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Wednesday, 14 May 2014

Written Answers Nos. 215-222

Aviation Industry Promotion

Ceisteanna (215)

Alan Farrell

Ceist:

215. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the current status of the national aviation policy; the expected timeframe for the development of the policy; its projected economic impact in Fingal, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21607/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Following a consultation over the last year I intend to publish a draft National Aviation Policy next week. This will be available on my Department’s website - www.dttas.ie

The consultation covered all elements of aviation policy. The draft Policy takes account of all the submissions received. When published, stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide further input before the publication of the final document later this year.

This new policy will be designed to ensure that the right conditions exist for a flourishing aviation industry into the future. It will facilitate the expansion of the industry, help make it more competitive, tackle barriers to growth and facilitate the development of new air transport links. Given that the country's largest airport is located in Fingal and the fact that there is a large cluster of aviation industries located around the airport, the new policy should over time have a positive economic impact in the area

Public Transport Initiatives

Ceisteanna (216)

Alan Farrell

Ceist:

216. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the planning application for the bus rapid transit route between Swords and Dublin city centre is expected to be made; the projected life-span of this project in its proposed form; if this route will be complemented with a rail link when circumstances allow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21608/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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. The design and planning of BRT is therefore a matter for it.

In its Integrated Implementation Plan 2013 - 2018 the NTA has proposed a BRT Scheme as an interim solution to the short term demand needs of the Swords/Airport corridor pending the development of a higher capacity rail solution on the corridor. The NTA considers that BRT would complement any future rail based solution and would continue to perform strongly in terms of passenger usage.

The NTA is also undertaking a technical consultancy 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 including Metro North as well as other options for a rail-based transport solution to meet the area's needs in the long term. I expect to have a report on the outcome of this review by the end of the year.

I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply as regards the planning timeframe.  Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.

Proposed Legislation

Ceisteanna (217)

Kevin Humphreys

Ceist:

217. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will legislate for fixed charge notices for cyclists who break the law; the offences that will be covered by this new legislation; if it will be implemented in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21613/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Action 92 of the Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020 contains a commitment to extend the fixed charge system to offences involving cyclists. This will require primary legislation.

My Department is currently consulting with relevant stakeholders, such as the Gardaí, regarding the steps necessary to implement the Action.  I hope to include provisions for fixed charge notices for cyclists in the next Road Traffic Bill, which in being prepared in my Department at present.

It is my intention to publish the Bill during 2014.

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Ceisteanna (218, 219)

Anthony Lawlor

Ceist:

218. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when his Department will announce funding under the 2014 sports capital programme; and the position regarding funding in respect of a club (details supplied) in County Kildare. [21683/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Anthony Lawlor

Ceist:

219. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when his Department will announce funding under the 2014 sports capital programme an the position regarding funding in respect of a club (details supplied) in County Kildare [21684/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 219 together.

I can confirm that an application has been submitted by the organisation referred to by the Deputy under the 2014 Sports Capital Programme and the Deputy's support for the project is noted. I hope to announce allocations later this year.

National Roads Authority Projects

Ceisteanna (220)

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

220. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the role of the Letterkenny-Lifford road as part of the overall connectivity from Dublin to Letterkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21694/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national 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 questions to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.

Taxi Licences Renewals

Ceisteanna (221, 222)

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

221. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on a case (details supplied). [21717/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Clare Daly

Ceist:

222. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in the case of personal hardship where a person was unaware of the closing date for transfer of licence until April of this year and has experienced an accident and severe financial pressure and is therefore not in a position to renew their licence, if that person would be given a derogation to allow them to sell the licence in a situation where they have a buyer lined up. [21731/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 222 together.

Action 14 of the Taxi Regulation Review Report, 2011, recommended the prohibition on the transferability of small public service vehicle (SPSV) licences with effect from 1st October 2012. The Report's recommendations were widely published to the industry, including through the National Transport Authority and industry updates as well as on the various taxi forum websites.

It was intended that the measure would be introduced with effect from 1st January 2013 by way of regulations to be made by the National Transport Authority which has responsibility for the regulation of the taxi sector. However, it was concluded that it would be more appropriate to include such a provision in primary legislation.

The measure was therefore included in Section 14(1) of the Taxi Regulation Act, 2013 which was commenced with effect from the 6th April 2014. Consequently the industry has had an 18 month period longer than envisaged under the Taxi Regulation Review Report under which transfers were allowed to take place.

It is not open to me to provide for a derogation from the requirements of primary legislation.

In regard to the particular case raised by Deputy McGrath, I am advised that the NTA has been in contact with the person concerned and the process of completing the transfer of a taxi licence to her is expected to be concluded shortly.

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