Written Answers Nos. 438-61
438. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether it is appropriate that the proposed flight path for the new runway will bring aircraft over Malahide when easterly winds are blowing, estimated at 30% of the time; and the measures that have been put in place to off-set the negative impact of noise on residents' health and well-being. [32856/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIssues concerning the approval or rejection of particular flight paths for aircraft landing at, or departing from, Dublin Airport is an operational matter for the Irish Aviation Authority pursuant to the provisions of the Irish Aviation Authority Act, 1993.
As I do not have a function to exercise in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to them for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
439. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of munitions permits his Department has granted to date in 2016 under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973, and the country of origin of all permits granted; the number of such requests which have been refused; the reasons they were refused; the country of origin of all refusals of such munitions exemption requests to date in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32857/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra703 permits were granted to carry munitions of war or dangerous goods on civilian aircraft under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders in 2016, up to and including 28th October 2016.
Of those 703 permits granted, 657 were issued to US airlines, 19 to Irish airlines, 9 to Turkish airlines, 5 to UK airlines, 5 to Swiss airlines, 4 to Ethiopian airlines, 2 to Russian airlines and 1 each to an airline from Azerbaijan and France.
In the same period, 42 applications under the Order have been refused. 39 of the refusals were to applications from US airlines, 2 to applications from UK airlines and 1 to an application from a Russian airline.
Of the 42 applications that were refused, 32 were refused on the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and 10 were refused at my discretion.
440. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the additional measures Tourism Ireland will take in the UK in 2016 and 2017 to promote additional tourists coming here following the decision of the UK to leave the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32902/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTourism Ireland is responsible for promoting the island of Ireland overseas as a visitor destination.
I have referred the Deputy's Question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
441. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport 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. [32908/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is available on my Departments website at the following link http://www.dttas.ie/corporate/english/expenditure-external-services-2015.
442. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects to receive an interim report or update regarding the Olympic Council of Ireland investigation; if he will publish the interim report or update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32936/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe non-statutory inquiry to inquire into the circumstances surrounding the distribution of tickets for the Rio Olympic Games and related matters commenced on 19 September 2016. The inquiry is being led by former High Court judge, Mr Justice Carroll Moran. Under the Terms of Reference for the inquiry, Judge Moran has been asked to present a report, setting out the findings and any recommendations of the inquiry, within 12 weeks of its commencement. The Judge has indicated that this timetable may be ambitious and some delay is anticipated. It would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment on matters relevant to the inquiry while it is continuing.
443. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce a national system of testing for motorcycles equivalent to the current NCT for cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32947/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that while Directive 2014/45/EU on periodic roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers provides for the roadworthiness testing of motorcycles from 1 January 2022, EU Member States who have appropriate alternative road safety measures in place can avail of an exemption from this requirement.
An issue of concern in relation to this vulnerable cohort of road users is certain driving behaviour exhibited by and towards motorcyclists on our road network. While any measures which have a positive effect on road safety are to be welcomed, it is important to ensure that the optimal road safety impact is realised.
Having statutory responsibility for vehicle testing arrangements, the Road Safety Authority will examine the requirements of Directive 2014/45/EU and will report to my Department on their recommendations shortly.
444. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the landholdings, by size and location, held by his Department or semi-State body under his remit. [32990/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn general the Office of Public Works is responsible for the procurement of office and other accommodation required for the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and accordingly, landholdings size and location is a matter for that Office.
There are some instances where lands are owned by the Minister but are leased to State bodies under the aegis of the Department. I will arrange for the details to be forwarded to the Deputy.
The position regarding the semi states under the remit of this Department is a matter for their direct response. I have forwarded a copy of your question to them for direct reply. If you have not heard from the semi states within ten working days, please contact my private office.
The referred replies under Standing Order 42A were forwarded to the Deputy.
445. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has met with the board of management of Waterford Airport; if so, the status on securing another carrier for the airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32998/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI met with members of the board of Waterford Airport on 21 July last and they updated me on current issues in relation to the Airport. The situation at Waterford Airport remains a difficult one.
Securing routes and negotiating deals with airlines are commercial matters for airports themselves and I understand that airport management in Waterford are continuing their efforts to secure a replacement carrier for VLM airlines which ceased its Luton and Birmingham services earlier this year. I am hopeful of them reaching a positive outcome.
446. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 567 of 25 October 2016, the plans by the NDLS to include mention of the fact that a cost will attach to obtaining a medical report in its printed and online literature regarding fees for driving licences in the interests of clarity and transparency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33018/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the National Driver Licensing Service, including the information issued as part of that service, is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority, and I have no role in these matters.
I have therefore referred the Question to the Authority for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
447. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects applications under the sports capital grant scheme to be invited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33033/16]
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 the near future with the announcement of allocations expected in 2017. We expect to announce more details in this regard shortly.
448. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects funds from the proceeds of the national lottery to become available through his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33034/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of the total Exchequer allocations to the relevant Lottery supported subheads are published in the annual Revised Estimates for Public Services. These programmes are only part-funded by the Lottery with the remaining expenditure coming from general Exchequer funding. The Revised Estimates do not specify the precise amount of National Lottery funding in each individual subhead.
449. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects funding to be made available to or through the Olympic Council of Ireland for the provision and improvement of facilities in preparation for the next Olympics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33035/16]
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.
My Department does not provide specific funding to the Olympic Council of Ireland for the provision or improvement of facilities. Facilities are normally developed through the National Governing Bodies of Sport and individual sports clubs and groups. Furthermore, Sport Ireland, through the national sports campus, and the high performance facilities at the Sport Ireland Institute, plays a major role in the preparation of athletes for international competition.
I should also mention that 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.
450. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his efforts to date to encourage major international sporting events to this country with particular reference to the rugby world cup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33036/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra458. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to be in a position to attract tourists here through the medium of sports and sporting events with particular reference to world games; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33045/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 450 and 458 together.
The hosting of major sports events, both participative and spectator sports, can provide a great showcase for Ireland and drive international visitor numbers. In addition, the media coverage of sports tourism events helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination.
Accordingly, I am very supportive of the ongoing efforts of the tourism agencies and the national governing bodies of sport to attract international events, subject, of course, to an assessment of the costs/benefits involved in any State financial support, in particular the number of overseas visitors.
For example, the Government assisted the IRFU in its successful bid to host the Women's Rugby World Cup which will take place in 2017. The Government also supported the FAI in its successful bid to host four games as part the UEFA Euro 2020 football championship and the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive are supporting the IRFU in its preparation of a bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023. Ireland has successfully passed the Applicant Phase of that process and is now through to the Candidate Phase. The Governments will be working very closely with the IRFU to ensure that the best possible bid is lodged with World Rugby next June to bring the Rugby World Cup to Ireland in 2023. A final decision will be made by World Rugby in November 2017.
A number of other international sports events hosted in Ireland in 2016 have been supported by the Event Ireland division of Fáilte Ireland such as the World Masters Fly Fishing Championships, WUKF World Karate Championships, World Archery Field Championships, World Boat Angling Championships, FEI European Jumping Championship for Juniors, Modern Pentathlon Youth A World Championships, World Rugby Women's Sevens Olympic Repechage, World Junior and Cadet Kickboxing Championships and the World Shore Angling Championships.
451. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his proposals for investment in the rail services over the next five years including any extension to services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33037/16]
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 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.
452. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if extra rail carriages will be provided on the Leixlip, Maynooth, Kilcock and Enfield lines at peak times with a view to alleviating any overcrowding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33038/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
453. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to evaluate the potential of the tourism sector with particular reference to the need to ensure the ready availability of adequate hotel bed accommodation in all parts of the country with particular reference to areas deemed to be deficient in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33039/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn terms of the potential of tourism, a series of actions are being implementing through the Tourism Action Plan in order to deliver the targets set out in the Tourism Policy Statement for 2025 of €5 billion in overseas tourism revenue, sustaining 250,000 jobs, from 10 million overseas visits annually.
As regards hotel capacity, Fáilte Ireland monitors the performance of tourist accommodation through regular occupancy surveys. This analysis indicates that while the country as a whole has sufficient stock of tourist accommodation, there are capacity constraints in areas of high tourist traffic at times of peak demand and additional capacity is required in certain parts of the country, particularly Dublin City Centre. In this context, last year Fáilte Ireland commissioned an assessment of the supply and demand for hotel accommodation in Dublin. This study is currently being updated but it found that although there is sufficient room stock in the planning process, the bulk of it will not come on stream until after 2018. In order to assist in the delivery of that planned stock and encourage new developments, I am currently engaged in a number of meetings with stakeholders in the accommodation area to assess what, if any, blockages there are to the provision of further accommodation.
