Written Answers Nos. 1160 - 1183
1160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the degree to which he remains satisfied that adequate measures continue to be taken to ensure environmental protection with particular reference to pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14276/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRigorous implementation of environmental policy and legislation, underpinned by the principle of proportionality, is the appropriate approach to adopt in protecting our environment. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the independent statutory body responsible for protecting the environment in Ireland. The EPA performs a wide range of statutory functions in fulfilment of its mandate.
For example, the EPA has a key role in licensing facilities with the potential for significant environmental pollution, to ensure that their emissions do not endanger human health or harm the environment. The EPA is responsible for issuing Industrial Emission Directive Licenses; Integrated Pollution and Control (IPC) Licenses; Waste Licences; Waste Water Discharge Authorisations; Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Authorisations; and Radiological Protection Licences.
The EPA also encourages participation in its regulatory activities, through providing input to its decision making processes and reporting any negative environmental impacts from facilities that it licences such as odours, noise or water pollution. Currently there are approximately 800 industrial and waste facilities operating under EPA Licences.
While overall compliance with EPA Licences is good, the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement introduced a new methodology in 2015 for risk-ranking National Priority Sites which takes account of enforcement performance, giving a timely, dynamic and accurate picture of where regulatory responses should be directed.
It is recognised by the EPA that many pollution problems such as air quality, water pollution, odours and noise tend to be localised and can be masked by national level assessments. These localised problems can have severe impacts on the health and well-being of the people in individual communities and on the quality of the local environment. Making the link between environment and health is, therefore, of critical importance in both understanding and dealing with these problems. Targeting actions in the right places is also of critical importance to the EPA in addressing the problems in both an effective and efficient manner, and they are placing a particular focus on any licensed industrial, waste and waste water facilities creating nuisance for adjacent communities.
EPA prosecutions are particularly focussed on priority sites and issues. In 2016, the EPA conducted over 1,500 site visits at licensed facilities and 17 prosecutions were pursued.
The EPA operates in a transparent and open manner, publishing comprehensive details about its activities. Further information is available to the public on www.epa.ie.
I have secured an additional €2m for the EPA in my Department’s estimates for 2017 to, inter alia, support its enforcement activities.
1161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which the levels of air pollution continue to be monitored; if the results are in keeping with best practice and international requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14277/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAmbient air quality monitoring in Ireland is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the 2008 Clean Air for Europe (CAFE) Directive (Directive 2008/50/EC) and the Fourth Daughter Directive (Directive 2004/107/EC of 15 December 2004). These Directives also include rules on how Member States should monitor, assess and manage ambient air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is tasked with co-ordinating and managing the monitoring programme.
Under the Directives, EU Member States must designate "Zones" for the purpose of managing air quality. For Ireland, four zones were defined in the Air Quality Standards Regulations, 2011. The zones in place in Ireland in 2017 are Zone A: the Dublin conurbation, Zone B: the Cork conurbation, Zone C: comprising 23 large towns in Ireland with a population of more than 15,000, and Zone D: the remaining area of Ireland.
Ireland currently has a nationwide network of 31 monitoring stations which measure levels of air pollutants in the four zones. This information is delivered to the public in near real-time at www.airquality.epa.ie. The numbers and locations of the monitoring equipment for each pollutant are determined by the requirements of the Directives for ambient air monitoring in each zone.
Following a comprehensive review of the current status of ambient air quality monitoring in Ireland, the EPA is developing a new national ambient air quality monitoring programme under Section 65 of the EPA Act. My Department will provide the required funding to the Agency for this development which will significantly strengthen the capacity and capability of the monitoring network to provide more comprehensive, localised air quality information linked to public health advice. The development of the expanded national ambient air monitoring network has included a review of the adequacy of the current network for both determining compliance with European and national standards for air quality, and for the provision of information to the public about local air quality. I welcome the proposed expansion of the network and look forward to working with the EPA to develop its capacity to meet the future air quality needs of Irish citizens.
1162. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will confirm that no Minister or Minister of State under his remit since 2011 has claimed overnight expenses for staying in Dublin. [14563/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo Minister or Minister of State in my Department has claimed overnight expenses since 2011 for staying in Dublin.
