Written Answers Nos. 43 - 52
43. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific transport projects and infrastructure he will seek to have added to the capital plan to help alleviate a worsening traffic situation in Dublin, in the context of the Government's capital plan review in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13994/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe funding allocation for public transport under the current Capital Plan is €3.6 billion. Due to constrained levels of funding available in the early years of the plan, the priority in this period is to ensure the safety and efficiency of existing transport infrastructure. Funding of €2.6bn has been prioritised for essential 'steady state' maintenance and asset renewal of the public transport network. The remaining €1bn of the total allocation available for public transport is being invested to help address growing congestion driven by the recovery and population growth.
As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the implementation and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). The need to address urban congestion was a key element in the development of the NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035.
The NTA is currently preparing an Implementation Plan for the delivery of the GDA Strategy for the period 2017-2022. Key to implementation is the capital funding that will be available for investment in public transport infrastructure over the period. The allocation for Public Transport under the Capital Plan 2016-2021 includes funding for capacity enhancements including completion of the Luas Cross City Project, renewal and replacement of the PSO bus fleet and other improvements to the bus and rail networks. Construction of the new Metro North project will commence around 2021 and be operational around 2026/27. Funding is also included for elements of the DART Expansion Programme including the extension of the DART to Balbriggan.
As the Deputy is 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. I consider that the optimum approach to tackle congestion over the short to medium term is to radically improve the bus system to deliver a step change in performance across the GDA region and in our regional cities to complement that improved public transport system with a network of park and ride sites. Such measures can be complemented by investment to increase capacity across public transport and to improve the infrastructure for sustainable transport options.
44. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to upgrade the main Bailieborough to Virginia road in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14003/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in Cavan is the statutory responsibility of Cavan County Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council. My Department has not received an application for funding from Cavan County Council in respect of this road.
Given the cutbacks in State funding for regional and local roads since the financial crisis, it has been necessary to curtail the grant programme for major new regional and local road schemes and for major realignment schemes in order to protect the funding available for the maintenance of the existing network. The bulk of the funding allocated under the Capital Plan is, therefore, earmarked for the maintenance and renewal of the road network with some limited investment in the new projects.
I announced the 2017 regional and local road allocations to local authorities (including Cavan County Council) on 24 January and all grant funding has now been allocated.
45. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if plans are being made to reopen the local improvement scheme in places such as County Longford due to the huge demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13998/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the 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.
Maintenance of private laneways/roads not taken in charge by local authorities is the responsibility of the landowners concerned. Due to the major cutbacks in roads funding it was necessary for my Department to cease making separate allocations to local authorities in respect of the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS). The approved scheme remains intact and local authorities can use a proportion of State grant funding for LIS should they wish to do so.
While there is a modest increase in funding for roads this year, it will take some years yet under the Capital Plan to restore "steady state" funding levels for regional and local roads. The primary focus has to continue to be on the maintenance and renewal of public roads. Local authorities can continue to use a proportion of their Discretionary Grant for the Local Improvement Scheme in 2017.
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.
46. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his Department's main initiatives relating to cross-Border co-operation with Northern Ireland with regard to issues pertaining to sport; the plans which have been put in place to both maintain and enhance sporting links with Northern Ireland in view of the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union; and the number of meetings he has held with his Northern Ireland counterpart with regards to issues relating exclusively to sport. [14071/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very aware of the importance of cross border cooperation with Northern Ireland in the area of sport, particularly in a context where 45 of our National Governing Bodies of Sport operate on an all-island basis. My officials meet on a regular basis with their counterparts in Northern Ireland, with meetings involving extensive dialogue on topics of mutual interest pertaining to sport. This level of engagement will continue, as it is an important way to further enhance cross-border links and to facilitate continued cooperation across the range of sport-related matters, including any that may arise following on from the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union. I understand that Sport Ireland and Sport Northern Ireland also enjoy a close working relationship, and my officials will keep abreast of relevant initiatives in cross-border cooperation led by those two bodies, in the context of the Department's regular liaison meetings with Sport Ireland.
