Alan Kelly
Ceist:1554. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans he has developed in his Department to meet the terms of Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2015. [41213/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraClimate Change Adaptation Plans
Ceisteanna (1554)
Freagraí scríofa
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 puts the national response to climate change on a statutory footing and represents a milestone for climate action in Ireland.
At the core of the 2015 Act is the obligation to achieve a 'national transition objective' – the goal of pursuing a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050. In order to facilitate the achievement of the 'transition objective', the 2015 Act provides for the development and submission to Government for approval of national mitigation plans and national adaptation frameworks.
The Act also provides for an annual transition statement to be laid before the Oireachtas each year. Ireland's first transition statement, which was laid before the Houses in December 2016 included a progress report on work relating to the development of the first national mitigation plan and national adaptation framework and related lower tier plans and strategies. The first national mitigation plan and national adaptation framework will be submitted to Government for approval not later than 10 June 2017 and 10 December 2017 respectively.
As Minister with responsibility for a key sector in climate action, my Department is making good progress in developing the transport sector's contribution to the overall mitigation objective and has submitted proposed transport elements of the draft mitigation plan for coordination to the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment. In relation to adaptation, my Department placed a draft plan for the transport sector on public display in December 2016 and this consultation is due to conclude on 9 February 2017. This plan is being prepared under the 2012 Framework and will be updated to meet the obligations, as they arise, under the new Adaptation Framework, which is currently being developed under the provisions of 2015 Act.
Overall, I am satisfied with my Department's progress under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015.
Ministerial Meetings
Ceisteanna (1555)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:1555. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has met any private bus operators or the Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland since he became Minister; and if so, the details of the meetings. [41218/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Officials from my Department met with a delegation from the Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC) in August 2016 for discussion on a range of issues, among which, included items such as progress on a new approach to public service vehicle inspection, provision of coach parking facilities and proposed changes to driving hours and the Working Time Directive.
Since then I, have met the National Director of the CTTC on 28 December 2016, who following that meeting has written to me identifying issues of concern. I expect to respond shortly.
I have not had any meetings with private bus operators.
Haulage Industry Regulation
Ceisteanna (1556)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1556. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is a proposal to reduce the weight limit of articulated lorries (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41222/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I understand that five axle articulated vehicle combinations were never permitted to operate at a 46 tonne maximum regulatory weight laden limit on Irish roads.
To encourage the uptake of more road friendly six axle articulated vehicle combinations, comprising of a three axle tractor unit towing an appropriate three axle semi-trailer, in April 2013 the then Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport introduced Regulations allowing an increase from 44 tonnes to a maximum regulatory weight laden limit of 46 tonnes for such vehicle combinations. This weight limit remains in place and I have no proposals to amend it.
Capital Expenditure Programme
Ceisteanna (1557)
Catherine Martin
Ceist:1557. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the percentage of the €23.2 million funding allocated in 2016 for the sustainable transport measures grants programme outlined in Question No. 20 of 2 November 2016 which has gone to walking and cycling infrastructure only, as opposed to QBCs, safety, integration and traffic management projects; the figures for the capital expenditure on pedestrian and cycling facilities only as a portion of the overall capital expenditure of his Department for each of the years 2013 to 2016 and the projected figure for 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41225/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As outlined in my response to Question No. 20 of 2 November, 2016, funding for the development of sustainable transport infrastructure, particularly cycling and walking infrastructure, is provided under a number of different programmes; the Smarter Travel Programme operated directly by my Department and the Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) and Regional Cities Programmes which are operated by the National Transport Authority.
In light of the NTA's responsibility for the administration of the STMG Programme, I have forwarded the first part of Deputy's question in relation to a breakdown of the spending under this Programme to the NTA for direct reply.
The funding provided under these three Programmes from 2013 to 2016 is set out in the table below alongside the total net capital expenditure by my Department in each of these years.
|
Programme |
2013 €m |
2014 €m |
2015 €m |
2016 €m |
|
Smarter Travel |
12.624 |
12.136 |
19.734 |
11.465 |
|
STMG |
28.455 |
27.193 |
25.414 |
21.246 |
|
Regional Cities |
11.315 |
13.649 |
12.700 |
12.969 |
|
Total of 3 Programmes |
52.394 |
52.978 |
57.848 |
45.680 |
|
Total Net Capital Expenditure by DTTAS |
674.858 |
712.500 |
744.321 |
915.453 |
|
Total of 3 Programmes as % of total Net Capital Expenditure |
8% |
7% |
8% |
5% |
It is not possible to provide a breakdown of the expenditure within these programmes exclusively on cycling and walking infrastructure. For example, cycling lanes may often be developed in tandem with, or as part of other infrastructure works such as bus lanes. In addition, expenditure under the smarter travel programme in these years also included expenditure on softer measures including behavioural change programmes and initiatives designed to support a modal shift to walking and cycling.
