Written Answers Nos. 698-718
698. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current funding status of the Whitehall Road phase 2 traffic calming scheme in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25124/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council. I announced the 2013 regional and local road grants in January this year. Local authorities are being provided with over €350 million for these roads this year. From this allocation South Dublin County Council is being provided with over €4.7 million.
In July last year, local authorities were requested to submit Specific Grant applications for 2013. I am not aware of any application from South Dublin County Council for a traffic calming scheme on the Whitehall Road under this scheme of grants. I will announce the 2014 regional and local road grant allocations early next year.
699. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Office of Public Works will list the top ten tourist sites here; the pricing structure for each site; and the number of visitors that each site receives per annum. [25128/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFáilte Ireland compiles figures annually on the visitor numbers to free and fee-paying visitor attractions. These figures are published on the Fáilte Ireland website. I have provided a web link to the relevant document below. As the matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, I am referring the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for further details. Please contact my private office if a reply is not received within ten working days.
http://www.failteireland.ie/FailteIreland/media/WebsiteStructure/Documents/3_Research_Insights/1_Sectoral_SurveysReports/Visitors_to_Tourist_Attractions_2007-2011-(Revised-Oct-2012).pdf?ext=.pdf .
700. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of projects which were included in Ireland's response to the most recent call for applications for EU Ten-T transport capital funding support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25049/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding applications under the Ten-T 2012 Calls are required to be for either Works or Studies. In relation to transport, proposals for both Studies and Works pertaining to railway infrastructure were submitted by my Department. In addition, proposals were also submitted directly by Dublin, Cork and Shannon Foynes port companies, which I was happy to endorse. These proposals are presently being independently evaluated by the Ten-T Executive Agency in Brussels and it is anticipated that the TEN-T Executive Agency will publish their final decisions later this year.
701. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the latest estimated cost of a proposed transport infrastructure project (details supplied); the scale of the likely contribution required by the Exchequer, as well as the possible scale of financial support that may be available from the EU and European Investment Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25050/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dart Underground project was postponed in November 2010 arising from the very difficult financial situation and the reduced funding for capital projects. The DART Underground tunnel element which had been proposed as a PPP required significant Exchequer support and is not currently affordable given the level of resources available for transport investment. Together with Metro North it will be reviewed again in advance of the next capital plan which will commence in 2016.
In this regard I have instructed my Department to commence work on a “Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport” as a foundation document to inform that plan. As part of the development of this framework, the National Transport Authority (NTA) which is responsible for the planning and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) has been tasked with examining the transport investment needs in the GDA region focussing particularly on the two major public transport proposals – Metro North and DART Underground. The outcome of that work will then be analysed and will inform the preparation of the Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport. Updated costings and likely funding options will only be available at that stage.
Prior to its postponement the European Investment Bank (EIB) had indicated a keen interest in supporting DART Underground and this interest was confirmed to me at a recent meeting I had with the EIB Management Board. As regards EU funding DART Underground is currently part of the Trans European Network (TEN-T) Belfast-Dublin-Cork Priority Project. It will also be included in the updated Core Ten-T Network and I have also proposed that it be designated part of a specific Core Corridor under the Regulations governing the next round of Ten-T funding for the period 2014 -2020. This means that if the Dart Underground project or elements of the overall programme are included in the next capital programme they will be eligible for some limited co- funding under Ten-T.
I expect that DART Underground will remain a key element of the overall transport integration strategy as it would deliver a quantum improvement in rail accessibility to the city centre with benefits for each of the four rail corridors radiating from the city centre. The timing of its delivery however is heavily dependent on economic recovery and access to a variety of funding sources.
702. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current status and possible timeframe for completion of the N25 New Ross bypass and the link between the proposed New Ross bypass and the existing Waterford bypass, which is also on the N25; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25051/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
703. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action the National Roads Authority is taking to address a safety issue (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25127/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra706. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update in a project (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25154/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra708. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to a situation (details supplied) in County Kerry; the action he intends to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25156/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 703, 706 and 708 together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
704. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the level of connectivity in the inter-regional rail network; the reasons for the poor connectivity in the rail network, particularly in connections between the west and north west, for example the four hour journey involved in travelling from Galway to Cork by rail; his views on the absence of a rail network in the north west; and if he can provide a report of his Department's projected spending for 2013 to improve inter-regional connectivity in the rail network. [25149/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s rail network is primarily a radial network between Dublin and the regions. Analysis by independent consultants AECOM in 2010, funded by my Department and commissioned by Iarnród Éireann, analysed current and possible future demand to recommend an investment strategy for the national rail network. The analysis found that there was very limited demand for movement between the regional cities and militated " against substantial investment in providing connections between the regional cities, other than in those areas where the catchments of connected cities partially overlap, and InterCity connections allow both catchments to be connected with their relative city centres on a single service".
