Written Answers Nos. 616-637
616. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of serious injuries due to road traffic collisions in each of the years 2014 to 2016, and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21758/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe collection of information and statistics relating to road safety is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. Accordingly, I have forwarded your request to the Authority for direct reply to you. If a reply is not received within 10 days please contact my office.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
617. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 488 of 26 January 2016, the position regarding the European reporting of serious injury and use of MAIS3+ in the reporting of serious injury here; the next steps in this project; the expected completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21759/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe collection of information and statistics relating to road safety, including regarding serious injury and the project to which you refer, is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. Accordingly, I have forwarded your request to the Authority for direct reply to you. If a reply is not received within 10 days please contact my office.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
618. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the additional steps Tourism Ireland will take to increase the number of UK visitors coming here in view of the fact the number of visitors from the UK is down in quarter 1 of 2017 compared to quarter 1 of 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21767/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTourism Ireland is responsible for promoting the island of Ireland overseas as a visitor destination and any specific measures it takes are operational matters for the agency. However, I am aware that Tourism Ireland aims to mitigate any adverse impact of Brexit in the British market through implementation of the following policy initiatives:
- In Britain, competitiveness and the value for money message are more important than ever this year. Tourism Ireland is placing a greater focus on its 'culturally curious' audience, who are less impacted by currency fluctuations. It has an extensive, year-long programme in place which includes a greater focus on publicity. It is also undertaking an expanded partnership programme with airlines, ferry operators and tour operators, communicating a strong price-led message to drive home value for money.
- Market diversification: A key element of Tourism Ireland's strategy since 2014 has been market diversification – which has seen Mainland Europe become the largest contributor of overseas tourism revenue, followed by the USA. It is continuing to implement its market diversification strategy and this year it intends to maximise holiday revenue through investment in North America and Mainland Europe.
The major promotional themes for 2017 include the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland's Ancient East, the St Patrick's Day global greening initiative, screen tourism and city breaks. Tourism Ireland is promoting Ireland across a range of marketing platforms, including TV, radio, cinema, print and digital advertising as well as co-operative marketing campaigns with air and sea carriers, tour operators and travel agents. It is also continuing to work closely with tourism businesses from across Ireland at international holiday fairs and promotions, sales missions and business-to-business events.
619. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce a project to support a course to help new members to engage in outdoor pursuits to increase membership and boost visitors to natural resources and amenities in counties Cavan and Monaghan, with a view to boosting tourism and creating local employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21785/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy. It is not directly involved in the management or development of individual tourism projects. These are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.
The provision of courses in outdoor pursuits does not fall within the remit of my Department. However, my Department provides funding to Fáilte Ireland for investment in tourism offerings such as attractions, festivals, and events. Fáilte Ireland's investment in tourism product is part of their overall strategy to attract international visitors to the country, including to places of exceptional natural beauty.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply in regard to their tourism initiatives in Cavan and Monaghan. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
I understand my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment will respond in relation to fishing.
620. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration is being given to constructing the M20 motorway between Cork and Limerick. [21806/17]
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 (including the M20) 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.
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 undertake some early activity surveys/studies. I will review the scope for progressing the project further once the Capital Plan Review is completed.
621. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the review of the roads capital programme; when he will be in a position to confirm the inclusion in the programme of the upgrading of the N24 through County Tipperary, including the Tipperary Town and Carrick on Suir bypasses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21903/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 N24) 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.
As regards the Capital Plan Review, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has indicated that the additional capital funding for allocation totals about €2.6 billion. While there is a strong case for additional funding for the transport sector, there are a multitude of possible national, regional and local projects around the country, the cost of which far exceed available funding and unfortunately, this means that only a limited number can be considered for funding.
The final decisions on allocations are, however, matters for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and Government as a whole.
622. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request that Dublin Bus provide an extension of a service to provide additional cover for an area in south Dublin (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21908/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Dublin Bus and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA 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.
623. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the programme for Government commitments on public transport; and the status of implementing same. [17835/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government contains a number of commitments relating to public transport. The Programme commits to a review of public transport policy. To advance this commitment, the Deputy might also be aware that I recently announced my intention to establish a Stakeholder Dialogue on the issue of Public Transport.
It is vital that stakeholders have the opportunity to voice their opinions on public transport policy issues and these issues are then considered as part of the formal policy review. I believe that a Stakeholder Dialogue provides the appropriate forum to allow stakeholders to make a meaningful contribution towards policy development. It is also important that the Review will take cognisance of recent developments in other relevant areas of public policy such as the preparation of a new National Planning Framework, the Action Plan for Rural Development, a National Mitigation Plan and Climate Adaption Paper for the transport sector. My Department is currently scoping out the proposed approach to the work. The full Review will then take place as soon as possible.
With regard to other commitments in the Programme for Government, funding is provided in the Capital Plan to facilitate construction of the new Metro North link commencing in 2021 with a view to delivery by 2026/2027. The Luas Cross City project is on target to be delivered within budget with operations due to commence in the final quarter of 2017. No decisions on any future changes to the rail network, including the Western Rail Corridor will be made before the Government has had the opportunity to consider the result of the NTA's consultation process on the Rail Review.