The estimated figures for 2017 for Smarter Travel, the STMG and Regional Cities Programmes are €9.333m, €19m and €9.1m respectively.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland Projects
Ceisteanna (1558)
Robert Troy
Ceist:1558. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there have been any recent developments regarding the Mullingar-Rooskey bypass. [41251/16]
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 operation of individual road projects, is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 in conjunction with the local authority concerned.
Noting the above, I have referred your question regarding the Mullingar Rooskey Bypass to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
Tourism Promotion
Ceisteanna (1559)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:1559. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if specific funding will be put in place to market County Donegal further to the county being nominated by a magazine (details supplied) as the coolest place on the planet to visit in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41275/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
County Donegal forms part of the Wild Atlantic Way experience brand. Decisions on how the Wild Atlantic Way is marketed overseas is a matter for Tourism Ireland Limited, and in the case of the domestic tourism market, it is a matter for Fáilte Ireland.
These decisions are not subject to my approval.
Accordingly, I have also referred the Deputy's Parliamentary Questions to both agencies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The referred replies under Standing Order 42A were forwarded to the Deputy.
Air Services Provision
Ceisteanna (1560, 1561)
John Brassil
Ceist:1560. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current timeframe in regards to PSO support for the Kerry to Dublin regional flight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41299/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraJohn Brassil
Ceist:1561. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will support the PSO subsidy for the Kerry to Dublin regional flight to ensure the viability that is imperative in supporting tourism for the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41300/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1560 and 1561 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, there are currently two Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services supported by the Exchequer through my Department's Regional Airports Programme. These PSO services operate between Donegal and Dublin and between Kerry and Dublin.
The current contract for the operation of these two services, which is held by Stobart Air, will expire on 31 January 2018. The cost to the Exchequer of subventing these services is approximately €7.6 million per annum.
The continuing justification for the need for any PSO services is reviewed prior to tendering again for such services and my Department is aiming to conduct this review by mid-year. Subject to the outcome of that review, the tender process will commence in the second half of the year to ensure continuity of services in 2018.
Fáilte Ireland Staff
Ceisteanna (1562)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:1562. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans regarding replacing the outgoing chief executive of Fáilte Ireland; the reason for the delay in officially announcing the person to take up the position from 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41451/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Fáilte Ireland announced the appointment of the New Chief Executive Officer on Wednesday 21st of December 2016. The appointment will be effective from the 1st February 2017.
http://www.failteireland.ie/Utility/News-Library/Failte-Ireland-Appoints-New-CEO.aspx.
Sports Events
Ceisteanna (1563)
Noel Rock
Ceist:1563. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or officials of his Department have held any discussions on hosting NFL American football games in Dublin in 2017 or beyond; if not, his plans to do so (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41601/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 events helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination.
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 later this year. The Government also supported the FAI in its successful bid to host four games of 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.
I am aware of the regular NFL season games in London but I have not been approached about holding NFL games in Ireland. I know Croke Park bid to host these games before but the NFL chose London. It is primarily a matter for the NFL if it wants to stage more games overseas and if it was possible to attract such a game to Ireland, and it was appropriate from cost/benefit perspective, then I would be positively disposed to support efforts to bring it about.
Question No. 1564 answered with Question No. 1531.
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (1565)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1565. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding a speed limit on a road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41649/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
While the Road Traffic Act 2004 sets default speed limits for various categories of roads, elected members of local authorities, in this case Kerry County Council, have statutory responsibility for deciding on and making appropriate Special Speed Limit bye-laws for roads within their administrative area.
To assist local authorities in the application of Special Speed Limits, the Department's updated Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits, which is available to all local authorities, reiterates the statutory responsibilities of elected members in relation to the making of such Special Speed Limit bye-laws, subject to following Department Guidelines and to the consent of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in the case of national roads.
It should be noted that as part of the review of all speed limits, TII has assessed the widths of all national roads and has provided this information to local authorities. This will assist local authorities in the task of identifying the appropriate speed limits for different sections of national roads within their respective administrative areas in accordance with the Department's Guidelines.
In terms of the overall speed limit review, local authorities have been requested to complete this exercise within their respective administrative areas, including the implementing of Special Speed Limit bye-laws where necessary, by Quarter 2 of 2017.
Road Improvement Schemes
Ceisteanna (1566)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:1566. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the funding for the Ballina-Killaloe bridge is ring-fenced; the value of the funding; when the project will commence; the estimated timeframe for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41668/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
The Shannon Bridge Crossing at Killaloe is one of a number of schemes included in the Capital Plan 2016-2021 designed to address bottlenecks on the road network. The bridge is the 1st phase of the Killaloe Bypass/R494 upgrade scheme. In planning the construction schedule for individual projects included in the Plan, account has to be taken of the annual budgets in the Capital Plan and the need to phase projects to manage the available budgets.
Following the conclusion of the judicial review relating to the Killaloe Bypass/R494 scheme, it is now a matter for the local authority (Clare County Council) to progress the scheme, including agreeing the project cost and timeline with my Department.
