Parliamentary questions

Tourism Industry

Bernard Durkan

228. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which Ireland can be further developed as an attractive international conference location; if particular deficiencies in respect of required facilities in this regard have been identified and will be remedied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48512/19]

Sport and Recreational Development

Bernard Durkan

229. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which sporting tourism has been developed in co-operation with the various sporting or recreational organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48513/19]

Sports Capital Programme Data

Bernard Durkan

230. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount invested by way of capital grants or other financial assistance to providing and improving facilities the various sporting organisations nationally in the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48514/19]

Sports Events

Bernard Durkan

231. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which ongoing efforts continue to be made to encourage international sporting bodies to include Ireland in their list of locations for major events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48515/19]

Tourism Policy

Bernard Durkan

232. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which he encourages overseas bodies to use Ireland as a base for their international conferences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48516/19]

Tourism Industry

Bernard Durkan

233. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which the tourism sector is expected to grow in 2020 with consequent benefits to the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48524/19]

Road Projects Status

Bernard Durkan

896. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of plans to construct two right turning lanes for both Croghan and Cootehall on the N4 Boyle to Carrick-on-Shannon route, County Roscommon further to the commitment by Transport Infrastructure Ireland to carry out such a project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44185/19]

Rail Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

979. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the extra commuter line facilities, such as extra rail carriages recently announced are likely to come on stream; the commuter routes likely to benefit; the extra passenger capacity arising from same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45486/19]

Rural Transport Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

220. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he can assist rural communities dealing with transport in areas not served by public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44131/19]

Brexit Issues

Bernard Durkan

535. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which alternative shipping or air routes remain available for food exports to all markets in the aftermath of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42241/19]

Tourism Industry

Bernard Durkan

70. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which tourism continues to be developed nationwide with particular reference to the regions in which it appears considerable scope exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39956/19]

Brexit Issues

Bernard Durkan

82. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which alternative transport routes have been identified and provided in the aftermath of Brexit in order to ensure that Irish importers and exporters can circumnavigate the UK in order to provide reliable routes to mainland Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39955/19]

Brexit Issues

Bernard Durkan

216. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which he remains satisfied that the euro routes will continue to reach their destinations on the continent notwithstanding Brexit orderly or disorderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40144/19]

Sport and Recreational Development

Bernard Durkan

217. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to offer grant-aid to the various sporting and recreational groups nationally with particular emphasis on the development of supports to encourage a health conscious population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40145/19]

Sport and Recreational Development

Bernard Durkan

218. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of sporting and recreational bodies or groups nationally to which he awarded major or minor capital grants over the past three years; the extent to which this investment has generated an improved awareness to sporting and reactional activity with consequence benefit to the health of the population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40146/19]

Brexit Issues

Bernard Durkan

219. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which he remains satisfied that the main transport routes to mainland Europe are adequately provided for in order to ensure ready, unimpeded access to and from continue to facilitate imports and exports to and from this country post Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40152/19]

Tourism Policy

Bernard Durkan

220. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which he has put in place plans or provisions to enhance or develop the tourism sector with a view to ensuring the development of the industry notwithstanding Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40153/19]

Traffic Management

Bernard Durkan

221. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which outstanding traffic bottlenecks will continue to receive remedial attention on local or regional routes in order to ensure the minimisation of traffic delays after Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40147/19]

Road Network

Bernard Durkan

222. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when upgrading the N4 Maynooth to Dublin can take place in view of the pivotal nature of this route as a commuter link; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40148/19]

Rail Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

223. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which it is anticipated upgrades to rail services serving the commuter towns of north County Kildare will be carried out ; if by provision of increased frequency of services the provision of extra carriages or alternatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40149/19]

Bus Services

Bernard Durkan

224. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he anticipates the electrification of the bus fleet or rail services serving the commuter belt of north County Kildare to continue carbon reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40150/19]

Road Network

Bernard Durkan

225. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which he expects the completion of the motorway network nationally with a view to ensuring the availability of adequate transport services to all regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40151/19]

