Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:617. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will put in place US border preclearance at Cork Airport as is in place at both Shannon and Dublin airports. [7265/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPassport Controls
Ceisteanna (617, 645)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:645. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will put in place a US border pre-clearance facility at Cork airport as is in place at both Shannon and Dublin airports. [7267/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 617 and 645 together.
There are no plans to put in place a US Preclearance facility at Cork Airport. There is no business case for such a facility.
Sports Capital Programme
Ceisteanna (618)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:618. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of funding for a boxing centre of excellence in Knocknaheeny, County Cork, to which his Department committed. [6661/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I understand that Cork County Boxing Board is interested in developing a boxing headquarters and centre of excellence in Knocknaheeny. The rules of the Sports Capital Programme seek to ensure the efficient and effective allocation of public moneys towards the development of sporting infrastructure throughout Ireland. Any proposal from the Cork County Boxing Board would need to abide by those rules, e.g. it would need to comply with the requirements regarding ownership of the proposed site, funding required, planning permission etc. My officials are available to advise on how best to advance any proposal that the Cork County Boxing Board may wish to put forward.
In relation to sports capital projects generally, as the Deputy will be aware, on 21 December last, Minister Ross and I announced that €30m is being made available under the 2017 Sports Capital Programme to develop sports infrastructure around the country.
Applications are being accepted on my Department's dedicated online applications site (www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie) until the 24 February, 2017. The guide to making an application is also available on www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (619)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:619. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he plans to introduce legislation to ensure that drivers inform the Road Safety Authority of a change of address, along the lines of the UK's legislation which fines drivers £1,000 for not informing the DVLA of their change of address; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6670/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Currently, those applying for an Irish driving licence or learner permit are required to submit documentation to prove identity, address and PPSN to the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS). The NDLS can issue a replacement licence where a person wishes to have their licence updated due to a change of address for a fee of €35.
Although I have no immediate plans to change our legislation in this regard, I will consider making it mandatory for drivers to advise the RSA of a change of address free of charge, along the lines of the legislation in the UK, in the context of future road traffic legislation.
Road Network
Ceisteanna (620, 624)
John Brassil
Ceist:620. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will make funds available from his Department to Transport Infrastructure Ireland to sanction works at Reen Cross, N70 and L11602 at Caherdaniel, County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6699/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraJohn Brassil
Ceist:624. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide funds to sanction urgent safety measure works to be carried out at Reen Cross, N70 and L11602 at Caherdaniel, County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6799/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 620 and 624 together.
While I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme, the construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting this 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.
Transport Infrastructure Provision
Ceisteanna (621, 622)
Robert Troy
Ceist:621. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had any discussions or meetings with investors with a view to his Department or a body under its aegis co-financing transport investment projects under the European Fund for Strategic Investment. [6737/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRobert Troy
Ceist:622. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the advice he has received from his Department on the ability to increase the scope of capital expenditure on critical transport infrastructure by contributing towards the financing of specific projects via co-finance or financial guarantees under the European Fund for Strategic Investment. [6738/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 621 and 622 together.
I and my officials encourage Irish organisations in the transport sector including agencies under my remit, to avail of all EU Co-funding and financial assistance available including EFSI.
In December 2015, officials from the EIB and European Commission as well as the Innovation and Executives Agency (INEA) were invited by my Department to give an Information Session to Irish organisations in the transport sector including agencies under the remit of the Department. At this Information Session, funding options for transport projects were presented including options regarding the Connecting Europe Facility, EIB and EFSI. The Department also arranged as part of the event for a number of bi-lateral introductory meetings between EIB and INEA and transport companies and agencies.
Earlier this month and based on recommendations from my Department, I gave letters of support to a number of Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) projects put forward for direct EU grant provision in the fields of Single European Skies Air Traffic Management Research (SESAR), Motorways of the Sea and Intelligent Transport Systems for Roads. With the support of my Department, a number of State ports and other State bodies under the Department's responsibility have applied for and are receiving CEF grants to bring forward transport projects that address critical bottlenecks and capacity constraints in transport infrastructure.
