Brendan Griffin
Ceist:761. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding plans for the regulation of mixed martial arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9756/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSports Organisations
Ceisteanna (761)
Freagraí scríofa
Sport Ireland is engaging with mixed martial arts representatives with a view to the establishment of appropriate governance arrangements for mixed martial arts. In this context, the Deputy may wish to note in particular that Sport Ireland is facilitating an engagement between the Irish Martial Arts Commission and the Irish Mixed Martial Arts Association. This engagement is being assisted by independent experts. While I am keen that this should proceed as quickly as possible, the process is a detailed and rigorous one and it is not possible in these circumstances to determine a precise timescale for its completion.
My Department is maintaining regular contact with Sport Ireland to keep abreast of developments.
Smarter Transport
Ceisteanna (762)
Clare Daly
Ceist:762. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure the targets set out in the smarter travel policy are met, including cycling support and promotion, in view of the fact that a formal statutory public consultation on a draft national mitigation plan is due by mid March 2017. [9761/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has prioritised investments that specifically encourage cycling and walking in accordance with Smarter Travel Policy with the intention of getting people to change their modes of transport in favour of sustainable travel. Smarter Travel's overarching goals remain the cornerstone of my Department's transport policy. This is recognised and reflected in the Programme for Partnership Government where we commit to ensuring that the €3.6bn investment in the public transport system provided for in the Capital Plan will uphold the principles of Smarter Travel.
The Capital Plan also specifically commits €100m in funding for smarter travel and carbon reduction measures. In addition significant funding is also provided to the National Transport Authority (NTA) on an annual basis for the delivery walking and cycling infrastructure in the GDA and the Regional Cities. This is delivered through the Regional cities grants programme and the Sustainable Transport Measures Programme and behavioural change programmes such as Workplace and Campus travel programmes and the Green Schools Programmes.
The most recent Canal Cordon Report revealed a significant increase in the numbers cycling and walking into Dublin City Centre. We are now seeing more than two thirds of people using sustainable transport modes to enter Dublin in the morning peak. The focus in 2017 will be to continue on this trajectory and review the effectiveness of the funding programmes delivered to date along with reviews of the Smarter Travel and National Cycle Policy Frameworks to inform future investment decisions.
In order for Ireland to effectively and equitably contribute to the EU emissions reduction commitments in line with the Paris Agreement and the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, an ambitious low-carbon development strategy is being developed. 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, including transport, have been co-ordinated, the draft mitigation plan will be available for extensive public consultation before being submitted for approval to Government.
Sports Capital Programme Applications
Ceisteanna (763)
Clare Daly
Ceist:763. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will expedite an application made by a sports club (details supplied) as part of the 2017 sports capital programme. [9847/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm that an application has been submitted by the organisation referred to by the Deputy under the 2017 Sports Capital Programme.
All of the 2320 applications received under the 2017 Sports Capital Programme will be assessed by officials of my Department over the coming months. An announcement regarding allocations will be made later this year.
Garda Operations
Ceisteanna (764)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:764. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a private firm will be engaged to examine the samples taken from motorists as part of roadside drug testing which is to be commenced at Easter 2017 under the Road Traffic Act 2016; the name of any such firms engaged; if there was a tender process; the way in which this company was selected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9884/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I think that the Deputy may have misunderstood the legislation in this area.
The new roadside drug tests are preliminary tests conducted by An Garda Síochána in the same way as the existing roadside preliminary breath tests for alcohol. The preliminary tests involve the use of devices to test oral fluid for the presence of drugs at the roadside. Similarly to the roadside breath screening devices used by An Garda Síochána, the new oral fluid drug screening devices are being supplied to the Gardaí by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety. Where a driver is arrested for failing a preliminary drug test, an evidentiary specimen will be taken in a Garda Station and sent to the Medical Bureau of Road Safety for confirmatory analysis as per the Road Traffic Act, 2010 (as amended). No private firm will be engaged to examine the samples taken from motorists under the legislation.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (765)
Robert Troy
Ceist:765. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 295 of 16 February 2017, if he will answer the last part of the question (details supplied). [10046/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As part of the Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study which recommended new Metro North as the optimum transport solution on the Swords/Airport/City Centre corridor, the technical and operational feasibility, environmental impact and cost of each short-listed scheme was developed. The preliminary economic analysis in this Study established a comparative benefit to cost ratio of the new Metro North option as 1.5, thus indicating that it was the economically preferable option.
