Written Answers Nos. 238-243
238. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the current status of the DART underground and metro north projects; his views on whether bus rapid transit would provide a cheaper and more effective transport link to the airport instead of metro north; his views on whether expanding the DART to Dublin Airport is a viable project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7131/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra239. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the consultancy costs to the National Transport Authority in reviewing the bus rapid transit options for transport in Dublin; the total spend on consultancy fees by NTA since January 2012 by project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7132/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 239 together.
Following the comprehensive review of capital expenditure carried out in 2011 a decision was taken to defer the Metro North and DART Underground and a number of other projects which were not affordable. These projects were not therefore included for funding in the Government's 5-year plan Infrastructural and Capital Investment 2012-2016: Medium term Exchequer Framework. It was made clear at the time that these projects would be reviewed again in preparation for the next capital plan post-2016.
Preparation for the next capital plan will be informed by work underway such as the Strategic Framework for Investment in Land Transport (SFILT) which is being developed in my Department and the technical consultancy proposed by the National Transport authority (NTA) to assess the long term rail transport requirements of the North Dublin/Fingal corridor, extending from Finglas to Malahide and including Dublin Airport and Swords. This review will examine existing proposals as well as other options for a rail-based transport solution to meet the area's needs in the long term. The specific projects identified to meet current and future demand will be prioritised for inclusion in the next capital plan on the basis of a detailed appraisal with regard to their benefits and costs.
In relation to BRT projects the NTA has proposed a BRT Scheme as an interim solution to the short term demand needs of the Swords/Airport corridor. In the initial planning work carried out by the NTA for the BRT scheme, it was identified that the proposed scheme would not be sufficient on its own to cater for projected transport demand along this corridor in the longer term, and that a higher capacity solution, most likely rail based, would be required in the medium to long-term.
Under the current capital plan funding is only available for the initial design and route selection of a small number of BRT schemes. These schemes, of which Swords/Airport has been identified as a priority, will be included for consideration with other projects in deciding on priorities for the capital plan post 2016. I understand that the NTA is shortly to commence a public consultation process on BRT.
I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed response with regard to consultancy costs for BRT. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
240. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on plans to upgrade the Dublin-Cork railway line; if he will further provide an update on plans to upgrade the Dublin-Belfast line; if it will be possible to separate the operation of the DART from this line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7133/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe capital plan to 2016 prioritises protecting existing assets and maintaining safety standards. As a result the bulk of the funding for rail under the plan goes towards asset renewal and maintenance across the rail network. There is limited funding for enhancements and upgrades but some funding has been allocated for projects such as the Dublin City Centre Resignalling (which improves capacity and throughput at Connolly station), removal of level crossings and for new ticketing and customer information systems.
My Department is also pursuing opportunities for funding rail infrastructure under EU programmes such as INTERREG, which even if limited, would be additional to existing resources.
I understand from Irish Rail that there are currently no plans to fully separate the operation of the DART and Enterprise services on the Northern line.
241. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the use of commuter trains on the Limerick-Galway railway line is inappropriate and has resulted in low passenger numbers; if it is possible to provide intercity trains for this line; if Irish Rail will consider running an intercity service from Cork via Limerick and Ennis to Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7134/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has entered into a Public Service Obligation Contract with Iarnród Éireann for the provision of rail services. As the NTA has responsibility for review of or amendments to the contract, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
242. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has given consideration to Ireland hosting a regular season NFL American football game, considering the success the UK is having in hosting such games and the continued rise in support for the game in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7163/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government includes a commitment that event tourism will be prioritised in order to continue to bring major events to Ireland. The hosting of major sports events, both participative and spectator sports, can provide a great showcase for Ireland, drive international visitor numbers and the media coverage of sports tourism events helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination.
In this regard, I am supportive of the ongoing efforts of the State Tourism Agencies and the National Governing Bodies of Sport to attract international events, subject, of course, to an assessment of the costs/benefits involved in any State financial support. This year I look forward to the Giro d'Italia and the Penn State-UCL American Football game coming to Ireland.
I am aware of the regular NFL season games in London but it is primarily a matter for the NFL if it wants to stage more games overseas. If it was possible to attract such a game and it was attractive from a cost/benefit perspective then I would support efforts to bring it about.
243. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding proposed changes to weight restrictions for tractors and trailers; the implications this will have for users of these vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7191/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2008, the RSA commenced a consultation and review of the regulation, classification and safety issues surrounding the use of agricultural and related works vehicles on public roads. Their report, delivered in March 2009, contained a number of recommendations for dealing with the issue. Following my approval, in principle, of the recommendations, extensive consultations were held with the Road Safety Authority (RSA), the Irish Farmers Association, representatives of agricultural contractors and the Irish Road Haulage Association.
In the wake of these consultations, a number of road safety related proposals were formulated by the RSA and I agreed them in November 2012. Depending on the number of axles, axle spacing, and type of coupling, agricultural vehicles will be able to draw up to 28 tonnes. In view of the increase in safety risk associated with larger and heavier vehicles using the public road, tractors and trailers operating at the higher weights would be subject to roadworthiness testing. The proposed arrangements also regulate axle spacing, vehicle and trailer plating, lighting and visibility, braking and coupling, and will, in time also extend to driving licences, on-road behaviour, accident reporting and enforcement.
The draft Statutory Instruments to give legislative effect to the road safety related decisions are being prepared by the RSA and will be submitted to my Department shortly.
