Parliamentary questions

Sports Events

Bernard Durkan

228. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which his Department continues to liaise with the various sporting organisations with a view to facilitating the use of Ireland as a venue for worldwide competitions in sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52460/18]

Tourism Industry

Bernard Durkan

229. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the areas in the tourism sector that have shown the greatest potential for future development and expansion both internally and externally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52461/18]

Transport Costs

Bernard Durkan

230. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to have discussions with his EU colleagues with a view to ensuring that transport costs here are competitive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52462/18]

Integrated Ticketing

Bernard Durkan

231. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which integrated ticketing continues to be successful; if further expansion is planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52463/18]

Public Transport

Bernard Durkan

232. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which rail and bus services in County Kildare are co-ordinated in such a way as to meet in full the requirements of the commuters in the various towns and villages throughout the country; the extent to which his Department continues to be appraised in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52464/18]

Sports Capital Programme Expenditure

Bernard Durkan

84. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for investment in vital recreational infrastructure for local communities such as swimming pools, community centres and other sporting facilities; the extent to which recent budgetary allocations to his Department are sufficient to meet demand in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45344/18]

Rail Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent of proposed augmentation and investment in rail services over the next five years, with particular reference to the extent that services can be tailored to meet the ongoing travel requirements of commuters by identifying the best way in which rail services in general can meet the demands of medium to middle distance commuters from towns and villages outside of the greater Dublin area, thereby alleviating road traffic congestion and reducing travel time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45369/18]

Rail Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

906. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he plans to meet or exceed expectations regarding the extension of commuter and intercity rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45345/18]

Brexit Issues

Bernard Durkan

907. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he is making provision for the eventuality of Brexit with particular reference to its implications for air and sea travel in view of the necessity to ensure easy travel access to continental Europe for Irish customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45346/18]

Rural Transport Services

Bernard Durkan

908. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has continued to evaluate rural transport requirements with a view to bringing transport to persons rather than forcing persons to converge on towns and villages as the population increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45347/18]

Sports Capital Programme

Bernard Durkan

909. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to be in a position to accommodate the various community sporting organisations here with particular reference to the need to cater specifically for active and passive sports and the young and mature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45348/18]

Rail Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

910. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to be in a position to approve the necessary expenditure to increase the number of rail carriages serving north County Kildare commuter routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45349/18]

Road Improvement Schemes

Bernard Durkan

911. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he can accelerate the programme to replace, improve or upgrade motorways, roads and bridges deemed to be in need of improvement or replacement having regard in particular to current traffic volumes, the need to encourage development evenly throughout the country and to replace any infrastructure now incapable of meeting its original requirements in already highly developed areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45350/18]

Transport Policy

Bernard Durkan

912. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has studied the weakest links in the transport system nationally; his plans to address these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45351/18]

Sports Events

Bernard Durkan

913. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to liaise with the various national and international sporting organisations with a view to hosting major events here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45352/18]

Road Toll Data

Bernard Durkan

914. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated daily revenue arising from tolls on the M50 in comparison with other toll roads; the extent to which revenue has fluctuated in the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45353/18]

Road Improvement Schemes

Bernard Durkan

915. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which the upgrading of over trafficked sections of motorway such as the M50 continue to be a priority both from a health and safety point of view and meeting the needs of the travelling public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45354/18]

Rail Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

916. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which the increased requirement of the County Kildare commuter rail sector continue to be monitored in order to ensure the availability of the highest possible quality of service to meet the needs of commuters on an ongoing basis; if extra rail carriages need to be provided to alleviate potential overcrowding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45355/18]

Road Improvement Schemes

Bernard Durkan

917. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which plans are in hand to extend motorway services to other regions throughout the country with a view to ensuring that the availability of such transport is seen as an incentive for foreign direct investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45356/18]

Bus Services

Bernard Durkan

7. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure the proposed revision of bus services affecting the main towns in north County Kildare will be carried out in such a way so as to ensure existing services are not interfered with, that the convenience for commuters and passengers remains paramount and that particular attention will given to meeting the needs of persons with mobility issues who find it difficult to avail of some of the revised services and schedules, as proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37851/18]

