Written Answers Nos. 111-127
111. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his proposals to make the relevant aviation regulatory bodies subject to freedom of information legislation, to enable the public to be fully assured that their safety is being safeguarded to the highest extent and in the most transparent way possible. [7521/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraOf the two aviation regulatory bodies under the aegis of my Department, the Commission for Aviation Regulation is already subject to Freedom of Information legislation. The other regulatory body – the Irish Aviation Authority – is not subject to FOI.
Ireland has an excellent record and reputation in aviation safety and I am determined to maintain and defend that and ensure that public confidence is not undermined. There is a comprehensive international framework in place to ensure aviation safety. The IAA performs its regulatory role in accordance with international and European standards and it publishes an annual safety report.
The IAA is itself audited regularly by teams from international bodies including the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the European Aviation Safety Agency to ensure it is undertaking its regulatory activities to the required standards.
The occurrence reporting regime in aviation is underpinned by standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation and by EU Directives and Regulations. These require that both the information reported, and the reporter, are treated in a confidential manner. This system is critical in an important element in aviation safety. It is my view that the application of FOI to this system could be counter-productive and could, in fact, undermine safety.
However, it might be possible to extend the FOI Act to other functions of the IAA. Last year, I brought Irish Rail under FOI. It is the first state owned enterprise or 'semi-state' to be so. Irish Water will also fall under FOI. Neither of these face significant competition from the private sector. I will examine the Deputies proposal and discuss it with the IAA before making a policy decision on the matter. I will also examine normal practice in other jurisdictions.
112. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of the impact of the recent storm damage on Ireland’s maritime facilities and on coastal erosion; the implications for roads and transport infrastructure; the resultant actions of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7524/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraBetween 18 December last year and the present time, 8 storms have affected Ireland and caused significant damage and disruption.
The local authorities for coastal counties have reported significant damage to roads and other public structures near coasts. The most seriously affected were western and southern coastal counties, where many piers, promenades, sea walls, rock armour and adjacent roads and car parks were damaged, in some cases severely. Islands along those coasts also suffered badly.
As part of the National Emergency Coordination Group for Severe Weather, my Department has worked closely with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government which has the lead role for severe weather events. Last week, the Government considered a Report on the severe weather that affected Ireland from 13 December to 6 January and the damage caused to local authority, transport and other infrastructure. The Government agreed that €70m euro would be made available for a programme of repair and remediation works. This funding will be directed to restoring roads, coastal protection and other infrastructure and amenities and includes €16m for roads, €20m for restoring coastal protection infrastructure, €26 m for local authority infrastructure, tourism, amenity and community infrastructure, and piers/harbours, and €8m for other transport and OPW infrastructure, including €1.5m for embankment repairs near Shannon Airport.
In addition to the above, my Department estimates that damage to port infrastructure and facilities over the period of the earlier storms was in the region of €4.4m. Ports will plan and carry out their own restoration works. All Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL) aid to navigation services have remained operational but have been damaged in the earlier and more recent storms. Costs for damage to CIL property around the coast are estimated at over €0.5m.
Further damage is likely to have been caused by the more recent storms and these will continued to be monitored by the National Emergency Coordination Group.
114. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline a strategy in relation to the urgent necessity to deliver Metro North. [7523/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra129. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of the various proposals for a high frequency, high volume transport service between Dublin city centre and Dublin Airport and Swords; the timeframe for a preferred method to be costed; the implications on the next national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7527/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 129 together.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for developing public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including Metro, Rail and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects.
Following the comprehensive review of capital expenditure carried out in 2011 a decision was taken to defer the Metro North and a number of other projects which were not affordable in current circumstances. It was made clear at the time that these projects would be reviewed again in preparation for the next capital plan post-2016. The priorities under the current capital plan are to protect investment made to date, to maintain safety standards and to progress affordable projects such as Luas Cross City which add value to the existing network.
Preparation for the next capital plan will be informed by work under way 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 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.
The NTA has also proposed a BRT Scheme as an interim solution to the short term demand needs of the Swords/Airport corridor. BRT would be a fast and efficient form of public transport in some parts of Dublin and would be cheaper to build, operate and maintain than rail. BRT will not on its own replace rail based solutions where a higher capacity solution is required in the long-term, such as on the Swords/Airport corridor.
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.
115. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the regulations covering the vehicle roadworthiness certification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7526/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has the overall responsibility for the operation, oversight, development, quality assurance and delivery of vehicle testing arrangements.