Furthermore, in response to consumer preferences and in order to boost the economic rationale for investment in hotel development, Fáilte Ireland's revised Registration and Renewal of Registration Regulations for Hotels 2016 came into operation on 1 August 2016. The changes should make investment more attractive by allowing hotel operators provide more rooms per square metre and thereby operate at a lower cost base, therefore improving hotel capacity, competitiveness and profitability. Consumers will also benefit in terms of increased competition, more choice, better quality and prices.
454. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of tourists expected to be attracted here in 2017; the way in which this will compare with the current year; the extent of any extra promotional work required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33040/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe latest official data on overseas travel from the CSO shows that there were almost 7.5 million overseas visits to Ireland for the first nine months of 2016, an increase of 12% compared to the same period in 2015.
The Government's Tourism Policy Statement "People, Place and Policy – Growing Tourism to 2025", published in 2015, includes three main targets, to be achieved by 2025:
- Overseas tourism revenue to increase to €5 billion net of inflation, compared to €3.5 billion in 2014;
- Overseas visits to Ireland to increase to ten million, compared to 7.6 million in 2014; and
- 250,000 people to be employed in the tourism sector, compared to 205,000 in 2014.
The specific growth targets for overseas tourism in 2017, and the promotional measures to achieve those targets will be contained in the Tourism Ireland 2017 Business Plan, which is being finalised at present.
Other initiatives, under the Tourism Action Plan 2016-2018, are either under way or in various stages of development and are aimed at growing tourism to reach the ambitious targets in the Tourism Policy Statement.
455. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he intends to support and promote the role of regional airports; if any particular initiative is required in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33041/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Aviation Policy, which was published by my Department in August of last year, acknowledges the role played by the regional airports in Donegal, Ireland West Airport Knock, Kerry and Waterford in promoting a level of international connectivity to support the tourism and business sectors in their regions.
The Policy also confirms that these four airports are being given the opportunity to grow to a viable, self-sustaining position. In this regard, our current Regional Airports Programme 2015 - 2019, which was approved by the EU Commission last year, will continue to support safety and security measures at these airports where appropriate, in accordance with the 2014 EU Guidelines on State-aid to airports and airlines.
As the Deputy will be aware, an extra €10 million in funding is provided in the Programme for Government for the regional airports. This is additional to the €28 million already provided for this purpose in the Capital Plan 2016 to 2022 and will enhance my Department's ability to further support the four airports under the Regional Airports Programme .
It is of course a matter for the airports themselves to exploit all potential opportunities to develop air services at their facilities.
456. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he intends and expects to promote Ireland's Ancient East in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33043/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy. It is not involved in the management, development or promotion of individual tourism projects, such as the Ireland's Ancient East initiative. These are operational matters for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland for their attention and direct reply. Please contact my private office if you have not received a response within ten working days.
The referred replies under Standing Order 42A were forwarded to the Deputy.
457. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to monitor the overcrowding on motorways such as the M50 or others with a view to identifying the most appropriate solution and putting in place the necessary funding proposals to achieve the required objective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33044/16]
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 operation 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.
459. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to encourage the promotion abroad of this country as an attractive conference location; the extent to which that sector of the industry has grown and is likely to grow further in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33046/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy. The development of business tourism is an operational matter for the Boards and Management of Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. Fáilte Ireland is responsible for the development of the business tourism sector and Tourism Ireland is responsible for overseas marketing of Ireland as a destination for business tourism.
Accordingly, I have asked the agencies to reply to the Deputy directly in this regard. Please contact my private office if you do not hear from them within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
460. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the NTA has received legal advice regarding rickshaws that are carrying passengers for hire that are operating without a licence, in some cases without insurance, proper driver vetting or roadworthiness certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33050/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to some concerns - primarily of a safety nature - both Dublin City Council (DCC) and the NTA obtained legal advices in relation to their respective powers to regulate pedal-powered rickshaws. Discussions have recently taken place, between DCC and the NTA, who have agreed a proposed approach to regulating pedal-powered rickshaws, which would require the drafting and introduction of primary legislation.
My Department is now engaged with the NTA to clearly frame the policy to guide any detailed legislative drafting, with passenger safety the key focus. I will consider the legislative proposals which emerge when this work has been progressed, following which I should be in a position to outline an indicative legislative timeframe.
461. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will discuss with the National Driver Licensing Service the possibility of operating a fast-track service similar to the Passport Office to move applications forward in special circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33052/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the National Driver Licensing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority, and I have no role in these matters.
I have therefore referred the Question to the Authority for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
