Written Answers Nos. 1 - 35
8. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the criteria that are applied when deciding the way national lottery funding is distributed within organisations here; the proportion of these funds allocated to sports organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36800/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe distribution of National Lottery funding to Irish organisations and the criteria that is applied for the distribution of those funds are matters for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. I have no function in either the distribution of the National Lottery funds or the development of the criteria for this.
I understand that revenue proceeds from the National Lottery are applied to part-fund the Exchequer allocations to a specified range of expenditure subheads across various Votes. Details of the total Exchequer allocations to the relevant Lottery supported subheads are published in the annual Revised Estimates for Public Services.
Two subheads on my Department's Vote are part-funded by the proceeds of the National Lottery. Subhead D3 is the allocation for Grants for sporting bodies and the provision of Sports and Recreational Facilities. Subhead D5 is the Grant-in-aid for the Irish Sports Council.
Subhead D3 funding is used to pay out Sports Capital Grants. The total Exchequer allocation for this in 2014 is €23m. Subhead D5 funding is the grant given annually to the Irish Sports Council to fund a wide range of programmes aimed at increasing participation and raising standards in Irish sport and to fund National Governing Bodies of sport to enable them to develop their sport in a strategic manner. The total Exchequer allocation for the Irish Sports Council in 2014 is €42.5m.
It is important to note that these programmes are only part-funded by the Lottery and that the remaining expenditure comes from general Exchequer funding. In addition, the Revised Estimates do not specify the precise amount of National Lottery funding in each individual subhead.
9. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional once off funding will be made available to Waterford County Council to facilitate the regeneration of the roads and footpaths in various estates across the region to bring them up to an acceptable standard; his views that there are many older estates throughout the country which have been taken in charge that have fallen into serious disrepair and are in desperate need of attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36802/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (including public footpaths) is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
On 23 January this year, my Department announced the €331.9m investment programme for regional and local roads. From this allocation, Waterford County Council was allocated €7.5m in funding and Waterford City Council was allocated €1.36m for regional and local roads. These grants are mainly focused on the maintenance of the existing road network and it is open to Waterford Council to include the rehabilitation of public roadways and footpaths within housing estates when prioritising its works programme each year.
In May this year, an additional €43 million in Stimulus funding was announced for road maintenance by Department of Public Expenditure & Reform. The purpose of the additional Stimulus money announced in May is to allow local authorities and the National Roads Authority to enhance their road maintenance and improvement work programmes this year. Waterford County Council was allocated a further €547,437 (€314,237 for Restoration Improvement works and €233,200 under the Community Involvement Scheme). Waterford City Council also benefitted, receiving an additional €69,051 for road maintenance under the Stimulus funding. Again it was open to the Council to allocate some of these monies towards road rehabilitation works within housing estates.
All available funding for this year has now been allocated and no further funding is available. It is a matter for the local authority concerned to prioritise works and to select projects that are in line with available resources.
12. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expected construction works of the DART underground project; if the timeframe for delivery of this vital project will change if extra funding sources can be identified; if it has been decided that tunnelling will take place originating from one site or from two; if the views of residents of the East Wall near the proposed construction site will be taken on board in advance of construction commencing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36803/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo decision has been taken as to the timing for delivery of DART Underground. The PPP was cancelled and the overall project postponed in 2010. The Railway Order for DART Underground is valid until 2024 but a High Court Judgement earlier this year has ruled that the period for serving Notices to Treat for the purpose of compulsory purchase of property under the Order should be 18 months rather than the 7 years set out in the Railway Order. This means that a decision on whether to proceed with DART Underground under the current Railway Order must be made by September 2015.
DART Underground is now being reviewed and assessed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with other large public transport projects for the Dublin area. The 2010 business case for DART Underground is currently being updated and will be based on the latest data on population, transport demand, construction costs etc.
The NTA have advised me that the DART Underground report and the outcome from the Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study and the preliminary Business Case for the BRT to Swords will be available by early next year.
Following receipt and assessment of the reports I will then consider the options and priorities for addressing key public transport deficits in the GDA having regard to the costs and benefits and affordability of each project as well as funding sources and options including private funds, EIB loans and EU grants.