1163. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has consulted the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform regarding potential proposals to provide financial assistance to Bus Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12786/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1171. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if proposals to provide financial assistance to Bus Éireann have been provided to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; if he has consulted the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12785/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1163 and 1171 together.
The Deputy is aware that Bus Éireann receives extensive financial support each year from the Exchequer in relation to the PSO bus services it provides under contract with the National Transport Authority and the school transport services provided under an administrative agreement with the Minister for Education and Skills. Additionally the Company also receives funding, through its parent company CIÉ, from the Department of Social Protection in relation to the Free Travel Scheme.
Except for those long established supports described above, no proposals have been made to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to providing financial assistance nor have I consulted the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on any such proposals.
1164. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the decision to include the revised metro north project in the Government's capital investment plan 2016 to 2021 is not fully consistent with the public spending code guidelines on project appraisal (details supplied). [12961/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1179. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether one of the critical assumptions of lower passenger demand adopted in the Fingal north Dublin transport study (details supplied) still stands up to scrutiny, in view of the higher levels of projected employment and population growth and subsequently passenger demand than when the study was undertaken; and his views on whether the redundancy of this lower demand assumption could mean that the decision to include the optimised project rather than the original project in the capital investment plan is misguided. [12958/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1164 and 1179 together.
The Fingal/North Dublin Study undertaken by the National Transport Authority and completed in 2015 represented a comprehensive analysis to identify the optimum long-term public transport solution to connect Dublin City Centre, Dublin Airport and Swords. Twenty five potential schemes were assessed, following which the new Metro North project was selected as the optimum scheme.
That study represented a comparative evaluation, comparing the various options on an equivalent basis. It used the best available population and employment information as part of the analysis work, incorporating detailed output from Census 2011, which was the most recent census at the time.
The analysis undertaken in 2015 demonstrated that a lower cost scheme than the original Metro North project was available, which would deliver an appropriately sized metro solution to serve the public transport needs along this corridor. That continues to be the case and work is proceeding on the detailed development of the New Metro North scheme.
It is noted that the Central Statistics Office have produced preliminary results from the 2016 census which align with the population growth projections used in the study. In addition and in relation to increased employment potential, the Fingal/North Dublin Study identified that the new Metro North scheme "has significant capacity to allow for potential future growth".
The design and planning work being undertaken at present on the new Metro North project, will continue to use the most up-to-date information available on population and employment projections to ensure that the final design and service pattern is correctly calibrated to fully meet the public transport needs of the corridor.
The decision to include the new Metro North project in the Capital Plan is fully consistent with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. When planning for expenditure over a period of seven years, it will not always be possible to have detailed appraisals of projects in advance and their inclusion in the Capital Plan on the basis of a preliminary appraisal is not inconsistent with the Code. A decision to proceed with the project will still require a detailed business case.
1165. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has waived all traffic costs on military flights; if so, when this decision was made; and the cost to the Exchequer as a result of this decision. [13043/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe practice of exempting en-route charges for certain specified classes of airspace users, including military aircraft, derives from the exclusion of State aircraft from the scope of the 1944 Chicago Convention establishing the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). While the application of the exemption from charges is at the discretion of the State concerned, the policy and general practice at international level is to exempt such flights from charges.
The current exemption arrangements stem from Ireland's membership of Eurocontrol, a European intergovernmental organisation established in 1960 for the safety of Air Navigation. In common with most of Eurocontrol's 41 Member States, Ireland exempts military flights of Member States of Eurocontrol, the United States and Canada from payment of en route air navigation charges. This arrangement has applied since Ireland joined the Eurocontrol en route charging scheme in the 1970s.
The cost incurred by the Irish Aviation Authority in providing exempt en-route services for such flights is reimbursed by my Department/Exchequer. The total amount paid to the Irish Aviation Authority in 2016 in respect of exempt services was €2.6 million.
The exemption applies to charges for communications and navigation but does not cover terminal charges such as landing fees; consequently no reimbursement occurs for landing charges.
