Parliamentary questions

Railway Stations Upgrade

Micheál Martin

783. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has plans to make funding available to Irish Rail to improve customer access to train platforms six and seven at Dublin Connolly Station by upgrading and opening the existing entrance and exit to Amiens Street; if he will provide an estimated cost for these works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7601/14]

Rail Services

Robert Troy

784. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding overcrowding on the Sligo to Dublin train. [7610/14]

Departmental Staff Career Breaks

Barry Cowen

785. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide in tabular form the number of staff in his Department on sabbatical or a career break broken down by zero to six months, six to 12 months, one year to two years, two to three years, four to five years and five years plus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7636/14]

Departmental Staff Sick Leave

Barry Cowen

786. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide in tabular form the total number of uncertified sick days taken by employees in his Department; the average number of uncertified sick days per employee taken; the total number of certified sick days taken by employees; the average number of certified sick days per employee; the total number of sick days taken by employees; the average total of sick days and the median overall sick days per employee in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. [7652/14]

Community Involvement Scheme

Tony McLoughlin

787. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has completed his review of the community involvement scheme; if a further allocation will be made for 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7660/14]

Local Improvement Scheme

Tony McLoughlin

788. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider a review of the local improvement scheme; if he will consider a ring-fenced allocation of funding to local authorities who have very little of their own funding and depend heavily on grant funding from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7661/14]

Airport Development Projects

Jim Daly

789. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to ensure that Cork Airport is assisted to grow to its full potential in the coming years as the economy begins to improve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7678/14]

Airport Development Projects

Jim Daly

790. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the offer from Ryanair to take over the old terminal building at Cork Airport to develop a hub; if he has discussed this proposal with the board of Cork Airport; if he is satisfied that the proposal has considerable merit and is being considered by the board of the airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7679/14]

Airport Development Projects

Jim Daly

791. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps that are being taken by the board of Cork Airport to attract new routes to the airport; if he is satisfied with the level of growth being achieved by the airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7680/14]

Regional Airports

Timmy Dooley

792. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide in tabular form the capital and other spending from his Department allocated to the regional airports in Ireland in 2012 and 2013; if he foresees increased business in our regional airports in the coming year; the annual passenger numbers by airport for 2012 and 2013 in tabular form; the number of staff in each regional airport in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7681/14]

Taxi Regulations

Timmy Dooley

793. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the operation of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 since it came into force; if he intends to review the operation of the Act in the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7682/14]

Public Transport

Timmy Dooley

794. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide in tabular form and by date the percentage increase in fares in DART, Luas, Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann services granted by the National Transport Authority since March 2011; the total percentage increase in fares for each of those services from March 2011 to date; his views on whether decreasing fares and improving services is the best way to encourage increasing passenger numbers on these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7683/14]

Road Traffic Offences

Timmy Dooley

795. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the failure to date to implement section 44 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, which would allow for a copy of the fixed charge penalty notice to be issued with a summons to court for non-payment of said charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7708/14]

Disabled Drivers Permits

Patrick Nulty

796. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a disabled drivers permit will be renewed in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7728/14]

State Bodies Mergers

Patrick O'Donovan

797. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if as a result of the proposed merger of the Rail Procurement Agency and the National Roads Authority, he is satisfied that the current legislative and regulatory framework which apply to both organisations is such that both agencies are capable of addressing issues including planning applications and the submission of observations to An Bord Pleanála in respect of major infrastructural projects in the same way; if his Department plans to bring forward requests for legislative changes from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7528/14]

Rural Transport Services Provision

Michael McNamara

798. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to outline the progress to date in reforming rural transport and how his Department is working with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to devise the rural development strategy to include improvements in rural transport, tourism and diversity of sporting facilities and activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7715/14]

Rural Transport Programme

Mattie McGrath

799. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will give renewed consideration to the difficulties being experienced by an organisation (details supplied) in its delivery of rural transport under the proposed amalgamation of rural transport services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7803/14]

Roads Maintenance

Mattie McGrath

800. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request a company (details supplied) to complete its sub-standard drainage works on the M8 at Cahir, south County Tipperary which is causing dangerous levels of water pooling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7804/14]

Roadworthiness Testing

Willie O'Dea

801. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to exempt vintage veteran vehicles to reduce the regulatory burden to owners of historic vehicles, in order to have a similar exemption which already applies to pre 1980 vintage cars which do not require NCT road worthiness testing under the Road Safety Authority (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Act road worthiness testing, as requested by the Vintage Veteran Trucks Association in Ireland in September 2012 and January 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7820/14]

Irish Coast Guard Issues

Michael Healy-Rae

802. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the employment of Irish citizens as flight crew in the Irish Coast Guard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7877/14]

Road Projects Status

Brian Walsh

803. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the necessity for the construction of the Claregalway inner relief road has been diminished by plans for the imminent development of the M17-M18; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7883/14]

Road Projects Status

Brian Walsh

804. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to progress the Claregalway inner relief road to construction within the lifetime of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7884/14]

