Alan Kelly
Ceist:414. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to provide feed-in tariffs for biogas plants to produce renewable electricity and gas in 2017. [32708/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraRenewable Energy Incentives
Ceisteanna (414)
Freagraí scríofa
Both the Programme for Government and the White Paper on Energy Policy recognise that anaerobic digestion (AD) technology can utilise waste as a resource to produce renewable energy thereby contributing towards improved waste management.
Biogas, which is produced by AD, can be utilised to generate electricity and/or heat or used as a transport fuel. In addition, biomethane, produced by removing impurities from biogas, can be used as a substitute for natural gas and can be injected directly into the gas grid.
It should be noted that electricity and combined heat and power produced from AD are already supported under the REFIT3 scheme. Though the REFIT schemes are now closed, there is a commitment in the White Paper on Energy Policy to introduce a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) that will encourage the continued development of Ireland’s renewable energy portfolio in the electricity sector. In-depth economic analysis is now underway to inform the actual cost of the scheme and, while no decision has been taken on the precise renewable technologies to be supported, the cost and technical viability of AD is being examined as part of the assessment process. It is expected to have the scheme in place in 2017, subject to Government approval and State aid clearance from the European Commission.
In parallel, an assessment of the specific costs and benefits of biogas and biomethane is currently being undertaken by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland with a view to developing additional policy options for biogas and biomethane. It is expected that this work will be complete later this year. In particular, this will inform work underway in my Department on the development of a Renewable Heat Incentive scheme.
Renewable Energy Incentives
Ceisteanna (415)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:415. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the supports available for installation of solar panels; and his plans to increase same. [32830/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to facilitate the development of solar energy projects in Ireland. This builds on the Energy White Paper published in December 2015 and recognises that solar also has the potential to provide a community dividend, thereby also enhancing citizen participation in Ireland's energy future. With this in mind, Solar Photovoltaics (PV) is one of the technologies being considered in the context of a new support scheme for renewable electricity generation which is under development.
The first public consultation on a new renewable support scheme was published in 2015 and following the completion of detailed economic analysis on the viability and cost effectiveness of supporting a range of renewable technologies - including Solar (PV) - a second public consultation will be published in early 2017. Details of the next public consultation will be advertised on the Department's website www.dccae.gov.ie
Before any new scheme is introduced, it will need to secure Government approval and State aid clearance from the European Commission. The new support scheme for renewable electricity is expected to become available in late 2017.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland currently provides supports for the use of solar thermal heating technology to both large industry and SMEs. Households can also avail of grant support for investment in renewable energy installations, including solar thermal, under the Better Energy Homes Scheme.
Broadband Service Provision
Ceisteanna (416, 417)
Pat the Cope Gallagher
Ceist:416. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress made to date within County Donegal in the provision of rural broadband services; the projected timeframe for delivery of rural broadband services to all areas and parts of the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32853/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraPat the Cope Gallagher
Ceist:417. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the measures being taken to improve the quality of mobile phone coverage within the State; his Department’s strategy for providing mobile coverage to areas which never had mobile phone coverage, such as areas in rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32854/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 416 and 417 together.
The National Broadband Plan 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 has not been fully demonstrated.
To date, 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 including:
- Eir’s broadband roll-out of services of up to 100 Megabits per second has passed approximately 1.3m premises across Ireland. When complete up to 75,000 premises and businesses may be able to access eir's high speed broadband network in County Donegal.
- SIRO, an initiative made possible by Oireachtas legislation introduced by my Department, is rolling out fibre-to-the-home in towns across Ireland including Letterkenny in County Donegal. To date 30,000 premises have been passed by SIRO who are currently building out in 17 towns nationwide.
- Virgin Media currently provides services of up to 360 Megabits per second in over 750,000 premises.
- Wireless operators have developed new technologies capable of delivering speeds of 100 Megabits per second and are rolling out new high speed services, including services in Donegal.
- Mobile operators are also rolling out 4G services across Ireland which is significantly enhancing the mobile broadband experience
Approximately 1.3m premises in Ireland can now get high speed broadband and at least one mobile operator is delivering 4G services to over 90% of the population. It is estimated that up to 48% of premises in Co. Donegal will have access to commercial high speed broadband services provided by telecommunications operators, while the remaining 52% consisting of just over 52,000 premises will fall within the proposed State led intervention under the National Broadband Plan. The breakdown of premises covered, per townland, is available on the High Speed Broadband Map at www.broadband.gov.ie. The roll-out of services by commercial operators is being kept under constant review by the Department to ensure that all premises can get access to services, either through commercial investment or the State intervention.