There is at present a CEF Blending call open which consists of blending CEF direct grant provisions with financial instruments and packages from the EIB including EFSI. This call has been brought to the attention of all relevant organisations under the remit of my Department by my officials.
Aviation Industry Regulations
Ceisteanna (623)
Clare Daly
Ceist:623. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn by the Irish Aviation Authority to an airline's application (details supplied) for an Irish air operator certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6794/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In order for an Irish airline to be involved in commercial air transport it must be the holder of a valid Air Operator Certificate (AOC) issued by the Irish Aviation Authority and a valid Air Carrier Operating Licence (ACOL) issued by the Commission for Aviation Regulation. These are both issued on the basis of EU aviation law, under which any European operator has the right to apply to be licensed in any Member State or several member States if it so wishes.
To obtain an AOC and ACOL an operator must complete a thorough process to satisfy the authorities that the operator is competent to secure the safe operation of aircraft. An AOC is issued by the Irish Aviation Authority when the aircraft operator meets a number of requirements, which includes a comprehensive check of their safety standards.
An ACOL is issued by the Commission for Aviation Regulation to aircraft operators who have their principal place of business in Ireland and when they meet a number of other requirements, such as obtaining the above mentioned AOC from the IAA, satisfactory insurance cover and financial fitness. The IAA and CAR liaise closely in relation to any such applications.
On 1 February last SAS announced its intention to apply for an Irish AOC. I am informed that the IAA and CAR have met with representatives of the company and that any application is likely to take several months to process.
Question No. 624 answered with Question No. 620.
Tourism Funding
Ceisteanna (625)
Kathleen Funchion
Ceist:625. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding that was allocated to the Carlow-Kilkenny constituency for tourism and hospitality skills training in 2015 and 2016 by his Department. [6820/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Education and Skills has overall lead responsibility for skills development policy generally across all sectors, including hospitality and tourism, and oversees the bulk of training provided nationally, channelling funding through its agency SOLAS for further education and through the Higher Education Authority (HEA) for higher education.
A limited number of complementary tourism-related business development and training supports are provided by Fáilte Ireland, in line with its responsibility for encouraging, promoting and supporting tourism as a leading indigenous component of the Irish economy.
As this is an operational matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland, I have referred the Deputy's question on to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply in regard to the specific funding information sought. Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Railway Stations Upgrade
Ceisteanna (626)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:626. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will make an improvement to the facilities available to commuting rail passengers in stations in Dublin such as increased number of toilet facilities, retail facilities, modernisation of trains and other improvements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6866/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not responsible for, or involved in, the day-to-day operations of Iarnród Éireann's services, they are a matter for the company itself.
Therefore, I have forwarded your letter to Iarnród Éireann for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Sports Funding
Ceisteanna (627)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:627. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the Government eligible expenses scheme as it relates to the sports division of his Department; when it was initiated; the amount of money available for this scheme in both 2016 and 2017 respectively; the details of the qualifying organisations and persons; the amount of money allocated to each of them in 2016; the proposed allocations for 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6872/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The only funding provided directly by the Sports Division of my Department to clubs and organisations is through the Sports Capital Programme. Details of all previous allocations under the Sports Capital Programme are available on my Department's website.
On 21 December last, Minister Ross and I announced that €30m is being made available under the 2017 Sports Capital Programme to develop sports infrastructure around the country. Applications are being accepted on my Department's dedicated online applications site (www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie) until the 24 February, 2017. The guide to making an application is also available on www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie. I expect that allocations under this round will be made later this year.
Cyber Security Policy
Ceisteanna (628)
Noel Rock
Ceist:628. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions his Department is taking to protect against cyber attacks after the NTMA website was temporarily down for several hours after a suspected hacking attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6889/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is currently reviewing the websites under its remit for exposure to similar vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity is considered very important in my Department and is regularly reviewed as a matter of course. We are in regular contact with the National Cyber Security Centre in relation to cybersecurity issues.
