Written Answers Nos. 858 - 879
858. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if an address (details supplied) is in the schedule for the roll-out of rural broadband; and if so, when it is due to be completed. [27025/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra859. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if an address (details supplied) is in the schedule for the roll-out of rural broadband, and if so, when it is due to be completed. [27027/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 858 and 859 together.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. This is being achieved through private investment by commercial telecommunications companies and through a State intervention in areas where commercial investment is not forthcoming. The formal procurement process for the State Intervention commenced in December 2015.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the extent of the State Intervention area. The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services. The Department continues to monitor the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE area to ensure that those services are delivered. The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention which are the subject of the current procurement process. Premises within this area will get services of at least 30Mbps when the procurement process is completed and the network rolled out.
The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county including Dublin.
Based on information provided by commercial operators and represented on our broadband map, 89% of the townland of Ticknock and 4% of the townland of Kilternan Domain fall within the AMBER area, including the Ticknock property referred to by the Deputy, and will be covered by the State Intervention. The remaining 11% of the townland of Ticknock and 98% of the townland of Kilternan Domain, including the Kilternan property referred to by the Deputy, falls within the BLUE area and will covered by commercial operators. Individuals can check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by scrolling through the map online or entering their Eircode. The Department also has a dedicated mailbox and anyone with a query in relation to the Map should email the Department, quoting their Eircode, to broadband@dcenr.gov.ie.
Over 750,000 premises are the focus for the procurement process, which formally commenced in December 2015 with the publication of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (‘PQQ’) and Project Information Memorandum. On 5 July, I announced that my Department has also identified that up to an additional 170,000 premises which are currently market BLUE on the High Speed Broadband Map are unlikely to get access to services. My Department is conducting further analysis to identify these additional premises with a view to including them in the formal procurement process. The Department will include the Kilternan property raised by the Deputy in its examination. This work will conclude in the coming months and will be reflected in a further update to the High Speed Broadband Map.
The Department commenced the the Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) phase of the procurement process in July and is engaged in the formal dialogue process with the three qualifying bidders. Following the conclusion of the Dialogue Phase and an invitation to bidders to submit detailed draft proposals, the Department will issue final tender documentation to bidders. When final tenders have been submitted a winning bidder(s) will be selected for the contract which will comprise one or two lots as set out in the NBP Intervention Strategy.
The timing of each stage of the procurement is dependent on a number of factors including the number of qualified bidders and the complexities that may be encountered during the procurement process. It must be noted that bidders will need adequate time to prepare detailed proposals and their final formal bids and get the relevant shareholder and funding approvals at these stages of the process.
In preparation for the procurement stage of the process my Department investigated how different technical solutions could be used to deliver high speed broadband. In line with EU State Aid rules, the process must be "technology neutral" and it is not therefore possible to specify what technology should be used to build the network. As part of the procurement process bidders will be asked to propose solutions which meet the NBP service requirements. It is recognised however, that a significant fibre build will be required, regardless of what technology is used to provide services to individual premises. Once the successful bidder or bidders is chosen the technology(ies) to be deployed will become clear.
As part of the Department's extensive stakeholder consultations in 2015, telecommunications service providers indicated that it could take 3-5 years to rollout a network of the scale envisaged under the NBP. It is however open to bidder(s) to suggest more aggressive timescales as part of their bids. As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best rollout strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and/or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network rollout plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed rollout plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The Programme for Government also commits to measures to assist in the rollout of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of two regional action groups, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
In the meantime, my Department continues to liaise closely with industry and relevant other Departments and agencies to assist in the commercial deployment of telecommunications networks. The commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services. These investments will further improve the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country.
In line with commitments in the Programme for Government I established a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce with my colleague Minister Humphreys in July 2016. The Taskforce will recommend practical actions that can be taken in the short-term to improve mobile phone and broadband access in Ireland, working with Government Departments, Local Authorities, ComReg, State Agencies, the telecoms industry and other key stakeholders. The work of the taskforce will also assist Local Authorities in preparing for the rollout of the new NBP network once contract(s) are in place. I expect that Minister Humphreys and I will bring proposals to Government by the end of 2016, on foot of the Taskforce's report.
860. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which he expects to be in a position to ensure the viability of An Post through the provision of modern services compatible with the existing structures of An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27184/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is Government policy that An Post remains a strong and viable company, in a position to provide a high quality postal service and maintain a nationwide network of customer focussed post offices.
Insofar as the commercial and operational activities of the company are concerned, the Board and management of he company are constantly working to ensure that the services they provide are developed and delivered to meet the needs of its customers. Progress on delivering the company's strategic objectives is set out in their annual reports, the most of recent of which is attached at the following link http://www.anpostmedia.com/Media/AN_POST_2015_Annual_Report_English.pdf.
The postal sector is undergoing systemic change, with migration towards electronic communications resulting in significant core mail volume decline year-on-year. In January this year a Final Report of the Post Office Network Business Development Group was published. The Report clearly sets out the challenges that An Post and Postmasters face as they ensure that the network remains relevant in the context of the inexorable shift in consumer preferences, including the trend towards digital transactions. Implementation of the report’s recommendations is the responsibility of the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
861. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason areas of Cloone, Aughavas, Carrigallen and Drumrielly in south Leitrim remain without mobile phone coverage from companies (details supplied); and his plans to improve the coverage in these areas. [27204/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTelecommunications service providers operate in a fully liberalised market under licences provided by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). The management of the radio spectrum is a statutory function of ComReg. Notwithstanding the independence of ComReg, I am critically aware of the frustration currently being experienced across Ireland, where mobile networks are not always delivering the services people expect. There are a variety of reasons for this. Data usage in Ireland has increased by 500% in the last five years; Current 3G and 4G upgrades have resulted in temporary outages in some areas; planning and siting issues for mobile masts and antenna; the performance of individual handsets and particularly smartphones; and In-house insulation.
Any customer, including those in Leitrim, who experiences service difficulties should raise the matter with the service provider in the first instance. If this fails to resolve matters, customers can refer a complaint to ComReg, who will investigate the service provider’s compliance with its contractual obligations.
My Department understands that operators in the telecommunications sector have invested over €2bn in the last 4 years, in order to modernise networks across Ireland, including significant upgrades to 3G and 4G services. One operator in particular has also indicated to my Department that it is keen to engage with local communities and councils and address coverage issues at a local level.
In line with the Programme for Government my colleague, Heather Humphreys and I have established a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce, which has met twice since its formation in July this year. This Taskforce is considering immediate measures to address telecommunications deficits in rural Ireland.
The Taskforce involves a number of Government Departments and agencies, as well as engagement with ComReg and telecommunications operators. Measures arising from the Taskforce will be implemented by Government as a matter of priority. I expect that we will bring proposals to Government by the end of 2016, on foot of the Taskforce's report.
Under the Programme for Government Minister Humphreys is also establishing two regional action groups. Working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, LEADER Groups and other relevant agencies these groups will help accelerate the rollout of broadband and mobile telecoms services at local level.
These new structures at a national and local level, are designed to address as far as possible immediate issues in relation to the quality of mobile phone and broadband coverage.
My Department continues to liaise closely with industry and relevant other Departments and agencies to assist in the commercial deployment of telecommunications networks and this will be a key focus for the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce.
862. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will intervene and review the sale of a newspaper (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the takeover may breach the cross media ownership regulations set out in the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27211/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile I am aware that the proposed purchase of Celtic Media, including the Anglo Celt newspaper, by Independent News & Media is currently being considered by the CCPC, I have no role in relation to the proposed transaction until the CCPC has made its determination in this case.
Should the proposed purchase receive clearance from the CCPC, it must then be notified to me as Minister.
