changes to the terms and conditions of the next round of the SCP. I understand that this is expected to be finalised shortly and a decision on the timing of a new round of the SCP will be taken after that.
112. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce or enhance supports and assistance for small coach operators post-Covid-19 with particular reference to the severe financial pressure currently being placed on these businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16691/20]
View answer149. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce or enhance supports and assistance for small coach operators post-Covid-19 with reference to the severe financial pressure currently being placed on these businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16692/20]
View answer171. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to financially assist private bus companies that are out of work due to Covid-19 and need to insure and maintain buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17271/20]
View answer179. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to address the impact of Covid-19 on the bus and coach sector; if he will consider the introduction of a subsidy to support the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17370/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 112, 149, 171 and 179 together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
While the majority of public transport in Ireland is provided by the publicly-subvented bus and rail services funded through National Transport Authority's (NTA) public service obligation (PSO) programme, the public transport system also includes non-subvented bus services provided on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying size. I understand that about 90% of the commercial bus operators suspended their services or have been providing significantly reduced services. My Department has engaged with the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC) on a regular basis in relation to the impact of Covid-19 on licensed bus operators.
From my Department's engagement with their representatives, and indeed from the NTA's regular engagement with them throughout the crisis, I understand the very difficult business environment that the commercial bus operators are now dealing with. Indeed, across Government we are acutely aware that the Covid-19 situation presents huge challenges for many business sectors.
It is critical for the sector to be functioning so that it can carry the passengers that we need to return to work and to other activities as they re-open. Many of these operators provide essential transport services for people who need to get to work and are vital to ensure economic recovery.
For that reason, I am pleased to advise the Deputies that on 25 June the Government approved temporary funding supports, in accordance with EU and national legislation, for the licensed bus sector. These supports are aimed at ensuring the continued operation of essential licensed bus services for a period of up to six months. The package will be restricted to operators where a clear public interest justification supports such intervention and will be targeted at compensating the gap between specified costs and the revenues generated on the services. The NTA, as the public transport licensing agency, is responsible for administering funding support through the establishment of contracts between the NTA and the relevant operators.
This is, of course, additional to the wider programme of Government supports for impacted businesses were introduced, including new schemes of wage subsidies, rates waivers, re-start grants, lending facilities, equity injection, and business advisory supports for example. ortly.
With the commencement of Phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business on 29 June 2020, changes to the existing public transport social distancing restrictions were agreed, allowing a move from 2 metres social distancing to utilising 50% of the passenger-carrying capacity of fleet. This will help to underpin public transport services provided by both public and commercial licensed operators during these unprecedented times, with a view to safeguarding public transport capacity in Phases 3 and 4 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.
114. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has engaged with an airline (details supplied) regarding flight refunds; and if he will intervene with respect to outstanding refunds which contravene customers rights. [16910/20]
View answerAs things stand in law, air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of passengers in instances of flight cancellations. Under the Regulation, if an airline cancels a flight then customers are entitled to a full cash refund wihtin 7 days. The Commission for Aviation Regulation is the statutory body in Ireland with responsibility for enforcing airline refund obligations. I understand that the Commission has already written to the airlines reminding them of their legal obligations. Anyone having difficulties securing a refund should contact the Commission. Further advice is available on its dedicated passenger rights website www.flightrights.ie.
115. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the N11, M11 Junction 14 improvement scheme; if funding has been committed for the completion of the project; the time frame for progressing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16938/20]
View answerAs Minister for Climate, Energy, Communications and Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer 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 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the requirements of the Public Spending Code Guidelines and necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise on the current status and funding of this proposed project, pending also the Government's proposed review of the NDP.
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.
116. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase the capacity of the Dublin to Rosslare rail line; his further plans to add additional carriages to the route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16940/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport.
At a policy level, the primary objective is to embed long-term strategic transport planning and provide the type of longer term horizon required to deliver better outcomes.
A significant portion of the Dublin to Rosslare line lies within counties Dublin and Wicklow which form part of the Greater Dublin Area and therefore fall within the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, as developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA). The Strategy sets out a twenty year plan for transport investment across the region across all modes of transport and importantly has a statutory basis which ensures alignment with land-use planning.
The Strategy must be reviewed every 6 years and I am informed that the NTA will commence that process later this year. This review will allow for a re-examination of transport needs across the region, including those related to rail. Of course, the South-Eastern line will benefit from the DART+ programme which will significantly expand commuter rail capacity across the Greater Dublin Area.
In relation to capacity on the inter-city services on the line, that is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have referred the question to Iarnród Éireann for a more detailed direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
117. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase the number of DART trains to Greystones per hour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16941/20]
View answerAs the 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 operations of public transport.
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
118. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the N81 Tallaght to Hollywood Cross road improvement scheme; his plans to progress the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16942/20]
View answerAs Minister for Climate, Energy, Communications and 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 National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and upgrading 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.
119. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the train stations in south County Kildare, including Portarlington; if they have a shelter; if they have an enclosed waiting room; if they have a lift or disability access; if they have toilet facilities; the number of working parking spaces available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16946/20]
View answerAs the 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 operations of public transport.
The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded 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.
120. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered a proposal from an organisation (details supplied) in particular the proposals for financial liquidity, talent and skillset retention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17156/20]
View answerThe Government's Tourism Policy Statement 'People, Place and Policy - Growing Tourism to 2025" recognises the key role that training and education plays in ensuring that there is an adequate supply of skilled staff in tourism and to develop talent accordingly. Fáilte Ireland's priorities within the tourism industry are for on-site practical training interventions to boost productivity and sustain employment.
Following the publication of the Hospitality Skills Oversight Group final report, Fáilte Ireland established a Tourism and Hospitality Oversight Group (COG) to co-ordinate the relevant bodies to agree and implement a work programme to address current and future labour supply and skill requirements in the Tourism and Hospitality sector. Under the chairmanship of Fáilte Ireland members of this group have developed a two year work plan that focuses on delivery of five targeted objectives; improving awareness and attractiveness of the sector, building employment connections, best practice recruitment and retention, curriculum alignment and mapping existing provision to identify gaps.
The Government will also shortly 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.
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.
121. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to address the six-month waiting list for driver theory tests in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17173/20]
View answerThe driver theory test was suspended, as were many other services due to the viral outbreak. Following detailed planning by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), in consultation with my Department, the service has been resumed as of 8 June, with centres opening on a gradual basis. The resumption of services is dependent on strict protocols being in place for staff and test candidates in order to comply with public health guidelines. The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department is guided by NPHET and national experts.
Inevitably, there is now a backlog of theory tests. Due to the social distancing requirements, normal daily capacity will be considerably reduced. This will mean that customers will experience longer waiting times than was the case before the service was suspended and the public’s patience and understanding in this regard is requested.
The RSA has assured my Department it is working hard to deal with this backlog – it will be opening on additional days including Saturdays, (at some centres) and extended hours will also be provided to allow additional capacity for appointments. The Driver Theory Test provider is also closely monitoring the supply and demand situation at present.
Those whose appointments were cancelled by the RSA due to the Covid-19 situation will have first priority. Priority then will be given in order of application date.
Additional appointments are added frequently. Candidates may wish to contact the Driver Theory Test Service directly on 1890 606 106 for further assistance with finding a date and location that suits them.
122. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a format allowing priority appointments for holders of expiring driver licences can be devised in the short term to allow for frontline licence holders to renew their licence without facing a lengthy waiting time for appointments resulting in no valid licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17174/20]
View answerNDLS offices are unable to facilitate any walk-ins due to the social distancing requirements and in the interest of protecting the staff and customers. Therefore, all appointments must be booked in advance. This, of course, has led to an increase in the demand for appointments.
The Road Safety Authority is currently working with its providers to see how it can increase capacity while adhering to the return to work safely protocol. Options under consideration include extended opening hours, overtime and protective segregation barriers between booths.
I have referred your question to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
123. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver tests will resume; the number of test centres that will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17430/20]
View answerOn Monday 29 June, driving tests resumed on a gradual basis for trucks, buses and motorcycles. Fourteen driving test centres reopened initially, with others being phased in over a period of time. Driving tests for cars, vans, and minibuses also resumed on a gradual basis since last week with essential workers and those who had appointments cancelled due to Covid 19 being prioritised in the first instance. The phased resumption plan being put in place is to protect both the public and staff and will also enable the RSA to review practices and adapt any mitigating measures.
The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time and my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.
124. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties that persons with the free travel pass have in obtaining travel on Irish Rail due to social distancing rules and the fact that paying passengers are given priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17434/20]
View answerAs the 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 operations of public transport.
The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded 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.
126. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is considering another round of sports capital funding; if there will be changes to qualifying criteria of the new scheme; the expected date of such an announcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16475/20]
View answerThe Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.
The most recent (2018) round of the SCP attracted a record 2,337 applications. Allocations were announced in January, May and November of last year with a total of over €56 million awarded to 1,648 different projects.
All unsuccessful applicants were given the opportunity to appeal the Department’s decision. In relation to the capital grants announced in November, a total of 122 appeals were submitted by the December deadline. The review of these appeals was completed in April with 6 new allocations approved.
Following the finalisation of the appeals process, a full Review of the 2018 round of the SCP was undertaken. This Review is currently under consideration and includes recommendations for some changes to the terms and conditions of the next round of the SCP. I understand that this is expected to be finalised shortly and a decision on the timing of a new round of the SCP will be taken after that.
127. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of applications received for the €15 million Covid-19 resilience fund as announced on 19 June 2020; the amount of each application; the expected completion date for the drawdown of the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16477/20]
View answer128. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of applications received for the €5 million Covid-19 restart and renewal fund as announced on 19 June 2020; the amount of each application; the expected completion date for the drawdown of the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16478/20]
View answer129. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the three main sports organisations have drawn down the €40 million Covid-19 fund as announced on 19 June 2020; if so, the amount each organisation received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16479/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 127, 128 and 129 together.
As the Deputy is aware, 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,
- a Sports Club Resilience Fund of up to €15m to support clubs, and
- a Sports Restart and Renewal Fund of up to €5m.
The application process for this funding is not yet open. The funding will be invested through new grant schemes which are currently being finalised. It is expected that Sport Ireland will announce an open invitation to applications from funded bodies for assistance under the grant schemes shortly.