Transport Infrastructure Ireland

Bernard Durkan

456. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the next steps regarding consultation and decision-making in relation to a recent scoping report prepared by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (details supplied); and if funding will be provided for road developments which emerge as the preferred option of this scoping exercise. [38606/19]

Road Projects

Bernard Durkan

1652. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which the upgrading of the M4 from Kilcock to Lexlip is contemplated in view of the frequency and increasing number of accidents at peak times on a daily basis arising from the volume of traffic that the road cannot support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36910/19]

Brexit Preparations

Bernard Durkan

1653. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he remains satisfied that all possible actions have been taken by his Department in anticipation of a UK crash out from the EU; if the necessary air and sea options are being pursued to ensure importers and exporters have alternative direct access to the rest of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36927/19]

Transport Policy

Bernard Durkan

2320. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the development of the connected autonomous mobility sector here; his plans as part of Future Jobs Ireland to amend current road traffic legislation to provide for the testing of autonomous vehicles in order that Ireland can be a global leader in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32425/19]

Recreational Facilities Provision

Bernard Durkan

59. 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 budgetary allocations are sufficient to cater for demand for such facilities in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29519/19]

Climate Change Adaptation Plans

Bernard Durkan

74. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects the transport and tourism sectors to comply with the climate change objectives set out in the Climate Action Plan 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29518/19]

Hotel Accommodation

Bernard Durkan

672. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which adequate hotel accommodation remains available to meet the requirements of the tourism sector nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30053/19]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

673. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to take to augment the commuter rail services involving the towns of Salllins, Kilcock, Maynooth, Celbridge and Lexlip, County Kildare, with particular reference to ensuring a service adequate to meet the growing needs of commuters including provision of extra trains and or extra carriages on the existing network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30054/19]

Road Network

Bernard Durkan

674. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which he expects to achieve sufficient improvement in the national arterial road network with particular reference to ensuring adequate distribution routes to meet the demand arising from increased job creation through the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30055/19]

Tourism Industry

Bernard Durkan

675. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects the hotel and accommodation sector to enhance the image of Ireland as a conference location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30056/19]

Tourism Industry

Bernard Durkan

676. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which opportunity exists for winter holidays here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30057/19]

Public Transport Initiatives

Bernard Durkan

677. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline for the provision of extra transport facilities to alleviate traffic congestion at various locations nationally that have suffered in this regard particularly as the economic recovery deepens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30058/19]

Sports Capital Programme Applications Data

Bernard Durkan

678. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to various sporting and recreational bodies by way of capital grant nationally in the past three years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30059/19]

Sports Events

Bernard Durkan

679. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he sees opportunity to attract major sporting events here thereby promoting Ireland as an attractive location for these events internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30060/19]

Brexit Preparations

Bernard Durkan

680. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he remains satisfied that adequate travel provisions remain available in the air travel sector to meet the requirements of air passengers in the aftermath of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30061/19]

Climate Change Policy

Bernard Durkan

681. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which the transport and tourism sectors expect to be in a position to respond positively to the challenges of climate change in a realistic way while maintaining services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30062/19]

Traffic Calming Measures

Bernard Durkan

682. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to combat the traffic congestion on the M50; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30063/19]

Brexit Preparations

Bernard Durkan

683. 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. [30064/19]

Public Transport Provision

Bernard Durkan

131. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which assistance is available to facilitate localised transport with particular reference to areas not covered by public transport with a view to facilitating shopping, socialising or community interaction with specific reference to the need to prevent isolation in either urban or rural communities nationally and in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23029/19]

Rail Services Data

Bernard Durkan

54. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which rail facilities can be enhanced in the north County Kildare commuter belt with particular reference to the need to ensure the provision of extra rail carriages in compliance with health and safety regulations thereby eliminating the need to have passengers standing throughout journeys at peak times; if extra trains can be provided to meet the demand in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22091/19]

Tourism Policy

Bernard Durkan

59. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which he remains satisfied that tourist facilities continue to be evenly spread nationally with a view to ensuring tourist related jobs throughout the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22090/19]