Sports Capital Programme Administration

Bernard Durkan

13. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which his Department has engaged with various community and sporting recreational groups previously awarded funding under the sports capital programme that subsequently wish to apply the funding to an alternative aspect of their proposed development which required a separate permission; if all such cases have been resolved satisfactorily; the number outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37852/18]

Road Network

Bernard Durkan

125. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he plans to prioritise the upgrading of existing major arterial routes and the provision of strategic motorways to facilitate economic development throughout the country in both urban and rural settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38010/18]

Traffic Management

Bernard Durkan

126. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when plans will be advanced to combat the traffic congestion on the M50 route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38011/18]

Road Network

Bernard Durkan

127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when plans will be advanced to provide an orbital outer route beyond the M50 with a view to easing traffic congestion and reducing travel times for commuters and the business sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38012/18]

Road Network

Bernard Durkan

128. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he will prioritise upgrading of existing bridges or replacement as required at the various traffic bottlenecks throughout the greater Dublin area; if such bottlenecks have been identified; if plans including costs have been drawn up for their replacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38013/18]

Road Network

Bernard Durkan

129. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the recently announced proposals for bridge enhancement and traffic diversion in Celbridge, County Kildare, are costly, ineffective and unacceptable in view of the fact that they represents an interim measure which will exacerbate the traffic problems (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38014/18]

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Bernard Durkan

130. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when further applications for grant aid through the sports capital programme will be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38015/18]

Swimming Pool Programme

Bernard Durkan

131. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when an application for grant aid for a swimming pool in north County Kildare is likely to be accepted and supported either through the sports capital programme or otherwise with particular reference to the need to accommodate the growing population in each of the main towns and adjoining in addition to an ever increasing student population; if negotiations have been advanced in respect of the previous project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38016/18]

Sports Capital Programme

Bernard Durkan

132. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which his Department can interlink with sport and recreational bodies with a view to improving coaching facilities in respect of track and field events, swimming and all other sports and with a view to improving Irish participants' chances in the international arena including the Olympics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38017/18]

Sport and Recreational Development

Bernard Durkan

133. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which his Department can identify particular sports with a view to positive intervention and support which might result in improved performances in the international arena; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38018/18]

Tourism Industry

Bernard Durkan

134. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which he expects to be in a position to further expand the tourism sector with a view to ensuring a longer tourism season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38019/18]

Tourism Industry

Bernard Durkan

135. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which Ireland continues to compete in conference tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38020/18]

Tourism Industry

Bernard Durkan

136. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which winter tourism can be promoted throughout the country in the future with a view to maximising tourism here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38021/18]

Tourism Promotion

Bernard Durkan

137. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he can identify options for the promotion of tourism here during the off season with particular reference to the need to compete with other countries and locations in the same or alternative markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38022/18]

Tourism Industry

Bernard Durkan

138. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which opportunities for niche tourism are being explored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38023/18]

Hotel Accommodation

Bernard Durkan

139. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which enhanced hotel bed accommodation is required throughout the greater Dublin area and nationally; his plans to advance or enhance its availability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38024/18]

Tourism Promotion

Bernard Durkan

218. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which his Department encourages the creation of historical or heritage journeys in respect of various heritage sites throughout the country in a way similar to the development of the Wild Atlantic Way and other similar initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27352/18]

Tourism Promotion

Bernard Durkan

219. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which his Department has evaluated the economic potential of various local, historical and heritage sites throughout the country with a view to their further utilisation for tourism purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27350/18]

Sports Capital Programme Administration

Bernard Durkan

104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will consider a further tranche of major and minor capital sports grants to include swimming pools and other categories previously unable to qualify for various reasons; if he has examined the extent to which groups failed to qualify in the past with a view to addressing issues which may facilitate them in the future; if he will identify areas throughout the country to which special consideration may be provided on socio-economic grounds in both urban or rural settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25323/18]

Tourism Funding

Bernard Durkan

112. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which investment in tourism infrastructure will continue with a view to ensuring maximisation of Ireland's impact on the tourism market, availing of every opportunity to bring tourists here with consequent economic benefit and promotion of Irish culture and heritage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25324/18]