Significant additional Exchequer resources will be required to advance any new major project irrespective of the availability of private or EU funds. With existing funding levels the key priority is to protect investment made to date and to maintain safety standards. If additional funds become available, there will be many competing projects from all transport modes in all regions.
I will prioritise any additional funds for projects for which there is a clear need, which are affordable, have a sound business case and add value to existing infrastructure. I would expect that there will be public transport projects in the Dublin region which will meet these criteria if funds are available.
13. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure that the transport sector meets its carbon emissions reduction targets; the number of electric cars currently in use here; the way he intends to implement policies to promote the use of biofuels here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36785/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will know, there is a key distinction in EU policy on emissions between those covered by the Emissions Trading Scheme, which I will refer to as the ETS, and those not covered by the ETS.
Transport, excluding commercial airlines, forms part of the non-ETS sector along with households, energy, and agriculture. In the non-ETS sector, it is the responsibility of each Member State to achieve the allocated reduction in emissions and the overall target for the EU as a whole is a reduction of 10% by 2020, compared to 2005. By comparison, Ireland's commitment is ambitious with a reduction target of 20% in non-ETS emissions by 2020.
This context is important because, as Minister, a key role for me is to ensure that the transport sector is well positioned to make a cost effective contribution towards this 20% target along with agriculture, energy and the built environment.
I am under no illusion about the challenges involved in meeting this target and, to rise to the challenge, the Government is putting in place a low-carbon development strategy to ensure that Ireland can effectively and equitably underpin an effective transition to a low-carbon future by 2050. The Government has developed a Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill, which sets out proposed statutory obligations in relation to the development of a National Low Carbon Roadmap, incorporating sectoral roadmaps. The purpose of the road-mapping process will be to set out a pragmatic and holistic approach aimed at pursuing and achieving transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable economy in the period up to and including 2050. My Department is required to develop a sectoral roadmap for transport and that process is well underway.
In relation to Electric Cars or EVs, my Department fully supports the underlying technology and the potential for EVs to contribute to significant emissions reductions. 644 EVs have been registered between 2010 and the end of August this year. Similarly, biofuels have a significant role to play and will be central to achieving the 10% renewable energy target for transport by 2020. However, in terms of promoting EVs and biofuels, that policy rests with Minister Alex White and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. I will be working closely with Minister White to ensure that our sectoral roadmaps are suitably aligned in terms of policy and ambition so that they can be seamlessly drawn together when constructing the overall national low carbon roadmap to 2050. My colleague Minister Alan Kelly and the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government expect to go to extensive public consultation on the national low carbon roadmap in 2015.
14. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the speed limits review will be completed; the number of changes that have been made so far as a result of the review and on what roads; the cost of the review so far; if he has considered revising the speed limits on the M50 or N7 Naas dual carriageway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36787/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Speed Limits Review Report was completed and published in November 2013 to reform the speed limit system and ensure that speed limits in Ireland are both safe and sensible. The Report is available on my Department’s website www.dttas.ie and my Department is now working with the NRA, local authorities, the Gardaí, and the Road Safety Authority to implement its recommendations.
Much background work has since been undertaken in developing new regulations, guidelines and standards with new signage expected to appear on public roads towards the end of this year. In addition, local authorities and the NRA will be asked to carry out a complete inventory and audit of speed limits as well as to carry out a comprehensive update of speed limits throughout the country. The goal is to ensure that the speed limits on any given road are a fair reflection of the road conditions.
As the Review was undertaken by a voluntary committee, any costs arising were minimal. However, costs will arise from the removal and replacement of a number of speed limit signs and it is envisaged that these will be catered for within existing budgets.
Finally, I understand that it is not currently proposed to alter the speed limits on the M50 or N7 Naas dual carriageway as the existing speed limits are considered appropriate for the roads in question.
15. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on progress with the Swiftway bus service; and his views on keeping the service as a Dublin Bus operation beyond the next renewal of contracts. [36792/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the contracting of public passenger transport services as set out in the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008. The current public service contract between Dublin Bus and the NTA extends until December of this year. The NTA intends to enter into a subsequent contract with Dublin Bus for the period up to December 2019. The NTA has advised that Dublin Bus will undertake the operation of any of the three proposed Bus Rapid Transit services that become operational during the period of that subsequent public service contract.
