Written Answers Nos. 192-211
192. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the plans in place to allow for a return to sport for children in and out of schools in view of the fact that sport has been linked to 55 cases of Covid-19 in August 2020 alone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23298/20]
View answerSport and physical activity are very important for public health and wellbeing, and participation in sport has a hugely positive impact on children and young people's physical and mental health. The Government has committed to increasing participation at all ages, and there is clear evidence that active children are more likely to continue participating in sport and physical activity throughout their lives than those who are sedentary. The public health restrictions necessary to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic have placed a considerable strain on children and young people. The return of sports training, competition and summer camps have been a very positive development for our children's wellbeing and I hope it will be possible for sporting activity to continue during the winter months.
As the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, Sport Ireland has issued guidance to the sport sector on the practical implications for sport of the most recent restrictions announced on 18 August. The HSE’s Health Surveillance and Protection Centre has published advice for children and adolescents on how to return to sport safely.
I would like to recognise also the key role played by the National Governing Bodies of sport and Local Sports Partnerships to facilitate a safe return to sport for children and adults alike. The sporting bodies have prepared detailed protocols to manage the impact of COVID-19. These protocols have been reviewed by the Expert Group on the Return to Sport and found compliant with the public health guidance.
Plans for a return to sport in schools, both during school hours and after school activities, would be a matter for the Minister for Education.
193. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of construction of the northern ring road. [23340/20]
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 the Deputy's question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. I ask him to advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within 10 working days.
194. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if free travel card holders who are in receipt of a disability allowance payment will be facilitated to book transport tickets online for a Bus Éireann service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23384/20]
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 Bus Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
I ask the Deputy to advise my private office if he does not receive a response within ten working days.
195. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if funds from the active travel measures allocations and the climate change adaptation allocations 2020 can in County Cork be rolled over to 2021 to allow for council staff and engineers to deal with the recent damage from flood waters. [23470/20]
View answer196. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport when funding will be allocated for the repair and rebuilding of the road network that was devastated during the recent west County Cork flooding events. [23474/20]
View answer215. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport when funding will be allocated for the repair and rebuilding of the roads network that was devastated during the recent west County Cork flooding events. [23475/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 195, 196 and 215 together.
As the Deputy is aware, 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. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
Following the Government announcement of the July Jobs Stimulus Plan eligible local authorities funded under the Department’s regional and local road maintenance and renewal grant programmes were invited to apply for funding under the Active Travel and Climate Change Adaptation measures allocations. Council's were requested to submit a prioritised list of clearly identified proposed schemes which could be completed in 2020.
Cork County Council submitted applications which amounted to over €5 million for Active Travel and €1.63 million for Climate Change Adaptation measures. On the 31st August the Council received notification that works to the same value of the submitted applications had been approved.
As the cut-off date for submitting applications to the Department was the 14th August some, but not all, of the recent damage to roads and bridges caused by severe weather in County Cork is provided for in the August allocation. All stimulus funding available to my Department has now been allocated. As stimulus measures are projects which are designed to be delivered this year, it is not possible for allocations to roll over into 2021.
My Department understands that Cork County Council will be seeking additional funding to assist with repair works and is in the process of finalising its submission to the Department. When the Department receives an estimate of the cost of the additional repair works, the Department will liaise with the Council to see how a programme of repair works can be managed and funded. As regards works which can be undertaken this year, it would be open to Cork County Council to revise its planned work programme to prioritise repairs caused by flooding.
In relation to works which will run into 2021, my Department’s ability to provide specific funding for the repair and rehabilitation of roads in West Cork following the recent flood events is dependent on the funding made available for roads as part of the overall Estimates process. I will be liaising with my Government colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on this.
As regards national roads in West Cork, as 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 the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you regarding the repair of national roads in West Cork.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's questions to TII for a direct reply. I ask him to advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within 10 working days.
197. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport when driver tests will resume on a full-time basis in Thurles, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23497/20]
View answerThe driver testing service restarted on a gradual basis during Phase 3 of the Government’s road map for easing of Covid19 restrictions.