Brexit Issues

Bernard Durkan

1107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he anticipates bodies under the aegis of his Department to be affected by Brexit with particular reference to inward investments and future expansion affecting the tourism and transport sectors; the extent to which he continues to liaise with European institutions in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24599/18]

Road Network

Bernard Durkan

1108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which he has examined existing road networks throughout the country in both urban and rural areas with a view to the identification of apparent difficulties in respect of capacity and the need to ensure the completion of the national arterial road network thus providing for modern and efficient transport to and from the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24600/18]

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Bernard Durkan

1115. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which applications for capital grants that were unsuccessful in 2017 for various reasons will be examined with a view to possible accommodation in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25668/18]

Sports Capital Programme Administration

Bernard Durkan

1116. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he and his Department continue to liaise with various sporting groups that have been the beneficiaries of sports capital grants in the past with a view to ensuring that all such grants are used effectively and efficiently and in circumstances in which difficulties have arisen, assistance of a constructive nature might be offered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25669/18]

Rural Transport Services

Bernard Durkan

1117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which his Department has continued to evaluate rural transport requirements with a view to bringing transport to the population rather than forcing the population to converge on towns and villages as the population increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25670/18]

Transport Infrastructure Provision

Bernard Durkan

1118. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which his Department continues to evaluate the transport system, road and rail, public and private, to ensure the development of efficient and effective transport in all areas throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25671/18]

Tourism Policy

Bernard Durkan

1119. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which efforts continue to distribute the tourism industry evenly throughout the country with particular reference to the development of facilities at required locations having particular regard to assessments carried out to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25672/18]

Tourism Industry

Bernard Durkan

1120. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which potential growth opportunities for business tourism here continue to be identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25673/18]

Public Transport Review

Bernard Durkan

1121. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which a study has been carried out or is ongoing in respect of public transport in County Kildare with particular reference to the need to address deficiencies in respect of daily frequency of rail and bus services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25674/18]

Rail Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

1122. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for investment in the rail services over the next five years including an extension to services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25675/18]

Regional Airports

Bernard Durkan

1123. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he plans to support and promote the role of regional airports; if a particular initiative is required in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25676/18]

Tourism Data

Bernard Durkan

1124. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which particular sectors of the tourism sector to date in 2018 have shown particular potential for growth with consequent economic benefit in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25677/18]

Tourism Data

Bernard Durkan

1125. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which his Department has identified the degree to which potential growth of the tourism sector region by region with particular reference to the use of historical sites, monuments and buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25678/18]

Road Network

Bernard Durkan

1126. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which his Department and Transport Infrastructure Ireland continue to examine the locations at which numerous accidents have taken place on minor or major roads including motorways throughout the country with particular reference to the frequency of such accidents with a view to identifying the cause or causes and addressing the issues by way of remedial action as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25679/18]

Road Network

Bernard Durkan

1127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the projected timeframe for the provision of vital major road networks throughout the country both in the commuter belt or elsewhere with a view to maximising access, reduction of delays and alleviation of traffic bottlenecks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25680/18]

Driver Licensing Exchange Agreements

Bernard Durkan

206. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a person (details supplied) can exchange a French driver licence for an Irish driver licence without taking the driver test here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24157/18]

Driver Licence Renewals

Bernard Durkan

495. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is a record of a notification sent in 2000 to a person (details supplied) regarding the need for a medical examination in order to renew a C1 licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20936/18]

Roads Maintenance Funding

Bernard Durkan

239. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the requests received by his Department from a county council (details supplied) for funding due to extreme weather events; the funding sought and the works proposed; when the application was submitted; the decision made on the request; the funding allocation made in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20221/18]

Transport Infrastructure Provision

Bernard Durkan

55. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to upgrade deficiencies in road, rail, air and sea transport systems with a view to identifying possible delays which may impact negatively on economic output (details supplied); if in the context of Project Ireland 2040, he will bring forward the most acute issues for resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17742/18]

Sport and Recreational Development

Bernard Durkan

61. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for investment in recreational infrastructure such as swimming pools, community centres and other sporting facilities; the extent to which he has identified a budget in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17741/18]

