Written Answers Nos 31-56
31. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a dedicated, separately funded local improvement scheme will be restored to county councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32672/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) provides funding for private roads and laneways, the maintenance and improvement of which is, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant landowner. While the LIS does not have a ring-fenced allocation at present, local authorities may use a proportion of State grant funding (15% of the Discretionary Grant) for LIS should they wish to do so. In addition Councils can also provide monies from their own resources towards LIS.
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 will have to 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.
In light of the provision in the Programme for Government indicating that, as the economy recovers, the Government will promote increased funding for Local Improvement Schemes, I will be raising the issue of increased funding in the context of the planned Review of the Capital Plan.
32. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will meet with representatives from an organisation (details supplied) to fully understand their concerns and experience of the process thus far. [32772/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the daa has statutory responsibility to manage, operate and develop Dublin Airport, including the North Runway project. It is my understanding that the daa is holding regular information sessions in order to keep local communities and other stakeholders informed of progress on this project.
It is very important to me that a balance is struck in delivering an essential piece of infrastructure that is in the national interest while also minimising the impacts on local communities and I have already met with a number of representative groups to hear their views. I am therefore happy to meet with representatives from the organisation in question. They may contact my private office in order to make arrangements for a meeting.
33. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the measures taken by his Department to reduce emissions in the transport sector in line with Ireland's EU climate obligations, particularly in view of the findings of the EPA which state that 29% of Ireland's non-ETS emissions come from the transportation sector; his views on the recent review by the NTA and Irish Rail which found that an investment of €600 million in Iarnród Éireann is required in the next five years to keep it solvent; the measures his Department is planning to address this need, in view of the importance of rail in reducing emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32778/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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.
Specific focus is being placed on the sectoral areas of electricity generation, the built environment, agriculture and transport. 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. 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 will be wide-ranging and will focus on modal shift, movement to alternative fuels and targeted behavioural change. 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.
In relation to the Rail Review, I will be bringing this to Government next week and will be arranging for its publication and public consultation shortly after. Rail will play a role in reducing our transport emissions and the DART expansion programme is illustrative of its significance. The first phase of the expansion programme will begin, with the extension of the DART line to Balbriggan. The design and planning for the further phases, which include expansion of DART services to Maynooth in the west and Hazelhatch in the south west, will also be progressed. The Dart Underground Project, which remains a key element of integrated transport for the Greater Dublin Area, will be redesigned to provide a lower cost technical solution, whilst retaining the required rail connectivity.
The National Transport Authority in collaboration with Irish Rail has commenced work on the pre-planning stages of the DART Expansion Programme. A project team is being established and will develop a programme of work that can be delivered on an incremental basis in line with available funding. Subject to availability of funding and approval of the business case for the project, it is envisaged that the Balbriggan Dart extension would commence in 2020.
34. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that any privatisation of the public transport network, required under EU rules, should be contingent on maintaining disability access on these routes or providing disability access where none exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32782/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 it is a statutory function of the National Transport Authority (NTA) to determine the appropriate mix of directly awarded and competitively tendered bus services. In line with its statutory authority, and following a public consultation process, the NTA announced in December 2013 that some 10% of routes currently operated by Dublin Bus and by Bus Éireann under their Direct Award contracts with the NTA would be subject to competitive tendering.
It is incorrect to describe competitive tendering as privatisation as nothing is being sold, services are not being deregulated and control remains with the NTA. The tendering process will allow the State capture potential benefits as regards value for money in terms of the use of taxpayers' money in securing the provision of public transport passenger services.
The tendering processes in respect of these competitions are on-going and the NTA expect to announce the successful operators in 2017. The NTA will then enter into public transport services contracts with the successful operators and will apply the same level of control of tendered routes as it does to the routes which are at present operated by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann under their contracts with the NTA.
The NTA will continue to determine routes, schedules, vehicle types and standards, fares and the customer service requirements, including accessibility standards in respect of the bus services to be provided by the successful tenderers so that quality standards can be safeguarded.
35. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the A5 in view of Brexit and on his recent engagement with his Northern Ireland counterparts in respect of this; the total funding commitment made by the Government for the project; the total funding commitment made by the Northern Ireland Government; when he expects the A5 to be completed; the status of the funding which was allocated under the St. Andrew's agreement; if it is still available for the A5 project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32793/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe planning and implementation of the A5 project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities. As the Deputy is aware the Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start reaffirmed the Government's commitment to provide funding of £50 million for the A5 project and committed an additional £25 million to ensure that Phase 1 of the project (Newbuildings to north of Strabane) can commence as soon as the necessary planning issues have been resolved by the Northern Ireland authorities. Under the Agreement it is envisaged that construction of Phase 1 of the A5 will start in 2017 with a view to completion in 2019. In keeping with the revised project timeline, the Government funding is to be provided in three tranches of £25 million in the years 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively.