Rail Services Data

Bernard Durkan

182. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which the passenger carrying capacity of all commuter trains serving the stations at Confey, Leixlip, Maynooth, Kilcock, Hazelhatch and Sallins, County Kildare can be augmented to accommodate passengers now forced to stand for long periods throughout the journey with obvious health and safety implications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22255/19]

Rail Services Data

Bernard Durkan

183. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which extra trains can be laid on at peak times to facilitate commuters in the north County Kildare commuter belt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22256/19]

Rail Services Data

Bernard Durkan

184. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of commuter trains serving north County Kildare deemed to be overcrowded on a daily basis; the extent to which it is expected to address this issue in the short-term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22257/19]

Tourism Industry

Bernard Durkan

185. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects the tourism sector to grow in 2019 nationally in addition to the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22258/19]

Tourism Promotion

Bernard Durkan

186. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which the development of tourist packages is being encouraged with particular reference to attracting and accommodating visitors from Europe and globally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22259/19]

Tourism Promotion

Bernard Durkan

187. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which specific holiday packages are being created here to attract visitors from Japan, China and other locations globally that frequent other tourist locations throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22260/19]

National Roads Authority Projects

Bernard Durkan

188. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timetable for the provision and upgrading of various traffic routes nationally and throughout the greater Dublin area in the context of Project Ireland 2040; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22261/19]

Traffic Management

Bernard Durkan

189. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which his Department monitors the various traffic routes nationally with a view to ensuring advancement of upgrading proposals before reaching gridlock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22262/19]

Sports Events

Bernard Durkan

190. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which provision continues to be made to capitalise on international sporting events as a means of expanding tourism here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22263/19]

Tourism Policy

Bernard Durkan

191. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which business and winter tourism can be explored with a view to maximising growth under various headings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22264/19]

Sports Capital Programme Applications Data

Bernard Durkan

192. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has assisted various community sporting facilities by way of major or minor capital grant schemes in the past three years to date nationally and in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22265/19]

Sports Capital Programme

Bernard Durkan

193. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects to be in a position to proceed with the next sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22266/19]

Brexit Preparations

Bernard Durkan

194. 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. [22267/19]

Railway Stations

Bernard Durkan

195. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action taken to date to address the issue of the shortage of car parking spaces at Sallins train station, County Kildare; the progress on this issue to date; when it is expected that substantive action will be taken on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22268/19]

Services for People with Disabilities

Bernard Durkan

570. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of wheelchair access and related supports available on public transport; if he is satisfied that they meet the needs of service users; his plans to introduce more supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21503/19]

Bus Services

Bernard Durkan

436. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans or the plans of bodies under his aegis to improve the local bus service in Kilcock, County Kildare, with particular reference to the fact that a number of local residents have noted its unreliability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20765/19]

Rail Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

56. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which it is proposed to increase the capacity of the commuter rail service in the north County Kildare commuter belt, with particular reference to the rail stations at Sallins, Celbridge, Confey, Leixlip, Maynooth and Kilcock, having particular regard to the need to ensure the availability of extra carriages in order to eliminate the prospect of passengers standing with consequent health and safety issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15120/19]

Road Network

Bernard Durkan

58. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to be in a position to address the issues of undercapacity on the M4 Maynooth to Leixlip in the short term in view of the daily occurrence of accidents and traffic jams; his views on whether the situation warrants immediate attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15119/19]

Rural Transport Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

463. 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. [15449/19]

Traffic Management

Bernard Durkan

464. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans being advanced to combat the traffic congestion on the M50 route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15450/19]

Rail Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

465. 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 such as identifying the way in which rail services in general can meet the demands of middle-distance commuters from towns and villages outside the greater Dublin area thereby alleviating road traffic congestion and reducing travel times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15451/19]

Rail Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

466. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for investment in rail services over the next five years including extensions to services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15452/19]

Brexit Preparations

Bernard Durkan

467. 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. [15453/19]

Sports Events

Bernard Durkan

468. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he 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. [15454/19]