Cycling Facilities Provision

Brian Walsh

805. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update in relation to plans for the establishment of a cycle greenway between Galway and Clifden; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7885/14]

Security Checks

Noel Harrington

806. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if any of his departmental or ministerial offices have been swept for electronic or any other type of surveillance or bugging equipment since coming to office in March 2011; the reasons for this check; the results of this check; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7901/14]

State Airports

Seán Kenny

807. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the criteria hotels must be in possession of in order to be permitted to pick up guests at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7904/14]

Road Projects Status

Seán Kenny

808. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the road construction projects that will be completed in 2014; the road construction projects that will commence in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7905/14]

Road Signage

Jim Daly

809. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review and comment on the quantity of signage for the town of Dunmanway off the N71 at west Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7913/14]

Road Improvement Schemes

Jim Daly

810. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update regarding any pending improvements planned for regional road No. 586 located at Dunmanway, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7914/14]

Departmental Bodies Establishment

Seán Fleming

811. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will list any new organisations-agencies established in his Department since 9 March 2011; the role and functions and the annual operating budget for these organisations-agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7952/14]

Vehicle Height Limits

Pat Deering

812. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made to get an exclusion from the new load height restrictions for trailers transporting agricultural fodder. [7956/14]

Community Involvement Scheme

Pat Deering

813. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has completed his review of the community involvement scheme; and whether a further allocation will be made for 2014. [7957/14]

Roadworthiness Testing

Willie O'Dea

814. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to exempt pre-1980 vintage veteran vehicles from roadworthiness testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7970/14]

Road Safety

Noel Harrington

815. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline any proposed plans either by his Department or at a European level to introduce V2V, vehicle to vehicle technology, following the decision by the US Federal Government to introduce this on all new vehicles by 2016 to improve road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7982/14]

Roads Maintenance Funding

Patrick O'Donovan

816. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of plans to complete the Newcastle West to Barnagh road improvement scheme on the N21 in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8013/14]

Tourism Industry

Noel Harrington

817. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider providing an impetus or running a competition with a view to developing or creating an app for tourists along the route of the Wild Atlantic Way in west Cork on a pilot basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8022/14]

Rural Transport Programme

Noel Harrington

818. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for rural transport in west Cork following the completion of the tender process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8023/14]

Road Projects

Patrick O'Donovan

819. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide this Deputy with details of correspondence that his Department has received from Limerick County Council in relation to a proposed ring-relief road in Newcastle West, County Limerick; if his Department or the National Roads Authority has been asked to provide funds for the design of any relief-ring road in the town; the date on which the council last corresponded with his Department or the NRA on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8028/14]

Road Improvement Schemes

Patrick O'Donovan

820. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details to this Deputy of requests that his Department or the National Roads Authority has received from Limerick County Council to upgrade the bridge and junction at Ferry Bridge, Clarina, County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8029/14]

Road Projects Status

Thomas Pringle

821. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Donegal County Council has applied for funding to replace the Mulantyboyle Bridge in Glenties, County Donegal; if he will consider making funding available to replace this important local access that has been collapsed for over three years now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8055/14]

Road Tolls

Heather Humphreys

822. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has made any representation to his counterpart in the UK concerning the implementation of the lorry road user charge being introduced on 1 April 2014 which will dramatically affect the cost base of Irish haulage operators transiting or using NI-UK roads on a daily basis; his views on the introduction of the lorry road user charge on 1 April 2014; his view on whether it will promote a dramatic migration of the Irish national fleet to alternative jurisdictions in order to remain competitive where the matter is further compounded by the antiquated commercial road tax system which is currently in place here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8065/14]

Sports Capital Programme Application Numbers

Heather Humphreys

823. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide on a county basis the number of clubs and organisations which have registered under the 2014 sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8102/14]

Rural Transport Programme Funding

Mattie McGrath

824. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport will he intervene directly with the National Transport Authority in order for it to allocate funding to Bus Éireann for the provision of bus shelters in rural areas like Bansha, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7793/14]

Vehicle Height Limits

Brendan Griffin

825. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the height restrictions for trailers with loads of hay and straw; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8119/14]

Aviation Promotion

Brendan Griffin

826. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on his plans for the Kerry-Dublin flight subsidy; if he will continue this vital economic lifeline for the county beyond 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8120/14]

The Gathering Initiatives

Joe Carey

827. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures being taken to build on the legacy of The Gathering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8121/14]

State Airports

Joe Carey

828. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will bring forward the State airports (Shannon group) Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8122/14]

Road Safety

Brian Walsh

829. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce measures to regulate the use of animal-drawn vehicles and the practice of sulky racing; if he envisages that any such measures would completely ban sulky racing on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8134/14]

Rural Transport Services Provision

Derek Nolan

830. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress to date in reforming rural transport; the way these plans relate to the work of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in devising a rural development strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7720/14]

Tourism Promotion

Derek Nolan

831. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to run particular advertising campaigns aimed at emerging markets such as Japan, China and Russia that may be less familiar with Irish culture and heritage and our other excellent tourist experiences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7719/14]