Sports Capital Programme Administration

Bernard Durkan

527. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has been able to facilitate organisations that received grant aid under capital sports grants and that wish to make minor changes in the development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18049/18]

Sport and Recreational Development

Bernard Durkan

528. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to be in a position to offer funding towards the development of sporting and recreational facilities, including swimming pools, in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18050/18]

Tourism Industry

Bernard Durkan

529. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects the tourism industry to develop in all its facets in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18051/18]

Traffic Management

Bernard Durkan

530. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has identified roads or motorways experiencing traffic congestion due to an inadequacy of capacity such as the M4 Maynooth to the M50 and other similar commuter routes experiencing traffic congestion; if the National Development Plan 2018-2027 will facilitate early intervention in these sensitive areas in order to alleviate traffic congestion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18052/18]

Roads Maintenance Funding

Bernard Durkan

531. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which funding can be made available to the various local authorities in order to address damage to roads arising from inclement weather conditions over the winter months; if Kildare County Council can receive such funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18053/18]

Brexit Issues

Bernard Durkan

532. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to provide alternative direct transport access to Europe in the aftermath of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18054/18]

Brexit Issues

Bernard Durkan

533. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to develop facilities at ports and airports in order to enhance access to the European Union and the global community in the aftermath of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18055/18]

Public Transport

Bernard Durkan

534. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects public transport to become less reliant on fossil fuels in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18056/18]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

535. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which it may be possible to bring forward the electrification of commuter rail routes, such as Enfield to Dublin, Sallins to Dublin and others, with a view to increased efficiency and less dependence on fossil fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18057/18]

Tourism Industry

Bernard Durkan

536. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which the hotel and catering industry is sufficient to meet the demands of the tourism sector now and for the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18058/18]

Sports Events

Bernard Durkan

537. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which Ireland continues to be marketed abroad as a venue for major sporting events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18059/18]

Integrated Ticketing

Bernard Durkan

538. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which further extensions of integrated ticketing are proposed throughout the public transport sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18060/18]

Road Network

Bernard Durkan

304. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he and his Department continue to assess the need for upgrade to facilitate extra traffic on the N4 Maynooth to Dublin and other similar over trafficked routes; when such plans will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17153/18]

Roads Maintenance Funding

Bernard Durkan

305. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has received a request from Kildare County Council for extra funding to repair the damage to roads in the county following the recent inclement weather; when he expects to be in a position to respond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17154/18]

Roads Maintenance Funding

Bernard Durkan

309. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has received correspondence from Kildare County Council outlining the extent of damage to local and regional roads in County Kildare as a result of severe weather conditions; if the precise costs have been determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17206/18]

Taxi Regulations

Bernard Durkan

295. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of failures recorded by individual applicants for taxi and public service vehicle licences in respect of local knowledge by county; if a particular reference such as applications (details supplied) are used by the examiners; if repeated failures of up to ten times has occurred in a particular county; the reason this should be the case in view of the availability of GPS technology; his views on whether the examination fee needs to be examined in view of the fact that it would appear to be a factor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13081/18]

Rail Network Expansion

Bernard Durkan

201. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent of upgrading of commuter rail facilities along the Leixlip, Maynooth, Kilcock and Enfield commuter line in accordance with Project Ireland 2040; the extent to which increased passenger capacity, extension of station facilities, extra track or other facilities is anticipated; the full extent of the expenditure involved; the timeframe for provision of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10415/18]

Rail Network Expansion

Bernard Durkan

202. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent of upgrading of commuter rail facilities along the Hazelhatch, Sallins, Newbridge and Kildare commuter line in accordance with Project Ireland 2040; the extent to which increased passenger capacity, extension of station facilities, extra track or other facilities is anticipated; the full extent of the expenditure involved; the timeframe for provision of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10416/18]

Local Improvement Scheme Funding

Bernard Durkan

41. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of discretionary funding from his Department's financial allocations to local authorities that was for non-public LIS roads in 2016, 2017 and 2018; the amount that will be available for LIS in each of the years 2019 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7749/18]

