Tuesday, 19 Jul 2016

Written Answers Nos 1-56

Haulage Industry Regulation

Ceisteanna (44)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

44. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he intends to formalise the 42 tonnes derogation and sign it into legislation given that the weight on the same five axle combination in France, the Benelux countries and Italy is 44 tonnes; if he is aware that since the derogation commenced with Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003, as amended, SI 5 of 2003, vehicles have been developed to the highest technical standards that far outweigh what was envisaged in 2003 and this is being recognised in other progressive countries for the benefit of the sector; and his further views that the road haulage sector should be kept on a competitive footing at every opportunity given its disadvantaged geographic location. [22249/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The derogation permitting a maximum weight laden limit of 42 tonnes for 2 axle tractor units towing 3 axle semi-trailers expired on 30 June last.

Under the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003 (SI. No. 5 of 2003), the upper weight limit for these vehicles was set at 40 tonnes with an initial derogation in these Regulations permitting such vehicles to continue to operate up to 42 tonnes until the end of 2008. Since 2008 the derogation was extended seven times affording the industry an extensive period of time to adapt to its eventual ending.

The original motive behind granting this derogation was to allow the haulage industry time, from 2003 onwards, to renew their then existing fleet of 2 axle tractor units with more road friendly 3 axle ones. This was aimed at securing a significant decrease in road and bridge infrastructure damage caused by such vehicles and to thereby reduce the costs to the public finances in terms of maintaining and repairing vital road and bridge infrastructure.  

While derogations from Directive 96/53/EC may permit a higher weight limit for certain articulated vehicle combinations operating within the borders of other EU jurisdictions, given the lower levels of maintenance funding as compared with many of our peer jurisdictions, the Irish road and bridge infrastructure network cannot sustain increased regulatory weight limits for such vehicles.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I must have regard to the overarching need to maintain national transport infrastructure in as cost effective manner as possible. It is primarily for this reason, as well as the over 13 years given to the industry to adjust, that the previously existing derogation has not been renewed.

Ministerial Meetings

Ceisteanna (45)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

45. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will meet with the chief executive officer of the Road Safety Authority; his priorities for such a meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21970/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I am formally meeting with the Chair and Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority on Monday 25 July 2016.  I have of course met her already at the launch of the RSA's June Bank Holiday Road Safety Campaign at which the recent RSA report on Alcohol as a Factor in Fatal Collisions, 2008 to 2012, where we informally discussed the implications of that report.

My priorities for this coming meeting will centre on road safety issues in general and in particular on the measures that have been introduced by the RSA, and the initiatives that are required, to improve the country's road safety performance.

Sadly, [89] people have lost their lives on our roads so far this year, that is [6] more than on the same date last year.  I will be discussing with the RSA their plans to assist in reversing this trend, which is disappointing after last year's record low level, although one we share with many of our European neighbours.  A mid-term Review of the Road Safety Strategy is scheduled to take place later this year and I also intend to discuss this Review and how it should be used to maintain progress on the actions outlined in the strategy and to ensure that the Strategy is still fit for purpose.

I am also looking forward to receiving the RSA's 5 year corporate plan which sets out in specific detail how the RSA plan to move forward as an organisation from 2016 - 2020.

Health and Safety Inspections

Ceisteanna (46)

Mick Barry

Ceist:

46. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered the offer of the International Transport Federation to carry out health and safety inspections on fishing vessels at no cost to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22523/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I have not received any offer of the kind referred to by the Deputy.  Moreover, the statutory responsibility for carrying out health and safety inspections on fishing vessels, to the extent that they are places of work, lies with the Health and Safety Authority, which is under the aegis of my Colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

Cycling Policy

Ceisteanna (47)

Mick Barry

Ceist:

47. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase the amount of safe cycle routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22520/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The greatest potential for increasing the numbers of people cycling is by improving the cycling experience and a key element of this is direct investment in the provision of safer cycle routes. In this regard, the Government is making significant investment in cycling infrastructure.

  Safe cycle routes have been delivered in a number of towns throughout the country under Smarter Travel programmes such as Active Travel Towns, Smarter Travel Areas and National Cycle Networks.  Significant investment has also been made in cycling greenways and in cycling infrastructure in urban areas. In Dublin, the recently published 2015 Canal Cordon Count demonstrates how effective the investment in cycling in Dublin has been.  It shows that there has been a steady year on year growth in the number of cyclists crossing the cordon in the morning peak - almost 11,000 in 2015, an increase of 125% when compared with 2006.

My Department is interested in further improving the cycling infrastructure throughout the country. The Programme for Partnership Government commits that future investment in our public transport system will uphold the principles of smarter travel. Under the Capital Plan, €100 million is being committed to smarter travel and carbon reduction measures, including cycling greenways and other cycling infrastructure.  We have also committed to supporting the extension of the existing public bike schemes in a number of our cities and driving the roll-out of additional schemes in other areas.