Road Projects Expenditure
Ceisteanna (1567, 1597)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:1567. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the value of capital investment projects and grants under way or approved for funding by his Department for County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41696/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraPaul Kehoe
Ceist:1597. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a listing and value of ongoing or approved transport and roads capital projects or grants currently awarded for County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1402/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1567 and 1597 together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in Wexford is the statutory responsibility of Wexford 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, the prioritisation and subsequent progression of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.
Details of the regional and local road grant allocations and payments for 2015 and 2016 to Wexford County Council are outlined in the regional and local road grant allocation and payment booklets which are available in the Dáil Library. The Minister will announce the 2017 regional and local road grant allocations in the coming weeks.
Details of all allocations under the Sports Capital Programme and the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme are published on the Department’s website www.dttas.ie
While my Department provides the capital funding for investment in tourism it is not directly involved in developing or managing those projects. This is a matter for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (1568)
Denise Mitchell
Ceist:1568. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the rules applied to receiving a driver's licence in the Irish language; the number of persons that have been refused these types of licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41768/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There is only one format of driving licence, and it is in both English and Irish.
The format of the driving licence is set at EU level, and provides for a set of information to be displayed on the front and on the rear of the licence. This includes such information as name and address, categories for which the licence is valid, and so on. The reverse of the licence contains an explanation of what each data point is. The Irish explanation is on the left hand side of the reverse and the English on the right.
Fáilte Ireland
Ceisteanna (1569)
Joe Carey
Ceist:1569. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the policy of Fáilte Ireland with respect to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41845/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The management of the Tourist Information Office network is an operational matter for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to the agency for further information and direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Haulage Industry Regulation
Ceisteanna (1570, 1607)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1570. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a maximum regulatory weight laden limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41855/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:1607. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding weight limits for five-axle trucks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1534/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1570 and 1607 together.
Five axle rigid vehicles are a recent phenomenon on Irish roads. Across the EU there is no maximum weight 'norm' for these vehicles and a lacuna in Ireland's Construction and Use Regulations has meant that a maximum weight limit for such has hitherto remained unstipulated.
While a Transport Infrastructure Ireland commissioned study recommended a 36 tonne maximum weight limit for such vehicles, a regulatory exemption, subject to certain technical requirements, will apply to those rigids with five (or more) axles which have already been plated to operate at 39 tonnes and which are in service before 1 March 2017.
The 1 February date referred to in the details supplied relates to five axle vehicles whose recorded details on their Vehicle Registration Certificate (VCR) are not accurate. In cases where this is so, owners of such vehicles are required to contact their local motor tax office by the 1 February 2017 in order to update their details.
The RSA has anticipated that there may be truck body builders who are presently at an irrevocable stage in the manufacture of 5 axle rigids which have manufacturer installed axles, come approved with a second stage incomplete EC 2007/46 Whole Vehicle Type Approval for a Gross Vehicle Design Weight of 39 tonnes, and which are compliant with all current and future RSA technical requirements for such vehicles.
Where such vehicles are at an irrevocable stage of manufacture (prior to the date of the original RSA notification on this matter on 1 December last), the RSA will consider, on a case by case basis, the feasibility of such vehicles being included as part of the aforementioned regulatory exemption.
Insurance Costs
Ceisteanna (1571)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:1571. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the high level of insurance will be examined for taxi drivers who have an SPSV driving licence in order to drive a wheelchair-accessible taxi as due to the high cost of insurance there is no incentive for new wheelchair-accessible taxi drivers to take up the WAV grant scheme; and the steps the Government is taking to address this issue. [41874/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am acutely aware that the rising costs of motor insurance for drivers generally are also affecting the taxi industry. There are reports of large increases for existing policy holders and difficulties in obtaining insurance for new operators. The implications of the current insurance difficulties faced by those in the taxi sector are of concern to me and the Government.
The Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD and Minister of State for Financial Services, Eoghan Murphy TD published the Cost of Insurance Working Group's Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance on 10 January 2017.
The difficulties of taxi and hackney operators in obtaining insurance were highlighted to the Working Group by my Department and the National Transport Authority (NTA). I am advised that the NTA has also had a bi-lateral meeting with the Department of Finance to apprise them of the situation pertaining to small public service vehicle (SPSV) licence holders in relation to both the availability and cost of SPSV insurance.
My Department, together with the appropriate Agencies, will work towards implementing the relevant Recommendations in the Report.
In the meantime, I would also like to advise the Deputy that a total of €1.99m was provided under the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Grant Scheme 2016. This funding helped to achieve an overall increase of 24% in the number of wheelchair accessible vehicles in the fleet during the year.
Fáilte Ireland Staff
Ceisteanna (1572)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:1572. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a breakdown of all costs incurred by Fáilte Ireland in hiring the new chief executive of Fáilte Ireland including the details of where work was tendered for and all documentation for work that was tendered for, in tabular form. [41895/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The matter raised is an operational matter for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to the agency for further information and direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Question No. 1573 answered with Question No. 1529.