The AECOM report also examined the potential for further expansion of the rail network in the North West, including further phases of the Western Rail Corridor from Tuam to Claremorris and Collooney (providing for a direct rail connection between Limerick, Galway and Sligo) and Derry to Letterkenny, but found that the potential demand and economic return is insufficient to merit this investment.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) points out that Cork and Galway are connected by commercial express bus services provided by Citylink with a journey time of 3 hrs 20 minutes. Bus Eireann commercial Route 51 also provides this connection albeit on a multi stop service taking 4 hours 20 minutes. These are provided at no cost to the Exchequer whereas increasing rail services and improving rail journey times would require additional resources and investment which would have to be taken from other routes.
There are no current plans to extend the rail network e.g. in the North West and the primary focus will be the delivery of cost effective public bus and rural transport services in such areas.
Iarnród Éireann’ s allocation for investment outside of the Greater Dublin area for 2013 is €105m. The vast majority of this allocation goes towards the Rail Safety Programme with a view to to ensuring that the current infrastructure is fit for purpose. In addition to safety related works Iarnród Éireann is undertaking infrastructural works to improve journey times such as removing or upgrading level-crossings, providing automated ticketing machines, improving station facilities - all of which contribute to making the railway more competitive and attractive to passengers.
705. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he supports the development of a greenway between Kilmorna and Listowel, County Kerry along the old railway line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25153/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is supportive of the development of greenways, where possible, along disused rail lines and recognises the benefits of these initiatives to the local economy. However, these projects must be locally supported and locally led. My Department is currently administering a multi annual funding programme related to the development of the National Cycle Network (NCN) to cover the period 2012 to 2016. Significant investment has already been made in 2012 and 2013 with €7 million allocated to projects across Ireland. This funding, which is provided to local authorities, will help to deliver cycleways in keeping with the objectives of the National Cycle Policy Framework. As this phase of the programme will expire at the end of 2013, it is my intention to initiate a new funding call later this year to provide, through competitive process, a further tranche of funding for the remainder of the years to 2016.
The development of a greenway from Kilmorna to Listowel is principally a matter for Kerry County Council. Any plans to develop this stretch of rail line as a greenway by Kerry County Council could be submitted to the Department under the next phase of the NCN funding programme, once initiated, although it should be noted that requests for funding are likely to significantly exceed the funds available and it is possible that only a small proportion of the projects seeking funding will be supported.
707. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will help ensure continued aid for a project (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25155/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
I announced the 2013 regional and local road grant allocations on 25th January this year. A total of €350 million is being provided under the Regional and Local Roads Investment Programme this year. From that allocation, Kerry County Council is being provided with an allocation of approximately €14.2 million. As the Council is aware, the Specific Improvement Grants Scheme is being discontinued from 2014 onward in order to maximise the funding available for repair and strengthening work. Some limited funding will be provided under this grant in 2014 for on-going projects which the Department is already committed to. I will announce the 2014 regional and local road grant allocations early next year.
It is also important to reiterate that the role of Exchequer grants for regional and local roads is to supplement Councils like Kerry County Council in their own resources spending in this area. It is open to the Council to fund this project from its own resources.
709. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of national lottery sports funding his Department has granted, and to which clubs, in Tramore, County Waterford, in each of the past five years. [25211/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of all grants awarded under the Sports Capital Programme, which is part funded from the proceeds of the National Lottery, are available on my Department's website www.dttas.ie.
710. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding his Department has granted for tourism initiatives in Tramore, County Waterford, and to which local organisations or bodies, in each of the past five years. [25212/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if a reply is not received within ten working days.
711. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a road (details supplied) has been closed; if there is any funding available for the works on the road to be carried out; if there are any emergency funds that the council may apply for to his Department to fix the road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25229/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
There have been very large reductions in the funding available for roads expenditure over the past number of years. Regional and local roads funding has reduced from €607 million in 2007 to €350 million in 2013. Meath County Council has been allocated over €10.7 million this year in regional and local road grants. From this allocation, the Council is being provided with over €1.8 million in Discretionary Grants from which these works on the L56042 may be undertaken. It is also open to the Council to carry out works on this road under its Restoration Improvement programme for which the Council has an allocation of €5.5 million.
Given the current financial position the main focus will have to be on the maintenance and repair of roads and it will be necessary for local authorities to decide how best to manage their road budgets within the funding available. In this context Councils have been given significant flexibility this year in the use of State grants and the reality of the funding position means that in all areas of activity priorities have to be set.