National Development Plan

Bernard Durkan

47. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which it is expected the upgrade of road and rail transport can be provided for in the proposed capital plan; the degree to which adequate funding will be provided in tandem with the objectives of the national development strategy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7750/18]

Rail Network Expansion

Bernard Durkan

264. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he plans to meet or exceed expectations in the extension of commuter and inter-city rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8001/18]

Rail Network Expansion

Bernard Durkan

265. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he foresees, in the context of the national development plan, a new role for rail transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8002/18]

Rail Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

266. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to a rapid rail system which might enable persons to commute longer distances by rail thereby facilitating employment opportunities, reduction of road traffic congestion and more efficiency in terms of travel time for commuters in the context of encouraging or stabilising the population of rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter [8003/18]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

267. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the electrification of the rail service from Dublin to Leixlip, Maynooth, Kilcock and Enfield and if feasible further afield; if this is incorporated in the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8004/18]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

268. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the electrification of the rail service from Dublin to Hazelhatch, Sallins, Newbridge and Kildare and if feasible further afield; if this is incorporated in the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8005/18]

Tourism Policy

Bernard Durkan

269. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he plans to facilitate the ongoing development of Ireland as a global conference and event centre capable of competing with all locations worldwide; if this can be linked into the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8006/18]

Tourism Policy

Bernard Durkan

270. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to promote Ireland as a sports event centre with particular reference to encouraging such events here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8007/18]

Tourism Promotion

Bernard Durkan

271. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which he continues to pursue the marketing of the island of Ireland as a tourist location worldwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8008/18]

Brexit Issues

Bernard Durkan

272. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which his Department is making provision for the eventuality of Brexit with particular reference to its implications for air and sea travel and in view of the necessity to ensure easy travel access to continental Europe for Irish customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8009/18]

Brexit Issues

Bernard Durkan

273. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to be in a position to assuage the fears of the tourism and the business sectors in respect of ready, future air and sea travel to Europe; if sea ports and airports are to be developed for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8010/18]

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Bernard Durkan

274. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which applications for capital grants that were unsuccessful in 2017 for various reasons will be examined with a view to possible accommodation in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8011/18]

Sports Capital Programme

Bernard Durkan

275. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will liaise with various sporting groups that have been the beneficiaries of sports capital grants in the past with a view to ensuring that all such grants are used effectively and efficiently and where circumstances in which difficulties have arisen, assistance of a constructive nature will be offered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8012/18]

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Bernard Durkan

276. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he will engage with applicants for sports capital grants that were deemed invalid in 2017 with a view to possible success in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8013/18]

Driver Licences

Bernard Durkan

292. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a replacement French driver’s licence or international version thereof can be provided in case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5186/18]

Rail Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

43. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which it is expected to augment the commuter rail service serving north County Kildare with particular reference to the need to ensure adequate carriages to accommodate and meet commuter requirements in order to eliminate passengers having to stand for the duration of the journey; the steps he plans to take in the short term to address this issue and in the long term to upgrade, including the extension of the DART to the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49434/17]

Tourism Promotion

Bernard Durkan

85. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he sees opportunities for the further development of the tourism sector with particular reference to the maximisation of the promotion of this country as a conference location sector; his plans for particular initiatives in this regard and in the promotion of activity tourism such as greenways and the utilisation of this country's culture as a means of developing the tourism sector further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49437/17]

Rugby World Cup 2023

Bernard Durkan

209. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take to address issues arising from Ireland's failure to attract the Rugby World Cup here; if these issues will be addressed in early date to ensure that further opportunities in this regard have a better chance of success; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49618/17]

Rugby World Cup 2023

Bernard Durkan

210. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the representatives of Scotland and Wales favoured France to host the Rugby World Cup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49619/17]

Brexit Issues

Bernard Durkan

211. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions taken to ensure the viability and freedom to operate for the air transport sector in the aftermath of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49620/17]

Traffic Management

Bernard Durkan

212. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he and his Department have identified the need for alleviation of congestion of various arterial routes throughout the country, having particular regard to the M50 and the M4 from Kilcock to Dublin city with particular reference to the Maynooth to Leixlip section; the degree to which he expects major or minor investment requirements in such areas in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49621/17]