Written Answers Nos 1-30
13. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will publish the modified report regarding the future plans for the DART underground project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32677/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Deputy's Question relates to the Rail Review 2016 rather than the DART Underground.
I intend to bring the Rail Review 2016 to Cabinet next week and after that it will be published. The National Transport Authority (NTA) will also then commence a public consultation process. This is in line with what I previously undertook to do.
Despite some suggestions to the contrary, I want to emphasise that no decisions will be taken in relation to any individual rail lines, or any of the options identified in the Review, in advance of the full process of public consultation. Members of the public, and all other stakeholders, will have an opportunity to examine the Review and contribute to the debate on the future of rail in Ireland. The Review follows on from the Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport, published by my Department last year.
The review identifies a funding gap for Irish Rail, based on the projected allocations prior to Budget 2017. I would point out that decisions on Budget 2017 provide for additional funding of over €50 million to Irish Rail next year.
This significant increase in funding for next year allows for increasing investment in maintenance and renewal of the network and the rolling stock, and also to provide more funding for safety projects. Safety remains the priority for Irish Rail.
It is also encouraging to note that Irish Rail is experiencing business growth with increasing passenger journeys. The re-opening of the Phoenix Park tunnel in the coming weeks for commuter services from the Kildare line to the stations between Connolly and Grand Canal Dock and the expansion of DART services to a ten minute frequency will also help to grow the business.
In the meantime, I would encourage all stakeholders to avail of the opportunity to outline their views on the future of the rail network.
14. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent of proposed augmentation and investment in rail services over the next five years with particular reference to the extent that services can be tailored to meet the ongoing travel requirements of commuters, namely identifying the best way the rail services in general can meet the demands of medium to middle distance commuters from towns and villages outside of the greater Dublin area, thereby alleviating road traffic congestion and reducing travel time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32763/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, my Department's Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport outlines a number of key principles for land transport investment proposals. Included among these principles is the need to maintain and renew renew strategically important elements the existing network, as well as the need to address current and future congestion in urban areas through for example improving public transport capacity.
There are a number of capacity enhancements planned or underway across our commuter rail network. These include the completion of the Dublin City Centre Resignalling Project, the introduction of 10 minute DART services and the introduction of additional services on the Kildare Commuter line to utilise the newly reopened Phoenix Park tunnel and bring passengers into the heart of the city. Cumulatively these measures will enhance commuter rail services across all current commuter lines leading into Dublin.
All of these capacity enhancements have been facilitated by Exchequer funding and the recently announced Budget 2017 ensures further funding is available to support these developments as they are rolled out.
In addition to the above, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Irish Rail recently submitted the 2016 Rail Review to me. This Review examines the funding parameters required to support our rail network now and into the future, as well as identifying potential for future growth. I have already stated that I will bring the report to cabinet and then immediately arrange for its publication and commencement of a publication process to be conducted by the National Transport Authority. I intend to do so next week.
Finally, it is proposed that a mid-term review of the Government's Capital Plan will be carried out in 2017 and I am determined to make the case for public transport investment to be both increased and accelerated as a result of that review in order to address our growing transport needs.
15. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reasoning behind the cut in the voted capital funding for tourism services in budget 2017; and the agencies or initiatives that will have their budget reduced in 2017 as a result of this cut. [32775/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn amount of €13.836 million was voted for capital funding of tourism services in 2016. This amount includes a provision of €0.97 million for the Lough Derg Tourism Development project which was provided for under the 2014 Capital Stimulus Plan and which does not arise in 2017. The 2016 allocation is in keeping with the multi-annual allocations for tourism contained in the Capital Investment Plan 2016-202.
A provisional allocation of €13.27m is set out in the Budget 2017 Estimates volume which is also in keeping with the Capital Investment Plan. The final allocation for 2017 will be set out in the 2017 Revised Estimates Volume which is due to be published in the coming months.
Discussions on the mid-term review of the Capital Investment Plan will be taking place in early 2017 and the Department will be engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard.
16. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he anticipates sectors under the aegis of his Department to be affected by Brexit with particular reference to inward investments and future expansion affecting the tourism and transport sectors; the extent to which he continues to liaise with European institutions in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32762/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrexit has been identified as a major strategic risk facing my Department, and I and my officials are continuing to prioritise work on identifying and planning measures to mitigate these risks. The Taoiseach has already outlined Ireland’s specific concerns arising from Brexit, particularly in relation to Northern Ireland, the peace process, North-South relations, citizenship issues, the Common Travel Area, the border, trade, currency fluctuation impacts and increased competitiveness on the part of British based competitors to Irish based enterprises.
As an Island nation we are heavily dependent for trade and tourism on the efficiency and ease of the transport links between Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK and wider destinations. In terms of trade, the UK is Ireland's largest export market accounting for some 17% of our total exports in 2014, and Ireland is the UK's fifth largest export market. In terms of tourism, Great Britain has consistently been Ireland's most important overseas market. In 2015 there was just over 3.5 million overseas visits from Great Britain to Ireland, representing 41% of all overseas visits.
Any physical or regulatory barriers to the ease of the existing access links could hinder the current arrangements for aviation, maritime and international road transport services. Additionally, any physical border would cause delays in the movement of employees and goods resulting in costs to business and disincentives to tourists considering visiting Ireland.
The weakness of sterling is also impacting on business, international transport and travel and on the competitiveness of the tourist offering. While CSO data released this week shows a continuing strong increase in British visitors, research undertaken by the tourism agencies is already indicating some softening in the British market and forecasting significant challenges ahead.
The Cabinet Committee Meeting on Brexit, of which I am a member, has agreed the establishment of six sectoral work groups to provide key sectoral and thematic advices to the Cabinet Committee and to Government. My Department is represented on 3 of these Committees and also chairs the sub-group on Tourism.
The work of these cross-department working groups and sub-groups is underway. They will complement and build on the extensive work already done by my Department and our agencies in assessing and planning for the UK exit and mitigating key risks and opportunities, including inward investment. In order to fully inform this assessment, my officials are consulting with a wide range of key public and private stakeholders involved in tourism, transport and trade, and with other Government departments and EU institutions.
17. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to regulate to allow for reduced payment at tolling points for low emission electric vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32788/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may know, my Department is in the process of developing the transport sector's contribution to the National Mitigation Plan; this will include proposals for a range of measures aimed at supporting a transition to low carbon technologies. In addition, last week I launched for public consultation a draft national policy framework on alternative fuels infrastructure for transport; this is with a view to removing any barriers that exist towards greater uptake of low emissions vehicles or LEVs.
The Framework reflects the Programme for Partnership Government 's commitment to establishing a dedicated LEV task force involving relevant Government Departments, agencies, industry and representative groups, to consider how and to what extent Ireland could become a lead country in the take-up of electric vehicles. Greater penetration of LEVs in the Irish market would assist Ireland in meeting emissions reduction, energy efficiency and air quality targets as well as achieving 10% renewable energy in the transport sector by 2020.
As policy in relation to electric vehicles rests with my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, his Department is working closely with mine to establish the task force. The task force is to be established in the coming weeks. It will work to present a range of potential measures and incentive options to Government for the purpose of accelerating the deployment of LEVs. Proposals to reduce toll charges for low emissions vehicles will be considered within its work programme.
18. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to discontinue or overhaul his Department's role in the granting of munitions permits under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973, for civil aircraft landing at Shannon Airport and for civil aircraft overflying Irish airspace, particularly in view of the large number of permissions granted and the deteriorating situation in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32779/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no plans at present for a change in policy in relation to the granting of munitions permits under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973.
There is a well-established procedure for considering applications from airlines for permits to land in Ireland or overfly Ireland under the Order. In the normal course, in relation to each application received, my Department seeks the views of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in relation to foreign policy issues, the Department of Justice in relation to security issues and the Irish Aviation Authority in relation to the carriage of dangerous goods.
The primary purpose of national aviation policy is to provide sustainable, safe, secure and efficient air transport services in Ireland, in accordance with Irish and international civil aviation law and policy. The Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973, as amended, implements in Irish law the provisions of the Chicago Convention in relation to the carriage of dangerous goods and munitions on board civil aircraft. These provisions are primarily aimed at ensuring the safety of aircraft and those on board.