There is no suggestion that the current regulations governing the National Car Test are not appropriate to the task of ensuring the roadworthiness of vehicles on the road, and therefore I have no plans to make any amendments to the existing regulations.
With regard to commercial vehicle roadworthiness testing, the Road Safety Authority took over responsibility for this function under the Road Safety Authority (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Act 2012 and permanent commercial vehicle roadworthiness testing commenced under the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (Vehicle Testing) (No. 2) Regulations – S.I. 347 of 2013 in October 2013.
I have no proposals to update legislation in this area given how recently the regulations came into force. Doing so would create unnecessary confusion and uncertainty. However, as with all new regulatory developments a bedding-in period is necessary, after which the current system may be reviewed in order to identify any difficulties that might have emerged.
Finally, under action 59 of the 2013-2020 Road Safety Strategy, the RSA propose to complete a review of roadworthiness testing arrangements for vintage vehicles by Quarter 1 of 2015.
116. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a detailed report on the issues examined to date by the penalty points working group established; if he will outline the recommendations made by the working group to facilitate the implementation of certain aspects of road traffic legislation; and the actions that are being taken by his Department to address problems with the implementation of some legislative provisions in the area of penalty points. [7618/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn mid-2013, the Minister for Justice and Equality and I asked a Working Group chaired by the Courts Service and including representatives from my Department, the Department of Justice and Equality, An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority, to examine a number of issues mainly related to the fixed charge and penalty points system. The Group was required, in particular, to report on the issues of handing licences into court in accordance with Section 63 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, the so-called 3rd payment option as set out in Section 44 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, and the payment deposit scheme as set out in Part 4 of the Road Traffic Act 2010. The Group, in an interim report to both Ministers, identified a number of short term actions to contribute to addressing the issues raised on the effectiveness of the penalty point system. These include measures to be taken in the Courts relating to the production of driving licences by offenders and follow-up action by An Garda Síochána in the event of the non-production of a licence. The report also details the steps to be taken by the Gardaí and the Courts Service to give effect to the 3rd payment option.
The Group recommended that, given its overarching responsibility for road safety legislation and policy, my Department should lead the next phase of the Group's work, which will involve overseeing the implementation of the measures identified in the report. Other issues that could lead to an improvement in the operation of the fixed charge and penalty points system will also be examined by the Group.
117. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views that the regional and local roads allocation for 2014 to local authorities is sufficient in view of the recent storms which have caused immense damage to our infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7614/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra849. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which an overall assessment of flood storm damage has been carried out in respect all roads throughout the country with a view to putting in place a remedial programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8304/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 849 together.
The 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 these roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State road grants. However, the initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded is also a matter for the local authority. Last month I announced that a total of €331.9 million is being provided to local authorities for the maintenance and improvement of regional and local roads in 2014. I am giving local authorities significantly increased flexibility this year. I have reduced the number of grant categories, increased the amount allocated under the Discretionary grant heading and will facilitate the transfer of funds between key grant categories where local authorities need this. Local authorities can also reprioritise their road strengthening programme. This flexibility will help local authorities tackle the damage done to roads by the storms.
Government recently considered a report on the severe weather that affected Ireland from 13 December 2013 to 6 January 2014. Given the exceptional nature of the damage the Government has decided that up to €70 million in additional funding will be made available for a programme of repair and remediation works. This will enable local authorities in the areas worst affected by the storms, including the most recent flooding, to help affected communities by restoring roads, coastal protection and other infrastructure and amenities. The €70m figure derives from estimates provided by local authorities and other agencies to the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and includes a provision of €16m for roads.
It is also particularly important that local authorities do not reduce expenditure from their own resources in respect of roads this year in view of the current difficult situation and that they carefully reassess their planned road programmes for 2014 in the light of the impact of the recent storms on their road networks.
118. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of Ireland's boxing success, if he will prioritise working with the Irish Amateur Boxing Association to develop a major boxing training facility in Swords as a strategic location, near the airport for international and local development of the sport. [7519/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that discussions have taken place between Fingal County Council, the local boxing club, and the Irish Amateur Boxing Association on securing a premises for the club.
I also understand that following on from a site meeting, correspondence was received by the Council indicating that the club would be interested in exploring further an offer of accommodation discussed on the day of the site visit, and that the IABA was subsequently invited to contact the Council's Corporate Services Division should the club wish to pursue this option.
Hopefully this can lead to a satisfactory outcome for all concerned. It would not be appropriate for me to become involved in the matter.
119. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the recent memorandum of understanding that was signed between Etihad Airways and College Ireland Aviation Services for the provision of aviation training services during the Government's recent trade mission to the Gulf region; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that part of this MOU includes plans to greatly expand the use of Weston Airport beside Leixlip, County Kildare; if he is further aware that Weston Airport is subject to a number of outstanding planning violations and objections by local residents and that any intensification of the use of the runway there would lead to significant additional problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7726/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraWeston Airport is a privately owned, non-State aerodrome which has been operating since 1938. It is licensed by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). I am aware of the Memorandum of Understanding to which the Deputy refers. However I am not a party to it. For the Deputy's information, the IAA is a notice party under the planning and development regulations so that details of any development with the potential to endanger or interfere with the safety, or safe and efficient navigation of aircraft are sent to the IAA. The issues of flight paths, minimum flying heights and safety regulation are also the responsibility of the IAA. I appreciate and understand that many residents from the areas surrounding Weston have concerns about the development of it. It is my desire that activity at Weston should take account of the concerns of local residents, with appropriate consultation.
Local authorities are responsible for issues relating to planning. South Dublin County Council and Kildare County Council are responsible for land use and planning at and in the vicinity of Weston, including the nature and extent of operations at the airport. I have no role in the planning process. Nor how local authorities exercise those powers. It is of course the duty of Weston to ensure that it complies with all requirements set down by the local authorities and the IAA.
120. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current status of the regulation of vehicle immobilisation Bill and notwithstanding the great need to provide regulation in this area, if provisions will be included to take into account land owners, such as those operating a mobile home-camping site for example, who have used clamping as a means of security and safety for customers. [7717/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contains a commitment “to legislate to regulate the vehicle clamping industry”. Therefore, in late 2011 I asked the Joint Committee on Environment, Transport, Culture and Gaeltacht to provide views on the initial draft of the legislation. The Committee carried out a number of hearings on the matter and published detailed recommendations on the issues that should be included in the legislation.
In March 2013, the Government approved the drafting of a Regulation of Vehicle Immobilisation Bill. The necessary legislation to give effect to this legislation is currently being drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. The outcome of this process will form the core of the Bill which I expect to publish this year.
122. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has received the annual report and accounts for 2012 or 2013 from the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company as the latest accounts available on the harbour company website are 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7724/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll annual reports and accounts from 2001 to 2012 are available on the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company website. The annual reports and accounts are also required by law to be laid before the Dáil when approved by Government. This has also been done for the years in question. I have not yet received the annual report and accounts for 2013 and expect to do so in the coming weeks.
123. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which transport infrastructure in respect of road and rail transport continues to be evaluated with a view to concentration on areas most efficient and from which a great degree of economic benefit might accrue; if any particular areas of specific deficit in this regard have been identified; if it is expected to make specific recommendations or take initiatives arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7675/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe evaluation of transport infrastructure investment is a constant process within my Department and its agencies. This work is a vital aspect of ensuring value for money is achieved.
As an aid to developing future capital investment plans, work on a Strategic Framework for Investment in Land Transport is on-going within my Department. The completion of this work and its publication in 2014 is one of my Department's priorities for this year. The purpose of this document is to have a clear framework for future transport investment, so that projects being promoted by different transport agencies can be robustly compared and interrogated. This framework will allow us to prioritise the types of investment that can enhance economic productivity, but also recognise that meeting the needs of people is a critical aspect of transport infrastructure provision.
An integral part of this work is to understand and quantify the scale of future capital investment that is required to maintain our transport assets to their current standard. In addition to this, there is a need to understand potential future demand levels and resultant supply constraints - and in particular where they are most likely to arise. This will allow an assessment of necessary investment levels to cater for demand growth and demand changes. In terms of ensuring the efficiency of future investment, the assessment of specific projects will obviously remain subject to detailed appraisal of the costs and benefits of each individual project.
A steering group is guiding this work and stakeholders and advisers such as Forfás have been involved in identifying strategic priorities. To ensure that wider stakeholder needs and concerns are fully addressed a public consultation on a draft framework will take place.
124. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which targets in respect of tourism growth have been revised upward following the success of The Gathering in 2013; the extent to which it is expected the industry can generate economic activity and contribute to economic recovery in 2014; if any new initiatives are likely to be taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7674/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFigures published recently by the CSO show that 2013 was an excellent year for Irish tourism with the total number of overseas visits growing by 7.2%. All of our main markets grew compared to 2012 and we enjoyed our highest ever number of visits from North America. Part of the success last year was certainly related to The Gathering with research suggesting that in the region of 250,000 of the additional visitors travelled to Ireland because of the initiative.