Upon receipt of notification from the parties, a phase 1 examination of the merger is carried out by my Department. This examination is guided by the relevant criteria laid out in the legislation and by the Guidelines on Media Mergers, both of which are available on my Department's website. Following this examination, I have three options under the legislation, which are to allow the merger to proceed, to allow the merger to proceed with conditions, or to ask the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) to conduct a more in-depth, or phase 2, examination of the proposed merger.
If the latter is the case, then the BAI will, following its examination of the proposed merger, provide me with a report detailing its recommendations on the matter. It is also possible for me, as Minister, to establish an advisory panel to provide an opinion to the BAI on the application of the relevant criteria to the media merger in question. Following receipt of the BAI's report and recommendations, I must then make a decision either to allow the merger to proceed, to allow it to proceed with conditions or to refuse to grant my consent.
As this case is currently being assessed by the CCPC, it would not be appropriate for me to provide further comment at this time until that process is completed.
863. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his proposals to improve broadband telecommunications service throughout County Cavan; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that households and many small enterprises have concerns with the inadequate service at present; the investment programme to be undertaken to bring this broadband service up to standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27459/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra864. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his proposals to improve broadband telecommunications service throughout County Monaghan; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that households and many small enterprises have concerns with the inadequate service at present; the investment programme to be undertaken to bring this broadband service up to a proper standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27460/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 863 and 864 together.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. This is being achieved through private investment by commercial telecommunications companies and through a State intervention in areas where commercial investment is not forthcoming. The formal procurement process for the State Intervention commenced in December 2015.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the extent of the State Intervention area. The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services. The Department continues to monitor the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE area to ensure that those services are delivered. The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention which are the subject of the current procurement process. Premises within this area will get services of at least 30Mbps when the procurement process is completed and the network rolled out.
The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county including Counties Cavan and Monaghan. Individuals can check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by scrolling through the map online or entering their Eircode. The Department also has a dedicated mailbox and anyone with a query in relation to the Map should email the Department, quoting their Eircode, to broadband@dcenr.gov.ie. 57% of all premises in Cavan and 58% of all premises in Monaghan are within the Intervention (AMBER) area.
Over 750,000 premises are the focus for the procurement process, which formally commenced in December 2015. This includes over 24,000 premises in Cavan and over 19,500 premises in Monaghan. On 5 July, I announced that my Department has also identified that up to an additional 170,000 premises which are currently market BLUE on the High Speed Broadband Map are unlikely to get access to services. My Department is conducting further analysis to identify these additional premises with a view to including them in the formal procurement process. This work will conclude in the coming months and will be reflected in a further update to the High Speed Broadband Map.
The Department commenced the Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) phase of the procurement process in July and is engaged in the formal dialogue process with the three qualifying bidders. Following the conclusion of the Dialogue Phase and an invitation to bidders to submit detailed draft proposals, the Department will issue final tender documentation to bidders. When final tenders have been submitted a winning bidder(s) will be selected for the contract which will comprise one or two lots as set out in the NBP Intervention Strategy.
The timing of each stage of the procurement is dependent on a number of factors including the number of qualified bidders and the complexities that may be encountered during the procurement process. It must be noted that bidders will need adequate time to prepare detailed proposals and their final formal bids and get the relevant shareholder and funding approvals at these stages of the process.
In preparation for the procurement stage of the process my Department investigated how different technical solutions could be used to deliver high speed broadband. In line with EU State Aid rules, the process must be "technology neutral" and it is not therefore possible to specify what technology should be used to build the network. As part of the procurement process bidders will be asked to propose solutions which meet the NBP service requirements. It is recognised however, that a significant fibre build will be required, regardless of what technology is used to provide services to individual premises. Once the successful bidder or bidders is chosen the technology(ies) to be deployed will become clear.