The foreign policy issues mentioned by the Deputy would be a matter for my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
19. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total funding being made available to local authorities for roads for 2017; the specific figure for County Tipperary; the way in which they compare as a percentage, plus or minus, yearly, versus funding in each of the years 2010 to 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32675/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in Tipperary is the statutory responsibility of Tipperary 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.
Ireland has an extensive regional and local road network at over 93,000 kilometres, the maintenance and improvement of which places a substantial financial burden on local authorities and on the Exchequer. Due to the national financial situation, funding for Ireland's regional and local road network has been reduced significantly across the board in recent years. Within the available budget, my Department aims to allocate funding on as fair and equitable basis as possible. In this context, grants in the three main grant categories (Restoration Improvement, Discretionary Grant and Restoration Maintenance) are allocated based on the length of regional and local roads within a local authority area of responsibility.
The regional and local road network in Tipperary represents 5.9% approximately of the total network. The following table shows Tipperary's percentage of the total grants paid to local authorities over the period 2010 to 2015 and the 2016 allocations. Account should be taken of the fact that a certain number of large, nationally significant projects have to be catered for each year from the total and as a result, in general the funding for individual counties is less than their share of the road network.
The 2016 figures include the additional severe weather funding allocated to local authorities. If the Deputy requires additional information the payment and allocation details for each local authority are in the regional and local road booklets lodged by my Department in the Dáil library.
The allocations for 2017 have not been decided as yet. I expect to be in a position to announce the grants early next year.
|
Year |
Total Regional and Local Road Payment |
Tipperary Total RLR |
Tipperary funding as % of overall total |
|
2010 |
€410,930,176 |
€23,184,759 |
5.64% |
|
2011 |
€447,585,879 |
€24,971,813 |
5.57% |
|
2012 |
€374,648,705 |
€22,467,030 |
5.99% |
|
2013 |
€395,887,216 |
€22,704,814 |
5.73% |
|
2014 |
€353,660,941 |
€19,588,485 |
5.53% |
|
2015 |
€312,229,721 |
€17,891,097 |
5.73% |
|
2016 |
€377,250,504* |
€21,263,780 |
5.63% |
*The 2016 figure is an allocation and includes €95.5m for severe weather. Final payments for 2016 will not be available until 2017.
As regards information on the position in relation to the funding provided for national roads, I am forwarding the Deputy's question to Transport Infrastructure Ireland for direct reply.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
20. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied that less than 1% of the capital spend in transport is devoted to pedestrian and bicycle facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32787/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn light of the many competing priorities within Government and current financial constraints I was pleased that my Department secured additional funding in Budget 2017. I am particularly pleased that funding for the land transport programme will increase next year by €90m to €1.46 billion. With this funding my Department will continue to support Smarter Travel Policy measures in 2017 with a particular focus on cycling and walking infrastructure. This will be achieved in tandem with engagement in soft measures such as mobility management initiatives to support sustainable transport and travel.
It is not accurate to say that only 1% of my Department's capital budget is devoted to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and facilities. While €100m of my Department's €10bn capital allocation over the seven year period of the Capital Plan is earmarked for Smarter Travel, this does not reflect the totality of funding for cycling and walking measures.
Significant funds are awarded to the National Transport Authority (NTA) on an annual basis for the delivery of cycling and walking infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) in co-operation with the relevant local authorities. Under the Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) Programme, my Department provides funding to the NTA for the seven local authorities in the GDA for the implementation of sustainable transport measures which include cycling and walking infrastructure as well as QBCs, safety, integration and traffic management projects throughout the region. Funding of €23.2m has been allocated to this Programme in 2016 alone.
The NTA also manages a similar sustainable transport grants programme - the Regional Cities Programme - in the four regional cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. Overall funding for these two programmes in 2016 is €36.7m.
Furthermore, my Department is developing a new strategy to set out a cohesive and forward-looking approach to the development, funding and promotion of greenways and I will be seeking to increase the funding allocation for Greenways and other sustainable transport measures in the mid-term review of the Capital Plan.
21. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to regulate to allow local authorities to restrict the movement of high emission vehicles in urban centres to reduce air pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32781/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt present, I have no plans to regulate for the restriction of high emission vehicles in urban centres. However, I do understand the Deputy's concerns in relation to air pollution. I am conscious of the need to transition Ireland's fleet to cleaner and greener technologies and my position on this is reflected in a draft national policy framework on alternative fuels infrastructure that my Department launched last week for public consultation.
In relation to traffic management in urban centres more generally, the National Transport Authority works closely with the relevant local authorities in Ireland's cities to give priority to active modes of travel such as walking and cycling as well as public transport services. For instance, the implementation of the proposals set out in the Dublin City Centre Transport Study will greatly benefit accessibility and movement in the capital. Similarly, Cork City Council recently approved the implementation of the City Centre Movement Strategy. By giving priority to active travel modes and by greening the public transport services that operate in urban centres, direct benefits will be achieved in air quality.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Partnership Government committed to establishing a dedicated Low Emissions Vehicles (LEV) Task force. A key objective for this group is to present a range of measures and incentive options to Government for the purpose of accelerating the deployment of EVs. Greater penetration of EVs in the Irish market would assist Ireland in meeting emissions reduction, energy efficiency and air quality targets as well as achieving 10% renewable energy in the transport sector by 2020. As policy in relation to EVs rests with my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, his Department is working closely with mine to establish the Task force in the coming weeks.
22. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 266 of 29 September 2016, his views on the planned timeframe for implementation of the legislation regarding the establishment of the competent authority to deal with EU Regulation 598/2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32771/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I indicated to the Deputy on 29 September, 2016, in response to Question No. 266 on that date, legislation is currently being prepared in my Department, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. It is the objective to complete this secondary legislation by the end of this year.
The transposition of the requirements of Regulation 598 of 2014 relating to the process to be followed when considering the introduction of airport noise operating restrictions is complex and the planned end-year timeframe takes account of this.
A number of important areas will require to be addressed in the Statutory Instrument. These include, for example:
- the designation of the Irish Aviation Authority as Competent Authority with the requisite powers to implement the Regulation in Ireland;
- providing for appropriate collaborative working arrangements between the IAA and other statutory bodies that have roles and expertise relating to noise management (notably An Bord Pleanála, Fingal County Council and the Environmental Protection Agency);
- providing for robust consultation requirements with all other key stakeholders including in particular environmental authorities, local residents and business interests; and also
- providing for the ongoing monitoring and enforcement activities, in order to provide, in particular, assurance of satisfactory compliance with the airport noise management regime in Ireland.
I consider that the end-year timeframe is appropriate for the finalisation of arrangements covering these and other aspects of Regulation 598 of 2014. It is then hoped that the Body will be up and running in early 2017.
23. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure that a company (details supplied) is able to secure a permit from the US Department of Transportation to fly from Cork to Boston; when he expects this issue to be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32777/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI and my Department have raised the ongoing dispute regarding Norwegian Air International's (NAI) application for a foreign air carrier permit with the US Department of Transportation on a number of occasions, urging them to make a positive decision on the application, in accordance with the provisions of the EU-US Open Skies Agreement.
As I have stated previously, I fully support the proposed Cork to Boston route which would benefit the region greatly, and I had hoped that this issue would be resolved in a timely and positive manner. The failure by the US authorities to make a decision on NAI's permit application is not acceptable and no decision appears to be forthcoming.
In July it was decided by the EU Commission to initiate arbitration on the matter pursuant to Article 19 of the EU-US Air Transport Agreement. I fully support this decision by the Commission to initiate arbitration procedures on the matter. The US authorities have been notified that internal arbitration procedures have been initiated. However, a final decision on when the formal arbitration procedure will be launched has yet to be determined.
In the meantime, should the US authorities grant NAI its permit and allow the airline to operate the proposed route between Cork and Boston, the issue could immediately be resolved. To this end, on 2 August last I wrote to the US Secretary of Transportation, Anthony Foxx, reiterating the Irish Government's support for NAI and urging him to bring this subject to a close and make a positive decision on NAI's application.