In support of this infrastructural investment, my Department has also funded the development of a new cycling training standard - Cycle Right - that will facilitate high quality cycling and cycle safety training for our young people in particular.

Departmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (48)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

48. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider the project at Lehenaghmore and Lehenaghbeg, Togher, County Cork for inclusion in the next round of grants under the specific improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22246/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area is a statutory function of local authorities in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993.  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 projects to be funded from these monies is a matter for each local authority.

As I have indicated the cutbacks in State funding for regional and local roads since the financial crisis has resulted in the grant programmes for new regional and local road improvement schemes and for major realignment schemes being curtailed in order to protect the funding available for the maintenance of the existing network. In this context my Department is not operating an annual application process at present under the Specific and Strategic Grant Schemes.

Again as I have outlined, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, together with the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, has announced the establishment of a Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund of €150m, to be matched by €50m in local authority funding, to relieve critical access and supporting infrastructural blockages and enable the delivery of large-scale housing on key development sites, with the potential to open up lands and deliver significant level of new housing in Dublin and other urban areas.  Once details of the arrangements relating to the Fund are finalised and a call for proposals issues later this year, it is open to local authorities, including Cork County Council, to consider submitting a bid proposal to access such funding for suitable projects.

Maritime Safety

Ceisteanna (49)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

49. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the delay in the Marine Survey Office, MSO, approving the refresher training course in the National Maritime College of Ireland, NMCI, despite a submission of approval made by the NMCI to the MSO in February 2015; if he is aware of the severe implications resulting from the MSO's refusal to recognise the 400 Irish seafarers trained by the NMCI since 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22472/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

There was no undue delay on the part of the Marine Survey Office of my Department in approving the various applications for refresher training courses in the National College of Ireland which were formally received in late April 2015. Following an examination of the applications in accordance with the relevant legal and policy framework, full approval was granted in Autumn last year by my Department in respect of two of the five categories sought. In relation to the remaining three categories of courses, there was a series of correspondence and a meeting with the College, following which renewed applications were received in Spring 2016. My Department gave preliminary approval to the NMCI to deliver these courses within a matter of weeks of receiving the final applications.  In accordance with long standing MSO policy and practice, final approval is given when the MSO officials attend the first programme and confirm that it is delivered in accordance with the approval.

To date, the NMCI has not notified us of the date for the first programme.  However, I can confirm that my officials remain available to attend any programme given by NMCI.

My Department has received in recent days similar programmes from SEFtech/NMCI Offshore Training Limited (SNO) and has now given these programmes preliminary approval.  In fact, I can confirm that officials from my Department are today attending the first sessions of these courses with a view to final approval. This will deal with the issues around employment, validity and certification of courses and the protection of maritime safety.

Noise Pollution

Ceisteanna (50)

Brendan Ryan

Ceist:

50. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the implementation of EU Regulation 598/2014 on noise operating restrictions at EU airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22528/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Regulation 598/2014 on noise-related operating restrictions at EU airports entered into force on 13 June.  However, a Statutory Instrument will be necessary to give practical effect to the Regulation in Ireland. The arrangements for the implementation of the Regulation are being discussed between my Department and the Attorney General's Office in that context.  

The Regulation concerns the implementation of the "Balanced Approach" to noise management, a concept developed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation for the process to be followed when introducing noise-related operating restrictions at EU airports.  While the process is predominantly an aviation transport issue, there are land-use planning and management considerations which are germane to my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government.  That Department is accordingly also contributing to current discussions.

Military Aircraft Landings

Ceisteanna (51)

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

51. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for details of the permit granted by his Department for the landing of the Omni Air aircraft at Shannon Airport on 26 June 2016; the assurances he sought that the troops in question were not involved in any military exercises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21986/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The permit issued for the landing of the Omni Air aircraft at Shannon Airport on 26 June 2016 under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, SI 224 1973 was in respect of the unloaded personal weapons of the troops on board.

The permit was for the carriage of these munitions, not the carriage of military personnel. Other than their number and the number of personal weapons on board, I have no information regarding the troops.

Roads Maintenance Funding

Ceisteanna (52)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

52. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ring-fence money to have adequate repairs carried out to the Cliff Road, Rossbeigh, Glenbeigh, County Kerry, after a recent flood which left the road completely washed away; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19563/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in Kerry is the statutory responsibility of Kerry County Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants.  The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.

As the Deputy is no doubt aware, there are many competing demands throughout the country for available resources.  As I have set out previously to this House, the funds available to assist local authorities in repairing and maintaining their roads necessarily were reduced very significantly in the face of Ireland's fiscal constraints.  We are not yet in a position to fully restore funding to the "steady state" level required to maintain our infrastructure and it is the first priority of Government to do so during the lifetime of the Capital Plan.