Private Bus Operators

Ciara Conway

832. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide full details of the reason bus routes (details supplied) in County Waterford went for private tender; if he will provide the full criteria and rationale for this decision particularly in the context of developments elsewhere; if he will provide details of selected routes and assurances on protections afforded to those currently employed; his views on the impact on fares; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8153/14]

Traffic Management

Brendan Griffin

833. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will initiate measures to manage traffic at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8192/14]

Rail Network

Robert Troy

834. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will reopen the rail line between Mullingar and Athlone to facilitate enterprise and passengers commuting between these two large midland towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8196/14]

Cycling Facilities Provision

Brendan Griffin

835. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide funding for a cycle lane at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry. [8223/14]

Road Improvement Schemes

Brendan Griffin

836. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a section of road (details supplied) in County Kerry will be improved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8224/14]

Noise Pollution

Eoghan Murphy

837. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of the policy of Iarnród Éireann regarding the operation of diesel trains that remain in stations in residential areas; if there is a policy of not allowing such engines to stand idle with engine running for longer than 15 minutes; if this policy is observed; the way it is monitored; if the policy allows for engines to be turned off after 15 minutes, only to be re-started again; and if Iarnród Éireann is aware that this is a particular problem in Grand Canal Dock. [8266/14]

Dublin Bus Services

Dessie Ellis

838. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way funds raised from unclaimed refund receipts from Dublin Bus are used. [8270/14]

Dublin Bus Services

Dessie Ellis

839. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way the extra change which is supplied for Dublin Bus fares but not refunded as a receipt as the passenger has moved on is collected and used. [8271/14]

Tourism Promotion

Bernard Durkan

840. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects the tourism industry to expand in the current year having regard to the performance in previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8295/14]

Tourism Promotion

Bernard Durkan

841. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which it is expected to attract new tourism to this country in the current and coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8296/14]

Sports Events

Bernard Durkan

842. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he intends to encourage the tourism sector to expand in the wake of or around major sporting events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8297/14]

Sports Events

Bernard Durkan

843. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which consideration continues to be given to the promotion of all sporting events internationally in such a way as to make a major impact on the tourism sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8298/14]

The Gathering Initiatives

Bernard Durkan

844. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which consideration is being given to using the success of The Gathering as template for expansion of the tourism industry in the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8299/14]

Road Projects

Bernard Durkan

845. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which current traffic volumes on main arterial routes continue to be measured with a view to putting in place plans to cater for any extra requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8300/14]

Road Improvement Schemes

Bernard Durkan

846. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which roads carrying the heaviest volumes of traffic continue to be monitored by his Department with a view to a determination as to the extent to which capacity can be enhanced or upgraded with particular reference to the M50; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8301/14]

Road Improvement Schemes

Bernard Durkan

847. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which major road motorway or improvement proposals shelved at the outset of the economic downturn are likely to be rejuvenated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8302/14]

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Bernard Durkan

848. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if in the context of registration in respect of the sports capital programme, any difficulties were experienced by applicants in the course of their efforts to register; if any provision is likely to be made in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8303/14]

Roads Maintenance Funding

Bernard Durkan

849. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which an overall assessment of flood storm damage has been carried out in respect all roads throughout the country with a view to putting in place a remedial programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8304/14]

Sports Events

Bernard Durkan

850. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which it might be possible to enhance tourism in conjunction with the Rugby World Cup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8305/14]

Tourism Industry

Bernard Durkan

851. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he remains in contact with the stakeholders in the hotel sector with a view to ensuring the availability of adequate working capital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8306/14]

Tourism Promotion

Bernard Durkan

852. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects air passenger traffic to and from this jurisdiction to expand in the coming years with particular reference to the need to stimulate the tourism sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8307/14]

Tourism Employment

Bernard Durkan

853. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which hotel occupancy has been monitored over the past three years to date with a view to identification of growth trends and prospects; if over or under supply of accommodation has been identified; the extent of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8308/14]

Tourism Employment

Bernard Durkan

854. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which the number of jobs in the tourism sector has improved in each of the past four years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8309/14]

Transport Infrastructure

Bernard Durkan

855. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which adequate co-ordination in respect of road, rail, air and sea transport exists with a view to ensuring maximum efficiency and availability to the customer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8310/14]

Roadworthiness Testing

Stephen Donnelly

856. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to make vintage trucks and trailers exempt from testing under the Road Safety Authority (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Act 2012, in order that pre-1980 vintage trucks are treated equally with other vintage veteran vehicles, for example cars and caravans, which are exempt from roadworthiness testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8358/14]

Pilot Training Colleges

Patrick O'Donovan

857. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in the aftermath of the closure of the pilot training college in 2012, the measures IAA has put in place to ensure that a similar event cannot happen again; if his Department has undertaken an investigation as to the reasons behind the closure; if an investigation took place, if he will provide the findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8373/14]

Community Involvement Scheme

Martin Heydon

858. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has completed his review of the community involvement scheme; and if a further allocation will be made for 2014. [8388/14]