As part of the Department's extensive stakeholder consultations in 2015, telecommunications service providers indicated that it could take 3-5 years to rollout a network of the scale envisaged under the NBP. It is however open to bidder(s) to suggest more aggressive timescales as part of their bids. As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best rollout strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and/or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network rollout plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed rollout plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The Programme for Government also commits to measures to assist in the rollout of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of two regional action groups, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
In the meantime, my Department continues to liaise closely with industry and relevant other Departments and agencies to assist in the commercial deployment of telecommunications networks. The commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services. These investments will further improve the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country.
In line with commitments in the Programme for Government I established a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce with my colleague Minister Humphreys in July 2016. The Taskforce will recommend practical actions that can be taken in the short-term to improve mobile phone and broadband access in Ireland, working with Government Departments, Local Authorities, ComReg, State Agencies, the telecoms industry and other key stakeholders. The work of the taskforce will also assist Local Authorities in preparing for the rollout of the new NBP network once contract(s) are in place. I expect that Minister Humphreys and I will bring proposals to Government by the end of 2016, on foot of the Taskforce's report.
865. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his proposals to ensure the measures are implemented to deal with the inadequate mobile telephone coverage in parts of the country and particularly in Border counties such as counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27461/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTelecommunications service providers operate in a fully liberalised market under licences provided by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). The management of the radio spectrum is a statutory function of ComReg. Notwithstanding the independence of ComReg, I am critically aware of the frustration currently being experienced across Ireland, where mobile networks are not always delivering the services people expect. There are a variety of reasons for this. Data usage in Ireland has increased by 500% in the last five years; Current 3G and 4G upgrades have resulted in temporary outages in some areas; planning and siting issues for mobile masts and antenna; the performance of individual handsets and particularly smartphones; and in-house insulation.
Any customer, including those in border counties such as Cavan and Monaghan, who experiences service difficulties should raise the matter with the service provider in the first instance. If this fails to resolve matters, customers can refer a complaint to ComReg, who will investigate the service provider’s compliance with its contractual obligations.
My Department understands that operators in the telecommunications sector have invested over €2bn in the last 4 years, in order to modernise networks across Ireland, including significant upgrades to 3G and 4G services. One operator has indicated that it is in the process of an upgrading its infrastructure in Cavan and Monaghan, with several sites going live over the summer and more to follow in both counties by the end of the year. An operator in particular has also indicated to my Department that it is keen to engage with local communities and councils to address coverage issues at a local level.
In line with a Programme for Government commitment, my colleague, Heather Humphreys and I have established a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce, which has met twice since its formation in July this year. This Taskforce is considering immediate measures to address telecommunications deficits in rural Ireland.
The Taskforce involves a number of Government Departments and agencies, as well as engagement with ComReg and telecommunications operators. Measures arising from the Taskforce will be implemented by Government as a matter of priority. I expect that we will bring proposals to Government by the end of 2016, on foot of the Taskforce's report.
Under the Programme for Government Minister Humphreys is also establishing two regional action groups. Working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, LEADER Groups and other relevant agencies these groups will help accelerate the rollout of broadband and mobile telecoms services at local level.
These new structures at a national and local level, are designed to address as far as possible immediate issues in relation to the quality of mobile phone and broadband coverage.
My Department continues to liaise closely with industry and relevant other Departments and agencies to assist in the commercial deployment of telecommunications networks and this will be a key focus for the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce.
866. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the cost of rolling out a fully financed retrofitting programme to bring houses to passive standard of energy efficiency with plans for 10,000 units in 2017. [27505/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe passive house standard is a voluntary standard developed by the private sector for new dwellings. Directive 2010/31/EU on the energy performance of buildings requires EU Member States to ensure that all new buildings (including dwellings) will be nearly zero-energy buildings by 31 December 2020. Ireland’s current energy performance standard for dwellings under Building Regulations (Part L Amendment) 2011 is recognised by the Global Building Performance Network as being among the leading statutory standards in the world. The retrofit of existing dwellings to these new build standards is challenging both technically and economically.
