Written Answers Nos. 601-616
601. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason there are so few tourism signs for County Carlow attractions on the M9 motorway; and if his officials will engage with Carlow Tourism Board to agree a suitable and appropriate number of signs to adequately promote the key sites in the county. [10400/15]
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, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
The NRA has an established strategy regarding the provision of signage on national roads for major tourist and leisure attractions and facilities, as set out in their document "Policy on the Provision of Tourist & Leisure Signage on National Roads". Signage in accordance with this policy is erected as an aid to safe and efficient navigation, rather than as a means of advertising or promoting any particular business or premises.
The Authority's national road signage schemes are implemented following extensive consultation involving the Authority, the local authorities concerned and Fáilte Ireland. In this regard, it should be noted that Fáilte Ireland has a number of requirements which must be satisfied before they will recommend a particular tourist destination for signage off the national road network. These include adequate provision for parking, consideration of the facilities available at the venue and so forth.
602. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide in tabular form the clubs and organisations in receipt of sports capital grants in County Meath for the past three application periods in contrast to the actual applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10425/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe three most recent rounds of the Sports Capital Programme were held in 2008, 2012 and 2014.
2014 Sports Capital Programme Applications from County Meath
|
Applicant Name |
Grant |
|
Ashbourne Cricket Club |
€5,000.00 |
|
Ashbourne United Association Football Club Limited |
€150,000.00 |
|
Athboy Celtic Football Club |
€75,000.00 |
|
Ballinabrackey Gaa Club |
|
|
Ballivor G.F.C. |
|
|
Boyerstown Community Development Association |
€10,000.00 |
|
Boyne Hockey Club |
€600.00 |
|
Carlanstown Kilbeg Community Development |
|
|
Castletown GFC |
€75,000.00 |
|
Clann na nGael - Meath |
|
|
Claremont Stadium Club |
|
|
Coiste na Mí CLG |
|
|
Comhlacht Oibre An tSeanbhaile |
€10,000.00 |
|
Coolmine Gymnastics Club |
|
|
Cormeen Community Development Ltd |
€14,000.00 |
|
Cushinstown Athletic Club |
|
|
Donacarney Celtic Football Club |
|
|
Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA |
|
|
Drumconrath GFC |
|
|
Drumree GAA Club |
|
|
Duleek & District AC |
€12,000.00 |
|
Duleek AFC |
|
|
Duleek/Bellewstown GFC |
|
|
Dunboyne Amateur Boxing Club |
€12,000.00 |
|
Dunboyne Athletic Club |
€90,000.00 |
|
Dunboyne Ladies GAA |
|
|
Dunboyne Tennis Club |
|
|
Dunderry GAA Club |
€70,000.00 |
|
Dunshaughlin Community Centre Ltd |
€12,000.00 |
|
Dunshaughlin GAA Club |
|
|
East Meath United Limited |
€100,000.00 |
|
Enfield Celtic FC |
|
|
Kells Blackwater F. C. |
|
|
Kells Handball Club |
€50,000.00 |
|
Kells Tennis Club |
|
|
Kilbride GFC |
|
|
Kilmainham GFC |
€15,000.00 |
|
Kiltale Hurling & Camogie Club |
€50,000.00 |
|
LAYTOWN PITCH & PUTT CLUB |
|
|
Laytown United Football Club |
€5,000.00 |
|
Louth and Meath Education and Training Board |
€65,000.00 |
|
Louth and Meath Education and Training Board |
|
|
Louth and Meath Education and Training Board |
|
|
Louth and Meath Education and Training Board |
|
|
Meath and District League |
€250,000.00 |
|
Meath County Council |
|
|
Meath County Council |
|
|
Meath County Council |
|
|
Meath County Council |
|
|
Meath Hill GFC |
|
|
Meath Local Sports Partnership |
€5,600.00 |
|
Moylagh Community Centre Club ltd. |
|
|
Navan Boxing Club |
|
|
Navan Pitch and Putt Club |
|
|
Navan Rugby Football Club |
|
|
Nobber Amenity Park Committee |
|
|
NS Board of Management, Moynalvey |
|
|