Brexit Preparations

Bernard Durkan

469. 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. [15455/19]

Transport Policy

Bernard Durkan

470. 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 same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15456/19]

Tourism Industry

Bernard Durkan

471. 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. [15457/19]

Tourism Promotion

Bernard Durkan

472. 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. [15458/19]

Public Transport Provision

Bernard Durkan

177. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which bus and rail accommodation can be augmented throughout the north County Kildare routes serving Sallins, Celbridge, Leixlip, Maynooth and Kilcock with a view to ensuring adequate space for commuters on both buses and trains and compliance with health and safety standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8955/19]

Rail Services

Bernard Durkan

63. 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, such as identifying the way in which rail services in general can meet the demands of medium to middle distance commuters from towns and villages outside the greater Dublin area, thereby alleviating road traffic congestion and reducing travel times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6718/19]

Sports Capital Programme

Bernard Durkan

92. 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 are sufficient to meet demand in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6717/19]

Railway Stations

Bernard Durkan

655. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action taken to date to address the severe shortage of car parking spaces at Sallins train station, County Kildare; the progress on the issue to date; when it is expected that substantive action will be taken on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7086/19]

Traffic Management

Bernard Durkan

656. 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. [7087/19]

Swimming Pool Programme Applications

Bernard Durkan

657. 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 areas in addition to an increasing student population; if negotiations have been advanced in respect of the previously aired project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7088/19]

Tourism Promotion

Bernard Durkan

658. 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. [7089/19]

Transport Policy

Bernard Durkan

659. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to evaluate the transport system, that is, road and rail, public and private, to ensure the development of efficient and effective transport in all areas nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7090/19]

Rail Services

Bernard Durkan

660. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for investment in rail services over the next five years, including extensions to services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7091/19]

Brexit Preparations

Bernard Durkan

661. 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. [7092/19]

Tourism Industry

Bernard Durkan

662. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects the tourism industry to develop in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7093/19]

Rail Services

Bernard Durkan

663. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he plans to meet or exceed expectations in relation to the extension of commuter and intercity rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7094/19]

Sports Events

Bernard Durkan

664. 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. [7095/19]

Rural Transport Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

665. 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. [7096/19]

Road Projects

Bernard Durkan

666. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timescale for the provision of vital major road networks nationally 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. [7097/19]

Sports Capital Programme Data

Bernard Durkan

922. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the projects and funding allocations granted to clubs and organisations across an area (details supplied) since the sports capital programme was re-established in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1146/19]

Road Network

Bernard Durkan

49. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to facilitate necessary upgrading of major transport routes such as the M50 and M4, which are perceived to be incapable of dealing with the volume of traffic; when the projects will be advanced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52114/18]

Sports Capital Programme Administration

Bernard Durkan

52. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he proposes to make further provisions under the sports capital programme to facilitate the ongoing needs of communities nationally in both urban and rural areas having particular regard to the population growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52115/18]

Brexit Issues

Bernard Durkan

221. 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 in view of the necessity to ensure easy travel access to continental Europe for Irish persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52453/18]

Recreational Facilities Provision

Bernard Durkan

222. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his future 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. [52454/18]

Rural Transport Services

Bernard Durkan

223. 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 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. [52455/18]

Transport Policy

Bernard Durkan

224. 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. [52456/18]

Transport Policy

Bernard Durkan

225. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which commuter rail services are available to the majority of towns and villages throughout the country, the residents of which may commute to larger centres with obvious greater job opportunities on a daily basis; if the existing services are adequately tailored to meet their needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52457/18]

Tourism Industry

Bernard Durkan

226. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the full extent of growth within the tourism sector with particular reference to the number of persons employed; the scope for further development resulting in employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52458/18]

Public Transport

Bernard Durkan

227. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which bus and rail services are fully utilised and are in fact tailored to meet the requirements of the travelling or commuting public with particular reference to the need to ensure that the services are convenient to passenger requirements thereby enhancing viability and efficiency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52459/18]

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]