Written Answers Nos. 1-34
10. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will install a tunnel or bridge at the Pelletstown and Ashtown rail crossing to deal with the major traffic problems it is creating. [45001/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). I understand it is proposed to close all level crossings on the Maynooth line including the crossing at Ashtown.
I understand that preliminary engineering analysis of the infrastructural works that would be required to facilitate these level crossing closures has been carried out. This analysis includes options for bridges over or under the railway, together with road diversions and road closures which may be required.
There is a limited amount of Exchequer funding available for enhancement of railway infrastructure at the current time and, given the competing demands for scarce resources, it has not been possible to provide funding specifically for the closure of the crossing at Ashtown. The current layout of road design is likely to be in place for the foreseeable future. The immediate priority for investment in the rail network is for ongoing maintenance and renewal of existing assets, in order to achieve 'steady state' condition of the network, and the Government has allocated over €140 million this year for this purpose. It is envisaged that funding will become available for the closure of level crossings during the lifetime of the Capital Plan 2016-2021.
11. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 597 of 20 January 2015 on the proposed use of new card-style driver licences, wherein he stated that the Road Safety Authority was examining the matter with a view to determining additional information that could be included on the chip that would assist and enhance in the enforcement of road traffic legislation, to indicate the status of this examination and if information on the number of penalty points accrued, disqualifications, etc., will be stored; the progress made in linking driver licences to the registration of vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44884/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince January 2013, in accordance with EU requirements, Irish learner permits and driving licences have been issued in plastic credit-card sized format instead of the older paper format.
EU Directive 2006/126/EC provided for a number of security features as part of the card design. The card containing a microchip was an optional feature and the Irish driving licence contains a microchip. A decision has not yet been made about the nature of information, if any, to be stored on the driving licence microchip. Consideration as to the details to be recorded on the microchip, including any potential recording of information on penalty points or disqualifications that would assist and enhance in the enforcement of road traffic legislation, needs further detailed examination. This work is ongoing within the Road Safety Authority and the Authority has advised that it expects to make a recommendation to my Department on this matter in Spring 2016.
Regarding the linking of driver licences to the registration of vehicles, the Minister for Justice and Equality and I approved in principle in September 2015, subject to the development of a detailed business case, a Master Licence Record Project based on the National Vehicle and Driver File. At its meeting on 8 December 2015, Government noted the progress being made regarding assigning penalty points to drivers for relevant road traffic offences including the Master Licence Record Project. This is a substantial ICT project costing an estimated €4 million over a three-year period, which will entail linking the vehicle and driving licence database of the National Vehicle Driver File. Following approval of the project and the completion of the business case, work will proceed regarding implementation of this project.
12. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will encourage further future growth and development in the tourism sector, particularly to ensure the maximum utilisation of its employment potential; if he will utilise air and sea travel in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44988/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraTourism continues to contribute significantly to Ireland's economic recovery. CSO figures for the first ten months of 2015 show that there were over 7.4 million overseas visits to Ireland, an increase of 12.8% on the same period of 2014. With regard to revenue, the most recent CSO Quarterly Tourism and Travel publication shows that spending in Ireland by overseas visitors (excluding carrier receipts) in the first nine months of 2015 amounted to over €3.3 billion, an increase of 17.5% compared to the same period in 2014. The indications are that 2015 will break all previous records in terms of our overseas tourism performance.
Tourism Ireland's targets for 2016 are to grow overseas visit numbers by a further 4%, and grow the associated revenue by 5%. The longer-term tourism goals, as outlined in the Government's Tourism Policy Statement are that by 2025: revenue from overseas visitors will increase to €5 billion, net of inflation; we would have 10 million visits to Ireland annually; and employment in the tourism sector would reach 250,000 compared to 205,000 at present.
In July, I established a Tourism Leadership Group to put in place a Tourism Action Plan that will set out the measures required in the period up to 2018 so that the overall objectives in the Tourism Policy Statement can be achieved. This Action Plan will be published early in the new year.