Oldcastle Ladies GFC |
|
|
OMP United |
€12,000.00 |
|
Park Celtic Summerhill FC |
€23,731.00 |
|
Parkvilla Football Club |
|
|
Rathkenny A.C. |
|
|
Rathmore Handball Club |
€12,000.00 |
|
Ratoath BMX Club |
|
|
Ratoath GAA Club |
|
|
Ratoath Harps AFC |
€150,000.00 |
|
Ratoath Tennis Club Ltd |
€7,000.00 |
|
Ribbontail Paddlers Canoe Club |
€25,000.00 |
|
Scoil Mhuire |
€18,000.00 |
|
Simonstown Gaels GFC |
|
|
Skryne Gaelic Football Club |
|
|
SLANE GAA CLUB |
|
|
Slane Wanderers FC |
|
|
St Andrews |
|
|
St Colmcilles East Meath GAC |
|
|
St Josephs Mercy Secondary School |
|
|
St Mary's GFC |
|
|
St Michaels G.F.C. |
|
|
St Oliver's Community Centre |
€150,000.00 |
|
St Patrick's GAA Club |
|
|
St Ultans Gaelic Football Club |
€35,000.00 |
|
St Vincents GFC |
€75,000.00 |
|
Summerhill Community Centre |
€60,000.00 |
|
Summerhill GFC |
|
|
Syddan GAA Club |
€27,000.00 |
|
Tara Athletics Club |
€20,000.00 |
|
Trim Celtic A.F.C. |
€70,000.00 |
|
Trim GAA |
|
|
Trim Tennis Club |
|
|
Walterstown GFC |
|
|
WOLFE TONES GFC |
€90,000.00 |
2012 Sports Capital Programme Applications from County Meath
|
Applicant Name |
Grant |
|
1st Meath Dunboyne Scout Group |
€20,000 |
|
5th Meath Kells Scout Group |
€4,200 |
|
Alpha Dive Sub Aqua Club |
€25,000 |
|
Ashbourne Rugby Football Club |
€100,000 |
|
Athboy Celtic AFC |
|
|
Athboy Rugby Football Club |
|
|
Ballinlough GFC |
|
|
Ballivor GFC |
|
|
Beaufort College (second level school) |
|
|
Bective GAA Club |
€90,000 |
|
Blackhall Gaels Football & Hurling Club |
€75,117 |
|
Bodytrim Health Club |
|
|
Boyne Athletic Club |
|
|
Boyne Hockey Club |
€800 |
|
Castle Villa A.F.C. |
€64,000 |
|
Colaiste na hInse second level school |
|
|
Cortown GAA |
|
|
Crossakiel Handball Club |
|
|
Cumann Luthcleas Gael Ath Troim Trim GAA Club |
|
|
Curragha Tennis Club |
€25,000 |
|
Cushinstown Athletic Club |
|
|
Domhnach Seachnaill CLG/ Dunshaughlin GAA |
€145,000 |
|
Drogheda Crescent Football Club |
€25,000 |
|
Drogheda Town FC |
|
|
Drumree Dunshaughlin Sports Group |
|
|
Drumree GAA |
|
|
Duleek AFC |
|
|
Duleek & District AC |
|
|
Duleek/ Bellewstown C.L.G. |
€80,000 |
|
Dunboyne Association Football Club |
|
|
Dunboyne Athletic Club |
|
|
Dunderry GAA CLUB |
|
|
Dunsany GAA Club |
|
|
Emmet Druimbearaigh C.L.G |
|
|
Enfield Celtic |
|
|
Kells Handball Club |
|
|
Kilmainham G.F.C. |
€45,000 |
|
Kiltale Hurling & Camogie Club Community Development |
|
|
Laytown United Football Club |
|
|
Meath Hill GFC |
€60,000 |
|
Meath Hunt Pony Club |
€10,000 |
|
Moynalvey Gaelic Football Club (CLG Magh nAilbhe) |
€75,000 |
|
Na Fianna G.A.A. CLUB |
|
|
Navan Boxing Club |
|
|
Navan Pitch And Putt Club |
|
|
Navan Rugby Football Club |
|
|
Navan Tennis Club |
€28,000 |
|
Navan Town Football Club |
€32,000 |
|
O.M.P. United F.C. |
|
|
Park Celtic Summerhill |
€14,000 |
|
Parkvilla Football CLUB |
€57,000 |
|
Rathkenny Athletic Club |
|
|
Ratoath Community Sports Campus Group comprising Ratoath Athletics Club (RAC), Ratoath Rugby Football Club (RRFC) and Ratoath Tennis Club (RTC) |
|
|
Ratoath Gaa Club |
€65,000 |
|
Ribbontail Paddlers Canoe Club |
|
|
Saint Colmcilles East Meath GAC |
€65,000 |
|
Scoil Mhuire Secondary School |
|
|
Skryne Gaelic Football Club |
€70,000 |
|
St Marys GAA Club |
|
|
ST Oliver Post Primary School |
|
|
St Pauls GFC |
€2,000 |
|
St Ultans GFC |
|
|
St. Peter's G.A.A. Club, Dunboyne, Co. Meath |
|
|
St.Patrick's GAA Club |
€75,000 |
|
Summerhill Archery Club |
|
|
Tara Athletics Club |
|
|
Trim Canoe Club |
|
|
Trim Celtic AFC |
|
|
Trim Sports and Leisure Centre Co. Ltd and Meath Bowling Club |
|
|
WIKF - Karate |
2008 Sports Capital Programme Applications from County Meath
|
Applicant Name |
Grant |
|
Ashbourne Rugby Football Club |
€34,000 |
|
BALLINABRACKEY GAA |
|
|
Ballivor Clay Pigeon Shooting Club |
€15,000 |
|
Ballymacad Country Sports Ltd |
|
|
Bective GAA Club |
|
|
Blackhall Gaels Football and Hurling Club |
€50,000 |
|
Boardsmill Community Games |
|
|
Castletown GFC |
|
|
