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Thursday, 27 Jun 2013

Written Answers Nos. 54-65

Integrated Ticketing

Ceisteanna (54, 66)

Michael Colreavy

Ceist:

54. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to incorporate the Dublin Bikes scheme into the Leap card system, further linking transport options in Dublin City. [31028/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

66. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the work he is doing to ensure that public transport bodies are as accessible to the public as possible utilising integrated ticketing, smart phone applications, automated ticketing machines, online purchase and top-up services and other initiatives to make travel easier for commuters, tourists and all users. [31036/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 66 together.

Responsibility to develop, procure, implement, operate and maintain the integrated ticketing Leap Card system in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) is a function of the National Transport Authority (NTA). In addition among the Authority's principal functions is the promotion of an integrated, accessible public transport network as well as the development of a single public transport brand. The NTA has developed the Transport for Ireland website (www.TransportforIreland.ie) as a “one stop shop” for public transport information. Alongside Real Time Passenger Information, the NTA has developed a National Journey Planner as well as the Leap Card Scheme. These services make it easier for public transport users, including visitors to Ireland, to access information on all aspects of travel, such as timetables, real time information and journey planners. Noting the NTA's responsibility in this regard I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed response to the specific queries raised. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.

Question No. 55 answered with Question No. 6.
Question No. 56 answered with Question No. 10
Question No. 57 answered with Question No. 8.
Question No. 58 answered with Question No. 19.

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Ceisteanna (59)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

59. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider allowing local authorities whose applications for funding under the Sports Capital Programme 2012 were deemed incomplete due to the lack of an original signature and/or an inability to show evidence of title an opportunity to re-apply for funding, as was the case in the local authority swimming pool programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30949/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

It would be neither tenable nor equitable to allow one category of unsuccessful applicants to reapply under the 2012 Sports Capital Programme after the closing date in order to resubmit applications that did not meet the eligibility criteria. The 2012 round of the SCP is closed and the full amount of the available funding has been allocated.

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Ceisteanna (60)

Dessie Ellis

Ceist:

60. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update of his discussions with the Chief State Solicitor's Office and of his review of the operation of the 2012 Sports Capital Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30946/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department is conducting an internal review of the operation of the 2012 Sports Capital Programme.  This review has included discussions with the Office of the Chief State Solicitor. A primary purpose of the review is to simplify and streamline the application process, thereby reducing the proportion of invalid applications.  Consequently consideration is being given to the greater use of templates, including a template for applicants to provide evidence of title.  A draft of such a template is being prepared in conjunction with the CSSO.  It is however always the responsibility of applicants to ensure that they read the application form and guide carefully and provide the information required.

Tourism Promotion

Ceisteanna (61)

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

61. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 161 of 18 June 2013 regarding visitor numbers to Glendalough in County Wicklow, if in view of the recent visit to the Wicklow Mountains National Park by the First Lady of the United States of America, Michelle Obama and the First Family, he intends to commission a working group or some other similar arrangement with officials in the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the Office of Public Works to develop a full cultural tourism plan for the Glendalough area in view of its exposure on both the national and international stage on foot of this recent high profile visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31086/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The development of tourism in a particular region or area such as Glendalough is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland.  I have referred the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Question No. 62 answered with Question No. 32.

Marine Safety

Ceisteanna (63)

Jim Daly

Ceist:

63. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to improve maritime safety. [31079/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

One of my Ministerial Priorities for 2013 is to implement a Maritime ‘Safety at Sea’ initiative.   

Ireland's maritime safety agenda is constantly being developed in line with developments across the maritime sector, including internationally recognised safety conventions, safety standards, codes of practice, and the promotion of a culture of safety among those who go to sea for leisure or to earn their living. The importance of ensuring the provision of search and rescue response capability is also vital.

I am currently considering the need for a new national maritime safety strategy and how such a strategy could be progressed in an integrated way for the sector. I expect to complete this consideration shortly. The focus of this strategy will be on the development of a culture of safety amongst seafarers and the crucial role of regulation and enforcement, particularly in relation to vessel inspection and certification as well as the certification and training of seafarers.

Recent tragedies occurring in the fishing industry and leisure activities on the water reinforce the need for continued vigilance with regard to safety on the water across the recreational, fishing and maritime industry generally. The Government supports enhancements to existing safety initiatives designed to promote a culture of water safety and prevent further loss of life and serious injury. In March, a programme of visits to Primary Schools by Coast Guard Units got underway to promote a greater awareness of water safety among children during school holidays in the summer months. In April, the Marine Safety Working Group of the Department of Transport Tourism and Sport updated and re-launched its website safetyonthewater.ie to provide safety advice and guidance to all involved in the maritime domain. On 12 June the Irish Coast Guard launched its new 'Stay Safe on the Water' TV advertising campaign aimed at families, leisure users and the fishing industry during the busy summer months.

In July, I and my colleague Minister Coveney will launch a joint initiative targeting increased safety in the fishing industry, concentrating on an integrated package of measures including mandatory training and grant aid for mandatory safety equipment. These measures are designed to enhance safety for fishermen and promote a culture of high safety standards within the industry.

Coast Guard Station Closures

Ceisteanna (64)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

64. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans, if any, to reduce staffing levels and remove services at Malin Head Coast Guard Station, County Donegal; his plans to deal with the upcoming retirements at the station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31024/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Value for Money reviews undertaken last year into the Coast Guard and Marine Surveying functions of my Department identified a number of issues which need to be addressed in Ireland's maritime transport safety and marine emergency response regimes. Among the primary matters addressed by the consultants was the level of resourcing necessary to deliver the broad range of services demanded nationally and internationally of the Irish maritime administration.   

For the purposes of identifying the most suitable model for operating a national Coast Guard facility within limited resources, a supplementary review was undertaken earlier this year specifically focussed on Coast Guard operations and reflective of the existing staff profile, including potential retirements.

One of the consultants' key recommendations was that the option of a 2 centre model for rescue coordination centres should be pursued in lieu of retaining the current 3 centre model.  After careful consideration of all the various options presented I decided to maintain the three centres model. To that end, I asked my Department to examine the most appropriate way of maintaining this model given the current economic climate and utilising the assistance of a modern integrated communications and IT infrastructure.  I expect to conclude very shortly on our overall response to  the various deficiencies raised in the reviews which will include the level of staffing necessary to maintain a three centre Coast Guard model.

Public Bike Schemes

Ceisteanna (65)

Dessie Ellis

Ceist:

65. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the limited expansion of the Dublin Bike scheme into the northside of Dublin city in view of the large increase on already existing hubs in the south side. [31029/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Dublin Bikes scheme is one of the most successful city bike rental schemes in operation, which has led to on-going calls for its expansion. The National Transport Authority has worked closely with Dublin City Council to draw up the plans for the current expansion of the scheme along an east/west axis, from Heuston Station to Docklands.  I have referred the Deputy's question regarding expansion of the scheme to the northside of the city to the National Transport Authority for direct reply. If you do hear from the NTA within 10 working days please contact my private office.

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