In terms of access, as an island destination, direct, convenient and competitive access services are critical to achieving tourism growth. The zero rate travel tax has seen a very positive response from the airlines with many new routes and increased services coming on stream. I would also acknowledge the important connectivity role played by sea carriers, particularly in relation to holiday visitors from Great Britain and Mainland Europe. I should also mention that I recently announced a €1 million funding allocation to support co-operative marketing activity to regional access points which is designed to encourage new access and maximise the potential of existing air and ferry services to the regions.
13. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport while being mindful of the importance of a rigorous planning framework, if he is concerned at the impact the placing of onerous planning obligations on local authorities and Transport Infrastructure Ireland is having on Government investment in transport projects such as the N59 Oughterard to Maam Cross road in County Galway upgrade, including, for example, the requirement to produce method statements for every stage of a project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44959/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 national road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Act 1993, as amended, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Under section 50 of the Roads Act 1993, either a road authority or Transport Infrastructure Ireland must prepare a statement of the likely effects on the environment of certain road developments, which would include the N59 Oughterard to Maam Cross project. This in turn reflects EU legislation.
Under section 51 of the Roads Act 1993, the road authority concerned or Transport Infrastructure Ireland must apply to An Bord Pleanála for approval of such road developments and must submit the environmental impact statements prepared in respect of the developments to An Bord Pleanála. Any such road developments must not be carried out unless An Bord Pleanála has by order approved them or approved them with modifications. An Bord Pleanála may also refuse to approve such developments.
An Bord Pleanála is responsible for giving planning approval for such road developments and I have no function in the matter.
Accordingly, the implementation of the N59 Oughterard to Maam Cross project is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Galway County Council. Galway County Council is working closely with National Parks and Wildlife Service (part of the Heritage Division of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht) on the development of the N59 Oughterard to Maam Cross Scheme. This involves the agreement of numerous Method Statements for each stage of the scheme, in accordance with the planning approval for the scheme. The development and agreement of the method statements is a time consuming process which is reflective of the environmental risks associated with developing new infrastructure through this uniquely sensitive area.
14. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the funding allocated for the planned N7 widening, Sallins bypass and Osberstown interchange road projects in Naas in County Kildare will be available to ensure the projects are progressed simultaneously; if progressing these works as one project will be more cost-efficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40406/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII, formerly known as the National Roads Authority) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 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 TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act. As regards regional and local roads, responsibility for implementation of improvement projects rests with the relevant local authority which is Kildare County Council in this instance.
The transport element of the Capital Plan provides that work will commence on several roads projects which are targeted at removing critical bottlenecks or upgrading inadequate sections of road, including the M7 widening and the Sallins Bypass. Kildare County Council is responsible for the construction of the Osberstown Interchange.
As the three projects mentioned by the Deputy need to be implemented in a co-ordinated way, I expect TII to liaise with Kildare County Council in relation to an implementation programme. At present TII is assessing how best to progress national projects included in the 7 year transport element of the Capital Plan taking into account annual budget allocations. The timeframe for progressing individual projects will be decided once that process is completed.
15. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address concerns regarding increasing levels of traffic congestion in Dublin, especially the knock-on congestion caused by blockages on the M50 motorway; if he is developing a strategic plan to deal with the traffic problems on the M50; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44996/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No. 1 today, which I answered earlier.
16. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with his role in upholding the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973 in respect of the use of Shannon Airport by civil aircraft used by foreign militaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44887/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary purpose of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973, as amended, is ensuring the safety of aircraft and those on board.
My Department carries out appropriate consultations with other Departments and agencies in relation to applications for permits under the Order. The applications are then processed, taking account of these consultations. I am satisfied that this role is carried out correctly.
17. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the consultations he has had with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, other Departments and relevant stakeholders subsequent to the publication of the preparation of low-carbon roadmap for transport, regarding his role in the national low-carbon transition and mitigation plan; the content of these discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44882/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, it is proposed to address GHG emissions through a National Mitigation Plan, which will incorporate input from the key sectors of electricity generation, built environment, agriculture and transport. My Department is currently examining a suite of measures aimed at delivering cost effective emissions reduction in the transport sector.
As part of this process, my officials are involved in ongoing engagement with other sectors through representation on a Steering Group chaired by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. Subsequent to the publication of the consultation paper "Preparation of Low-Carbon Roadmap for Transport", my Department has been actively engaging with broad ranging stakeholder groups and, earlier this year, held an open information exchange on the process in the Department.
