Written Answers Nos 324-341
324. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will confirm the 2017 budget allocation to the rural transport programme; and the first and full year costs of a 15% increase on a straight line basis for the years 2018 to 2022 in tabular form. [12495/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2017 provided for a total allocation of €14.4 million to the Rural Transport Programme (RTP).
This is the confirmed RTP allocation for this year, and any percentage increases over whatever timeframe, using whatever basis, may be calculated from it. However, I would caution that whatever calculations the Deputy might use, such figures would only be speculative. Future funding levels for the programme will be subject to the annual Estimate and Budgetary processes.
325. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will confirm the 2017 PSO subvention; and the monetary increase of increasing this figure 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%, in tabular form. [12496/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, in Budget 2017 I secured an 11% increase in the amount of funding available for Public Service Obligation and I can confirm that €262.958 million is available to the National Transport Authority in 2017.
As requested the cost of the requested incremental increases are set out in tabular form:
2017
|
PSO Subvention |
Monetary Increase |
|
2017 |
€262,958,000 |
|
Cost of 5% increase |
+ €13,147,900 |
|
Cost of 10% increase |
+ €26,295,800 |
|
Cost of 15% increase |
+ €39,443,700 |
|
Cost of 20% increase |
+ €52,591,600 |
|
Cost of 25% increase |
+ €65,739,500 |
326. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the detail of the Exchequer subvention to CIÉ between 2006 and 2017 detailing the individual amounts allocated to each of the primary transport providers, Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann, Bus Átha Cliath and other operators, by year, in tabular form. [12497/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2010 there is no subvention paid directly by my Department for public transport services.
The award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts falls under the independent statutory remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA), which has direct responsibility for this area along with the routes covered and therefore I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.
The total PSO subvention provided to the primary transport operators by this Department in the years 2006 to 2009 is as follows:
Schedule of Exchequer Subvention: 2006 to 2009
|
Year |
Iarnród Éireann €000 |
Bus Éireann €000 |
Bus Átha Cliath €000 |
Other Operators €000 |
Total €000 |
|
2006 |
188,716 |
26,459 |
69,845 |
- |
285,020 |
|
2007 |
189,910 |
36,595 |
80,078 |
- |
306,583 |
|
2008 |
181,152 |
41,846 |
85,629 |
- |
308,627 |
|
2009 |
170,624 |
49,365 |
83,199 |
- |
303,188 |
The Deputy should be aware that the information regarding PSO allocations is publicly available in tabular form through the NTA's Statistical Bulletin series for State funded bus and rail services. Those documents are published on www.nationaltransport.ie.
327. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the costings for accessibility works to bus stations here. [12498/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra328. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the costings for accessibility works to railway stations here. [12499/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra329. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the costings for the construction of wheelchair accessible bus stops as required here. [12500/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra330. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the costings for the replacement of non-wheelchair accessible vehicles for Bus Éireann. [12501/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra331. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the costings for accessibility works to the train fleet. [12502/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra332. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the costings for the conversion of the taxi and hackney fleet to a fully wheelchair accessible fleet. [12503/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 327 to 332, inclusive, together.
Accessibility features are built into all new public transport infrastructure projects and vehicles from the design stage and new systems such as the Luas are fully accessible. In addition, 100% of the Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann city fleets are wheelchair accessible, as well as 80% of the Bus Éireann coach fleet.
With regard to existing infrastructure, there is an ongoing programme to upgrade public transport infrastructure and facilities to help improve transport accessibility across the country. The programme is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) on behalf of my Department. The bulk of this funding has been provided for the upgrading of Iarnród Éireann rail stations to make them accessible and to enable wheelchair users to travel on Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann buses.
In 2017 under the Accessibility Grants Programme, funding is being provided to the NTA for accessibility upgrade works at a number of rail stations; for accessible bus stops and bus stations; and for a Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Grant Scheme. Funding is also provided via the NTA for the Travel Assistance Scheme which is run by Dublin Bus. Under the scheme an assistant can accompany people who need help using public transport and to plan a journey on Dublin Bus, Luas and the DART.
In light of the NTA's responsibility for the administration of the accessibility grants programme, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for a more detailed reply in relation to the costings requested. 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.
333. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the full costings for the St. Andrew's Agreement commitment to co-fund the construction of the A5 to Derry. [12504/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the context of the St. Andrew's Agreement the then Government committed that it would contribute £400 million sterling to the cost of the upgrade of the A5 road scheme. This original funding commitment was intended to cover a road infrastructure package, including the A5 and A8, to support the restoration of the Executive but for administrative reasons it was decided that the funding would be paid out on the A5.
When the financial crisis hit, the Government decided in November 2011 (S180/20/10/1267A) at the time of the 2012-2016 Capital Programme that its commitment to provide funding for the A5 road project would have to be deferred but it indicated that a commitment could be made to provide £50m (sterling) towards the project.
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.
334. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if electric hybrid car users can be exempt from parking charges while parked and plugged into charging points. [12552/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the coming years, a transition to alternatively-fuelled vehicles will be required to effect a substantial reduction in Ireland's overall transport emissions. My Department recently developed a draft national policy framework for alternative fuels infrastructure - in line with the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive (2014/94/EU) - and carried out a public consultation from 27 October to 23 November 2016 on this draft framework to support the deployment of alternative fuels in Ireland. Following consideration of submissions received from the consultation process, I expect to finalise and publish the National Policy Framework in the coming weeks.
