Written Answers Nos. 21-31
21. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied that the planned N25 New Ross bypass represents value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15271/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis question relates to the proposed N25 New Ross Bypass project which is included in the Government's Financial Stimulus package. I understand that the cost benefit analysis to date on this scheme indicates a minimum benefit exceed costs by a ratio of over 3 to 1. This scheme will provide significant economic benefits in terms of journey time savings, emissions savings and road safety improvements. The Deputy will be aware that that there are significant delays to traffic crossing the River Barrow at New Ross on a daily basis and in alleviating this bottleneck the project will support industrial and commercial development in the Southeast region - an area that has been badly hit by unemployment.
24. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has met with representatives of the photo ID industry to address their concerns over a threat to their livelihood by changes to the driver licence format; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15049/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraEU Directive 2006/126EC requires the introduction by Member States of a plastic card driver licence with effect from 19th January 2013. For this country, this involved a change of the procedures and practices associated with the old paper style licences. With the introduction of the new style licence, the Government decided to centralise the driver licence service under the Road Safety Authority (RSA). On 12th January this year, the RSA became the driver licensing authority for the country and decided to operate the service mainly through three outsourced contracts related to licence production, back-office processing and front-office customer interface.
The RSA had full responsibility for all aspects of the conditions of these contracts and for the tendering and procurement processes leading to their award.
I understand that the procurement process for each of the contracts has now been completed. The issue of photo ID associated with driver licence applications is included in the front-office customer interface contract that, I understand, has been awarded to SGS. Queries related to the operation of this contract should be directed to the RSA.
26. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a potential bid for the rugby world cup by the Irish Rugby Football Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15026/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am fully supportive of the bid to host the Rugby World Cup in Ireland. It is a matter for the IRFU to prepare and submit a bid. A feasibility study commissioned by the IRFU on the potential for hosting the tournament is being finalised and will be presented to me by the IRFU shortly. I looked forward to receiving it and and considering the findings. The support of other sporting organisations would be an important element in the bid process and I am pleased to note that delegates at last weekend's GAA Congress approved a motion which would allow the inclusion of Croke Park and other GAA grounds in the list of venues that would be used for matches if Ireland was selected as the host country for the tournament.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment that event tourism will be prioritised in order to continue to bring major events to Ireland. As well as bringing spectators to our shores, the hosting of sports events can provide a great showcase for Ireland. Fáilte Ireland continues to support the holding of sports and other events that can boost tourism and, where appropriate, will provide advice and assistance to the sporting body which is seeking to secure an international event. I understand that Fáilte Ireland has engaged with the IRFU in this regard. The bid has also been discussed with the Northern Ireland Minister for Tourism, Arlene Foster MLA, and Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Carál Ní Chuilín MLA, and they have met with the IRFU and have also indicated their support for a bid.
27. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital investment in public tourism product and infrastructure he is targeting under the capital budget of €19 million available to Fáilte Ireland in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15263/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra33. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the new tourism products/activities he proposes to develop in order that Ireland can gain comparative advantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15257/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra59. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a breakdown of the way the €19 million available to Fáilte Ireland in funds for 2013 will be spent on the public tourism product and infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15308/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 33 and 59 together.
My Department’s role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national policy. It is not involved in the administration of tourism-related funding programmes or in support to specific tourism sectors, which are the responsibility of Fáilte Ireland. Fáilte Ireland administer the Tourism Capital Investment Programme, which provides support for investment in certain categories of visitor attraction, visitor activities and tourism infrastructure. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputies' questions to Fáilte Ireland for further information and direct reply.
28. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for reviewing public transport regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15252/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Transport Regulation Act 2009 establishes the National Transport Authority (NTA), incorporating responsibility for transport investment and service delivery in the greater Dublin area, formerly under the remit of the Dublin Transport Authority, with additional nation-wide responsibilties for certain transport services. Specifically the NTA has national responsibility in the areas of passenger bus route licensing, bus and rail services provided under public service contract and the regulation of taxi services. In November, 2010 the NTA published guidelines for the licensing of public bus services which set out the basis for a reformed licensing system for commercial bus passenger services in the State. I also refer the Deputy to my reply to a priority question answered earlier. This sets out the position in relation to the Public Service Contracts awarded by the NTA for the provison of bus services.
The regulation of rail services is predominantly based on legislation of the European Union. In January this year, the European Commission adopted a further set of proposals for reform of rail regulation - the "Fourth Rail Package"- which envisages, among other things, the liberalisation of domestic rail passenger services and mandatory tendering for public service contracts for rail passenger services from 2019. These proposals are being considered by my Department. Finally, with regard to small public service vehicle services, the regulatory framework was reviewed by the Taxi Regulation Review Group, the report of which was published in January last year. The recommendations are being followed up, partly through initiatives being taken by the NTA within the existing legislative framework and through the proposed reform of that framework as provided for in the Taxi Regulation Bill 2012 which is before the Seanad.
29. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the work he has done with Dublin Bus to help tackle anti-social behaviour on or around bus services. [15048/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is an operational matter for Dublin Bus and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
31. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects to complete the review of ports policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15262/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI launched the new National Ports Policy yesterday and a copy of the document is now available on my Department's website. The policy was approved by the Government recently. I am confident that this new policy establishes a policy framework which will allow all our ports, large and small, to develop in a sustainable manner which will facilitate imports and exports, employment and tourism. It also provides for the restructuring of the ports sector to suit the varying circumstances of our ports. I look forward to working with all stakeholders in implementing the policy.