The commitments in the Fresh Start Implementation Plan were discussed at the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Plenary meeting held on 4 July. The Council noted a progress report from Senior Officials from relevant Departments in both jurisdictions which addressed the Fresh Start commitments, including work on the A5. It was also noted that the group of Senior Officials will continue to meet regularly to maintain a strategic overview of the projects and commitments set out in the Fresh Start Implementation Plan and to explore funding opportunities for economic and infrastructural investment. A further update on the Fresh Start commitments will be brought to the next NSMC Plenary meeting which I understand is due to take place before the end of the year.
36. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reinstate the national driver licence centre in the Carndonagh public services, Carndonagh, County Donegal in view of the fact that it is an hour's drive for many Inishowen residents to Letterkenny; if not, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32792/16]
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.
37. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps, particularly in respect of funding, he plans to take to progress the Narrow Water Bridge project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32795/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Fresh Start Agreement, the Northern Ireland Executive and the Government agreed to undertake a review of the proposed Narrow Water Bridge project with a view to identifying options for its future development, for consideration by the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC).
The commitments in the Fresh Start Implementation Plan were discussed at the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Plenary meeting held on 4 July this year. The Council noted a progress report from Senior Officials from relevant Departments in both jurisdictions which addressed the Fresh Start commitments, including the proposed Narrow Water Bridge. It was also noted that the group of Senior Officials will continue to meet regularly to maintain a strategic overview of the projects and commitments set out in the Fresh Start Implementation Plan and to explore funding opportunities for economic and infrastructural investment. A further update on the Fresh Start commitments will be brought to the next NSMC Plenary meeting.
38. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the inclusion of the M20 motorway between Limerick and Cork to be included in the Government's forthcoming capital plan review; and his views on whether this road project is a national priority. [32673/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national 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.
The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform indicated in his budget speech that, in light of economic growth, he is bringing forward the Capital Plan review. While there is a strong case for additional funding for the transport sector, my Department's submission to the review will depend on the parameters set by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and accordingly I cannot say at this stage what priority can be given to a particular project.
39. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress being made in developing the lakelands initiative; if he has committed funding to the project in 2017; and when he expects the project to be completed. [32765/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy. It is not directly involved in the development or management of individual tourism projects such as the Lakelands initiative, which is an operational matter for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for their direct reply. If the Deputy has not received a reply within ten working days, please contact my private office.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
40. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he has taken to deal with repeated claims from communities all across north Dublin affected by the new major runway that the daa consultation process is inadequate and that their views are not being taken on board, particularly in respect of the communities in or adjoining the areas where the noise impact will be so severe that they are affected by a buyout scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32770/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, daa has statutory responsibility to manage, operate and develop Dublin Airport, including the North Runway project which I have welcomed as an essential piece of infrastructure that is in the national interest.
I understand that daa are continuing to engage with local communities on the North Runway project and have held a number of meetings with representative groups and individuals since the company announced that it was proceeding with the runway project in April. daa have stated their willingness, which I obviously have encouraged, to provide briefings to groups or individuals on request. In this context, daa have engaged in an extensive information campaign including tailored door-to-door leaflet drops, newsletters, videos, information workshops, and has hosted large-scale information days in the area. A dedicated website and a free-phone number for the project have also been established.
In particular, daa have recently consulted with the local community on the 'Proposal to Change Permitted Operations' regarding their stated intention to seek to change two of the conditions attached to the planning permission for the runway. As part of this process, public information days were held in June/July to discuss the approach and the contents of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Scoping Document. Further information and consultation events took place last week to provide an update on the EIS process and to assist in selecting between emerging options for future flight paths.
A detailed report on the feedback received following the first public consultation is available on the North Runway website. All of the responses that emerged from this consultation with stakeholders are now being reviewed and considered in finalising the assessment methodology and content of the EIS.
All of these initiatives are in addition to daa's ongoing engagement on mitigation measures, including a home sound insulation scheme and a voluntary dwelling purchase scheme, which are required as part of the planning permission for Runway North.