The Department is now in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll out a new high speed broadband network within the State Intervention Area comprising over 750,000 premises, covering 100,000km of road network and 96% of the land area of Ireland.
Intensive dialogue with bidders is continuing and the three bidders have indicated that they are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home solution. Householders and businesses may get speeds not just of 30 Megabits per second but potentially up to 1000 Megabits per second with businesses potentially availing of symmetrical upload and download speeds.
Earlier this year, before I came into office, the Department announced that it would be June 2017 before contract(s) were awarded under the NBP. The bidders in the process have recently indicated that they may need more time to conclude the procurement process. The timing of each stage of the procurement continues to be dependent on a range of factors including the complexities that may be encountered by the procurement team, and bidders, during the procurement process. Bidders need adequate time to prepare detailed proposals and their final formal bids and get the relevant shareholder and funding approvals at key stages of the process. It is also important to ensure that risks in this multi-million euro procurement are carefully managed. I do not propose to comment any further at this juncture, given that discussions are ongoing in the procurement process. I can assure the Deputy however, that the procurement process is being intensively managed, to ensure an outcome that delivers a future-proofed network that serves homes and businesses across Ireland, for at least 25 years. The Government considers the NBP to be one of the most significant investments in rural Ireland for decades, and one which will transform society, akin to rural electrification in the last century.
In parallel, and in accordance with commitments in the Programme for Government, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of two regional action groups to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
In July, I established a Mobile Phone and Broadband Task force with my colleague Minister Humphreys to address immediate issues in relation to the quality of mobile phone and broadband coverage. I expect the Task force to report by end 2016.
In addition, I recently signed Regulations allowing ComReg to proceed with an early 2017 auction of the 3.6GHz radio spectrum band, to provide an 86% increase in total spectrum available for mobile and fixed wireless services. I have also secured €8m for RTÉ which will allow it to free up the 700 MHz spectrum band.
These initiatives should assist in significantly improving the quality of broadband and mobile phone services across Ireland, putting Ireland to the forefront internationally in terms of connectivity.
Rural Broadband Scheme
Ceisteanna (418)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:418. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when he will provide a broadband service in Cloughduv, County Cork, and the surrounding areas. [32858/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 a combination of commercial investment by the telecommunications sector and a State intervention in those areas where commercial investment has not been fully demonstrated. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. 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 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.
The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county including Co Cork.
The maps shows that 45% of Cloughduv in the townland of Coolmucky and 13% of the nearby townland of Ryecourt falls within the AMBER area and will therefore be included in the State intervention procurement process. Up to 55% of Cloughduv in the townland of Coolmucky and 87% of the townland of Ryecourt is included in the BLUE area where commercial providers are either currently delivering or previously indicated that they have plans to deliver high speed broadband services. Individuals can check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by scrolling through the map online or entering their Eircode.
While I cannot compel any operator to provide services to a particular premises, my Department continues to actively monitor the deployment plans in the BLUE area and direct feedback from consumers is important. In this regard, if customers in Cloughduv County Cork cannot access high speed broadband services, I would encourage them to contact my Department directly at broadband@dcenr.gov.ie, quoting their address and Eircode, and giving details of providers they have contacted with a view to obtaining services. The roll-out of services by commercial operators is being kept under constant review by the Department to ensure that all premises can get access to services, either through commercial investment or the State intervention.
The Department is now in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll out a new high speed broadband network in the State Intervention Area comprising over 750,000 premises in Ireland including over 85,000 premises in County Cork covering 100,000km of road network and 96% of the land area of Ireland. Since bidders were invited to participate in dialogue with the Department, there have been approximately 150 hours of meetings, with considerable more interaction to follow over the coming months. The three bidders in the procurement process have indicated that they are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home solution for rural Ireland under the National Broadband Plan intervention. Householders and businesses may potentially get speeds not just of 30 megabits per second but up to 1000 megabits per second, with businesses potentially availing of symmetrical upload and download speeds. This is a solution that will endure for 25 years and beyond.
Earlier this year, before I came into office, the Department announced that it would be June 2017 before contract(s) were awarded under the NBP. The bidders in the process have recently indicated that they may need more time to conclude the procurement process. The timing of each stage of the procurement continues to be dependent on a range of factors including the complexities that may be encountered by the procurement team, and bidders, during the procurement process . Bidders need adequate time to prepare detailed proposals and their final formal bids and get the relevant shareholder and funding approvals at key stages of the process. It is also important to ensure that risks in this multi-million euro procurement are carefully managed. I do not propose to comment any further at this juncture, given that discussions are ongoing in the procurement process. I can assure the Deputy however, that the procurement process is being intensively managed, to ensure an outcome that delivers a future-proofed network that serves homes and businesses across Ireland, for at least 25 years. The Government considers the NBP to be one of the most significant investments in rural Ireland for decades, and one which will transform society, akin to rural electrification in the last century.
