Derek Nolan
Ceist:211. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the start date for the new Gort to Tuam motorway in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36001/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraRoad Projects Status
Ceisteanna (211)
Freagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects (including the Gort to Tuam PPP) is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Since the contract for the Gort to Tuam scheme was signed work has been underway on the project. As regards the detail of the construction schedule, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you have not received a response within 10 working days.
Haulage Industry Regulation
Ceisteanna (212)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:212. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the current system of permits for wide and-or exceptional loads; if he will consider a new arrangement whereby hauliers will be able to contact just one office instead of the numerous individual offices in each county council that a wide and-or exceptional load will have to pass through; if he will consider the National Roads Authority to be suitable for such a task; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36056/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under Article 3(b)(xiv) of The Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006, the RSA has responsibility for oversight of the permit system provided for under the Road Traffic (Special Permits for Particular Vehicles) Regulations, 2007, SI 283 of 2007 (previously Regulation 59 of the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003). Under these Regulations, a person may apply to the appropriate local authority for the issue of a permit authorising the use of any particular vehicle or combination of vehicles, the use of which would contravene any of the requirements of the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, 2003 - S.I. No. 5/2003 (as amended), to be used on one or more specified public roads or all public roads within a specified area within the functional area of the relevant local authority.
It should be noted that this permit system is intended for exceptional circumstances and not as an alternative to complying with existing maximum vehicular mass and dimensions legislative requirements.
Last year, the RSA investigated the charging structures in the various local authorities associated with abnormal load permits and found a wide variation in such charges. They also found considerable variation in the administrative procedures operated by local authorities in dealing with applications for abnormal load permits.
I think that this is an area that could benefit from a greater degree of standardisation and stream-lining of administrative procedures and it would be my intention, in consultation with the RSA, to have the existing regulations reviewed in this area. However, given the other priorities which my Department is currently dealing with in the road safety area and the fact that abnormal loads are the exception rather than the rule, it is likely to be next year before we can turn attention to this issue.
Sports Capital Programme Applications
Ceisteanna (213)
Finian McGrath
Ceist:213. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of Government agencies and-or Departments that may be contacted in order to provide funding including capital grants for the provision of a disabled access lift in a sports club. [36059/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am not in a position to comment on other Departments and their associated Agencies. However, in relation to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, such works may be eligible for funding under the Sports Capital Programme, depending on the precise intended use of the lift. However in that regard the 2014 Sports Capital Programme is closed and all available funding has been allocated. No decision has been taken on the timing of next round of the Programme.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (214)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:214. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the National Driver Licence Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36144/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The operation of the National Driver Licensing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority, and I cannot comment on or intervene in individual cases. I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct response.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten days.
Wildlife Protection
Ceisteanna (215)
Áine Collins
Ceist:215. Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding a hen harrier payment in respect of a person (details supplied). [36146/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following receipt in my Department of an application for payment in the case referred to by the Deputy, it was ascertained that the individual in question was not fully in compliance with their contract. My Department has now processed the application and I am advised that the deduction is considerably smaller than the amount referred to by the Deputy. Payment should issue to the individual in the next two weeks.