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (629)
Michael Harty
Ceist:629. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the recent spate of accidents on the M18 between Crusheen and Gort is solely caused by speeding drivers through localised hail showers or if there are any design, construction or maintenance issues which may be responsible for recurring problems on this stretch of motorway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6956/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This is entirely a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). I am forwarding the question to that agency for direct reply. If you do not hear from TII within 10 working days please contact my office.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Rail Network Safety
Ceisteanna (630)
Robert Troy
Ceist:630. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the person who controls and manages the warning sign fail on approach to a level crossing; if it is a member of Irish Rail staff; and if that person is insured in the event of an accident that they may cause on Irish Rail property or if it is a matter for An Garda Síochána or the local authority. [6958/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Railway Stations Upgrade
Ceisteanna (631)
Robert Troy
Ceist:631. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are any proposals or plans in place to install cameras and monitors at Mullingar train station. [6959/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Rail Services Staff
Ceisteanna (632)
Robert Troy
Ceist:632. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a station operative can be transferred from Mullingar. [6960/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (633)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:633. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a request for funding for the design of a new replacement bridge at a location (details supplied) in County Donegal has been received from the roads central services; if so, when a decision in respect of same is expected to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6982/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
My Department has not received an application from Donegal County Council for funding for the design of new replacement bridge at Logues Bridge, Glenfin Road, Ballybofey, Co Donegal.
My Department initiated a regional road bridge inspection programme in 2011 to assess the condition of bridges on the network and this has been followed up with a Bridge Rehabilitation Grant programme. Under the Bridge Rehabilitation Grant scheme local authorities submit a list of bridges in order of priority for consideration for funding. Within the constraints of the overall roads budget, allocations are made to local authorities for remedial bridge works.
Given the current spending constraints it is the Department's policy when grant applications are received from local authorities for bridge improvement works to prioritise rehabilitation works over widening projects and proposed new bridges.
Olympic Games Ticketing Arrangements
Ceisteanna (634)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:634. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 527 of 22 November 2016, if he will provide a further update in relation to the non-statutory inquiry to inquire into the circumstances surrounding the distribution of tickets for the Rio Olympic Games and related matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7002/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At the request of Judge Carroll Moran, an extension to end March 2017 has been granted for the completion of this Inquiry. No interim report has been received and none is expected in advance of the expected presentation of the final report at end March 2017. Subject to consideration of any legal issues arising, it is envisaged that the report will be published shortly thereafter.
Brexit Issues
Ceisteanna (635)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:635. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to enforce the Road Traffic Act 2016, which gives effect to an agreement with the UK on mutual recognition of driver disqualifications which was signed in October 2015, in view of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7084/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Mutual recognition of driving disqualifications is on target to be put in place between Ireland and the UK within the coming months once the necessary administrative arrangements between Ireland and the UK have been put in place.
I do not believe that Brexit will have any effect on this arrangement. The European Commission previously confirmed that Ireland was free to negotiate a bilateral agreement with the UK regarding Mutual recognition of driving disqualifications and Brexit should not have any effect on the proposed new arrangement.
Cycling Policy
Ceisteanna (636)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:636. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 332 of 2012) were to make cycle tracks non-mandatory except for contraflow tracks and tracks in pedestrianised areas, in view of the fact that the regulations do not provide for this; if he will update the regulations as a matter of urgency (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7094/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The intention of the current legislation Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 332 of 2012) was to make cycle tracks non-mandatory except for contraflow tracks and tracks in pedestrianised areas. However, this is not what the Regulations, as drafted, provide for. Officials in my Department have sought the views of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána with regard to the Regulations and to the use of cycle tracks by cyclists.
The RSA is currently undertaking a study on the mandatory use of cycle tracks. The results of this study are expected by the end of March. Based on the outcome of this study and taking into account the views of stakeholders, appropriate amendments to the Regulations will be made as soon as is possible thereafter.