I have made no decision as regards the development of any BRT routes and have not received any proposal in that regard as yet from the NTA.
I will however consider the BRT Swords/Airport proposal as well as other competing projects for the Dublin region having regard to the outcome of studies underway by the NTA on the major public transport projects proposed in recent years for Dublin and in the context of priorities and funding available under the next capital plan.
16. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide the necessary 80% funding available under a community involvement scheme if an application were to be made by parishes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36798/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
A pilot €10.6m Community Involvement Scheme (CIS) for works on regional and local roads was started in 2013. The Scheme was successful in allowing local authorities to carry out with community support maintenance work on more lightly trafficked roads which could not otherwise be done.
Following the success of the scheme in 2013 the scheme is being continued in 2014 with additional funding of €12.4m. made available this year for the scheme including monies provided under the Government's May Stimulus plan.
Local authorities were asked to put forward suitable schemes in line with the scheme criteria earlier this year. The proposals received from the local authorities were then reviewed by my Department and allocations made taking into account the amount of funding available. Where a project does not go ahead, local authorities are allowed to substitute an alternative suitable scheme but the decision on which schemes to recommend rests with the local authority. The promoters of this scheme should, therefore, continue to liaise with the local authority.
A decision on the continuation of the scheme in 2015 will be made as part of the overall grant programme assessment.
17. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when funding will be made available for the A5; the position regarding his most recent engagements with his counterpart in Northern Ireland on progressing the A5; if the Northern Ireland Executive has advised him of its plans for funding the project using money specifically awarded under the St. Andrew's Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36808/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the judicial review decision last year quashing consent for the construction of two sections of the A5 the Department for Regional Development has been reviewing and updating the Environmental Statement for the scheme, the draft Vesting Order and the draft Direction Order. That Department has put three of the proposed four environmental impact reports out to public consultation and public consultation on the fourth report is due shortly with consultation on the draft Orders planned for November. I understand that consideration will also be given to whether to hold a new Public Inquiry in Spring/Summer 2015.
The Irish Government’s £22 million contribution to the A5 project to date was based on an agreed expenditure profile linked to specific project milestones. Given the delays to the project arising from the outcome of the judicial review proceedings, a revised project programme needs to be prepared for consideration by both the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive.
There is ongoing liaison in relation to the project under the umbrella of the North South Ministerial Council Transport Sectoral and I will be discussing the project with my Northern Ireland counterparts at the next Transport Sectoral meeting scheduled for November which will be the first since my appointment as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.
18. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department will consider ways to offer incentives and compensation to farmers for any loss or inconvenience caused by allowing greenways or walkways through their lands, in view of the societal and economic potential that such infrastructure may bring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36639/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development of greenways in Ireland is a relatively new phenomena but support for this type of infrastructure has gained considerable traction in recent years particularly with the success of projects like the Great Western Greenway.
To date, the majority of greenways or trails have been established on a 'permissive access' basis. This means that the landowner - either private or public - gives permission for the greenway to pass over their property. Permissive access does not infer that a route becomes a right of way and a landowner always has the right to withdraw permission, subject to reasonable notice. Where permission is granted, local authorities seek to minimise inconvenience to landowners and will carry out accommodation works along the route, as necessary, in consultation with those affected. The permissive access model is a worthy mechanism for certain projects, particularly at local level and it is often the landowners themselves that become the champions for these projects.
My Department also supports the use of publicly owned land for greenway development but this option, while affordable, is not always available or suitable.
In the case of large scale investment on national cycling infrastructure projects, like the Dublin to Galway Greenway, I accept that it would be unrealistic to rely on permissive access agreements where such agreements can be withdrawn at any time without any recourse to the State.
In short, I fully support the need to compensate landowners where the scale of the project is likely to derive significant social and economic benefits to the State. Such compensation could be through the 'purchase by agreement' model or by Compulsory Purchase Order. However, it is a matter for infrastructure developers, usually local authorities, to determine the best course of action for each project depending on its scale and objectives.
19. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 1732 of 17 September 2014, in view of the allegations made in relation to unsafe conditions at the national car test Ballymun centre, affecting workers' lives and health, if he will establish an independent investigation into the allegations. [36638/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I explained to the Deputy in my response to the earlier Parliamentary Question No. 1732, the Road Safety Authority has statutory responsibility of the operation, oversight, development, quality assurance and delivery of vehicle testing arrangements. The Authority, in turn, has put in place stringent quality assurance and audit processes to oversee all aspects of the delivery of the NCT function by Applus+.
I understand that in correspondence between the Deputy and the RSA, the latter has addressed the issues raised by the Deputy in relation to the Northpoint test centre in Ballymun.
Issues concerning health and safety at work are a matter for the relevant employer and for the HSA as the national statutory body with responsibility for ensuring that employees are protected from work-related injury and ill-health. Neither I nor my Department have any statutory function in this regard and could I suggest that if the Deputy continues to have concerns in relation to the Ballymun test centre, or any NCT centre, she should make contact with the appropriate national authority in this area, namely the HSA.
Indeed I understand from the Road Safety Authority that the HSA inspected the NCT Northpoint test centre in Ballymun as recently as Friday last, 26 September, and no issues or actions were raised by that authority.
20. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reinstate the local authority swimming pool programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36795/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, grant aid to a maximum of €3.8 million is provided to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. The current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme was closed to new applicants on 31 July 2000. Since 2000, 58 projects have been or are being dealt with under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme of which 49 have been completed and the other 9 projects are at various stages of the Programme. Two of these projects (Clara and De Paul Navan Road) have been formally allocated a grant following Tender Report stage. The other 7 projects, namely Castlebar, Dunmanway, Buncrana, Edenderry, Balbriggan, Ballaghadereen and Loughrea, are at various other stages of the programme.
The maximum grant of €3.8m is subject to the total grant not exceeding 80% of the eligible cost of the project or, in the case of projects located in disadvantaged areas, 90% of the eligible cost.
No decision has been taken on any new round of the Programme. If the Programme re-opens it would be open to each Local Authority to submit an application under the terms that would apply at that time.
21. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress of Bus Éireann's obligations under the Disability Act 2005 which envisages that the entire scheduled service coach fleet here will have been replaced by wheelchair accessible coaches by 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36749/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraTransport Access for All (my Department’s Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005) sets out a series of policy objectives and targets for accessible public transport across all modes.
This includes providing coach-based services that are accessible to people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments. While significant progress has been made in recent years the 100% target for Bus Éireann PSO coach services by end-2015 will not now be met due to funding reductions in my Departments capital budget in recent years.
The National Transport Authority (NTA), with funds provided by my Department, grant aids the purchase of replacement coaches and buses for Bus Éireann's coach and city PSO services. The Bus Éireann fleet that operates the city services is now 100% wheelchair accessible while the Bus Éireann PSO coach fleet will reach 60% wheelchair accessibility by the end of 2015 from a current level of 56%.
Funding is also being provided to increase the number of accessible bus stops on the PSO coach routes so as to increase the number of accessible routes.
Funding will continue to be provided under my Department's capital plans with a view to making existing infrastructure fully accessible.
22. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of recent indications that an economic recovery is being experienced within the Irish market, if he will provide the volume of tourists who have visited here in the years 2011, 2012, and 2013; the efforts that have been made by his Department to encourage increased numbers of visitors to the south east region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36801/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Central Statistics Office (CSO) is responsible for the publication of statistics on tourism. CSO figures show that, in 2011, a total of 2.728 million visits to Ireland were categorised as ‘holiday/leisure/recreation’ visits out of a total of 6.505 million. In 2012, a total of 2.832 million visits were in this category, out of a total of 6.517 million, and in 2013, a total of 3.059 million visits were categorised as ‘holiday/leisure/recreation’, out of a total of 6.986 million.
My Department's role in relation to tourism is concerned primarily with national policy, and operational responsibility for the development and promotion of tourism is devolved to Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland.