The Irish Embassy in the United Stated has been very active to date on this issue. I will be meeting with the Irish Ambassador to the United States in the next week and will again raise this with her.
24. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to ensure Ireland complies with European transport 2050 targets to reduce emissions, including the target to move 30% of freight transport to rail networks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32784/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Deputy is referring to the 2011 EU Commission White Paper 'Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area', which included a target that 30% of road freight over 300 km should shift to other modes such as rail or waterborne transport by 2030. This would be an overall target for the Union, rather than individual Member States, and of limited relevance in Ireland as few trips here are over 300 km. In any case, European Commission White Papers are documents containing proposals for action. While not binding, their purpose is to launch a debate.
The Paris COP21 Agreement of December 2015 underpins global momentum towards emissions reductions. In October 2014, the European Council agreed to reduce GHG emissions by 40% by 2030 (compared to 1990), based on reductions in the ETS (43%) and non-ETS (30%). In order for Ireland to effectively and equitably contribute to the EU emissions reduction commitments, an ambitious low-carbon development strategy, the National Mitigation Plan, is currently being developed.
The Plan will reflect the overall aims of the National Policy Position on climate action and low carbon development, published in April 2014 which envisages that its development will be guided by a long-term vision of low carbon transition. The responsibility for emissions reduction is, of course, a collective one and Ireland's EU emission reduction targets are national and not sectoral in nature. Specific focus is being placed on the sectoral areas of electricity generation, the built environment, agriculture and transport. When all sectoral inputs have been co-ordinated, the draft mitigation plan will be available for extensive public consultation before being submitted for approval to Government.
Transport will of course have to play a significant role on the national mitigation effort. The measures under consideration for transport are wide-ranging and focus on modal shift, movement to alternative fuels and targeted behavioural change and these apply to freight (including rail freight) as much as to passenger movement. To date, considerable progress has been achieved through measures aimed at promoting improved technologies such as the rebalancing of Vehicle Registration Tax and Motor Taxation as well as the increase in the biofuel obligation rate.
25. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his Department's plans for the sports capital programme for 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32676/16]
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. So far this year €21m has been paid out to 645 separate organisations under these and previous rounds. These grants have delivered new and improved facilities and increased opportunities to participate in sport.
The SCP aims to foster an integrated and planned approach to developing sports and recreation facilities and it has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland with improvements in the quality and quantity of sporting facilities in virtually every village, town, county and city in the country. The programme also aims to prioritise the needs of disadvantaged areas in the provision of sports facilities and encourage the sharing of these facilities by clubs, schools, community organisations and national governing bodies of sport.
As was confirmed in the 2017 Estimates Statement, a new round of the Sports Capital Programme will be open for applications in the near future. In this regard, a number of new measures are being introduced to streamline all aspects of the programme from registration, to application to grant drawdown. Planned new measures will include a shortened application form, new guides for completing the form and the organisation of a series of regional workshops to assist applicants who intend to apply for a grant.
We will be announcing more comprehensive details of the new round shortly and expect that it will be open for applications by January at the latest. Based on previous rounds of the programme, the assessment process takes a number of months to complete so I expect that the actual grant allocations under the new round will be made some time during Summer 2017.
26. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the sports capital programme will be open for applications in 2017; the amount he expects to be available under the programme in 2017; and when applicants should expect to be notified whether they are successful or not. [32767/16]
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.
Following the conclusion of the 2017 Estimates discussions, a total of €52m has been provided for sports capital projects. This will meet all existing commitments under previous rounds of the Sports Capital and Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, and also allow for a new round of the of the Sports Capital Programme. In this regard, the new round will be open for applications by January at the latest. Based on previous rounds of the programme, the assessment process takes a number of months to complete so I expect that actual grant allocations will be made some time during Summer 2017. We will be announcing more comprehensive details of the new round shortly.
27. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to release further funding in 2016 or 2017 in order that phase 2 of the national indoor arena can commence and be progressed; the outcome of his review of the cost benefit analysis submitted by Sport Ireland on the project; his views on a sports organisation's (details supplied) postponement of its plans to continue in the project until certainty on the project is established, in view of the lack of funding that has been allocated for the project in the 2016 capital envelope; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32674/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapital funding for 2016 has already been fully allocated and accordingly, there is no funding available to commence new projects this year. The recent Estimates process for 2017 did not result in funding being allocated to various worthwhile capital projects including phase 2 of the National Indoor Arena. However, I believe that Phase 2 is a very important project which deserves the Government's support and the question of funding will be considered again in the context of the Mid Term Review of the Capital Plan as announced in the Budget.
My Department has reviewed the Cost Benefit Analysis submitted by Sport Ireland for phase 2 of the National Indoor Arena and has found that further work would be required on the Cost Benefit Analysis to ensure compliance with the Public Spending Code. I will shortly be reverting to Sport Ireland with detailed comments.
The Partnership Agreement in place between Sport Ireland and the organisation mentioned by the Deputy relates to the development of outdoor pitches for that sport, and is a matter for Sport Ireland and the organisation concerned. I understand from Sport Ireland that the organisation in question has indicated that it will not commence construction on the development of the outdoor pitches until there is clarity on the construction of Phase 2 of the National Indoor Arena. While it is disappointing that the organisation is considering postponing the development under the Partnership Agreement with Sport Ireland, it is not possible for me to consider approving the Phase 2 project in the absence of capital funding and a Cost Benefit Analysis for the project.
28. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which the budget allocation to his Department will allow for the needed expansion and provision of additional services and routes for the State's bus and rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32791/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2017 has allocated an additional €31 million to public transport services (PSO and rural transport) when compared with this year's allocation.
It is a statutory function of the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Dublin Transport Act 2008 to decide upon the exact allocation to each operator. The NTA is currently engaged in discussions with the relevant operators as regards their allocation and the services that are to be provided in return for that allocation.
However, I expect next year's additional money will provide for much needed improvements to services such as -
- Rolling out 10 minute DART services;
- Extending Kildare Line commuter rail services through the Phoenix Park Tunnel and into the heart of Dublin's city centre;
- Providing for additional services across the bus network;
- Maintaining progress with the bus market opening competitions; and
- Improved rural transport bus services.
As well as these service improvements Budget 2017 has also provided capital funding which will deliver improvements to our transport network and improve capacity across the network. These improvements include the continued progression of the City Centre Rail Re-signalling Programme and the continuation of the Luas Green Line Enhancement programme, both of which will facilitate increased capacity on the heavy and light rail networks respectively. Obviously next year will also see the completion of the Luas Cross City which will provide for a significant expansion of the light rail network in the city providing an additional 10m passenger journeys per annum.
It is clear is that the increased funding I have made available for public transport next year will help the NTA and the operators to deliver improvements in our public transport services.
29. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects the proposed greenway from Dublin to Galway to be completed; his proposals to resolve issues that have arisen among parties along the Athlone to Galway section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32764/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to the response to Priority Question Ref. 33006 put down by Deputy Robert Troy on the same issue.
30. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the municipal stadium model which has been successfully developed in Tallaght by South Dublin County Council; and if he will examine the possibility of helping to finance less affluent local authorities in other parts of the country develop similar schemes. [32789/16]
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 SCP has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland with improvements in the quality and quantity of sporting facilities in virtually every village, town, county and city in the country. The facilities that were funded range from the smallest clubs to national centres of sporting excellence.
Tallaght Stadium received almost €8.5m in SCP funding, which represented more than two thirds of the total cost of the development. It is a multi-use stadium which is owned and operated by South Dublin County Council. Aside from football, Tallaght Stadium has also hosted other sports such as rugby, American football and archery and has conference facilities for 300 people and a capacity of 20,000 as a concert venue. I believe that developments like Tallaght Stadium offer a useful template for multi-use municipal facilities and I would be happy to examine similar proposals in the future subject to the overall funding available for sports capital projects.
In this regard, as was confirmed in the 2017 Estimates Statement, a new round of the Sports Capital Programme will be open for applications in the near future with the announcement of allocations expected in 2017. We expect to announce more details in this regard shortly.