There are very few examples of large scale passive house retrofit projects internationally therefore it is difficult to place a precise estimate on the likely cost of upgrading 10,000 homes in Ireland. In the Netherlands, one such programme, Energiesprong, has the aim of upgrading 111,000 housing association homes to a carbon neutral standard. To date, I understand that over 1,000 homes have been upgraded under this programme and the average cost per home is in the region of €70-€80,000.
It should be noted that the Energiesprong programme applies to a relatively homogenous housing stock of housing association-owned, terraced properties and so the costs associated with upgrading larger and more diverse houses in Ireland is likely to be considerably higher. In addition, as noted above the Energiesprong only aims at carbon neutrality, a full passive house upgrade would require even more investment. It would not be unreasonable to estimate an average cost well in excess of €100,000 per home, suggesting a minimum investment requirement of €1 billion to upgrade 10,000 Irish homes to passive house standards.
As the Energy White Paper notes, the average cost of upgrading a typical dwelling in Ireland to a more modest B on the Building Energy Rating is €20,000. Our experience to date with pilots, suggests that improving the Building Energy Rating of an existing home to a higher A3 standard, with energy bills savings of 50% for the householder, can be achieved with a total investment of between €25-€30k.
It is clear that to deliver this investment and gain the significant reductions in the energy usage of our existing building stock, public funding will need to be leveraged with private investment by homeowners. My Department continues to explore options to incentivise and encourage deep retrofit models and are supporting demonstration projects, pilots and research in this area.
867. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will end direct State subsidies and grants in any form to developers and builders involved in building private speculative housing for profit; and the projected savings that this would bring. [27507/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Better Energy Homes programme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland on behalf of my Department. It provides funding for insulation and heating system upgrades, helping to make homes more comfortable and cheaper to run, and reducing harmful emissions. These grants are available to all owners of homes built before 2006.
The programme does not provide any funding in the form of grants or subsidies to developers and/or builders involved in private building developments.
I have no function in relation to the regulation of energy efficiency standards in new buildings. Energy performance standards in new buildings are subject to the Building Regulations (Part L Amendment) 2011 in accordance with the E.U.’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and are built to an extremely high energy performance standard.
Ireland’s energy performance standard for dwellings under Building Regulations (Part L Amendment) 2011 is recognised by the Global Building Performance Network as being among the leading statutory standards in the world.
868. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to make the wearing of high-visibility clothing mandatory for pedestrians and cyclists; the law in this regard at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26539/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo create a statutory obligation on the wearing of reflective clothing would entail making it a criminal offence under Road Traffic legislation for any person guilty of not wearing high visibility clothing. A person in breach of such a provision would fall to be issued with a fixed charge notice or summonsed to court, depending on whatever procedure would be put in place for the processing of such offences. My Department is not considering making the wearing of hi-visibility vests a legal requirement.
In my view, safety issues such as these are best addressed by way of educational and publicity campaigns, such as those undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), which has responsibility for the promotion of road safety awareness, advertising and the dissemination of road safety information. As part of this process it has undertaken a number of campaigns to promote awareness among pedestrians and cyclists of the need for visibility on our roads.
In addition, almost four million high visibility vests, armbands, rucksack covers and other such items have been distributed by the RSA, an Garda Siochana, Road Safety Officers, Age Action and the Vintners Federation over the past four years. A number of measures have also been included in the Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020 aimed at increasing the wearing of high visibility clothing among pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. The Rules of the Road also include a strong recommendation supporting the wearing of light, and prefereably high-visibility, clothing.
Ultimately, however, the wearing of such safety clothing is a matter of personal responsibility.
869. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if sports capital funding will be made available for 2016; if so, when this process will open up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26460/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the Government's primary vehicle to support the development of sports facilities and the purchase of sports equipment. The most recent rounds of the programme were in 2012, 2014 and 2015.