The Road Traffic Act, 1994 gives local authorities the power to make bye-laws governing the type of paid parking controls in their areas. Some local authorities allow free designated parking for a period of time while a plug-in electric vehicle is charging but it is a matter for each individual authority to consider how to treat this.
I am, of course, committed to exploring mechanisms to encourage increased take up of electric vehicles. My Department, together with the Department for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, have convened an Interdepartmental Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) Task Force to consider the range of measures and options available to Government for the purpose of accelerating the deployment of low carbon technologies, especially EVs, in line with the "Programme for a Partnership Government" commitment.
The LEV Task Force has begun its work and has divided its work into three workstreams. It will review the full suite of possible measures to encourage increased take up of LEVs. Public parking and charges will be considered in this context. The Task Force also intends to provide an opportunity for stakeholders and members of the public to contribute to the issues considered. Progress being made by the Task force will be available on my Department's website.
335. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the projected time to fit out and make operational the proposed new Greystones coast guard station; the total projected cost; the money already allocated; the potential barriers to completion of these works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12767/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issues raised by the Deputy are essentially matters for the Office of Public Works, which falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Finance. My Department is co-operating with the Office of Public Works in terms of developing a specification for the proposed new Greystones Coast Guard station. However, it is the office of Public Works which has the lead role in terms of planning and construction of the project.
336. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the structure and timeframe he will take with regard to carrying out a full review of public transport policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12446/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to reviewing public transport policy so as to ensure services are sustainable into the future and are meeting the needs of a modern economy. My Department's Statement of Strategy 2016-2019 lists publication of a new Public Transport Policy Statement as a key indicator of progress. My Department plans to undertake this work later this year.
The Statement will take cognisance of relevant initiatives in several other areas of public policy on which Government is already deeply engaged including the preparation of a new National Planning Framework (NPF), the Action Plan for Rural Development and a National Mitigation Plan and Climate Adaption Paper for the transport sector. There are a number of other considerations which will also have a bearing on the development of policy. For example, we will have to deliver a step change in the funding of public transport if we are to deliver and maintain a well-functioning transport system that will support economic recovery and deliver modal shift. I will be ensuring that a strong case in this regard is made as part of the Mid-Term Review of the Capital Investment and Expenditure Review.
However, while all of these considerations are important, I'm clear that the ordinary citizen must be at the heart of public transport policy. Placing the citizen at the heart of our policy will allow us to realise the true potential of public transport and allow it to play its full role in promoting both social progress and economic prosperity.
337. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will meet with a county council (details supplied) in view of the proposed withdrawal of the Derry-Dublin express bus. [12456/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is no doubt aware, that Expressway services, such as route 33 Dublin/Derry, are commercial services operated by Bus Éireann and licensed under the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009. These routes are not eligible for any taxpayer funding and frequently operate in competition with other commercial licensed operators.
As I have stated on numerous occasions, in cases where a commercial operator, such as Expressway, decides to alter or withdraw a route, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has the statutory powers available to it to respond as appropriate to ensure continued transport connectivity.
In response to Bus Éireann's recent announcement of service changes, the NTA has published an assessment of the proposed changes and indicated what action it believes is necessary to ensure that continued connectivity.
As indicated in that published assessment, the NTA does not believe that connectivity issues arise on the route 33 corridor following the proposed withdrawal of Expressway's route 33. In publishing its assessment the NTA has invited feedback on its proposals. A copy of their assessment is available on www.nationaltransport.ie.
The Deputy is aware that the county as a whole, and the route 33 corridor in particular, is served by a number of public transport options such as -
- Expressway's route 32 services serving Dublin to Letterkenny (with connections possible at Strabane for onward journey to Derry);
- Translink's X3 services serving Dublin to Derry;
- A private licensed operator serving Monaghan to Dublin; and
- Bus Éireann PSO routes providing regional connectivity with Dundalk and Drogheda.
In light of the information I have provided I think it more beneficial if a meeting were to be arranged with the NTA and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's request to them for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive responses within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
338. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the completion date of a consultation review (details supplied). [12458/17]
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 road projects (including the N2) is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) 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.
Noting the above position, 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.
339. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of vacancies on the board of the Road Safety Authority; his plans to fill the vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12532/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Board of the Road Safety Authority currently consists of the Chair and 6 ordinary members. This is the minimum membership of the Board under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, which states that the Board shall consist of a chairperson and not less than 6 and not more than 11 ordinary members.
Strictly speaking, there are no vacancies on the Board, but there is the potential to appoint an additional 5 members. I have recently indicated that I am considering the appointment of a road safety advocate and a person with relevant financial expertise to the Board.
340. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding that has been made available by his Department to support targeted rural tourism initiatives in Galway city and county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11767/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issues raised by the Deputy are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. I have referred the question to the tourism 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.
341. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans and the timeframe for a road improvement project (details supplied) in Country Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12554/17]
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 road projects (including the N22) is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) 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.
Noting the above position, 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.