Castlevilla AFC |
€60,000 |
|
Curragha Tennis Club / Curragha Parish |
|
|
Cushinstown Athletic Club |
€50,000 |
|
Donacarney Celtic Football Club |
€65,000 |
|
Drumconrath GFC |
|
|
Duleek AFC |
€60,000 |
|
Dunboyne Tennis Club |
|
|
Dunshaughlin - Culmullen Parish Council |
|
|
Gilson Parents Association |
|
|
Kilbride Indor Bowl Club |
|
|
KIlmainhamwood GAA Club |
€60,000 |
|
Kilmessan Hurling Club |
€90,000 |
|
Meath Hill GFC |
€15,000 |
|
Meath Masters Swimming Club (MMSC) |
€3,000 |
|
Na Fianna G.A.A. Club |
€70,000 |
|
Nava Taekwon-do school |
|
|
Navan Boxing Club |
€3,000 |
|
Navan Rugby Football Club |
|
|
Nobber GFC / CLG An Obair |
€60,000 |
|
Oldcastle G.F.C. |
|
|
Ratoath GAA Club |
|
|
Ratoath Tennis Club Ltd |
€55,000 |
|
Skryne Gaelic Football Club |
|
|
St Brigids GFC Ballinacree |
|
|
St Mary's GFC |
€15,000 |
|
St Olivers Community Centre Ltd |
|
|
St Patricks GAA Club |
€150,000 |
|
St Ultans GFC (Mens and Ladies Club) |
€45,000 |
|
St. Colmcilles Gaelic Football Club |
€80,000 |
|
St. Michaels GFC |
€80,000 |
|
St. Peters GAA Club |
|
|
SUMMERHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE |
€55,000 |
|
Summerhill GFC |
€20,000 |
603. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport regarding the allocation of funding for local authority swimming pools, if all of the allocated funding has been drawn down to date; if there is a deadline beyond which funding not yet drawn down will be re-allocated; and if so, if he will consider the north Kildare area, in view of its young and growing population as a suitable location for a new local authority swimming pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10432/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 Programme of which 49 have been completed and the other 9 projects are at various stages of the Programme.
My priority now is the completion of the projects in the existing Programme and no decision has been taken on reallocating funding from these projects.
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, including Kildare County Council, to submit an application under the terms that would apply at that time.
607. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which bus and rail services are fully utilised and tailored to meet the requirements of the travelling or commuting public, with particular reference to the need to ensure they are convenient to passenger requirements, thereby enhancing viability and efficiency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10520/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No 115 which outlined the support the Government has provided to ensure the public transport sector is better placed to address the transport demands of our economic recovery.
At a national level, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger land transport services. This includes the provision of subvented bus and rail services by Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and Irish Rail. The NTA also licences public bus passenger services. I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
608. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects the tourism industry to grow in the current year, having regard to recent experiences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10521/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra614. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects tourism to continue to grow on foot of the development of the Wild Atlantic Way; the specific markets he has in mind in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10528/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra617. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the areas in the tourism sector that have shown the greatest potential for future development and expansion both internally and externally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10531/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 608, 614 and 617 together.