In Northern Ireland, Sport is a matter for the Minister and Department for Communities while Transport and Tourism are matters for the Minister and Department for Economy. While I have met with my Northern Irish counterpart with regards to issues relating exclusively to sport, I did not have an opportunity for any formal discussions.
47. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the M7 widening project in County Kildare; the funding and timeline for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14012/17]
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 the Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with local authorities.
As regards regional and local roads, responsibility for implementation of improvement projects rests with the relevant local authority which is Kildare County Council in this instance.
It has been agreed that, in the interest of economies of scale and delivery efficiency, the main design and construction elements of the Naas Bypass widening Scheme, Osberstown Interchange and Sallins Bypass Schemes are to be progressed as one construction contract. This contract is at tender at present and Kildare County Council is the contracting authority.
Subject to the satisfactory conclusion of the tender process, it is anticipated that construction will start later this year and that the three projects will be concluded on a phased basis over 2019/2020.
As regards financing, both TII and my Department will be making funding available over the construction programme period to meet the State's commitments in relation to these Schemes. In this context my Department has allocated €7.5 million for the Sallins Bypass this year while TII has allocated €13.61 million for the Naas Bypass widening.
48. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the increase in greenhouse gas emissions from transport compared with current levels that is anticipated to result from the implementation of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035 approved by his predecessor; and the way this increase in emissions in the region with the greatest potential for modal shift to active travel modes and public transport can be reconciled with the obligations to reduce emissions drastically and transition to a low carbon society in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, in line with international commitments in the Paris Agreement. [14246/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035 (the "Strategy"), developed by the NTA, sets out a framework for the development of transport across the Dublin and Mid-East region over the next twenty years responding to a projected population increase from approximately 1.8 million to 2.3 million over that period (+27%), which, together with increasing employment, will result in increased travel demand of approximately 28.5%.
In preparing the Strategy my Department and the NTA were conscious that various policies related to climate change, air quality and associated action plans were under development including the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015. The Strategy committed that its implementation would incorporate the relevant targets and actions arising from these and related policies in the area of transport energy.
The purpose of the Strategy is to provide for the efficient, effective and sustainable movement of people and goods over the twenty year period of the framework. The measures proposed address this purpose and achieve a substantial change in mode share and in total numbers carried by sustainable modes. The Strategy unequivocally commits to promoting transport options that will reduce carbon emissions.
The methodology of measuring the expected impacts of the Strategy is to compare a future year emission scenario both with and without the Strategy in place. During the preparation of the Strategy, an assessment was carried out to evaluate CO2 emissions in the absence of any of the policies that might be included in the National Mitigation Plan, and in the absence of any future engine technology improvements or future fuel efficiency improvements. As a result of the projected shift in total numbers carried by sustainable modes a decrease in CO2 emissions of approximately 4% would be achieved in 2035 with the Transport Strategy in place compared to the situation without its implementation.
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. My Department is working closely with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) and the Department of Agriculture to prepare our National Mitigation Plan.
Transport will have to play a significant role on the national mitigation effort. The measures under consideration for transport will be wide-ranging and will focus on modal shift, movement to alternative fuels, and targeted behavioural change. To date, considerable progress has been achieved through measures aimed at promoting improved technologies and changing behaviour. The draft mitigation plan is currently available for extensive public consultation.
49. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his Department's rationale, implemented by the NTA on behalf of the Department, for not issuing licences to taxis that are over ten years old in view of the existing checks to ensure the roadworthiness of cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14224/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my answer to her Question on the same topic (ref no. 13275/17) which I answered on 21 March 2017.
50. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the options he is exploring for availing of the opportunities provided under the European Fund for Strategic Investments, EFSI, to boost capital expenditure on transport; if he is exploring any additional PPP projects under the EFSI; and if not, the reason this is the case. [14236/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EIB - Ireland Financial Group, chaired by my colleague the Minister for Finance, is exploring specific issues relating to financing including opportunities and challenges for financing transport connectivity projects and the potential role the EIB may be able to play in these. My Department and agencies are participating in this exercise.
The Department actively encourages all transport sectors to explore all avenues of finance available including domestic banks, Trans European Network -transport (TENT), Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), European Investment Bank (EIB), Irish Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) and the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI), to secure the most suitable funding instrument at the most favourable commercial rates. In many cases, a mix of funding instruments is used for capital projects by ports, roads aviation and public transport sectors.