During the Department's extensive stakeholder consultations in 2015, telecommunications service providers indicated that it could take 3-5 years to roll out 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 roll-out 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 roll-out 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 roll-out 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 roll-out 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.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (419)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:419. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount that his Department spent on external legal advice in each of the years 2013, 2014 and 2015; the names of each of the legal firms that provided advice to his department in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32913/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Warmer Homes Scheme
Ceisteanna (420)
Eugene Murphy
Ceist:420. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland better energy warmer homes scheme and better energy homes funding is coming to an end; if such schemes will be closed off by the end of November 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32956/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates a number of schemes on behalf of my Department to support energy efficiency improvements to homes. The Better Energy Homes scheme makes a range of grants available to homeowners who wish to improve the energy efficiency of their home and the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme offers free energy efficiency upgrades to those in energy poverty. I can assure the Deputy that I regard both schemes as core elements of the Government's energy and climate policy and that neither will be coming to an end. In fact, with an allocation of €100m in Budget 2017 for energy projects, I expect SEAI schemes to support the upgrade of up to 30,000 homes in 2017, supporting some 3,000 jobs in the construction sector.
There is no closing date for application to either the Better Energy Homes or the Warmer Homes schemes.
The Better Energy Homes scheme is the elective grant scheme available to homeowners. Individual homeowners apply for grants that cover a range of energy efficiency improvements, such as various types of insulation, heating controls and solar thermal technologies. Homeowners procure their own SEAI-registered contractors to carry out the works on their properties and apply to the SEAI for the grant funding. It is up to homeowners to determine when is the best time of year to complete any works on their home. The only stipulation when applying for a grant, in relation to timing, is that it should be drawn down within six months of successful application.
Under the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme, a householder may apply directly to SEAI at any time of the year, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. Once an application has been received a home must be inspected by SEAI’s appointed survey team to determine what works are suitable. The SEAI then assigns homes to their panel of appointed contractors within a number of days. Completion of works is then dependent on contractor logistics and weather conditions. Cold and damp weather in December and January may delay works and result in a longer waiting time for completion for applications received at this time of the year. In addition, as SEAI manages a large number of contractors who deliver the upgrade works on their behalf, SEAI require contractors to conclude works by early December to ensure that contractors are paid in 2016 for works completed in that year. However, it is typically the case that some works continue throughout December.
Full details of all the schemes administered by SEAI are available from their website http://www.seai.ie/ or directly from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, Wilton Park House, Wilton Park, Dublin, D02 T228.
Media Pluralism
Ceisteanna (421)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:421. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has met with the National Union of Journalists regarding the report into media ownership. [32960/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I assume the Deputy is referring to the report by the Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom entitled Monitoring Media in Europe: Testing and Implementation of the Media Pluralism Monitor 2015, which was published in March 2016.
I have not met with the NUJ to discuss that report nor has the NUJ requested to meet me on the report.
Waste Disposal
Ceisteanna (422)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:422. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the negotiations with waste contractors; the negotiations that have taken place with waste contractors outside of the Irish Waste Management Association, IWMA, in relation to the freezing of bin charges; and the impact it is having on consumers who cannot avail of IWMA operators in their area. [32967/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the waste industry began releasing its proposed prices under pay-by-weight in June 2016, the Government relayed its concern to the industry regarding the reported escalation of waste bills for customers of certain companies and the proposed price structure was not implemented. However, my Department engaged with representatives of the waste industry to agree a way forward that results in customers paying no more for the same level of service than they were currently paying for waste collection over the 12 month period to 1 July 2017. The Irish Waste Management Association, Greyhound and CityBin were directly involved in the discussions which led to the agreement.
Motor Insurance
Ceisteanna (423)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:423. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce legislation controlling the loadings put by the insurance companies on car owners that seem to be quite arbitrary and have no relationship with the likelihood of an accident, including loadings put in cars that are over 15 years of age, despite the fact that these cars have to pass the national car test every year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32702/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The provision of insurance cover and the price at which it is offered is a commercial matter for insurance companies, and is based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept and adequate provisioning to meet those risks. These are considered by insurance companies on a case by case basis, but rely on a combination of rating factors such as the age of the driver, the claims record, driving experience, the number of drivers, uses of the car, etc. Different insurance companies apply ratings individually when pricing insurance. As my colleague the Minister for Finance has pointed out, Member States are expressly prohibited by the EU framework for insurance from adopting rules which require insurance companies to obtain prior approval of the pricing or terms and conditions of insurance products.