The latest CSO figures for overseas visitors to Ireland for the period November 2014 to January 2015 are very strong, confirming growth of +9.1% in overseas visits to Ireland compared to the same period in 2013-2014. This continues the strong growth trend seen in 2014, when visit numbers increased by almost 9% for the year.
The Tourism Ireland Business Plan 2015, which was approved at the North South Ministerial Council last week, includes a target for 2015 to increase overseas visits to Ireland by 6%, and increase overseas visitor revenue by 7%. The Business Plan includes a commitment to highlight compelling reasons to visit Ireland in 2015, including the Wild Atlantic Way.
Research that has been carried out on behalf of the tourism agencies and tourism industry has found that certain market segments have a higher likelihood to select Ireland as a destination. These are categorised as follows:
- "Culturally Curious": Travellers in the over 45 age group taking a holiday with their partner, who wish to expand their experience by exploring new landscapes, history and culture.
- "Great Escapers": These tend to be younger and are specifically interested in rural holidays. Great Escapers are on holiday to take time out, and experience nature at close range.
- "Social Energisers": Younger visitors who like to holiday in groups or as couples. They may be friends or colleagues looking for an exciting trip to a new and vibrant destination.
Tourism Ireland's overseas marketing activity is weighted towards these segments in order to provide the best return on marketing investment.
In the longer term, the new Tourism Policy Statement "People, Place and Policy - Growing Tourism to 2025" will be officially launched later this month. The three headline targets, to be achieved by 2025 are as follows:
- Revenue from overseas tourism, excluding air fares and ferry charges, will rise from €3.3 billion in 2013 to €5 billion per year by 2025 net of inflation,
- 250,000 people employed in tourism by 2025, compared with approximately 200,000 at present.
- Attract ten million overseas visits to Ireland by 2025, compared to 7.6 million for 2014.
I look forward to working with the tourism sector and the tourism agencies to achieve the targets contained in the Policy Statement.
609. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which hotel bed accommodation is currently adequate to meet the demand in all regions based on occupancy over the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10522/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe most recent statistics are for January to September 2014 and show that hotel occupancy has risen by 2% to 65% when compared to the same period in 2013. Occupancy rates in that period for other forms of accommodation were lower, with the next highest being guest houses at 63%, Bed and Breakfast at 42%, Hostels at 57%, Self-catering at 48% and Caravan and camping sites at 34%. All of these sectors have increased occupancy rates since 2013 but are still a long way off capacity.
I am aware that occupancy rates for hotels are higher in Dublin and other key locations have improved considerably over the last couple of years. Although the rates paid by guests have risen somewhat, hotels in Dublin remain good value compared to other West European capital city destinations. In order to maintain the competitiveness of the sector there would appear to be scope for investment in hotels and other tourist accommodation in Dublin, particularly in the city centre where demand is highest. The steps the Government is taking to strengthen the construction sector in the "Construction 2020" strategy should help to deliver that capacity, as with other sectors such as residential and office development.
The statistics would indicate, therefore, that notwithstanding the potential issues with hotels in Dublin, the country as a whole has sufficient stock of tourist accommodation to meet the needs of the industry.
610. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which his Department continues to have discussions with various sporting organisations with a view to ensuing maximum co-ordination of activities and events with the objective of maximising economic benefit through sport or related special events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10524/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra613. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which his Department continues to liaise with the various sporting organisations with a view to facilitating the use of this country as a venue for worldwide competitions in sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10527/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra618. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to be in a position to use sport as a means of promoting tourism and investment in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10532/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 610, 613 and 618 together.
The hosting of major sports events can deliver additional international visits and helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination. The hosting last year of the Giro D'Italia on an all-island basis showed that the island of Ireland can successfully host such events and the FAI and Dublin City Council also recently won their bid to host part of the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament at the Aviva Stadium.
Accordingly, I am supportive of the ongoing efforts of the Tourism Agencies and the National Governing Bodies of Sport, where appropriate in conjunction with their colleagues in Northern Ireland, to attract international events, subject, of course, to an assessment of the costs/benefits involved.