There are no specific transport projects that have been assisted under the EFSI as yet but some have been co-funded and assisted through CEF and Interreg programme (a European Territorial Cooperation programme that aims to stimulate cross border and inter-regional cooperation in the European Union). My Department has assisted them with their applications where appropriate. In addition a number of these State companies engage independently with national banks, European Commission and the European Investment Bank with regard to obtaining funding of their projects.)
Under the Capital Plan 2016 to 2021 no additional Road PPP projects are planned. The previously approved projects are all at construction stage. As part of the Capital Plan Review I understand that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has set up a High Level Group to provide the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform with an evidence based analysis and recommendations on the future role of using PPPs (and concessions) as a procurement option in the delivery of capital infrastructure, compared to traditional procurement methods including an assessment of risks arising from traditional as compared to PPP procurement of large capital projects. This analysis will be delivered in time to inform the Mid Term Capital Review.
51. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the contingency plans he has organised in the event of a national bus strike at Bus Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14219/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraObviously any strike action impacting Bus Éireann services will inconvenience the travelling public, particularly those without alternative transport options. I am however hopeful that such an event can be avoided.
While I am obviously disappointed in relation to last week's news that the WRC-led discussions between unions and Bus Éireann adjourned without agreement, I was encouraged by public comments from both sides which focused on the potential for common ground to be found on potential efficiencies within the Company relating to work practices etc.
As the Deputy will be aware, Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes operated by Bus Éireann are provided under contract to the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I am aware that the NTA are monitoring the developing situation; however, a strike will undoubtedly greatly inconvenience the travelling public. Of course any loss of contracted service will also mean Bus Éireann is liable for financial penalties to be applied to it.
Outside of its PSO contracted routes Bus Éireann also operates on commercial routes through its Expressway service. On the majority of these services, Expressway operates in competition with other operators on some or all of a particular route. Obviously therefore in the event of strike action in Expressway, a significant number of the travelling public will have other transport options available.
I think it clear that a strike is in nobody's interests - neither the Company, employees or the travelling public. I urge both the Company and its trade unions to engage in realistic negotiations with a view to urgently resolving this situation.
52. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will liaise with Fáilte Ireland to ensure that there is a marketing budget put in place to promote County Donegal, further to the county being nominated by a magazine (details supplied) as the coolest place on the planet to visit in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14072/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTourism Ireland is responsible for promoting the island of Ireland overseas as a holiday and business tourism destination and undertakes extensive marketing campaigns in 23 key source markets for tourism to Ireland. Within Ireland, individual counties may compete for domestic visitors. Research carried out for Tourism Ireland indicates that the level of awareness of Ireland's county boundaries is low among potential overseas visitors, and therefore expenditure by public or private entities on marketing an individual county to consumers in overseas markets is unlikely to provide an adequate return on investment.
I am delighted that National Geographic Traveller has named Donegal at the top of its list of 'coolest places to visit' in 2017. Donegal features prominently in Tourism Ireland’s global marketing activity. For example last autumn, filming took place at places like Malin Head, Fanad Lighthouse, Glenveagh National Park and Slieve League in Donegal for Tourism Ireland footage of the Donegal section of the Wild Atlantic Way. Tourism Ireland has rolled out a series of Wild Atlantic Way advertising campaigns in overseas markets over the past year, in which Donegal has featured.
Donegal, and the accolade received from National Geographic Traveller, are highlighted on Tourism Ireland's suite of international websites as well as through Tourism Ireland's social media platforms. Donegal continues to be extensively promoted through a series of Wild Atlantic Way adverts and will feature in the upcoming Star Wars film providing a superb promotional opportunity. Tourism Ireland also works with overseas travel, lifestyle and special interest media as part of their overseas promotional programme. I understand that Tourism Ireland recently provided details of such campaigns to the Deputy.
In 2016 Fáilte Ireland invested €1.7m on marketing the Wild Atlantic Way and, along with the local authorities from Donegal to Galway, have co-funded a marketing campaign in Great Britain in 2017 in which Donegal features heavily.