In terms of targets for 2014, the approved Tourism Ireland Business Plan for 2014 contains a target of growing visit numbers to Ireland by a further 4% this year and growing the associated revenue from these overseas visits by 7%. As part of its actions to reach this target, Tourism Ireland will be undertaking extensive marketing campaigns throughout 2014. Priority overseas markets will again be the United States, Great Britain, Germany and France, which together deliver almost three-quarters of all our overseas visitors but promotions will also continue in other markets across the world. Furthermore, I am confident that measures such as the retention of the lower VAT rate for tourism services, the reduction of the air travel tax to zero from April and the increased air access to Ireland will also help to ensure that the targets are met.
In terms of new initiatives, Tourism Ireland, working closely with Fáilte Ireland, is placing a major focus on highlighting the Wild Atlantic Way, for car touring and other forms of holiday. It will also promote key events, including the visit of the Giro d’Italia cycle race, and the Croke Park Classic American football game, to encourage visits to Ireland.
More generally, my Department is currently undertaking a review of Tourism Policy. The review is looking at all aspects of Irish tourism and a detailed analysis of all responses to the public consultation process is underway. Once the final tourism policy has been set, it is intended it will provide a robust foundation for a broader tourism strategy and action plan. I hope to have the policy document finalised by Easter.
125. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a detailed update on contacts or discussions his Department have had with both the Irish Sports Council and the National Sports Campus Development Authority prior to the establishment of Sport Ireland. [7798/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 21 January the Government approved the drafting of the Sport Ireland Bill. The Bill will provide for the establishment of a new statutory sports body, Sport Ireland, which will merge the functions of the Irish Sports Council and the National Sports Campus Development Authority. Officials in my Department had discussions with the Council and the Authority during the drafting of the Heads of the Bill and they will continue to engage with both bodies on an ongoing basis as the legislation progresses and prior to the establishment of Sport Ireland.
126. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views regarding the sponsorship of sport by alcohol producers; if he has been in contact with the national sporting organisations to establish if there is an alternative to alcoholic sponsorship in sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7615/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy position in relation to the matter of sports sponsorship by the alcohol industry remains as I outlined to the House previously. I have no update to provide at this stage.
Arising from a Government decision of 22 October 2013 regarding measures to deal with alcohol misuse, a working group has been established by the Department of the Taoiseach to consider the impact of regulating alcohol sponsorship of major sporting events by alcohol companies and to report back within twelve months. The Group will also consider alternative sources of funding for sporting organisations to replace potential lost revenue arising from any such regulation. My Department is represented on the Working Group. I look forward to receiving a copy of the Working Group's report when it has concluded its work.
127. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider the strategic importance of Cork Airport to the development of the west Cork economy noting in particular the reliance of west Cork on tourism; the steps he will take to ensure that any future plans to develop the airport will ensure adequate input from the west Cork area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7713/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra789. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to ensure that Cork Airport is assisted to grow to its full potential in the coming years as the economy begins to improve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7678/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra790. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the offer from Ryanair to take over the old terminal building at Cork Airport to develop a hub; if he has discussed this proposal with the board of Cork Airport; if he is satisfied that the proposal has considerable merit and is being considered by the board of the airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7679/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra791. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps that are being taken by the board of Cork Airport to attract new routes to the airport; if he is satisfied with the level of growth being achieved by the airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7680/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 789 to 791, inclusive, together.
As I informed the the Deputy on 28 January, both Dublin and Cork Airports are owned and managed by the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) which operates under a clear commercial mandate. The development of Cork Airport and the promotion of new routes at the Airport are matters for DAA and Cork Airport management and are not matters in which I have a direct role, although I am willing to be supportive in any way that I can.
As you are aware, Cork Airport management have ongoing discussions and dialogue with Ryanair, as well as other airlines, on the development of new routes and services. I am pleased to confirm that Ryanair increased its business there by almost 30% in 2013. There is adequate capacity to handle any such expansion in the existing terminal. I have indicated previously the question of the use of the old terminal does not arise as it has been decommissioned for use as an airport terminal.
I am very conscious of the importance of Cork Airport in the development of the economy of the region as a whole, in particular, tourism. This is why DAA has established a Development Council for Cork Airport with its first meeting to take place in early March. This Council will provide for strong engagement with, and alignment among, key stakeholders in the Cork region and will serve to foster a common understanding, particularly at local level, of issues of concern, potential opportunities for growth and the operating performance of the airport. I hope the Council will be successful in its work as a vibrant Cork Airport will ultimately benefit both Cork and the wider region.