The National Car Test was introduced to comply with an EU Roadworthiness Testing Directive, aimed at improving road safety, and a car which passes this test may be driven on our roads. However, research by the Road Safety Authority indicates that in the event of a collision, the level of personal injury to an individual in an older car is higher than if that person was driving a new car. Safety features on newer cars include electronic stability control, airbags, improved braking systems, roll-over protection etc., all of which are designed to reduce the impact of a collision on the occupants. The higher level of personal injury payout to drivers and passengers of older cars may be one factor that leads some insurance companies to consider older cars a higher risk in terms of potential payouts when underwriting a policy.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (424)
Robert Troy
Ceist:424. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to publish the rail review from the National Transport Authority and Irish Rail; and if he is committed to ensuring that there will be no closures of rail lines as a result of the deficits in Iarnród Éireann. [32546/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer the Deputy to my answer to his Priority Question No. 1 (33004) on this matter which I answered earlier today.
Sports Capital Programme
Ceisteanna (425)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:425. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a decision was taken not to proceed with the sports capital grant 2016; if this decision will be reversed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32563/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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 the near future with the announcement of allocations expected in 2017. I expect to announce more details in this regard shortly.
In the meantime it is business as usual for the organisations allocated funding under previous rounds of the Programme and so far this year €21m has been paid out to 645 separate organisations. These grants have delivered new and improved facilities and increased opportunities to participate in sport in every county.
Road Network
Ceisteanna (426)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:426. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to review the need for an outer orbital dual carriageway for Dublin or upgrades to the M50 in view of recent surveys and reports that the M50 route is at breaking point with a 19% increase in traffic volumes since 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32616/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 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.
Decisions on the transport elements of the Capital Plan in the period to 2022 were framed by the conclusions reached in my Department's Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport. This report highlighted the importance of maintenance and renewal of transport infrastructure together with some targeted investments to improve the existing network. The Capital Plan reflects the overall funding envelope available in the period to 2022 and there are no proposals at present to amend the plan in advance of the mid-term review.
I am very conscious of the pressures on the M50 which reflect the return to economic growth. A €1 billion upgrade of the route was completed in 2010 and there is no scope for a further capacity upgrade. In the short to medium term, it is a case of TII and other stakeholders implementing measures to manage the operation of the M50 as efficiently as possible. It is hoped that the re-opening of the Phoenix Park Tunnel for services on the Kildare commuter rail line and the new LUAS Cross City line, which will be in operation in 2017, will be of significant help in this regard. The Capital Plan also envisages significant ongoing investment in replacement and enlargement of the PSO bus fleet.
Road Network
Ceisteanna (427)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:427. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the person or body who has overall authority over the use of bus lanes and review of usage of the bus lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32617/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The rules on the use of bus lanes are set out in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 182 of 1997), as amended. As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for these regulations and for any amendments to them. I have no plans to amend the rules on the use of bus lanes at this time.
Road Tolls
Ceisteanna (428)
Declan Breathnach
Ceist:428. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to extend to heavy goods vehicles and trucks the 10% discount on tolls given to cars on pre-payment for trips in multiples of 20 or more; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this discount is not being allowed to heavy goods vehicles, HGVs, and trucks who electronically pre-pay and is only given to them if they stop at a toll booth and purchase a prepaid card thereby causing traffic build up at toll booths; if he will instruct the toll companies to pass on the legislated discount to HGV owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32598/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The implementation of individual national road schemes is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015.
In addition, the statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in TII under part V of the Roads Act (as amended).
Noting this position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for further reply. Please advise my office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Noise Pollution
Ceisteanna (429)
James Lawless
Ceist:429. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans his Department has regarding the installation of noise suppression barriers from Johnstown village, County Kildare, to Big Ball Roundabout in Naas, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32606/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 installation of noise barriers) 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.