On Monday 29 June, driving tests resumed on a gradual basis for trucks, buses and motorcycles (except for trucks in C1 and buses in D1 categories). Driving tests for cars, minibuses and vans resumed from the 16 July.
Due to the social distancing requirements, normal daily capacity is considerably reduced. This means that customers will experience longer waiting times than was the case before the service was suspended. The public’s patience and understanding in this regard is requested.
Those who had appointments cancelled due to Covid 19 are being prioritised in the first instance. Initially, only those who are frontline healthcare workers will be deemed eligible for an urgent test slot. This approach for prioritising customers will be kept under review as the RSA moves through the service resumption.
My Department is remaining in close contact with the RSA, which is exploring how further to manage backlogs while prioritizing public health, and this process is being informed by lessons learned as centres operate under the new health restrictions.
Details of specific centres are operational matters for the RSA.
198. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the conditions attached to the €2.6 million fund awarded to Shannon Heritage in August 2020; the sites on which this fund will be spent; and the follow-up inspections that will take place to scrutinise the way in which the funding is spent. [23519/20]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for his questions in relation to Shannon Heritage and can confirm that having considered the difficulties facing Shannon Heritage and the importance of Bunratty Castle and Folkpark and King John's Castle to the local economy and the region, I have committed to provide funding to Shannon Group to ensure that these two landmark tourist attractions which were due to close at the end of August, can remain open to the end of 2020. The provision of this funding ensures continued employment for 52 employees at these sites who would otherwise have been laid off by Shannon Heritage at the end of August.
Conditions attaching to the funding, including the amount of funding that is necessary to keep these two sites open until the end of December, are currently being discussed between my Department and Shannon Group. Any funding provided to Shannon Heritage to keep the two Castles open will be subject to the appropriate governance arrangements in accordance with Government Financial Procedures and the relevant procedures and control systems operated by my Department. The position in relation to the opening of these and other Shannon Heritage sites in 2021 will be considered as part of a wider review currently underway in my Department on the future of Shannon Group, including Shannon Heritage. Given the importance of Shannon Group to the economy of the Midwest region and indeed nationally, it is my intention to bring recommendations to Government in this regard shortly.
199. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the steps a person (details supplied) should take regarding a matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23550/20]
View answerConsumer protections for airline passengers and for holiday-makers who book trips through travel agents and tour operators are enshrined in EU law. EU Regulation 261/2004 requires airlines to provide a full cash refund within 7 days in the event that a flight is cancelled by the airline. EU Directive 2302/2015 on Package Travel applies to travel agents and tour operators, and it requires them to provide a full cash refund within 14 days in the event that a package holiday is cancelled, by either the customer or the holiday provider, due to "unavoidable or extraordinary circumstances." It appears from the information provided by the Deputy that the person whose case he has raised booked a family holiday through a "travel company." Assuming that this is an Irish licensed travel agent then the person should seek advice and resolution through the travel agent, in the first instance. If that avenue proves problematic then the matter should be referred to the Commission for Aviation Regulation.
200. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric State vehicles as a percentage of the overall number of vehicles. [23562/20]
View answerThe number of electric State vehicles licensed (with current motor tax) at 31st August 2020 was 97. The overall number of vehicles licensed for the same period was 2,826,769. Electric State vehicles represent 0.0034% of this total.
In total there are of 8,644 licensed State owned vehicles on the NVDF, of which 1.12% is Electric.
201. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the public funding that has been given directly or indirectly to an organisation (details supplied) over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23588/20]
View answerSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes.
As this is a matter for Sport Irealand, I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
202. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be made available to local authorities that have yet to complete the 30 km residential speed limit review within their administrative areas; and if so, when this funding will be provided. [23836/20]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (RLR) 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 Exchequer road grants, where applicable. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
Following the publication of the ‘Guidelines for Setting & Managing Speed Limits in Ireland’ in 2015, my Department introduced grant support for the provision of speed limit and warning signs related to the reduction of speed limits in housing areas. The Department has continued to provide grant support to eligible local authorities since then and this programme is now nearing conclusion.