As outlined to the Deputy in my response to Question 295 of 16 February 2017, it is now intended that - after completion in 2018 of a public consultation process on a final route and station configuration - a preliminary business case for the New Metro North scheme will be finalised. It is expected then that the detailed business case for the scheme would be developed in 2019 which, among other things, will include a Cost Benefit analysis. In line with the requirements of the Public Spending Code, the final decision to proceed (or not) with the project could then be taken and will be subject to this detailed business case.
Haulage Industry
Ceisteanna (766)
Robert Troy
Ceist:766. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department is working on a plan to respond to the potential impact of UK road haulage no longer being subject to existing and future EU directives; the estimated increased cost of enforcement to the Exchequer in this scenario to ensure that UK hauliers operating here comply with EU requirements; and if he or officials from his Department have had meetings with their UK or Northern Ireland counterparts to discuss the impact of Brexit on haulage. [10047/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As you are aware the UK Government published their White Paper earlier this month. The issues raised and their potential implications for Ireland are currently being analysed. Our focus as ever remains the same: to defend and protect Ireland's interests in the upcoming negotiations and to advance our priorities namely, the economy, Northern Ireland, the Common Travel Area and the future of the European Union itself. It is premature to speculate on the detail of how this will be worked out. Be assured that we are preparing intensively, including the implementation of an extensive programme of engagement with our EU partners and the EU institutions. Ireland will be ready for the negotiations when they begin.
In relation to the potential impact of Brexit on road haulage, my officials have always had a close working relationship with their counterparts in the UK and Northern Ireland and regularly interact to discuss issues of mutual interest. This working relationship is ongoing and will continue as the effects of Brexit develop.
Departmental Agencies Staff Remuneration
Ceisteanna (767)
Niall Collins
Ceist:767. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of implementing a living wage of €11.50 per hour for all employees directly employed or in agencies funded by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10108/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The living wage of €11.50 per hour is not a statutory entitlement and any calculation in relation to it would be purely speculative. Policy making in relation to the determination of salary rates for all public servants, including staff in the State agencies under the aegis of my Department, is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
Sports Events
Ceisteanna (768)
Noel Rock
Ceist:768. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department will work to ensure that the Ladies Irish Open is included on the Ladies European Tour list of events for the 2018 calendar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10153/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I would welcome the Ladies Irish Open being included in the Ladies European Tour calendar. However, this is not a matter in which I have a role and it would be a matter for the Irish Ladies Golfing Union in the first instance to engage with the Ladies European Tour regarding inclusion in its calendar of events.
Sports Events
Ceisteanna (769)
Noel Rock
Ceist:769. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there has been any contact between his Department and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) regarding the possibility of reviving the Rally Ireland event in the FIA World Rally Championship calendar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10154/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy. It is not directly involved in the management or development of individual tourism projects or events. These are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.
There has been no contact between the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and my Department regarding the possibility of reviving the Rally Ireland event.
Fáilte Ireland's Event Ireland Team is tasked with identifying, bidding for and winning sporting, cultural and other events for Ireland in partnership with relevant stakeholders. They offer a range of practical and financial supports to assist with bid proposals, subject to eligibility criteria, such as the delivery of overseas visitors to Ireland, the securing of private sector investment in the bid, and demonstration of significant economic impact for the event location/region. 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 and benefits involved in any State financial support, in particular the number of overseas visitors.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (770)
Joan Burton
Ceist:770. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of his Department’s work with local authorities and transport providers on the bus rapid transport scheme in the Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10186/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).
The NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2016 - 2035 includes proposals for two specific BRT schemes, Blanchardstown to UCD and Clongriffin to Tallaght. In addition, the Strategy indicates that the public transport needs on the Swords/Airport to City Centre corridor may require a higher level of public transport capacity than the existing provision, both in advance of the delivery of new Metro North which is anticipated to be completed in 2026/27 and also to serve areas south of the M50 subsequent to the implementation of new Metro North. The NTA has indicated that this additional capacity may take the form of a BRT service, a BRT-type service or a conventional QBC upgrade. Any final arrangement would be designed to be complementary to the new Metro North scheme.