Road Improvement Schemes
Ceisteanna (430, 431)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:430. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if increased funding will be provided to Cavan and Monaghan county councils for the non-national road network programme for 2017 in view of the deterioration of the condition of this road network and the need for increased investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32681/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrendan Smith
Ceist:431. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide specific funding to Monaghan and Cavan county councils for the local improvement scheme for 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32682/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 430 and 431 together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in Cavan is the statutory responsibility of Cavan 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 just under 100,000 kilometres of road in its network and the maintenance and improvement of national, regional and local roads places a substantial financial burden on local authorities and on the Exchequer. Because of the national financial position, there have been very large reductions in Exchequer funding available for roads over the past number of years. While 2017 will see a modest increase in funding for roads, it will take some years yet under the Capital Plan to restore "steady state" funding levels for regional and local roads. The primary focus in 2017 will, therefore, continue to be on the maintenance and renewal of public roads. I do, however, expect that local authorities will continue to be able to use a proportion of their Discretionary Grant for the local improvement scheme.
The regional and local road grant allocations for next year have yet to be decided but I expect to announce the details early next year. Given funding constraints, my objective has to be to allocate funding to local authorities on as equitable basis as possible taking into account the road lengths in each local authority's area of responsibility.
It is important to reiterate that State grants are intended to supplement local authorities' own resources. In this context, I am emphasising to Councils that the commitment of local authorities to contribute significantly from their own resources, towards the cost of improving and maintaining the regional and local roads network is essential.
Haulage Industry
Ceisteanna (432)
Robert Troy
Ceist:432. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether more needs to be done to improve competitiveness and reduce costs in the haulage sector; and the measures his Department is considering in this area. [32705/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Forfás 2012 report, Cost of Doing Business in Ireland, identified the key components in transport competitiveness as fuel costs, distance from markets, competition and efficiency in the provision of transport services. The report pointed out that the cost of the internal movement of export goods in Ireland was the cheapest in the eurozone.
The Irish haulage market has low barriers to market entry, with no restrictions on the number of operators who can operate in any sector of the market. There are currently over 17,000 vehicles being used to provide haulage services in Ireland, operated by 3,700 licensed haulage operators. The ease of entry to the market, and the number of operators, makes the Irish haulage market a competitive one.
The Government provides a number of supports to the haulage sector, to ensure on-going competitiveness, both domestically and internationally. A fuel rebate scheme for licensed haulage operators was introduced in 2013 by the Department of Finance, and has been renewed each year since. This reduces the exposure of the sector to fuel price fluctuations.
Commercial motor tax rates were significantly reduced in Budget 2016, with the top rate of tax for Heavy Goods Vehicles being reduced from up €5,000 to €900, increasing the competitiveness of Irish hauliers in international markets.
My Department introduced a new online licensing system in 2013, which cut costs for hauliers by streamlining the processing of road transport operator licences. The Department is currently improving this system, to make it more user friendly. In addition, my Department represents Ireland at international fora which deal with road haulage issues, to ensure that Irish hauliers get fair access to international markets.
Tourism Promotion
Ceisteanna (433)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:433. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the departmental programmes promoting agritourism here; the programmes specifically relating to research in the area of agritourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32730/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy. It is not directly involved in the development of individual tourism sectors which are matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.
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.
Recreational Facilities Provision
Ceisteanna (434)
John Brady
Ceist:434. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the planned all-Ireland national indoor cycling velodrome construction will commence at the national sports campus, Abbotstown, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32745/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised that the next step for a proposed velodrome would be for Sport Ireland to undertake an appropriate financial appraisal, i.e. a Cost Benefit Analysis, in accordance with the Public Spending Code. Thereafter, any proposal to proceed would also be subject to the availability of capital funding.
Road Signage
Ceisteanna (435)
Eamon Scanlon
Ceist:435. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans in relation to the proposed installation of traffic lights at the junction at main street in Manorhamilton, County Leitrim, and the N16. [32759/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
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.
Sports Facilities Provision
Ceisteanna (436)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:436. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address matters (details supplied) regarding artificial pitches and rubber infill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32841/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I understand that concerns have recently been raised in relation to the safety of materials used in 3G pitches. While my Department does not have any responsibility for the setting of standards for 3G pitches, I have asked my officials to inquire with relevant bodies dealing with the regulation of recycled waste as well as the safe use of chemicals.
I have asked my officials to monitor developments in the context of future rounds of the Sports Capital Programme.
Public Transport Initiatives
Ceisteanna (437)
John Brady
Ceist:437. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are plans to extend the Leap card, currently used by rail and DART passengers, to those travelling by bus, namely to Bus Éireann passengers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32852/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development, operation and maintenance of the Leap Card system.
The Leap Card is available on Bus Éireann commuter services in Dublin and its surrounding counties as well as on some of its urban bus services in the regional cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed 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.