Also, on 22 September 2016, I published a policy statement about new arrangements that I intend to put in place in relation to determining what operating restrictions are appropriate at Dublin Airport. These arrangements will ensure that the concerns of residents in the area are given due consideration.
41. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the expansion of the public transport network to cope with increasing volumes of passengers in all three companies, Irish Rail, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann. [32790/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are a significant number of projects underway and planned to increase capacity on our public transport network.
In the near future projects such as the reopening of the Phoenix Park Tunnel, Luas Cross City and 10 minute DART will help manage the increasing demand on the light rail and heavy rail networks in the Greater Dublin Area. Works have recently been completed on the Phoenix Park Tunnel which will see several new services operate from Newbridge and Hazelhatch to Grand Canal Dock at peak times on weekdays. The Luas Cross City project will commence operation before the end of 2017 and will provide for an estimated 10 million additional journeys per annum on the Luas network. Capacity of the Luas Green Line is also being increased in order to accommodate the continued passenger growth. Other projects that are being progressed that will improve capacity on the rail network in Dublin and nationally include the City Centre Re-signalling Programme and the construction of a new Central Traffic Control Centre for the commuter and intercity rail network.
Funding is also being provided under the Capital Plan for replacement and expansion of the PSO fleet in the Dublin region and in Bus Eireann, and for the development or upgrading of QBCs in both the GDA and in the regional cities.
The largest single project that will proceed during the lifetime of the Capital Plan will be the new Metro link in Dublin (New Metro North) which will serve the growing population along the Swords/Airport/City Centre corridor.
It is proposed that a mid-term review of the 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.
42. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount allocated to the sports grants for 2017; the groups and clubs which received funding; the amount they received under the sports grant scheme for 2015 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32796/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing 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, commitments to Pairc Ui Chaoimh, the Kerry Sports Academy at IT Tralee and existing commitments relating to the development of the National Sports Campus.
As was confirmed in the 2017 Estimates Statement, it will also allow for a new round of the Sports Capital Programme to be opened with the announcement of allocations expected later in 2017.
In relation to the 2015 Sports Capital Programme, a total of €45m was allocated and details of all allocations are available on www.dttas.ie.
43. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will publish a report (details supplied) compiled by the National Transport Authority and Irish Rail regarding the financial sustainability of Irish Rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32761/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No 1 (Reference no. 33004) on this matter which I answered earlier today.
44. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on plans by Bus Éireann to cut workers' pay and terms and conditions and subcontract Expressway routes to make €7 million in savings; his involvement in resolving this dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32774/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs discussed at my recent meeting with the Joint Oireachtas Committee I am aware that Bus Éireann is considering options designed to address its significant financial losses which result from its commercial Expressway service. The formulation and progression of those plans are a matter for Bus Éireann.
I have been consistently clear since assuming office that issues relating to pay and conditions in any particular State owned company under my Department's aegis are a matter for discussion and agreement between the employer and the employees.
The Deputy is aware that Bus Éireann has engaged consultants to independently review the options available to it as it seeks to address these aforementioned losses. That process is ongoing.
In addition the Deputy is also aware that the Company has indicated its desire to discuss the Expressway issue with trade unions. I am firmly of the belief that difficult issues such as this can only be resolved through open, constructive and realistic engagement between the company and its employees.
45. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take to ensure the A5 motorway from Dublin to Derry will be realised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32797/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe planning and implementation of the A5 project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities. As the Deputy is aware the Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start reaffirmed the Government's commitment to provide funding of £50 million for the A5 project and committed an additional £25 million to ensure that Phase 1 of the project (New buildings to north of Strabane) can commence as soon as the necessary planning issues have been resolved by the Northern Ireland authorities. Under the Agreement it is envisaged that construction of Phase 1 of the A5 will start in 2017 with a view to completion in 2019. In keeping with the revised project timeline, the Government funding is to be provided in three tranches of £25 million in the years 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively.
The commitments in the Fresh Start Implementation Plan were discussed at the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) meeting held on 4 July. The Council noted a progress report from Senior Officials from relevant Departments in both jurisdictions which addressed the Fresh Start commitments, including work on the A5. It was also noted that the group of Senior Officials will continue to meet regularly to maintain a strategic overview of the projects and commitments set out in the Fresh Start Implementation Plan and to explore funding opportunities for economic and infrastructural investment. A further update on the Fresh Start commitments will be brought to the next NSMC Plenary meeting.
46. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reasoning behind the cut in the voted capital funding for sports and recreation services in budget 2017; and the agencies or initiatives that will have their budget reduced in 2017 as a result of this cut. [32766/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is a reduction in the 2017 Budget Estimate capital allocation for sport when compared to the 2016 capital allocation. This is mainly due to a reduction in Sport Ireland's capital allocation for the development of the National Sports Campus and reflects the fact that construction of Phase I of the National Indoor Arena is scheduled for completion in December 2016. Approximately €22m was allocated for this project in 2016, which is not required in 2017 due to completion of the project this year.
As a result of the Budget, a total of €52m is being provided in capital funding for sport in 2017. This will meet existing commitments under previous rounds of the Sports Capital Programme, commitments to Pairc Ui Chaoimh, the Kerry Sports Academy at IT Tralee, existing commitments relating to the development of the National Sports Campus and under the Local Authority Swimming Pools Programme. As was confirmed in the 2017 Estimates Statement, it will also allow for a new round of the Sports Capital Programme to be opened for applications shortly, with the announcement of allocations expected in 2017.
47. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will develop and implement a solution to the mind the gap issue on Irish trains in order to allow wheelchair users to get off and on trains at all stops throughout Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32785/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccessibility features are built into all new public transport investment projects from the design stage. As a very new component of Ireland's rail infrastructure, the entire Luas system has been designed to enable full accessibility. By contrast, however, Ireland's heavy rail network is considerably older and, while new facilities on the network are built to modern accessibility standards, it is technically much more difficult and more expensive to retrofit or upgrade the existing infrastructure and rolling stock, so alternative arrangements may be necessary to facilitate access by all.
The design of platforms and the type of rolling stock used on the heavy rail network are operational matters for Iarnród Éireann. I am informed by the company that due to different types of trains in use on the network and the operational need for non-stop train services to pass through stations at speed, it is not possible to build out platforms (to facilitate easier wheelchair access between platform and train) without compromising safety standards on the railway by causing an increased risk of contact by moving trains with the platforms. For this reason, the company considers that the current practice of staff assisting boarding passengers, with ramps where necessary, is the best solution currently available.
To enable this, it is Iarnród Éireann’s policy to have a portable wheelchair ramp at all stations, and portable wheelchair ramps are also located on board InterCity trains. A member of staff is required to safely deploy the ramp for use from either the station or train. The only alternative to the use of portable ramps is for electric ramps to be permanently fitted on board trains; but the company has explained that, due to their complexity, electric ramps cannot be retro-fitted on to existing rolling stock on the Iarnród Éireann network. It is intended that all purchases of new rolling stock will incorporate, where feasible, new technological advances in wheelchair assistance.
In relation to stations, I understand that at least 84 out of the 143 railway stations on the Iarnród Éireann network have received accessibility upgrades or were constructed new to accessibility standards. Some lightly used stations may not be fully upgraded and instead, passengers with mobility and sensory impairments within the catchment area of those stations will continue to be facilitated by Iarnród Éireann through the provision of a taxi or hackney to the nearest accessible station; this is arranged at a local level.
48. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will introduce legislation to enforce a safety regime in fishing vessels whereby only Bord Iascaigh Mhara safety cards will be deemed acceptable from any fishing crew following a response issued to a representative from the International Transport Federation by a representative from the Marine Survey Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32203/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is already a safety regime in place with regard to basic safety training for all fishers, namely the Fishing Vessels (Basic Safety Training) Regulations of 2001 (S.I. No. 587 of 2001), under which such training is mandatory. Fishers who undergo this training can apply for a Commercial Fishing Training Record Book from BIM.
BIM supply this training at their regional centres, and it is also open to other training providers to provide the training subject, of course, to meeting the required standards. The Regulations also permit the recognition of basic safety training undertaken in other States, provided the Marine Survey Office of my Department is satisfied that the training is equivalent to training required in Ireland for fishing vessel officer certificates of competency, under the Fishing Vessels (Certification of Deck Officers and Engineer Officers) Regulations of 1988 (S.I. 289 of 1988). Those with such training are also able to apply for a Commercial Fishing Training Record Book from BIM, following verification by an authorised BIM official.
The mutual recognition of qualifications is in line with our obligations under the relevant IMO International Conventions as well as the relevant European Union provisions.
The objective of the safety regime is that fishers will have the required safety training and that the safety training will meet the required standards. There is no reason to restrict the provision of such safety training to any particular course provider and indeed to do so could impact on the availability of training. Fishers from other EU Member States who hold the appropriate basic safety training certification from an EU State are also entitled to work on Irish flagged fishing vessels.