Fáilte Ireland is currently developing a unifying tourism proposition for the east and south. These areas share a rich historic built environment, for example Viking Waterford, Medieval Kilkenny and Brú na Boinne. This project will group the cultural and heritage tourism assets of the east and south via a network of routes, trails and journeys that will appeal to overseas visitors. It is expected that the project will be launched in early 2015.
Tourism Ireland is the agency with responsibility for promoting the island of Ireland as a visitor destination in overseas markets. This year, Tourism Ireland has undertaken a range of activity to promote the South East, for example it has highlighted that Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city, celebrating its 1,100th anniversary in 2014. The many festivals and events taking place in the South East are promoted by Tourism Ireland around the world on its international website, which is available in ten different languages for over 30 individual markets, and through extensive social media activity.
In terms of other activities to promote tourism in the South East region, I am also referring the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland for further details.
23. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the options for creating a more effective public transport link from Dublin city centre to Dublin Airport; the status of DART underground and metro north; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36784/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).
Proposals for a Swiftway Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network are included in the NTA’s Integrated Implementation Plan 2013-2018 including along the Swords/Airport corridor. However, it is accepted that 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.
As a result the NTA is undertaking a technical consultancy (Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study) to assess the longer term rail transport requirements of the North Dublin/Fingal corridor, extending from Finglas to Malahide and including Dublin Airport and Swords. This review is examining existing proposals (heavy rail, metro, Luas extensions) as well as other options for a rail-based transport solution to meet the area’s needs in the long term.
In addition, the 2010 business case for DART Underground is currently being updated by the NTA.
The NTA have advised me that the DART Underground report and the outcome from the Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study and the preliminary Business Case for the BRT to Swords will be available by early next year.
Following receipt and assessment of the reports from the NTA I will consider the options and priorities for addressing key public transport deficits in the GDA, including the Airport corridor, having regard to the costs and benefits, affordability, and funding options.
Significant additional Exchequer resources will be required to advance any new major project. The existing level of resources is targeted at protecting investments made to date and maintaining safety standards. If additional funds become available, there will be many competing projects from all transport modes in all regions.
I will only allocate additional funds for projects for which there is a clear need, which are affordable, have a sound business case and add value to existing infrastructure.
24. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the increase in the number of road deaths this year, reversing a downward trend that has seen the number of fatalities decline by around two thirds since 1997; the renewed efforts that are required to address this trend; and his proposals regarding same. [36632/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 30th September 2014, the total number of fatalities on our roads in 2014 is 140. That is a decrease of 4 on the same period last year. From 415 deaths on our roads in 2001, we have seen a dramatic reduction to 190 deaths in 2013. However I am concerned that in the year 2013 there was an increase in road deaths from 2012.
My officials and I meet regularly with all of the bodies and agencies that have responsibility for road safety, including the Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to ensure that all necessary measures are identified and taken to improve safety on our roads.
The Road Safety Strategy 2013 to 2020 was launched last year. This contains 144 Actions to be implemented by the various agencies involved in order to build on the previous Strategies with the objective of making Ireland among the safest countries for road safety.
Aside from the Strategy, the Road Traffic Act 2014, was signed into law by the President on 25th February. This legislation introduces measures which will further contribute to road safety in the years to come. The Act provides for further Graduated Driver Licensing measures, adjustments to the penalty points system, increasing demerits for the most dangerous offences such as speeding and operating a mobile phone while driving.
My officials are also in the early stages of drafting the Road Traffic Bill 2014 which will contain further measures to improve safety on our roads.
I am satisfied that the actions set out in the Road Safety Strategy will be sufficient to allow Ireland to continue to make progress towards the objectives of reducing road deaths set out in the Strategy.
25. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of annual revenue that is derived from the toll plaza in County Waterford; the amount of this annual revenue that is reinvested directly into Waterford city and county; the way this revenue is reinvested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36799/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads are matters for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
In addition, the statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in the NRA under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007).
Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
26. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reinstate the specific improvements grant scheme with particular reference to his plans to specifically provide funding for a new bridge at Cockhill, Buncrana, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36809/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, including bridges, is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads and bridges are funded from local authorities own resources and are supplemented by State road grants.