Responsibility for emissions reduction is a collective one and, when all sectoral inputs have been co-ordinated, the draft Plan will be available for extensive public consultation before being submitted for approval to Government.
18. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the N56 Mountcharles to Inver Road upgrade in County Donegal will be progressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44992/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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, is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 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 TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
As you are aware, the transport element of the Capital Plan provides that work will commence on several roads projects (including Mountcharles to Inver) which are targeted at removing critical bottlenecks or upgrading inadequate sections of road. In this context, TII is assessing how best to progress projects included in the 7 year transport element of the Capital Plan taking into account annual budget allocations. The timeframe for progressing individual projects will be decided once that process is completed.
19. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Ireland will meet its transport renewables targets under the European Union's sharing effort for greenhouse gas reductions; and if he will address concerns that he has no strategic plan in place for reaching our 20% renewables target by 2020. [44997/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, as the Deputy will know, responsibility for coordinating Ireland's position on climate policy rests with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.
Under the 2009 EU Effort-Sharing Decision (406/2009/EC), the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government advises that Ireland is on course to comply with annual emissions reduction targets for the compliance period of 2013 to 2016. However, in respect of the remaining years to 2020, a significant compliance challenge has been highlighted by the EPA.
There is an acute awareness of this challenge across sectors, not least by transport. As the Deputy will be aware, the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill has almost completed its journey through the Houses. This legislation will create a statutory obligation to develop a National Mitigation Plan for Ireland, which will seek to put in place the necessary mitigation measures for meeting the long-term policy objectives of a low carbon economy by 2050. The first iteration of the Plan will place particular focus on identifying those measures needed to address the challenges arising from the second half of the compliance period, that is from 2017 to 2020.
In relation to renewables, a mandatory minimum target of 10% is in place for the contribution of renewable energy in transport by 2020. Good progress is being made towards achieving this target and, in 2014, a 5.2% level of renewables penetration was achieved in transport. The Biofuel Obligation Scheme will most likely be the primary mechanism for reaching the 2020 target with some renewables expected to come from the electrification of the car fleet. Policy related to renewable energy rests with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
20. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the effort he has made to make public transport services more affordable given regular increases in fares over the past five years, even for those using prepaid and Leap card options. [45005/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 6 today, which I answered earlier.
21. Deputy Helen McEntee asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a proposed project (details supplied), including its potential to unlock significant tourism sector employment opportunities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44876/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am reiterating the information I supplied the Deputy with in response to the same question on 11 November last.
Under the National Cycle Network funding programme 2014-2016 Meath County Council submitted a proposal to my Department for the development of the Boyne Valley to Lakelands County Greenway. While it was recognised that the proposal had considerable merit it was not possible to provide funding at that time given that the number of applications received far exceeded the resources available.
I met with a delegation from Meath County Council earlier this year to discuss progress on this project since the application was submitted in 2013. I was glad to learn that in the meantime the project team had progressed the detailed design and preparation of contract documents for the project while continuing to explore potential funding sources.
The cost of delivering the entire greenway is estimated to be in the region of €2.4 million. I understand from my meeting with the Council delegation that the project can be delivered in 2 phases. Phase 1 could run for a distance of 8 km from the town park in Navan to Wilkinstown which would represent a valuable amenity in itself. Phase 2 will run from Wilkinstown to Kingscourt. Cavan County Council are also keen to commence this section of the greenway and the planning and design elements are at an advanced stage.
Given that all Department funding for the purpose of delivering greenways is now fully committed up until 2016, I would urge the Council to continue to progress this project in so far as their own resources allow.
22. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport what the expected modal shift in passenger numbers away from private modes of transport is for each public transport project envisaged under the capital investment plan, with particular regard to the Dublin metro project; how these figures compare with the Central Statistics Office's projected population growth to 2030 and the expected increase in traffic volumes as economic activity increases; if this ratio has been factored into the transport sector's emissions mitigation plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44994/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's decision to include the new Metro North project in its Capital Plan Building on Recovery 2016-2021 was based on the conclusions and recommendations of the Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study, which was undertaken by Aecom on behalf of the National Transport Authority (NTA). The North Dublin Study examined 25 different solutions to address the public transport needs of this corridor, including Dublin Airport and Swords, and recommended the new Metro North project as the most appropriate public transport solution to address the transport needs of this corridor.
