Written Answers Nos. 1320-1338
1320. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to publish the order to transfer the ownership of Galway Port to the local authority; if there will be local consultation on the order once published; his further plans to discuss this proposed order with the local Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas before publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19530/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Harbours Act 2015 provides the necessary legislative basis to allow for the transfer of Ports of Regional Significance, including Galway Port, to local authority control. The future governance and operational structures of the port are primarily matters for agreement between the Council and the port company. The decision on the model of transfer will be informed by the due diligence process which is being carried out by the local authority. When the due diligence is completed, I expect progress will be made towards finalising the model, timeline and preparations for transfer. An Order will be then be drafted. In accordance with the Harbours Act 2015, the transfer of the port company to the local authority will be effected by Ministerial Order with the prior consent and signature of both the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, and the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.
1321. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are regulations in place in relation to the fees that airlines can charge for changing a name on an airline ticket; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19548/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1322. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions he has had with his European counterparts in relation to standardising or reducing the fees that airlines can charge for changing a name on an airline ticket; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19549/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1321 and 1322 together.
Statutory Instrument No 426 of 2008 came into force on 1st November, 2008 giving effect to Regulation (EC) No. 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community. Regulation 1008/2008 replaced three pre-existing European Regulations dating from 1992.
Article 22 of Regulation 1008/2008 establishes pricing freedom for Community air carriers to set fares and rates for air services. The setting of fares and charges is therefore an operational matter for the airlines themselves.
Article 23 of the Regulation relates to pricing transparency and requires that all air fares and rates are available publicly for intra-EU services. Furthermore, it requires that the final price to be paid shall at all times be indicated and shall include the applicable air fare or air rate as well as all applicable taxes, charges, surcharges and fees which are unavoidable and foreseeable at the time of publication.
Arising from the European Commission's Aviation Strategy, the Commission has published a roadmap for the evaluation of Regulation 1008/2008 to provide an up-to-date overview of the application of its provisions in EU Member States and to seek to identify evidence based areas of concern in that application. The review is planned to be completed in Q2 2018.
1323. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has met with the Dublin Airport Authority to discuss Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19550/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1324. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department is putting in place contingency plans to deal with the potential impacts of Brexit on the aviation industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19551/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1325. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the implications for Ireland of the UK leaving the single aviation market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19552/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1323 to 1325, inclusive, together.
Issues arising as a result of the UK's plans to leave the EU are being managed on a whole-of-government basis, with overall responsibility resting with the Department of An Taoiseach. My Department is represented on the Economy and Trade Group and also on the Aviation and related Tourism sub-groups under these structures. Officials of my Department are in close liaison with the aviation sector, including airlines and airports, to assess the implications of Brexit on that sector.
Airlines and airports, including the daa, among other aviation stakeholders, as well as my Department are represented on the National Civil Aviation Development Forum Working Group on Regulatory Affairs. This Group has extensively considered the aviation implications of Brexit and has met with the Department's representative on the Interdepartmental Group of Senior Officials to discuss the concerns of the aviation industry. Representatives of the Group have also met with senior officials in the Department of the Taoiseach in relation to those concerns. The outcome of these consultations informs the analyses of the Department and feeds into the overall analyses of Government.
I have had a number of interactions with the Chair of daa on a range of matters relevant to the Company. However, I have not met with daa to discuss Brexit specifically.
Aviation services between the UK and Ireland and within the EU operate within the EU Single Aviation Market. In order to maintain liberal access from the UK to Ireland and the rest of the EU, a new aviation agreement between the UK and the remaining 27 EU Member States will be required. In the absence of such a replacement aviation transport agreement, existing traffic rights could be negatively impacted, including the rights of Irish licensed airlines to fly between the UK and Ireland, the UK and the rest of the EU, within the UK, and between the UK and a range of other third countries.
The full implications for Ireland of the UK leaving the single aviation market will only become clear once formal Brexit negotiations commence. The Government will continue to plan for and mitigate the associated risks of Brexit throughout the EU/UK withdrawal process.
1326. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the phenomenon of older, uninsured and untaxed cars being bought by persons who then use the car to joyride; if he will consider reforms to the car ownership registration process to frustrate this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19598/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraChange of vehicle ownership notifications are recorded on my Department's National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF). Article 10 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 1992 (SI No. 385 of 1992) and amendments made thereon set out the procedures regarding notification and recording of changes of vehicle ownership. The use of uninsured and untaxed vehicles for joyriding purposes, as referred to by the Deputy, is primarily an enforcement issue, and a matter for An Garda Síochána. Notwithstanding this, my Department has started a programme of work to investigate possible efficiencies and improvements in driver and vehicle licensing - including the change of ownership process.