The need to focus the limited funding available on the repair and strengthening of the road network has meant that it has been necessary to curtail the Specific Improvement Grants Scheme for the moment. The scope for considering new applications under this grant category depends on the future funding available to my Department as I have to continue to prioritise maintenance and renewal of the network.
As regards Cockhill Bridge, my Department recently contacted Donegal County Council to ascertain the up-to-date position in relation to the Council's evaluation of possible traffic management measures at the bridge. I understand from the Council that a number of options were prepared for Cockhill Bridge over a number of years including a new bridge, bridge widening, one-way traffic, a new footbridge and the installation of traffic lights and associated measures.
I also understand that these options were presented to both the Buncrana Council and the Inishowen Area Council Elected Members but members did not favour pursuing options other than a new bridge. It is now a matter for the Council to decide if it wishes to pursue with the Department one of the options other than the new bridge.
In this context it is important to re-iterate that the role of Exchequer grants for regional and local roads is to supplement the resources of Councils. It is, therefore, open to the Council to fund both the design and construction of this project from its own resources.
27. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to further develop and support cruise liner traffic to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36794/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe promotion and development of cruise tourism are primarily matters for the boards and managements of Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland as well as individual ports themselves.
That said I know that the cruise ship tourism sector is growing worldwide and international demand for the product remains strong. Irish ports continue to capitalise on the global rise in cruise tourism and a number of ports are enjoying a steady increase in the number of cruise vessels calling at their facilities in recent years. I am aware that Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland are in contact with Cruise Ireland, which is the island of Ireland umbrella marketing body that promotes the island of Ireland as a premier cruise destination, to assist them in growing their share of the market.
I will ask the tourism agencies to set out in detail for the Deputy the steps they are taking to support cruise tourism.
Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
28. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions he will take in conjunction with the Department for Justice and Equality to ensure that all persons disqualified from driving after having received the maximum number of penalty points or through orders of the courts will have their driving licences surrendered or seized by the appropriate authorities so as to ensure that full records are maintained of all disqualified drivers. [36633/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 22 of the Road Traffic Act 2002, as amended, a person who appears in court in relation to an alleged offence under the Road Traffic Acts is required to produce their driving licence or learner permit and a copy of that licence or learner permit, in court. Failure to do so is an offence. The penalty is the general penalty under section 102 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, i.e. a fine of up to €1,000 for a first offence, a fine of up to €2,000 for a second or subsequent offence, and a fine of up to €2,000 and/or three months imprisonment for a third or subsequent offence within a period of one year. Where a case results in the individual being required to surrender their licence, the licence can therefore be retained by the court at the end of the process. The implementation of the provisions is a matter for the Courts Service and my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality.
In addition, under section 40 of the 1961 Act, a Garda may demand production of a driving licence and, under Section 60 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, may seize such licence where the member has reasonable grounds for believing that the individual has been disqualified.
Where a person reaches the penalty point threshold of 12 points, or 7 points or more for first time learner permit holders from 1 August 2014, a notification issues to the person informing them that they must surrender their driving licence to the National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS). In addition to this notification, a notice is issued to the licensing authority and An Garda Síochána informing them of each individual penalty point disqualification to ensure that they are aware of the disqualification as well as the driver.
It is a matter for the Road Safety Authority, as the licensing authority to ensure that those drivers who have been disqualified surrender their licence to the NDLS. I will however ensure that this matter be considered in the context of the Penalty Points working group with a view to ensuring that the most effective arrangements are put in place to ensure that all licences are surrendered. I have also forwarded the Deputy's question to the RSA and have asked it to respond to the Deputy directly with regard to the actions it is taking to ensure that drivers who have been disqualified surrender their licences. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
29. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the establishment of a forum for those local authorities, stakeholders and other interested parties along the Wild Atlantic Way; if he will discuss ways in which the Wild Atlantic Way can make the greatest contribution to the local economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36636/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile my Department provides the capital funding for investment in tourism projects such as the Wild Atlantic Way it is not directly involved in developing or managing them. The development of the Wild Atlantic Way is a matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland.