The report of that Study, which is published on NTA's website identifies the likely passenger demand and passenger usage of the new Metro North project. It reports that the introduction of the new Metro North project will increase passengers on the overall light rail system in Dublin by 65%, with a related decrease in bus boardings of 8%. The overall impact of the new Metro North scheme is a 1.54% increase in public transport passengers in the am peak travel period.
Over the wider Greater Dublin Area, the NTA has recently published a draft transport Strategy for the region, which sets out a set of transport proposals and policies for delivery over the period 2016 to 2035. I expect to receive the draft Strategy from the NTA shortly for my determination. Subject to my approval, I understand the various elements of the draft Strategy are expected to facilitate a reduction in car commuting from a current figure of approximately 62% to 45%.
With regard to emissions, as the Deputy will be aware, it is proposed to address greenhouse gas emissions through a National Mitigation Plan, which will incorporate input from the key sectors of electricity generation, built environment, agriculture and transport. Further to early stakeholder engagement in 2014 and an information exchange with stakeholders in May 2015, my Department is currently examining a suite of measures aimed at delivering cost effective emissions reduction in the transport sector.
These measures will have a particular focus on policy development, smarter travel and modal shift, supports for alternative fuels and certain fiscal and taxation incentives aimed at encouraging behavioural change. Public transport projects and investment will be considered within the wider context of developing a multi-faceted response to mitigation from the sector. The responsibility for emissions reduction is a collective one and, when all sectoral inputs have been co-ordinated, the draft Plan will be available for extensive public consultation before being submitted for approval to Government.
23. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the climate change adaptation plan for transport will be published, given that his Department's Statement of Strategy 2015-2017 stated it would be published in March 2015. [44881/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill creates a statutory obligation for a number of sectors, including transport, to develop sectoral adaptation plans. When enacted, this legislation will provide for the making of these plans within three months of the publication of a new National Adaptation Framework.
In advance of this legislation, my Department, in consultation with key transport agencies and service providers, has been making good progress on developing a plan for transport.
The plan will effectively consider our knowledge base, our vulnerabilities and adaptive capacity to climate change and provide a list of options for the transport sector spanning the short, medium and long terms. In order to advance this work, a stakeholder team was established last year, which consists of representatives from public transport companies, port companies, airport authorities and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. In addition to my own Department, the team also has representatives from South Dublin County Council and the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.
Officials from my Department are also engaging with other sectors and local authorities through representation on a Steering Group chaired by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. Such collaboration seeks to secure a cohesive approach to a multi-layered adaptive strategy for Ireland.
Adaptation planning is crucial for transport as a key player in the Irish economy. It makes sense to future-proof the system so that we can continue to accrue the many benefits of transport to the economy and Irish society in general.
My Department is currently working closely with the Environmental Protection Agency to bring a draft to public consultation in the first quarter of 2016 with a view to publication later in the year.
24. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he welcomes plans to increase the Dublin Area Rapid Transit, DART, service frequency in early 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44886/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am delighted that commuters in the New Year will be able to benefit from enhanced service frequency on the DART network. As the Deputy will recall, a few weeks ago I was able to announce total Public Service Obligation funding of €236.6m for 2016, an increase of 12% or €28 million on 2015. While it is the NTA's responsibility to allocate the funding appropriately under its PSO contracts, some of the funding to be received by Iarnród Éireann next year will support these DART service enhancements.
I believe that the new service frequency levels will allow Iarnród Éireann to continue to build on the success they have had in recent years in growing passenger numbers.
I am particularly pleased about the manner in which Iarnród Éireann engages with its customers during the public consultation process which now informs the development of schedule changes. Of course any schedule changes are subject to the approval of the National Transport Authority in its statutory role of improving public transport services generally within available resources.
I understand a similar exercise will take place in the coming months in respect of rail services into Heuston Station.
I look forward to the commencement of these improved DART services in the New Year which I am sure will be welcomed by the commuting public.
25. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action he has taken to reduce traffic congestion in Dublin city centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44885/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the provision of public transport infrastructure and securing the provision of public transport services in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), which in combination enable it to tackle congestion within available resources.
The current capital investment works being undertaken by the NTA is set out in its Integrated Implementation Plan 2013-2018. Some of the key projects in that Plan, and which are currently being delivered, include Luas Cross City, the Phoenix park Tunnel, the City Centre Re-signalling project and bus fleet investment to enhance the quality of public transport services.
Additionally, the NTA's Sustainable Transport Measures Grants Programme supports a wide range of projects in the GDA that support the development and implementation of sustainable transport modes such as cycling, walking and public transport. Local authorities are responsible for implementation of the projects in accordance with relevant statutory processes. In 2015 expenditure under the Programme will amount to c. €27 million.
The Dublin City Centre Transport Study which is being undertaken jointly by the NTA and Dublin City Council (DCC) sets out various proposals to accommodate the increase in commuters travelling into the city centre each morning by 2023, while facilitating the operation of Luas Cross City and enhancing the overall environment of the city centre for visitors, shoppers, residents and workers. The Study covers all modes of transport – walking, cycling, public transport, car – and it also considers how opportunities to improve the appearance of the city could be provided by reconfiguration of street space on certain streets.
Following its publication, there was a significant public consultation process on the Study over the course of the summer which generated very substantial interest from stakeholders. I am advised by the NTA that along with DCC it is now engaging on an individual basis with some of the key stakeholders concerned before NTA and DCC report to DCC's Strategic Transport Policy Committee.
I welcome the comprehensive and positive engagement that is taking place on this important issue and I am assured that all key stakeholders are being given the opportunity to have their views and concerns known and understood.
Finally, I should add that integration measures continue to be progressed such as real time passenger information, the Leap card, the National Journey Planner and WiFi that are designed to encourage public transport use and reduce reliance on the private car.
26. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the impact the Ireland's Ancient East initiative will have on east and south Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44989/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile my Department provides the capital funding for investment in tourism propositions such as Ireland's Ancient East, it is not directly involved in developing or managing these, as this is an operational matter for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.
I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
27. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of soldiers of the United States of America who have passed through Shannon Airport; the number of permits he has issued for civilian aircraft to land in Shannon Airport or overfly Irish airspace while carrying munitions in 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44888/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraShannon Airport has informed my Department that the number of United States troops that have passed through Shannon Airport to date in 2015 is 60,589.
The yearly figures for munitions permits up to 11 December 2015 are 285 munitions permits for civil aircraft landing at Shannon and 478 munitions permits for civil aircraft overflying Irish airspace.
28. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of works being carried out in the port of Foynes in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44990/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the infill project at Foynes is practically completed and handover by the contractor is expected in the next few weeks. The works consisted of infilling 1,400 sq metres behind Berth 6 and part of Berth 5, removing the original access viaduct, building a sheet piled combi wall and revetment wall, diverting six fuel pipelines and the installation of new services such as lighting.
A hard top has yet to be laid on the infilled area but this will not go ahead until the middle of 2016 to allow for the settlement of the infilled area. This project, which cost €12m, has been delivered on time and within budget.
29. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address concerns whether there is systematic inequality of Government funding for female sports on participation programmes as opposed to male programmes; and the active policy measures he is taking to increase female youth participation in sport and more equal funding support for sports for both genders. [44998/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No. 4 today, which I answered earlier.
30. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of communication between Fáilte Ireland and local communities regarding points of interest on the Ireland's Ancient East route, which will ensure businesses in these areas can maximise and capitalise on the tourism benefits arising from the initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44981/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile my Department provides the capital funding for investment in tourism projects such as Ireland's Ancient East, it is not directly involved in developing or managing these. The development of Ireland's Ancient East and engagement with local communities in relation to that development is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly I have referred the question to the agency for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
31. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his policy on funding driving test centres; if the Office of Public Works is the lead agency in securing accommodation; if there is a process through which the views of staff in such centres are taken into account and the need to provide a high standard of service to the public is considered; if the need to provide a comprehensive service in all areas shapes the policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40600/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of driver test centres, including their funding, is a matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The Authority is now largely "self-funding" from fees charged for the public services it provides.