1327. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects the Glenbeigh to Renard greenway to be completed. [19629/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the National Cycle Network (NCN) Funding Programme 2014-2016, €3.4m was awarded to Kerry County Council (KCC) for the construction of the Glenbeigh to Renard greenway. As the Deputy is aware, this project has experienced significant challenges in terms of costs, planning, engineering and engagement with local landowners which has resulted in the delay in delivering the project within the timeframe of the funding programme. The focus to date for KCC has been on progressing the planning and design elements of the route. My officials continue to work closely with the project team in KCC to endeavour to progress this project. My Department is developing a new Strategy on Greenways to underpin the future development and funding of greenways. The proposed Strategy will include a recommended approach to be taken by authorities and agencies tasked with delivering greenway infrastructure to issues concerning land access/ownership. The Department will undertake a public consultation process in the near future to inform the development of the new Greenways Strategy and all interested parties will have the opportunity to submit their views on such issues during the public consultation process.
1328. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a new Coast Guard facility will be provided on lands owned by his Department in Cleggan; if planning permission has been sought to date for this facility in view of the reply to this Deputy on 7 February 2017 that the Coast Guard had asked the OPW to apply for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19641/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OPW are in the process of drawing up plans with the intention of applying for planning on this site. The Coast Guard are currently using the site for training purposes.
1329. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the process by which drivers can determine when penalty points have expired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19673/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhen penalty points expire a letter is issued to the driver informing them that their points have expired and giving the balance of their penalty points, if any. A driver can ascertain what penalty points, if any, are on their driving licence record by contacting the National Driver Licence Service at info@ndls.ie
1330. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if all historic penalty points have now been removed from a driving licence in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19674/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPenalty point offences endorsed on a driving licence record are held on my Department's National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF). The records on the NVDF indicate that a notification of removal of penalty points was issued to the licence holder in question on 21 August 2015. This notification stated that 2 penalty points relating to an offence on 20 June 2012 had now been removed from the licence holders record, but that 3 points, relating to a different offence, remained. These 3 points are scheduled to be removed on 25 July 2018, subject to no disqualifications in the interim.
1331. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan to the Cork Limerick road; the estimated cost of the project; the expected completion time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19757/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1332. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan for the A5 upgrade road; the estimated cost of the project; the expected completion time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19758/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1333. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation from the Exchequer and other sources under the capital plan to the Narrow Water bridge project; the estimated cost of the project; the expected completion time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19759/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1331 to 1333, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy is aware, the Capital Plan published in September 2015 outlined proposed transport investment priorities to 2022. While the transport element of the Capital Plan did provide for some targeted investment in a number of new projects in the Munster region, it was not possible to include the M20 in the Capital Plan as the scale of investment to deliver it was not affordable.
I am conscious of the potential regional development benefits of an upgrade of the Cork to Limerick link and in this regard I agreed to TII spending €1 million to review the status of work undertaken previously and to update certain inputs including traffic studies. I do expect that the status of the Cork to Limerick road link will be examined as part of the Review of the Capital Plan which is under way. In relation to the Narrow Water Bridge project, while the Capital Plan outlines the Government commitment to the concept of the Bridge, it does not provide specific funding for the project. Under the Fresh Start Agreement, the Northern Ireland Executive and the Government agreed to undertake a review of the proposed Narrow Water Bridge project with a view to identifying options for its future development, for consideration by the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC).
Discussions have been under way at senior official level with the Northern Ireland authorities regarding co-operation on commitments in the Fresh Start Agreement, including the Narrow Water Bridge project. Pending the outcome of consideration of options in relation to the proposed project, no provision has been made for project funding.
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 (New buildings to north of Strabane) can commence as soon as the necessary planning issues have been resolved by the Northern Ireland authorities. A specific allocation for the A5 project has not been provided to this Department under the Capital Plan.
1334. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the penalties for illegally parking in a disabled persons parking place; and the specific statutory basis for the offence and the penalties. [19787/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraArticle 44 of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 182 of 1997) provides that a vehicle shall not be stopped or parked where a Disabled Persons Parking Bay is provided, unless a disabled person's parking permit is displayed in the vehicle which is parked for the convenience of the person to whom the permit was granted. These Regulations are made under section 35 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 (No. 7 of 1994). Section 35(5)(a) of the 1994 Road Traffic Act provides that a person who contravenes a regulation under this section shall be guilty of an offence. The Road Traffic Acts 1961 to 2005 (Fixed Charge Offences) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 135 of 2006) declare this offence to be a fixed charge offence. The fixed charge is €80 if paid within 28 days, or €120 if paid within the next 28 days. If the fixed charge is not paid within the 56 day period, a summons to court will be issued.
1335. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a bus driver with a previous road traffic conviction is precluded from employment with Bus Éireann (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19811/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter for Bus Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
1336. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a sports club can make a late submission for sports capital funding; and if not, when this scheme will be open for new applications. [19814/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe application period for the 2017 Sports Capital Programme closed on 24 February 2017. By that date 2320 applications were received and these will be assessed by officials in my Department over the coming months. The terms and conditions of the Sports Capital Programme make it clear that no late applications can be accepted. As part of my Department's submission on the mid-term review of the Capital Plan, funding has been sought to run annual rounds of the Sports Capital Programme from 2018 onwards. The timing of any future rounds will be considered after the review of the Capital Plan has been completed and clarity is provided regarding future funding for the Programme.
1337. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be made available for a bridge replacement (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19834/17]
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 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. I have, therefore, 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.
1338. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will appoint a second driving tester to a driver testing centre (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a backlog of persons awaiting testing. [19853/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