1166. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of removing slip road tolls upon entry and exit to towns across the State. [13074/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy in relation to roads. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects on national roads are a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the relevant local authority.
More specifically, the statutory powers to levy tolls on national roads as well as regional and local roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors are vested in TII (for national roads) and each local authority under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007).
Noting the above position, I have referred the matter to TII for direct 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.
1167. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has studied the proposed plans in Norway and the Netherlands to ban conventional vehicle sales in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13975/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland faces a significant challenge to meet its international greenhouse gas reduction commitments. Currently, Ireland's transport demand and emissions are increasing, with approximately three quarters of all journeys made by private cars accounting for over 55% of our transport emissions.
Over the coming years, we will need to continue to increase public transport capacity so as to help absorb the increased travel demand. In addition to this, a transition to alternatively-fuelled vehicles generally will be required to effect a substantial reduction in Ireland's overall transport emissions.
In that context, the Government is committed to exploring mechanisms to encourage earlier take up of electric vehicles. My Department, together with the Department for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, have jointly 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.
Furthermore, and reflecting the role of refuelling infrastructure in securing the transition to a low carbon economy, my Department recently developed a draft National Policy Framework for Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland - 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.
My Department and I are aware of the movement in other jurisdictions to ban the sales of conventionally fuelled vehicles from 2030 or, in some cases, 2025. We are also ambitious that all new cars sold into Ireland post 2030 will be zero emissions or zero emissions capable.
1168. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has analysed the recent decision of the Austrian Federal Administrative Court in relation to a proposed third runway at Vienna airport (details supplied); and, if so, his views on the implications of this decision for the proposed third runway at Dublin Airport in view of the obligations in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 and the Paris Agreement. [14174/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1240. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has analysed the recent decision of the Austrian Federal Administrative Court in relation to a proposed third runway at Vienna airport (details supplied); and if so, his views on the implications of this decision for the proposed third runway at Dublin Airport in view of the obligations in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 and the Paris Agreement. [14159/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1168 and 1240 together.
Planning permission for a second parallel runway at Dublin Airport was granted by an Bord Pleanála in 2007. Last year, daa announced their plans to proceed with the North Runway project. Construction began in December 2016 with the runway due to become operational in 2020.
I have welcomed the decision taken by daa to proceed with this nationally important strategic infrastructure project, particularly given the importance of our connections to the rest of the world.
The runway development was subject to a rigorous Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as part of the full planning process in 2007. At that time the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) stated that the impacts of the runway on carbon emissions would not be significant and that mitigation measures such as improved aircraft engine efficiency, efficient airport operations and international climate agreements would address aviation carbon emissions.
The 2020 national reduction targets (under EU Effort Sharing Decision 406/2009/EC) do not include international aircraft emissions so the North Runway project will have no direct impact on these targets.
International aviation emissions are to be addressed separately under an agreement reached in 2016 at the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which involves the establishment of a Global Market-Based Measure (GMBM) to offset aviation's CO2 emissions from 2021 onwards by corresponding credits from environmentally beneficial projects.
While I am aware of the recent decision by the Austrian Federal Administrative Court (acting as the court of appeal) to revoke approval of construction of a third runway at Vienna Airport, this is a matter for Austria. I understand that an appeal against this decision is being pursued in the Austrian Supreme Administrative Court.
The development of the much needed additional runway capacity at Dublin Airport is a completely separate matter and one of huge importance to Ireland, particularly given our island status, unlike Austria which has many options in terms of its accessibility links with other countries.
1169. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has proposed amending legislation to allow electric cars utilise preferential public parking and pay reduced parking fees on public metering in towns and cities, for example, in order to promote environmentally friendly modes of transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14178/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 currently allow free designated parking for a period of time while a plug-in electric vehicle is charging. It is a matter for each individual authority to consider how to treat fees on public metering along with charges in relation to parking in designated charging bays.
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 it will review the full suite of possible measures to encourage increased take up of LEVs. The role of public parking and parking 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. Information about progress being made by the Taskforce will be available on my Department's website.