The route of the Wild Atlantic Way was developed with the assistance of tourism consultants and regional steering groups. The steering groups comprised Fáilte Ireland, Local Authorities, local Leader and Development companies and other key agencies such as Údarás Na Gaeltachta, the Western Development Commission and others as relevant to each particular region. In addition Fáilte Ireland carried out a series of community briefings along the route which were well attended by local tourism operators, stakeholders and community representatives. The continued involvement of communities along the western seaboard will be critical to the success of the Wild Atlantic Way project.
It is not proposed to establish a formal forum as Fáilte Ireland continues to engage with local authorities, tourism operators, local communities and other stakeholders to ensure that they can take full advantage of the economic opportunities offered by the route.
30. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding that has been provided in the last three years to upgrade public rail and bus transport to accommodate wheelchair users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36750/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to existing public transport infrastructure and facilities the National Transport Authority (NTA) is funding an on-going programme of accessibility improvement grants to upgrade existing public transport infrastructure and facilities. In the region of €13 million has been provided from my Department's capital funds to the NTA since 2011 to upgrade the accessibility infrastructure and facilities of Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann and for grants to increase the number of accessible taxis. For example funding is being provided to improve accessibility through major works at Charleville rail station, new lifts to platforms at Connnolly station, bus bays at Letterkenny bus station, accessible bus stops around the country and for the refurbishment of 255 access ramps on Dublin Bus buses.
Also under the capital plan, the NTA funds a rolling programme of bus replacement for Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann PSO routes. In the region of €105 million will have been spent on PSO bus replacement under the current capital plan by the end of 2015. This programme has enabled the Dublin Bus fleet and Bus Éireann urban fleets in Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Sligo to be 100% wheelchair accessible. The Bus Eireann PSO Coach fleet will be 60% accessible by the end of 2015.
The NTA is also funding technology developments to help people with disabilities access transport services. Examples of this include the Real Time Ireland App which is ‘text to speech enabled’ to help the visually impaired. The Real Time signs also indicate the arrival of low floor buses for wheelchair users. The NTA is also enhancing the National Journey Planner to allow a request for a step-free journey which will assist those with a mobility impairment to plan their public transport journeys.
Funding for ongoing accessibility improvements to existing infrastructure will continue under my Department's capital plans.
Accessibility is built into all new public transport infrastructure projects and vehicles from the design stage.
31. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects to bring forward amending legislation that will allow the National Roads Authority to enter into pre-planning discussions with An Bord Pleanála in advance of road building projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36635/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe planning, design and implementation of individual national road schemes are matters for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2007 in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.
The main purpose of the Roads Bill 2014, which is currently at Second Stage in the Dáil, is to facilitate the merger of the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA). The Bill also provides for a number of amendments to the existing provisions of the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007.
At present there is no provision in either the Roads Acts or the Planning Acts for the NRA or road authorities to enter into pre-planning application consultations with An Bord Pleanála in relation to proposed road developments. However, the Planning Acts make provision for pre-planning consultation in relation to various other strategic infrastructure developments, including transport-related projects, with An Bord Pleanála prior to the submission of a planning application.
I believe that there is merit in making provision for the NRA and road authorities to engage in pre-planning consultations with An Bord Pleanála in relation to proposed road developments. Accordingly, I will seek to introduce such an amendment in the Roads Bill at Committee Stage.
As pre-planning consultations are a function of An Bord Pleanála, and therefore primarily a planning matter, my Department is liaising with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and An Bord Pleanála, as well as with the National Roads Authority, on the matter.
32. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure that the tourism industry benefits adequately from the economic upturn; the extent to which he can encourage increased activity and employment in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36740/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe most recent CSO figures for overseas visits to Ireland show that visitor numbers grew by 9.4% in the period from January to August 2014 when compared to the corresponding period of 2013. 2014 looks set to be the fourth consecutive year of growth in overseas visit numbers and the total number of international visitors coming to Ireland is likely to exceed 7 million this year.
