Written Answers Nos. 172-176
172. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects to open the sports capital programme, SCP, for applications in 2017; the amount he expects to be available under the SCP in 2017; and when applicants should expect to be notified whether they are successful or not. [32304/16]
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.
As was confirmed in the 2017 Estimates Statement, a new round of the Sports Capital Programme will be open for applications in January with the announcement of allocations expected later in 2017. I expect to announce more details in this regard shortly.
173. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount spent on the maintenance of all national roads in each of the years from 2008 to 2016 in tabular form; the amount his Department estimates is required to maintain national roads in a steady state condition; and the amount that will be provided in budget 2017 for the maintenance of national roads. [32305/16]
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, TII (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 in relation to maintenance payments to local authorities for the period 2013-2016 to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The Budget provides for €401.33m in capital expenditure for TII in 2017, and €37.78m in current expenditure.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
174. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount spent on the maintenance of the rail network in each of the years from 2008 to 2016 in tabular form; the amount his Department estimates is required to maintain the rail network in a steady state condition; and the amount that will be provided in budget 2017 for the maintenance of the rail network. [32306/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funds to Irish Rail for the maintenance and renewal of the heavy rail network nationwide. Funding was provided under the Railway Safety Programme (RSP) between 1999-2013. Approximately €100m was spent per annum for the duration of the 15 year programme.
In 2014 the RSP was replaced by the Multi Annual Infrastructure Manager Contract (IMMAC) as required under EU Directive 2012/34/EU for the provision of state funding for the maintenance and improvement of railway infrastructure.
The following table shows the funds provided to Irish Rail between 2008–2016 under the RSP and IMMAC.
|
YEAR |
FUNDING |
PROGRAMME |
|
2008 |
€122.0m |
RSP |
|
2009 |
€113.3m |
RSP |
|
2010 |
€108.2m |
RSP |
|
2011 |
€119.08m |
RSP |
|
2012 |
€101.97m |
RSP |
|
2013 |
€105.4m |
RSP |
|
2014 |
€140.69m *€7.02m |
IMMAC *Flood funding under Supplementary Estimates |
|
2015 |
€144.17m |
IMMAC |
|
2016 |
€126.0m *€8m |
IMMAC *Flood funding under Supplementary Estimates |
Independent analysis has estimated that the Exchequer contribution to the IMMAC is €60m per annum less than required to maintain the existing network at steady state levels. Under the funding allocations in the Capital Plan "Building on Recovery: Infrastructure & Capital Investment 2016-2021" it is projected that the network will achieve "steady state" funding levels by 2020.
In 2017 I intend to increase the allocation received by Irish Rail under the IMMAC to nearly €160 million to enable further necessary works to be undertaken.
175. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress being made on the Macroom bypass; the amount of funding that has been spent on the project to date; the amount of funding that will be provided to progress the Macroom bypass in budget 2017; when the current stage is expected to be completed; and when he expects the construction phase to commence. [32307/16]
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 (including the Macroom bypass) 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 do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
176. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress being made on the metro north project; the amount of funding that has been spent on the project to date; the amount of funding that will be provided to progress metro north in budget 2017; when the current stage is expected to be completed; and when he expects the construction phase to commence. [32308/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding has been made available under the Government's Capital Plan "Building on Recovery Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2016-2021" for planning, design and construction of new Metro North. Funding in the initial years of the Capital Plan is for planning and design work with construction expected to commence in 2021 with a view to delivering the project by 2026/2027. The Programme for Partnership Government commits to proceeding with the New Metro North project. It is estimated that the project will cost in the region of €2.4 billion (excluding VAT).
The NTA and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) have commenced preparatory work on planning and design of new Metro North and a dedicated project Steering Group has been established which is meeting on a regular basis.