1170. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if possible restrictions to diesel fuel motor vehicles could come into effect here, as seen in continental Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14180/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland faces a significant challenge to meet our international greenhouse gas reduction commitments; at present, three quarters of all journeys are made by private car, accounting for over 55% of our transport emissions, and the demand for transport is growing. I am committed to meeting as much of this growing demand as possible through increasing public transport capacity and supply; encouraging modal shift towards more sustainable and active travel modes; and promoting the deployment and uptake of new technologies and alternative fuels.
Technology will undoubtedly offer one of the most efficient and cost effective pathways to achieving our mitigation and air quality objectives. Advances in battery technology, fuel science, increasing market competition and lowering vehicle costs will accelerate uptake of low carbon alternatives. To ensure that Ireland is in a position to adapt quickly to this developing market my Department will shortly publish a National Policy Framework on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure reflecting the role of refuelling infrastructure in securing this transition. In conjunction with the Department of Communication, Climate Action and Environment, we have convened a Low Emissions Vehicle 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. Additionally, there is a range of complementary policies currently under development: the National Mitigation Plan, the National Clean Air Strategy and the National Planning Framework.
I am aware of moves by some other jurisdictions to ban the sales of conventionally fuelled vehicles from 2030 or, in some cases, 2025. We are also ambitious that all new cars sold into Ireland post 2030 will be zero emissions or zero emissions capable.
1172. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if CIE accepted a €3 million facilitation fee in 2016 in order to grant consent to the assignment of a development agreement (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12815/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1173. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the proportion of rents and or capital receipts CIÉ has received since a development agreement (details supplied) was executed; if he is satisfied that it amounts to the agreed 17.5% that falls under the heading of additional rent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12818/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1188. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the development agreement Coras Iompar Éireann has entered into regarding Tara Street Station with a company (details supplied); the nature of the proposed development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13149/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1189. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount paid to CIE by way of licence fee on lands being developed under licence from CIE in the past 20 years per annum and by site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13151/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1192. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an agreement Coras Iompar Éireann entered into for a Spencer Dock site that expires in 2018 contains a clause allowing a further two-year extension, provided certain conditions are met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13163/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1172, 1173, 1188, 1189 and 1192 together.
The issues raised are matters for CIÉ and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions 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.
1174. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the M3 motorway was not constructed as far as Cavan town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12887/17]
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 M3 road scheme) is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
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.
1175. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department or the National Transport Authority is providing funding to Dublin City Council for a cycle track as part of the S2S footway and cycleway interim works scheme at Clontarf, Dublin 3; the level of funding being provided; if difficulties have been notified to his Department in relation these works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12890/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the development and implementation of public transport and sustainable transport infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).
Under the Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) Programme, my Department provides funding to the NTA for the seven local authorities in the GDA for the implementation of sustainable transport projects including cycling/walking infrastructure, Quality Bus Corridors, safety, integration and traffic management projects throughout the region.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply with regard to this particular project. 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.
1176. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide funding for local improvement schemes for rural roads in view of the fact that the Minister for State with responsibility for regional economic development has offered to contribute funding from the CLÁR programme for these roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12918/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) remains in place this year. This Scheme 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 in 2017, local authorities may use a proportion of State grant funding (15% of the Discretionary Grant which is €510,589 in the case of Kerry County Council) for LIS should they wish to do so. In addition Councils can also provide monies from their own resources towards LIS if they wish to do so. All available grant funding for this year has been allocated.
In light of the provision in the Programme for Government indicating that, as the economy recovers, the Government will promote increased funding for Community Involvement and Local Improvement Schemes, I will review the scope for making a separate grant allocation once the planned Review of the Capital Plan is completed.
1177. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the proposed M4 from Mullingar to Longford and on to Sligo due to the significant need and demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12923/17]
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 national road projects is a matter for 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.
1178. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding that has been allocated to progress the metro north project since the publication of the capital plan. [12957/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1197. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the provision of the metro north from Dublin city centre to Swords-Lissenhall, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13252/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1221. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13630/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1178, 1197 and 1221 together.