The Authority engages the Office of Public Works (OPW) as its accommodation provider for securing driving test centre accommodation, as required. It is my understanding that the Authority is currently developing a 5 year Corporate Strategy which will include strategic plans to improve test centre accommodation to meet the needs of the Driver Testing Service, for the benefit of customers and to ensure it continues to meet its duty of care to employees under Health & Safety legislation. Once this plan is finalised, the RSA has advised that it will engage with the OPW in executing it and in agreeing the funding policy where such funding cannot be granted solely from the OPW. This strategic plan will take into account geographical spread, existing accommodation, and driving test demand levels.
I have been advised that there are many forums in place in the Driver Testing Service where the views of staff regarding accommodation issues can be discussed, including operational, industrial relations, and health and safety forums. The RSA has indicated that the views of staff, customers and stakeholders formed the basis for the development of the Corporate Strategy itself.
32. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will prioritise projects listed in the capital programme which he recently announced, with particular reference to road and rail projects and the need to identify the most pressing and urgent cases to alleviate traffic congestion and safety issues on the various road and rail routes involved; when the projects will go to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44987/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Government's new Capital Plan Building on Recovery Infrastructure & Capital Investment 2016-2021, the public transport programme included in the 7 year transport element of the Plan will reach €3.6 bn. This will allow for €2.6 bn investment to be prioritised for essential 'steady state' maintenance and asset renewal of the public transport system including:
- An on-going maintenance programme to ensure the safety and efficiency of the rail network;
- Bus fleet replacement and capacity enhancement;
- Upgrading of Bus Corridors; and
- The completion of the Luas Cross City project in Dublin.
Funds are also being committed for a range of measures which will help to alleviate traffic congestion and promote modal shift in the short term, including the opening of the Phoenix Park Tunnel in 2016 to bring some scheduled passenger services on the Kildare Line to Connolly Station; improvements to the DART service with increased frequencies and capacity; building additional cycle lanes and improving existing lanes and continuing with the smart technological upgrades which enhance public transport and encourage more people to use the public transport network.
A further €1 bn will be invested to address growing congestion resulting from economic recovery and population growth. Works will include the completion of the City Centre Resignalling Programme for the rail network and the construction of a new Central Traffic Control Centre for commuter and intercity rail. This additional funding will also enable major transport projects, including new Metro North and DART Expansion Programme, to proceed.
With regard to roads projects, the transport element of the Capital Plan provides that work will commence on several roads projects which are targeted at removing critical bottlenecks or upgrading inadequate sections of road. In this context, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (in relation to national roads) and my Department (in relation to regional and local roads) is assessing how best to progress projects over the 7 years of the plan taking into account annual budget allocations. The progression of projects which have not yet received planning approval will of course be conditional on achieving the necessary approvals. The timeframe for progressing individual projects will be decided once TII's assessment process is completed.
33. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the A5 project and his recent engagement with his Northern Ireland counterparts in this regard; the funding he has committed for it and the funding committed by the Northern Ireland Government; the status of the funding allocated under the St. Andrews Agreement and if it is still available; when the project will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44956/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I indicated to the Deputy in my reply to Question No. 586 of 24 November, reference 41655/15, "A Fresh Start – the Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan" was concluded on 17th November and it states that the Irish Government remains supportive of the commitment to co-fund the construction of the A5 and notes that the planning issues related to the project are currently being addressed by the Northern Ireland authorities.
Under the Agreement the Government reaffirms its commitment to provide funding of £50 million for the A5 project and has committed to provide an additional £25 million to ensure that Phase 1 of the project (Newbuildings to north of Strabane) can commence as soon as the necessary planning issues have been resolved by the Northern Ireland authorities. It is envisaged that construction of Phase 1 of the A5 will start in 2017 with a view to completion in 2019. In keeping with the revised project timeline, the Government funding will be provided in three tranches of £25 million in the years 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively. I have no function in relation to funding commitments of the Northern Ireland Executive.
34. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the N14 and N13 roads in conjunction with the A5 road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44991/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 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 TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, 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.
