Written Answers Nos. 306-317
306. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the National Roads Authority will reconsider a matter pertaining to County Kerry in the national cycle network scoping study (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31354/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I should explain that it is a matter for the relevant local authority to progress any proposals related to the development of cycle infrastructure, whether along disused railway lines or the existing road infrastructure. My Department is fully supportive of the such infrastructure and 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 16 projects across Ireland. As this phase of the programme will expire at the end of 2013, it is intended 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. As already stated, it is a matter for the relevant local authority to progress and submit proposals to the Department in the first instance, if funding is required.
In addition to the NCN funding programme, a seed financing scheme was also established this year to give start-up financial assistance to local authorities to help with the development of initial proposals for noteworthy cycle projects, that is those projects with potential to yield a high return on investment from an economic, tourism and recreational perspective.
As part of this Scheme, the Department has allocated funding of €50,000 to Kerry County Council to help progress proposals for a 26 km cycle way along the abandoned railway line between Glenbeigh to Renard, Cahersiveen, which is a section of the Ring of Kerry Trail. Proposals to develop any further cycle infrastructure in Co. Kerry is a matter for Kerry County Council in the first instance.
307. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to see the development and expansion of sea-ferry transport from this country to various UK or continental destinations in the future with particular reference to meeting increased demand and requirements and market development in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31394/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland offers a diverse range of maritime links to and from the State to facilitate trade and tourism providing vital income streams to the Irish economy. Over 90% of Ireland’s trade moves by sea and there are currently 22 shipping operators providing a mixture of daily to weekly scheduled shipping services from Ireland. This includes 4 companies providing year round scheduled passenger services between Ireland and the UK and France. Activity in the sector has recently proved positive. Irish shipping and port activity in terms of trade rose by 2% in the first quarter of 2013 when compared to the corresponding period of 2012 according to the latest figures produced by the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO). While this is positive it is to an extent the result of the poor weather conditions and the resulting requirement of the agricultural sector to import feedstuffs.
My Department through its agency the IMDO works closely with all existing operators and continues to promote Ireland as a location for new services. Fáilte Ireland is also involved in active promotion and marketing of sea access routes to Ireland in its role of promoting Ireland as a high quality and competitive tourist destination. However, it must be remembered that all shipping companies servicing routes to and from Ireland are commercial companies. Any new initiatives to enhance services must be market driven, as it is not government policy to fund international shipping services as this would be contrary to EU State Aid and Competition Law.
308. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which costs for the tourism sector in this country continue to be compared with those applicable in other jurisdictions throughout Europe and worldwide, the extent to which he sees opportunities for development of the Irish tourism sector by addressing such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31395/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra309. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to have discussions on a regular basis with the various stakeholders in the tourism sector with particular reference to the need to identify problems or opportunities for the industry in advance with a view to enhanced development in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31396/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 308 and 309 together.
I am in regular contact with the stakeholders in the tourism sector and kept advised of issues of concern to the industry. The Government has introduced several measures under the Jobs Initiative to reduce costs and enhance competitiveness, such as reducing VAT to 9% on a range of tourism services and halving employers’ PRSI for those on modest wages. The Finance Act 2013 contains further measures to assist the industry including:
- The diesel fuel rebate for hauliers, bus and coach operators;
- Extending the Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme to encourage investment in tourism accommodation; and
- Smaller tourism businesses will benefit from the higher VAT threshold of €1.25 million.
The Action Plan for Jobs 2013 also sets out the key policy actions to assist the tourism’s continued contribution to economic recovery.
The Deputy may also be interested to note that the perception of value for money amongst overseas tourists have improved dramatically since 2009. In 2009 there was an overall negative rating of -11% (i.e.when negative ratings were subtracted from positive) and in 2012 this had improved to +24%.
310. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to engage with stakeholders in the industries under his aegis with a view to maximisation of job creation opportunities and consequent reduction in unemployment levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31397/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra311. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to be in a position to maximise job creation prospects through the medium of road, rail and air transport with particular reference to the need for competitiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31399/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra316. 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 in this jurisdiction are competitive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31404/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 310, 311 and 316 together.