Funding of over €700 million has been allocated under the Government's Capital Plan 2016-2021 for planning, design and construction of new Metro North. Funding in the initial years of the Capital Plan is for planning and design work with construction expected to commence in 2021 with a view to delivering the project by 2026/2027. It is estimated that the project will cost in the region of €2.4 billion (excluding VAT). The Programme for Partnership Government commits to proceeding with the New Metro North project.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including the new Metro North project.
The decision to proceed with new Metro North followed consideration of the Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study and the NTA's recommendations on the study, which identified the light-rail link as the optimum long term public transport solution on the Swords/airport/city centre corridor. It is expected that the service will offer capacity for 9,900 passengers per hour per direction with the potential to expand services in the future if demand requires.
The NTA, in collaboration with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), is undertaking an option analysis and selection study of possible metro alignments and station locations. Arising from this work a final route and station configuration will be established. It is my understanding that the NTA and TII anticipate that this process will be complete by the end of 2017, after which a public consultation process will be undertaken in 2018.
1180. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will arrange a review of safety issues in a location on a national primary route (details supplied) with a view to improving safety in this location for motorists. [13007/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the junction the Deputy is referring to at Mallow General Hospital is located on the N20, rather than the N21 national road. 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 implementation of individual road projects (including the N20) is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland 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.
Regarding the location of the bus stop, in accordance with Section 16 of the Road Traffic Act 2002, road authorities (that is, local authorities) are responsible for determining stopping places for buses on public roads. Accordingly, concerns about the location or position of the bus stop concerned are a matter for the road authority in the first instance.
As the junction referred to by the Deputy is located on a national route, 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.
1181. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will expedite the scheduling of a driving test for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13010/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the driver testing service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority, and I have no power to intervene in individual cases. 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 10 days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
1182. Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of funding for the Lucan swimming pool project; if draft architectural plans have been received and a final timescale given for the delivery of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13017/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP) provides grant aid to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. There are four stages in the development of a project under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, namely Preliminary Report, Contract Documents, Tender and Construction.
In January of 2016, my Department contacted local authorities and sought expressions of interest in a limited round of swimming pool allocations. There were three expressions of interest received for new pools, two of which were valid and both in Dublin. Having assessed existing commitments and the funding available, it was decided to include the proposal from South Dublin County Council (SDCC) for a new swimming pool in Lucan in the LASPP.
My Department wrote to SDCC in April 2016 advising the Council to undertake the Preliminary Report stage (which includes the Feasibility Study, Appointment of Consultants for Preliminary Proposals and Design Brief). Documentation in this regard was received from SDCC in July 2016. Following examination by my Department's technical advisor and my officials, SDCC was given approval in October 2016 to appoint the recommended design team and proceed to the design brief. SDCC was also asked to provide outstanding material relating to the feasibility study and the site location map. A reminder in this regard was issued to SDCC in January 2017. No draft architectural plans have yet been received as designing such plans normally takes a number of months. I understand from SDCC however, that work is ongoing in relation to these plans. Once the required documentation is received from the Council, there will be no undue delay in terms of my Department assessing the material in order to move to the next stage of the process.
1183. Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the Government policy regarding the provision of public transport infrastructure along existing transport corridors designated as strategic for the development of future housing (details supplied), in order that these lands can be sustainably developed and public transport solutions put in place alongside the first housing provision; if this policy has been clearly communicated to the semi-autonomous agencies and State companies charged with ensuring the deliverability of such a network; if these agencies will provide a timeline for same as part of any public consultation process for such developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13018/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).
The statutory objective of the NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 - 2035 is to provide a long-term strategic planning framework for the integrated development of transport infrastructure and services in the GDA. The development of the Strategy was informed by a full public consultation and is required by legislation to have regard to national, regional and local planning policies for the GDA. The NTA is currently in the process of preparing an Implementation Plan for the delivery of the strategy for the period 2017-2022.
I am aware that the NTA is working closely with South Dublin County Council in the preparation of the transport proposals to be included in the draft planning scheme for the Strategic Development Zone referred to by the Deputy.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA 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.