The aim of allocating Sports Capital Funding on an annual basis is specifically included in the Programme for Government. As the Deputy will be aware, all Departments are currently engaged with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in the context of finalising the Budget for next year. Once this Estimates process is finalised, I expect to make an announcement in relation to a new round of the Sports Capital Programme.
870. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the national events funding scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26498/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe role of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national policy. While the Department provides the funding for investment in tourism offerings, it is not directly involved in developing or managing such projects. This is a matter for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority.
Fáilte Ireland runs the National Festivals and Participative Events Programme and the Regional Festivals and Participative Events Programme on an annual basis. The deadline for the current National Programme is 12pm on 5th October 2016. Details of the Regional Programme have yet to be announced.
The provision of funding from these programmes is decided on an annual basis by Fáilte Ireland, based on applications received. The Festivals and Events programmes are a competitive grant process, funding being awarded to those applicant events and festivals that best meet the advertised criteria for the relevant programme. As the programme fund is limited with demand usually exceeding available funding, there is no guarantee of funding or of the level of funding for events and festivals that achieve the minimum eligibility conditions.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you have not received a response within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
871. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a commencement date for works to begin on the N81 road between Tallaght and Hollywood Cross, in view of the fact that public consultation on the proposed works took place in 2008 and given the danger posed by the road in its current state; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26532/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects (including the N81 scheme) is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland 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 TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
872. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reasoning behind the decision to prevent cars which are more than ten years old from being used as taxis; if he will reconsider this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26563/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including issues pertaining to vehicle standards, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
I have therefore referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
873. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to the provision of an electric rail system for Dublin west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26564/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).
The NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (comprising the counties of Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow) for the period 2016-2035 was approved by my predecessor, Minister Donohoe, and published earlier this year. The Strategy provides a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the GDA over the next two decades. Included in the Strategy is the wider Dart Expansion Programme, which incorporates the DART Underground project, and which proposes the extension of the DART to Drogheda on the Northern Line, Celbridge/Hazelhatch on the Kildare line and Maynooth on the Sligo line. The Strategy also proposes an extension of the Luas to Lucan.
In the Capital Plan, 'Building on Recovery' Infrastructure & Capital Investment 2016-2021, funding is allocated for the design and planning of the expansion of DART services to Maynooth in the west and Hazelhatch in the southwest.
874. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding is still in place for a leisure centre under the swimming pool programme (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26565/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe refurbishment of the pool in Buncrana, Co. Donegal has been included in the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme since 2000. Detailed contract documents were received by the Department in 2015. Some clarifications were sought on these documents and a response was received from the Council earlier this year. The documents and additional clarifications are currently being examined by the Department's technical advisor and I understand that my officials expect to write to Donegal County Council shortly in relation to these. If the contract documents are approved, the next stage of the process would be for the Council to proceed to tender stage and, following receipt of a tender report, it would be at that stage that a formal grant allocation would be considered. In this regard, it should be noted that the maximum possible grant available under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme is €3.8m.
875. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will publish the 2012 report on insurance costs in the Irish market which was undertaken by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26576/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraNeither myself nor my Department are aware of a 2012 report on insurance costs in the Irish market produced by my Department. My officials also contacted the Department of Finance, who confirmed that they were unaware of any report produced by the Department of Finance or by the Central Bank on the cost of motor insurance in 2012.
876. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a relief road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26592/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the roads the Deputy is referring to are the N22 (Killarney-Cork) and the N71 (Muckross Road, Killarney).
As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects (including the N22 and N71) 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 TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
877. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of upgrading the sections of the N4 and N5 which are not currently to full motorway standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26637/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & 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 NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 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 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
878. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the annual average daily traffic on the N4 from Dublin to Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26638/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra879. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the annual average daily traffic on the N5 from Dublin to Castlebar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26639/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 878 and 879 together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and operation of individual roads (including analysis of traffic volumes and capacity on the N4 Dublin to Sligo and the N5 Dublin to Castlebar) 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.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