Notwithstanding these financial pressures, my Department has indicated to Kerry County Council that it is prepared to contribute 50% of the estimated cost of the proposed new road at Rossbeigh, that is €550,000, with the Council providing the balance.

Sports Capital Programme

Ceisteanna (53)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

53. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide certainty to clubs and sporting organisations that sports capital grants will be allocated in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22478/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Deputies will be aware that the Sports Capital Programme is the Government's primary vehicle to support the development of sports facilities and the purchase of sports equipment.

Deputies will also be aware that there was no round of the SCP in 2009, 2010 or 2011.  There were however rounds of the programme in 2012, 2014 and 2015.  Almost 1,600 applications were received under the 2015 round of the Programme, evidence of the ongoing importance of the Programme to clubs and communities.

No decision has been taken on the timing of the next rounds of the SCP.  Work is however ongoing in relation to simplifying the online application process to make it more user friendly for applicants.

I will discuss the matter with Minister Ross and an announcement will be made shortly.

Sports Capital Programme Administration

Ceisteanna (54)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

54. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which all previous allocations under the sports capital programme continue to be fully utilised in accordance with the need to make provision under this heading as broadly as possible in line with requirements as expressed through expressions of interest or application over the past five years; if he expects to be in a position to facilitate further applications in the short to medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22254/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Deputies will be aware that the Sports Capital Programme is the Government's primary vehicle to support the development of sports facilities and the purchase of sports equipment.

Deputies will also be aware that there was no round of the SCP in 2009, 2010 or 2011.  There were however rounds of the programme in 2012, 2014 and 2015.  Almost 1,600 applications were received under the 2015 round of the Programme, evidence of the ongoing importance of the Programme to clubs and communities.

 We give clubs every assistance to draw down their Sports Capital allocations.  However, the level of outstanding commitments and the length of time that some of these grants are outstanding is far from ideal.  Withdrawing grants is a labour intensive and time consuming process and it can take grantees several years to complete a project and drawdown a grant.  Due to resources constraints it has not been possible to operate an active grants withdrawal process in recent years.  In 2015 €467,000 was withdrawn from 22 projects. 

No decision has been taken on the timing of the next rounds of the SCP.  Work is however ongoing in relation to simplifying the online application process to make it more user friendly for applicants.

Proposed Legislation

Ceisteanna (55)

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

55. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered banning the use of rickshaws as a method of transport and as a method of carrying passengers until regulations have been introduced by legislation or other means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22486/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Rickshaws are covered by road traffic law.  Pedal-powered rickshaws come within the definition of 'pedal cycles' and powered rickshaws are classified as 'mechanically propelled vehicles'. They, like all road traffic, are obliged to obey road traffic law. The measures which were introduced last year to allow An Garda Síochána to issue fixed charge notices to cyclists also apply to pedal-powered rickshaws and provide an important tool for An Garda Síochána in enforcing the law.

Mechanically propelled rickshaws when carrying passengers for reward in a public place, come within the definition of 'small public service vehicle' (SPSV) and are prohibited under current SPSV legislation.  Pedal-powered rickshaws do not come within the definition of 'small public service vehicle' and therefore fall outside the ambit of the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. Therefore, neither the NTA nor my Department currently have powers to ban pedal-powered rickshaws.

The Deputy will recall from recent Parliamentary Question replies that, in response to some concerns - primarily of a safety nature - both Dublin City Council (DCC) and the NTA had obtained legal advices in relation to their respective powers to regulate pedal powered rickshaws, and my Department was examining these with a view to consulting the Attorney General on the best way to proceed to provide for the appropriate regulation of rickshaws.

However, I now understand that in the interim, further discussions have taken place between DCC and the NTA who have agreed a proposed approach to regulating pedal powered rickshaws. The NTA wrote to my Department last week informing it of their agreed outline proposal which would require the drafting and introduction of primary legislation.

My Department will now be engaging further with the NTA on this matter, and will also be working in consultation with the Attorney General.  As part of this, it will be necessary to clearly frame the policy to guide any detailed legislative drafting.  I will consider the legislative proposals which emerge when this work has been progressed.  

Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme

Ceisteanna (56)

Brendan Ryan

Ceist:

56. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of legal proceedings being taken by the Retired Aviation Staff Association in respect of their pension losses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22529/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Irish Airlines (General Employees) Superannuation Scheme is currently the subject of ongoing legal proceedings by retired members of daa, Shannon Airport Authority, Aer Lingus and the former SR Technics. 

The proceedings began in July 2015. The matter was last before the High Court on 24 June 2016 and the President of the High Court has listed the case again for 29 July.

The State's defence to the proceedings is under preparation.

As this matter is sub judice I am unable to comment any further on the issue.