I refer the Deputy to Dáil Priority Question No. 4 of 15th May 2013 and to Dáil Question Nos. 58, 331, 324 and 332 of 27 March 2013. My position on the issues raised by the Deputy remain unchanged.
312. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to have discussions with the various local authorities with a view to identifying the priorities in respect of funding for local or minor roads other than those for which the National Roads Authority has responsibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31400/13]
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 paid by my Department.
My Department is providing over €400 million under the Regional and Local Roads Investment Programme this year. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded from these State grants continues to be a matter for the local authority. My objective is allow as much flexibility to local authorities as possible while ensuring that clear outputs are achieved for the State funding provided.
313. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the various Government supports for each of the airports throughout the country will be reviewed collectively with a view to an endeavour to retain a reasonable quality of service throughout; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31401/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I indicated in my response to a similar PQ on 15 May last, my Department's Statement of Strategy sets out the overall policy in relation to aviation, including our airports, in terms of facilitating the optimum structure to ensure a strong network of airports to support Ireland's economic and social goals in a safe, competitive, cost effective and sustainable manner with maximum connectivity for Ireland with the rest of the world. Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports are managed by the Dublin Airport Authority and the Shannon Airport Authority which operate under clear commercial mandates, are entirely funded from their own internal resources and receive no Government funding supports.
In line with the recommendations of the Value for Money Review on the Regional Airports Programme published in 2011, funding under the Regional Airports Programme 2011-2014 is being consolidated on the four regional airports of Donegal, Knock, Kerry and Waterford since the start of 2012.
I believe that this policy ensures the provision of the necessary transport access, with the appropriate level of quality of service, to underpin Ireland's economic recovery.
A consultation paper on the development of a new civil aviation policy was published on my Department's website on 1 March this year inviting submissions from stakeholders and interested parties by 30 June 2013. In response to requests from a number of stakeholders, the deadline for receipt of submissions has been extended to Friday, 12 July 2013. Following consideration of submissions, a draft National Aviation Policy Statement will be issued in the second half of 2013, with a view to a final policy document being published in 2014. I would encourage all stakeholders, including the airports, to take this opportunity to give their views so that they can form an important input into this process.
314. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his preferred options for the future development of Ireland as an international hub for air transport; the extent to which he expects the various airlines to participate in such a project with resultant economic benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31402/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra315. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his preferred options for the future development of the airline passenger industry with particular reference to the role he sees for the major carriers in the coming three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31403/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra317. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his preferred options in regard to the future development of the air transport passenger sector with particular references to the respective roles of Aer Lingus and Ryanair and any possible merger; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31405/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 314, 315 and 317 together.
These questions relate to the future development of the aviation sector. As an island, air transport connectivity is clearly of vital importance to Ireland for both economic and social reasons. There is a healthy competitive market for air services in and out of the country and we benefit from a wide range of air connections, both short and long haul. New routes are being announced on a regular basis by both Irish and international airlines. Maintaining and developing this connectivity is certainly a key objective of national aviation policy. The airports and Tourism Ireland have attractive incentive and marketing programmes available to help support new services.
A public consultation is currently underway on the formulation of a comprehensive aviation policy framework. An issues paper was published on 1 March this year inviting submissions from stakeholders and interested parties. The deadline for submissions has recently been extended to 12 July in response to a number of requests. I anticipate that all the major airlines and airports will have substantial contributions to make to the consultation process. They each have a role to play in maximising options and opportunities for the development of the aviation sector. I look forward to receiving their submissions along with the views of all interested parties. Following receipt of submissions, a draft National Aviation Policy Statement will be issued in the second half of 2013. This will provide further opportunity for stakeholder input before the adoption of the new policy document in early 2014. The new policy will outline the actions to be taken by Government to help sustain and develop the aviation sector, in order to create jobs and support business and tourism.