The buoyancy in the sector is also being reflected in employment numbers. By the end of last year, it was estimated by the CSO that 137,000 people were employed in the accommodation and food service sectors alone. This represented an increase of almost 14% or 17,300 extra jobs since 2012. Fáilte Ireland estimates that total tourism employment is approximately 200,000 and could grow by 6,000 - 8,000 this year based on current trends.
In terms of measures to generate further growth in the sector, an extensive promotional programme is continuing with a view to further growing visitor numbers to Ireland. The year to date has been very encouraging and overall sentiment for travel to Ireland is largely positive. Tourism Ireland is currently finalising its marketing plans for 2015 which I am scheduled to launch on 1st December.
In view of the ongoing work of the tourism agencies, increased air access to Ireland and other measures already introduced by this Government such as the 9% VAT rate for tourism services, the reduction of the air travel tax to zero and the joint visa initiative between Ireland and the United Kingdom, I am confident that the prospects for Irish tourism remain positive.
33. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 541 of 23 September 2014, if he has any objection to a new transport co-ordination unit operating two offices in a region with a large Gaeltacht area and one of the largest counties in the country; and if this objective can be achieved within the €25,000 threshold as set down by the National Transport Authority. [36805/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP), was assigned to the National Transport Authority (NTA) with effect from 1st April 2012. This includes responsibility for implementing the restructuring of the RTP announced on 9th July 2013.
My main role in relation to the RTP is policy oversight in relation to setting the broad objectives and ensuring coherence with wider Government policies for rural development.
The purpose of the restructuring is to protect the future provision of rural transport services through a more efficient and effective delivery structure that maximises integration with other State funded transport services and by making the Programme a sustainable part of the public transport system.
The new delivery structure for rural transport services involves the establishment of 18 Transport Coordination Units (TCUs) in place of the 35 RTP groups currently delivering the services in order to reduce administrative costs and maximise spending on the provision of services.
I have forwarded your question to the NTA for the purposes of a further response to you in this matter. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
34. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the efforts he has made to encourage wheelchair accessible taxi services and his views on prioritising companies with high numbers of wheelchair accessible vehicles for public and departmental contracts. [36791/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act, 2013, including the promotion of access to and the availability and affordability of SPSVs by persons with disabilities.
In this regard a number of initiatives have been and are being taken to address the lack of availability of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs). Earlier this year regulations were introduced which permit smaller and less expensive WAVs to operate, and arrangements were put in place to permit holders of standard taxi licences to exchange those licences for wheelchair accessible taxi licences and avail of a longer operating age.
Furthermore, a €1 million grant scheme is currently being administered by the NTA to support the wider availability of WAVs. Under the scheme grants of up to €10,000 are available for the purchase or conversion of a new WAV, with a sliding scale of grant amounts for older cars. Further details of the scheme and its conditions are available on the NTA's website www.nationaltransport.ie.
The Department is committed to seeking to ensure that public transport, including taxis, is accessible to persons with disabilities, and improvements to taxi accessibility are being progressed in line with the Department's Sectoral Plan - Transport Access for All - under the Disability Act 2005.
In relation to the use of companies with high levels of WAVs for public and Departmental contracts, this is a wider public procurement issue that goes beyond the remit of the NTA. However, I will keep under review, in consultation with the NTA whether initiatives such as this may be necessary or appropriate to seek to increase the proportion of WAVs in the fleet.
35. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which it may be possible to build on recent success in attracting world sporting events here; the extent to which his Department remains in contact with national and international sporting organisations in this context; the extent to which contacts appear positive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36739/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe hosting of major sports events can deliver additional international visits and helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination. The Giro D'Italia and the American Football match between the University of Central Florida and Penn State earlier this year shows that the island of Ireland can successfully host large international events.
I am supportive of the ongoing efforts of the 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. In that context, I was delighted to see that the FAI and Dublin City Council recently won their bid to host part of the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament at the Aviva stadium, a bid which had my strong support and indeed the support of the Government as a whole. This is a fantastic opportunity to host a premier international tournament.
In relation to the potential hosting of the Rugby World Cup in 2023, the working group comprising the IRFU and relevant Government Departments from both jurisdictions, have submitted their report and its conclusions and recommendations are currently being considered.