The NTA is currently in the process of preparing an Implementation Plan for the delivery of the strategy for the period 2017-2022. Key to implementation over this period is the capital funding that will be available for investment in public transport infrastructure over the period.
Funding is being made available for initial planning and design work for the Blanchardstown to UCD and Clongriffin to Tallaght BRT schemes under the Government's Capital Plan 'Building on Recovery Infrastructure & Capital Investment 2016 - 2021'. I understand from the NTA that a contract has been signed with a design team to carry out a route options analysis study to identify the preferred route option for the Clongriffin to Tallaght Scheme. The NTA also issued tender documents to progress the design and planning of the Blanchardstown to UCD Scheme.
As the Deputy will be aware, a mid-term review of the Capital Plan has been initiated and I will be making the case for increased funding for public transport in that context to cater for increasing demand for public transport as the economy continues to improve and to encourage people to get out of their cars and onto public transport and more sustainable forms of travel.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (771)
Joan Burton
Ceist:771. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress of the electrification of the Maynooth railway line; his views on the need for additional capacity on the route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10187/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Transport Authority's 'Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 - 2035', which was approved and published in 2016, proposes implementation of the DART Expansion Programme involving electrification of the Northern line as far as Drogheda, the Kildare Line to Hazelhatch, the Sligo line to Maynooth in the west and to the M3 Parkway and construction of the DART Underground tunnel.
The Government decided in September 2015 that the original proposal for the tunnel should be redesigned and work is under way on that at present. Due to constraints on funding, not all of the elements of the DART Expansion Programme can be progressed during the lifetime of the Capital Plan. Funding has been allocated for the extension of the DART to Balbriggan and for work on the redesign of the tunnel. Other elements of the Programme, including electrification of the Maynooth rail line will be considered in the context of the planned review of the Capital Plan.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. I am not responsible for, or involved in, the day-to-day operations of Iarnród Éireann's services. Therefore, I have forwarded your question in relation to rail services on the Maynooth line to Iarnród Éireann 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 Policy
Ceisteanna (772)
Joan Burton
Ceist:772. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeframe for the construction of the Dublin metro line and DART underground; if the route and length of the DART underground is being re-examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10188/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As I have outlined to the House on a number of occasions recently, funding for the Metro North project is provided under the Government's Capital Plan, allowing initially for the planning and design phases of the project, followed by the construction phase which is expected to commence in 2021 with a view to delivering the project by 2026/2027.
Funding has been also been provided in the Capital Plan for certain elements of the DART Expansion Programme, including the extension of the DART to Balbriggan, and for work on the redesign of the DART Underground tunnel. This work on the redesign is underway.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (773)
Robert Troy
Ceist:773. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital projects, their estimated cost and estimated completion date that are earmarked for funding under the €100 million envelope provided for in the capital investment plan 2016-2021 for sustainable transport as per page 25 of same. [10241/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In 2017 the Department has allocated €2.5m to the Green Public Transport Fund to support the uptake of low carbon technologies within the public transport sector. The fund will support pilot demonstrations of emerging low emission technologies, particularly within the public transport bus fleet, and will also support measures to encourage the transition of the national taxi fleet towards alternative technologies.
A further €9m will be spent in 2017 on various Smarter Travel initiatives. Over recent years my Department has funded a number of behavioural change programmes under Smarter Travel including the Green Schools, Smarter Travel Workplaces, Smarter Travel Campuses programmes. Funding of these behavioural change programmes will continue in 2017 and this year the Department will also fund the recently launched Cycle Right national cycle training standard. My Department has also funded a number of infrastructural programmes under Smarter Travel including the National Cycle Network, Smarter Travel Towns and Active Travel areas programmes. These infrastructural programmes were multi-annual funding programmes that ran until the end 2016.
My Department will now undertake an evaluation of the Smarter Travel infrastructural programmes to establish what worked and what didn't work in the Smarter Travel Area, Active Travel Towns and National Cycle Network programmes. The knowledge gained from this review will determine the best way of using the remaining funding available for Smarter Travel under the remaining period of the Capital Plan. My Department is also developing a new Greenways Strategy to inform future investment in greenways.
The Programme for Government also commits to providing additional capital funding for various tourism products, including greenways. I will be seeking to deliver this additional funding in the context of the mid-term review of the Capital Plan and will decide on the type of projects to be progressed once the total funding allocation is known and when the reviews mentioned above have been completed.