The Government has assisted the IRFU in preparing its bid to host the Women's Rugby World cup in 2017 and, as the Deputy is aware, the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive, recently announced our support for the preparation of a joint bid for the Rugby World Cup in 2023. The IRFU, with support of both Governments, has commenced work on compiling the bid. An Overview Group will be appointed in the near future to oversee progress and guide the bid preparation.
Our tourism and sporting infrastructure are amongst the finest in Europe and are well capable of providing the modern facilities required by participants and spectators alike. We will continue to look for opportunities to both grow tourism and develop sport in Ireland by hosting major events with real overseas revenue-generating potential.
611. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which improvement may be made to ensure the maximum use of rail services in lieu of road transport, with particular reference to park-and-go facilities at strategic locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10525/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am fully committed to developing a more sustainable transport system with a much greater role for public transport. While the economic downturn led to the prioritisation of limited resources to protecting existing assets and maintaining safety standards there have been a number of initiatives funded in recent years such as the extension of LUAS, the introduction of the LEAP card, Real Time Passenger Information, improved bus lanes, Wi-Fi on trains/buses etc. to make public transport more attractive. It is my aim to ensure that the next capital plan, which is under preparation, will have funding for public transport to allow for more initiatives of this nature including, where necessary and feasible, new or improved park and ride facilities at rail stations.
Within the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), the National Transport Authority (NTA) is updating its Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area which will set out the public transport priorities for funding over the coming years. The NTA intends that a draft transport strategy will be available for public consultation in mid-2015.
In relation to rail related developments outside the GDA, my Department liaises with Iarnród Éireann in relation to the priorities for funding and will take these into account in the preparation of the next capital plan.
612. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which he has considered the strategic nature of the proposals to upgrade Naas-Newbridge-Sallins bypass and the Osberstown Interchange-Monread Road roundabout in County Kildare; the extent to which either project is ready to proceed; the potential economic benefit arising in the event of approval; if he will provide consideration to these projects in the current year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10526/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding regarding the national roads programme. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
With regard to the Osberstown interchange and the Sallins bypass 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 those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources, supplemented by State grants.
Owing to the national financial position, there have been very large reductions in roads expenditure in recent years. The reality is that the available funds simply do not match the amount of work that needs to be done to maintain existing road infrastructure or address demands for new road improvement projects. Funding in 2008 was €2.3 billion while funding this year is around €730 million for the national, regional and local road network. Unfortunately, the current financial realities are such that the budgets proposed for my Department for 2016 and 2017 indicate that capital funding will continue to be very tight, and my ability to progress new projects and PPPs is limited.
I have acknowledged in previously responses to the Deputy and I reiterate again today that it is important to restore over time capital funding for the transport sector to ensure that infrastructure is maintained but, as of now, I am not in a position to give a commitment in regard to funding of the projects in question, although I acknowledge their national and local importance.
615. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department continues to evaluate employment creation opportunities, directly and indirectly through co-ordinated efforts between the areas of transport, tourism and sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10529/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe mission statement of the Department of Transport Tourism and Sport is to ensure that the transport, tourism and sport sectors make the greatest possible contribution to economic recovery, fiscal consolidation, job creation and social development. In that regard I have outlined my priorities to 2016 for the transport, tourism and sports sectors on my Department's website.
The Action Plan for Jobs 2015 also sets out the key policy actions being taken in the transport, tourism and sports sectors to contribute to jobs growth in 2015 and beyond.
I am satisfied that the Department of Transport Tourism and Sport has and will continue to play a vital role in our economic recovery and in creating much needed jobs, including through coordination where appropriate. For example, the tourism, sports and sustainable transport areas have cooperated successfully in the development of greenways, while tourism and sport have worked together on events. In that regard, the focus of the Department remains on the most effective ways to enhance our overall competitiveness and support economic growth so that the Government’s plan to create an additional 40,000 jobs this year can be delivered.
616. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for enhanced road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10530/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraStrategies for improving road safety are set out in the Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020, which 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 25 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 and 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 2015 which will contain further measures to improve safety on our roads. The principal focus of the 2015 Bill will be on testing of drivers at the roadside for the presence of drugs similar to mandatory alcohol testing which is currently in place. In addition, there will be a variety of measures to amend legislation on driver licensing, penalty points, commercial vehicle roadworthiness testing, and written-off vehicles, among other matters.
I meet regularly with all of the bodies and agencies that have responsibility for road safety, including the Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority to ensure that all necessary measures are identified and taken 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.