Eligible local authorities have been advised that where a Council considers that additional traffic calming measures are required in addition to appropriate signage in housing areas, such proposals can be included in its annual Safety Improvement Works programme application.
The 2020 regional and local road allocations were announced on 21st January 2020. Details of the regional and local road grant allocations to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road grant booklets which are available in the Oireachtas Library. Applications in relation to 2021 will be sought shortly.
203. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport when the next sports capital programme grant application process will be open; the funding available for the programme in 2020 and 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23920/20]
View answerThe Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCP and to prioritise the investment in disadvantaged areas.
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. The priority in the short to medium term is to advance all of these projects to ensure the facilities are available for use and that the relevant grants are drawn down.
In relation to future grants, following the finalisation of the appeals process, a full Review of the 2018 round of the SCP was undertaken. This Review is currently being finalised and it is expected that a new round of the programme will be open for applications before the end of the year.
A total of 40m is available this year for distribution to grants allocated under previous rounds of the programme. The exact amount available for 2021 will be decided upon as part of the budget and estimates process.
204. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase the provision of public transport services on routes that are frequently used by schoolchildren in addition to teachers and staff commuting to schools in view of the fact that the capacity of public transport has decreased due to Covid-19 and carpooling is not possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23950/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Continued operation of the public transport sector is important, and it has been designated among the essential services that have carried on during the Covid crisis. I would like to thank both public and commercial operators and their staff for their continued dedication to providing this vital service in such challenging times. A number of measures have been introduced across the system, guided by public health advice, to ensure the continued operation of services during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing measures across the network.
Over the course of the COVID-19 crisis, my Department has been working closely with the National Transport Authority (NTA) to ensure public transport services continue and to plan for the provision of enhanced public transport services in line with the Government Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. In this context, the NTA is engaging directly with both PSO and commercial transport operators.
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 during these unprecedented times, with a view to safeguarding public transport capacity. Alongside this change, it was also decided that the wearing of a face covering when using public transport would be made mandatory. The Regulations for the mandatory wearing of face coverings on public transport were introduced under Health legislation on 10 July and came into effect on Monday 13 July. Public health advice tells us that face coverings are an important safety measure, especially in interior spaces, but that they are not suitable for every individual, particularly those who cannot do so for health reasons or due to young age.
Further, there is continued strong messaging that public transport capacity remains restricted and therefore should only be used for essential travel, with only those who absolutely have to travel at peak times doing so and encouraging staggered retail and office opening hours. People are being encouraged to walk or cycle where practical, and organisations are encouraged to continue to facilitate working from home.
As part of new restrictions announced by Government on the 18th August, people have been asked to avoid public transport where possible. This advice along with other measures (such as continuing to work from home where possible) is aimed at suppressing the spread of Covid-19 in Ireland. The advice is also aimed at ensuring public transport is safeguarded for those who need it most, including frontline workers and students.
The new measures were introduced following recommendations made to Government by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). Both my Department and the NTA are closely monitoring public transport demand and will continue to be guided by public health advice.
205. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport when the position of the chief executive officer of an organisation (details supplied), which was extended in 2016 for a four-year period and is set to expire on 30 September 2020, will be advertised; if not being publicly advertised, the precise reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23976/20]
View answer206. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport if the terms of the chairman and three board members of an organisation (details supplied), together with the three board vacancies which already exist, are set to expire on 30 September 2020; when these positions will be advertised in the media and on the normal Public Jobs online platform; if not being publicly advertised, the precise reason for the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23977/20]
View answer207. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport if there has been an approach by an organisation (details supplied) to seek a further extension to the existing contract of the current CEO; if an extension to the terms of office of the current chairman or board members has been sought; if so, the details of such representations; the person or body that made them; when they were made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23978/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 205 to 207, inclusive, together.