Commencement of Legislation
Ceisteanna (637)
Robert Troy
Ceist:637. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the Acts currently in force for which he has lead responsibility that have parts or sections yet to be formally commenced, including the purpose of same, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7095/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer the Deputy to Dáil question 341 of the 2nd February 2017. The position remains the same.
Commencement of Legislation
Ceisteanna (638)
John Lahart
Ceist:638. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if section 17(22) of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 (details supplied) has been commenced; if not, the reason; and his plans to establish the Dublin transport authority advisory council. [7096/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Section 17 of the Dublin Authority Act 2008 provides for the establishment of the Dublin Transport Authority Advisory Council and sets out the composition of that council and other related matters. Section 18 of the Act then goes on to set out the functions of the Council.
Section 17(22) states that the Minister shall by Order appoint a day to be the "appointed day" for the purposes of the section as a whole. The "appointed day" is the day upon which the Council is established. No such Order under section 17(22) has been made and the Council has never been established.
The Deputy will be aware that the 2008 Act provided for a Dublin Transport Authority, but that in 2009 the Public Transport Regulation Act recast the Authority as a National Transport Authority (NTA). However, section 17 is still constructed as if the Council is to advise a specifically Dublin-only Authority. Therefore, I believe that serious consideration is required as to how best to reflect the, now, national responsibilities of the NTA in the composition of any such Advisory Council.
Furthermore, the Deputy will be aware of the recent launch of the consultation process on the development of a new National Planning Framework. One theme in the consultation document is an identified need to better integrate regional transport and land-use planning policies; in this regard, the document references the current approach in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) which requires mutual consistency between the NTA's regional transport strategy and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy. Depending on the overall approach adopted by the National Planning Framework on this issue of better integration between land-use planning and transport planning, there may well be a need to expand upon the NTA's legal powers in relation to land-use planning outside the GDA, which would again require careful consideration of how best to ensure that any Advisory Council reflects the full range of relevant stakeholders.
On the basis of the above, I think it best to await the development of the National Planning Framework to ensure that its recommendations can be reflected in both the composition of any future NTA Advisory Council and its functions.
Road Improvement Schemes
Ceisteanna (639)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:639. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to upgrade routes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7111/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (including the R194 from Virginia to the Oldcastle Road and the R194 from Virginia to Granard Co. Longford) is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the local authority's 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.
I announced the 2017 regional and local road allocations on 24 January and Cavan County Council has been allocated €9.1m, including €90,000 in respect of safety improvement works on the R194 at Ballyjamesduff. Longford County Council was allocated €6.1m for regional and local roads in 2017 including €40,000 for safety improvement works on the R194 at Springtown.
It is matter for the local authority to select, prioritise, agree and progress its roads programme for the year and the purpose of Exchequer funding is to supplement the own resources of local authorities, not to meet the full costs of schemes. All funding for 2017 has now been allocated.
Sports Capital Programme
Ceisteanna (640)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:640. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding applied for by, and granted to, a stadium (details supplied) for each of the years 2015 to 2016 and to date in 2017; the purpose of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7144/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the 2015 Sports Capital Programme (SCP), Thomond Park Stadium Company Ltd applied for funding of €173,856 towards the cost of floodlighting and ball stop netting and were provisionally allocated a grant of €141,876 towards floodlighting. There was no round of the SCP in 2016. As the Deputy will be aware, on 21 December last, Minister Ross and I announced that €30m is being made available under the 2017 Sports Capital Programme to develop sports infrastructure around the country. Applications are being accepted on my Department's dedicated online applications site (www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie) until the 24 February, 2017. The guide to making an application is also available on www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie.
Public Procurement Contracts
Ceisteanna (641)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:641. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an Irish Rail employee hired private investigators regarding the suspected theft of copper cable from the rail line in the Killiney and Shankill areas in 2015; the procedures and procurement rules he has relating to the awarding by Irish Rail of such surveillance contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7180/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.