It is also important to re-iterate that the role of Exchequer grants for regional and local roads is to supplement Councils like Meath County Council in their own resources spending in this area.
712. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the need to enhance the rights and protection of air passengers which is not addressed in the consultation issues paper his Department published as part of a review of civil aviation policy; if he will address this matter in view of the recent proposals from the European Commission on air passengers rights and the fact that complaints against airlines remains high; if he will ensure the new civil aviation policy will address consumer issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25293/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of air passenger rights is primarily a matter of Community competence as the EU has already legislated in this area in Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004. In addition, Regulation (EC) No. 1008/2008 on the operation of air services does not allow Member States to place additional requirements on air carriers operating intra-EU services so national Governments have very limited scope to act in this area.
The Issues Paper published by my Department as part of the proposed development of a new national aviation policy focusses primarily on issues where we have competence to act at a national level. Passenger rights is, of course, an extremely important issue in the context of air travel and my Department has consulted widely on the recently published EU Commission proposal to revise Regulation (EC) 261/2004. My officials are now examining the responses received to that consultation process with a view to developing a national position to put forward in the negotiations on this proposal in the European Council in the coming months.
713. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when funds will be provided to Galway County Council to construct the Claregalway relief road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25328/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities own resources supplemented by State road grants. Given the current financial position it has been necessary to reduce the grant allocations for major new road schemes and for major realignment schemes. The main focus has to be on the maintenance and repair of roads and this will remain the position in the coming years. The small amount of funding available for major schemes will focus on projects already under construction or that this Department is already committed to.
I announced the 2013 regional and local road grant allocations on 25 January this year. A total of €350 million is being provided under the Regional and Local Roads Investment Programme this year down from over €607 million in 2007.
The preliminary cost estimate given in the 2010 Feasibility Study Report for the project was approximately €21 million. The funding available in 2013 for all strategic routes is just over €22 million. The Council has been allocated €50,000 towards the design of the Báile Chláir Inner Relief Road this year however the reality is that my Department is not in a position to commit funding to the construction of a relief road for Claregalway at this stage, but we will reconsider the matter should the financial position improve.
714. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will support the future funding for the proposed new Ballaghaderg Bridge north of Mitchelstown, County Cork, on the R513; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25354/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
The Specific Improvement Grants Scheme is being discontinued from 2014 onward in order to maximise the funding available for repair and strengthening work. In lieu of the Specific Improvement Grant Programme, applications will be sought in mid-2013 for bridge repair works (which is a subset of the current Specific Grant Programme) for 2014. This is in line with focusing monies on road and bridge maintenance and strengthening. Once applications are sought the council may wish to consider if funding for works on the bridge can be sought under the bridge programme and, if so, prioritise this project for consideration for funding in 2014.
It is also important to re-iterate that the role of Exchequer grants for regional and local roads is to supplement Councils like Cork County Council in their own resources spending in this area. I will announce the 2014 regional and local road grant allocations early next year.
715. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to examine the operation of clamping companies and the practice of clamping; when legislation will be brought forward to regulate private clamping operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25367/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile Section 101B of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, provides for the clamping and/or towing of vehicles by local authorities or their agents on public roads or local authority car parks, there is currently no regulation of clamping companies nor of the activity of clamping on private land. In line with the commitment contained in the Programme for Government to “legislate to regulate the vehicle clamping industry” , the Government recently approved the Heads of the Regulation of Vehicle Immobilisation Bill, which are available on my Department's website. Under the provisions of this Bill, the National Transport Authority will be given powers to license clamping companies, set clamping-release fees, establish an appeals process and separate complaints procedure, as well as introducing an industry-wide code of practice. The Bill will be drafted over the coming months in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and I hope to introduce it in the Oireachtas by the end of the year.
716. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if legislative requirements are necessary to allow the voluntary driver proposal to operate under the rural transport scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25383/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt will be necessary to make legal provision to exclude from the application of the Small Public Service Vehicle regulations the type of community car service referred to by the Deputy, with due regard to the not-for-profit operation of such services. A legal amendment will be made to the Taxi Regulation Bill 2012 to remove any ambiguity concerning the continued operation of community car services in the context of the licensing requirements under the Bill.
717. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a tender to Bus Éireann for its vehicle recovery and towing service by a company (details supplied); when a decision will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25384/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter for Bus Éireann 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.
718. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a progress report on the Wild Atlantic Way; if the route is finalised; if there are spur routes adjacent to various attractions on the main route signposted; if there is funding available to promote and market the route; if local communities are involved in the promotion and marketing in their own areas; and if he will provide a map outlining the finished proposed route. [25430/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.