In accordance with section 22 of the Sport Ireland Act 2015, the CEO is appointed by Sport Ireland, with Minister Martin's approval. Minister Martin is aware that the CEO’s contract is scheduled to expire on 30 September 2020. The Chairman and four other members are scheduled to complete their term on the Board on 30 September. I can confirm that Minister Martin has spoken with the Chair of Sport Ireland with regard to these Board positions, the CEO's contract, and one further Board member vacancy which arose in May and she will make a decision in the near future on these vacancies and those which arose earlier this year and have been the subject of a selection process conducted through the Public Appointments Service (PAS).
208. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the number of applicants waiting for a driver test nationwide; the average waiting time for driver tests; the number of driver testers employed by the RSA; if additional testers will be employed to reduce waiting times; the efforts being made to reduce the waiting times in view of the large backlogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23281/20]
View answerThe operation of the driver testing services is the statutory responsibbility of the Road Safety Authority, and as a result I have referred the question insofar as it relaties to applicant numbers and waiting times to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
The driver testing service restarted during Phase 3 of the Government’s roadmap for easing of Covid19 restrictions. On 29 June, driving tests resumed on a gradual basis for trucks, buses and motorcycles (except for trucks in C1 and buses in D1 categories). Driving tests for cars, minibuses and vans resumed on 16 July. The suspension of the service during the pandemic inevitably led to backlogs. In addition, the need for compliance with health protocols inevitably reduces the throughput of test candidates at the test centres.
The RSA is prioritizing those who had a test booked before the closure of the service which was cancelled due to the pandemic, and those in essential services. The Authority is also examining ways of addressing the backlog and continuing applications in the context of the inevitable limits on throughput due to Covid restrictions. One option which may be considered is the employment of additional testers, something which has been done in the past to address backlogs. However it would be premature to make a decision on staffing at this stage, as many of the issues to be addressed deal with the throughput of centres themselves in light of the restrictions, rather than on the availability of staff.
My Department is remaining in close contact with the RSA, which is exploring how further to manage backlogs while prioritizing public health, and this process is being informed by lessons learned as centres operate under the new health restrictions.
209. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if a response will issue to a request by a person (details supplied) to review the green list and travel policy regarding countries which have a lower Covid-19 rate than Ireland's; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23283/20]
View answerThe COVID-19 'Green List', relating to certain restrictions on international travel, is currently being reviewed in the context of the Government's new medium-term roadmap which will be published shortly.
210. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the details of the plans to maintain social distancing on public transport when usage eventually increases due to schools returning and the gradual return to the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23294/20]
View answerThe continued operation of the public transport sector is important, and it has been designated among the essential services that have carried on during the Covid crisis. I would like to thank both public and commercial operators and their staff for their continued dedication to providing this vital service in such challenging times. A number of measures have been introduced across the system, guided by public health advice, to ensure the continued operation of services during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing measures across the network.
Over the course of the COVID-19 crisis, my Department has been working closely with the National Transport Authority (NTA) to ensure public transport services continue and to plan for the provision of enhanced public transport services in line with the Government Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. In this context, the NTA is engaging directly with both PSO and commercial transport operators.
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 bus and rail fleet. Alongside this change, new Regulations were introduced making mandatory the wearing of face coverings on public transport, with some limited exceptions. 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.
Further, there is continued strong messaging that public transport capacity remains restricted and therefore should only be used for essential travel, with only those who absolutely have to travel at peak times doing so and encouraging staggered retail and office opening hours. People are being encouraged to walk or cycle where practical, and organisations are encouraged to continue to facilitate working from home.
As part of new restrictions announced by Government on the 18th August, people have been asked to avoid public transport where possible. This advice along with other measures (such as continuing to work from home where possible) is aimed at suppressing the spread of Covid-19 in Ireland. The advice is also aimed at ensuring public transport is safeguarded for those who need it most, most notably, frontline workers and students.
The new measures were introduced following recommendations made to Government by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). Both my Department and the NTA are closely monitoring public transport demand and will continue to be guided by public health advice.
211. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers boarding at each train station from Dublin to Enfield, County Meath, in the past three years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23363/20]
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.
I ask the Deputy to advise my private office if he does not receive a response within ten working days.