Finally, the Programme for Government also commits to making public transport services more accessible for people with disabilities. Accessibility features are built into all new public transport infrastructure projects and vehicles from design stage and there is an ongoing programme to upgrade existing public transport infrastructure and facilities to improve accessibility. My Department is also undertaking a review of the actions in the Sectoral Plan 'Transport for All' and this will be progressed over the coming months.
624. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Cork County Council is facilitating the operation of a taxi stand at Cobh railway station despite the absence of by-laws as required under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013; and if he will ensure that the council desists from doing so until such by-laws have been validly adopted. [21980/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDecisions regarding the location and operation of taxi ranks are a matter for the relevant local authority which is responsible for the making of bye-laws in respect of its functional area. Section 25 of the Taxi Regulation Act, 2013 provides for both the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Garda Commissioner to be consulted by a local authority when it is proposing to make such bye-laws. I have no function in the matter.
I have therefore referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
625. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the metro west project; the status of the planned train stations along metro west; if these planned train stations remain part of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21984/17]
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).
Metro West was proposed under the Transport 21 initiative as an orbital metro connecting Tallaght and Blanchardstown in the west of Dublin with the original Metro North proposal to Swords but due to the financial crisis the Railway Order application for the project was withdrawn in 2011.
The NTA's GDA Transport Strategy 2016-2035 does not include the original Metro West proposal but instead proposes the future development of an east-west Luas line, commencing in the residential areas of Lucan and connecting into Dublin City Centre. This would provide a high capacity radial service from this area to the City Centre, sufficient to cater for the high transport demand along this corridor, and would serve Lucan, Liffey Valley and Ballyfermot along its route.
The Strategy also envisages the development of a Core Bus Network, which would include a range of radial and orbital routes serving Dublin West, and a Bus Rapid Transit scheme linking Blanchardstown with UCD.
The Capital Plan does not include funding for the east-west Luas line so it will not be advanced during the period of the current Plan. The timeline for the project will be determined in the context of Integrated Implementation Plans brought forward by the NTA for implementation of the GDA Transport Strategy and the availability of funding under future Capital funding reviews.
626. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total spend on transport infrastructure by sector (details supplied) for each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21985/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible. If the Deputy does not receive a response within 10 working days please contact my private office.
627. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if business case studies have been undertaken into the possible provision of a high speed rail network; if he will direct the National Transport Authority to conduct a pilot study into high speed rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21986/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main emphasis of funding for the rail network in the Government's Capital Plan is on the maintenance of the existing network to ensure it remains safe and fit for purpose. The role of heavy rail in Ireland's transport sector is currently under review. A public consultation process on the Rail Review document prepared jointly by the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann concluded on 18 January and the NTA is currently preparing a report about the process which I intend to bring to Government in due course. No decisions on any changes to the rail network will be made until the outcome of the public consultation process has been evaluated and NTA's report considered.
628. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the regional tourism brand Ireland's Ancient East is not well delineated or coherent in terms of its thematic content and geographic coverage; his plans to improve it; and if the River Shannon and midlands region will be part of the Lakelands initiative or Ireland's Ancient East. [22061/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra629. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether there is currently no strategy promoting the middle of Ireland as a tourism brand, encompassing the midlands and Shannon region; and when he expects the Lakelands initiative brand to be made operational and to address concerns that Fáilte Ireland is not in favour of promoting this regional brand identity. [22062/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 628 and 629 together.
My Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy. It is not directly involved in the management or development of individual tourism projects. These are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.
I am aware that Fáilte Ireland's Experience Brands have been developed to present different parts of Ireland as compelling tourism experiences of scale and singularity internationally. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland's Ancient East and Dublin: A Breath of Fresh Air are overarching brands under which destinations and individuals can trade collectively with greater visibility and clarity of message in the international marketplace.
Ireland's Ancient East is crafted along four distinct thematic pillars: Ancient Ireland, Early Christian Ireland, Medieval Ireland and Anglo-Ireland. 2016 saw the establishment of the brand on the ground by Fáilte Ireland with the installation of the orientation signage and the new improved visitor experiences funded through the "New Ideas in Ancient Spaces" Grants Scheme. Fáilte Ireland is continuing to work with industry and stakeholders to engage the visitor through the delivery of story-led experiences. They are continuing to promote Ireland's Ancient East in both domestic and international markets and aim to deliver an incremental €204 million international revenue by 2020.
In regard to the River Shannon and Midlands region, in the final quarter of 2016 and in line with the Programme for Government's commitment to develop the 'Ireland's Lakelands' brand, Fáilte Ireland commissioned a consortium of Colliers, Red C and DKM to conduct a Destination and Feasibility Study to ascertain the potential growth and best mechanism to unlock those areas that lie between the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East, which includes the Lakelands. The consortium assessed the region and met with industry and stakeholders. Fáilte Ireland is awaiting a draft report from the consultants and will determine the next steps based on the report's findings.
630. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address concerns that applications for investment capital for tourism projects from Fáilte Ireland or Tourism Ireland that are not designated as being within one of the regional tourism brands are not going to be possible; and the grants available for capital investment under each of the regional tourism brands and for projects that are not designated as coming under these brands. [22063/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy. It is not directly involved in the management or development of individual tourism projects, such as the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland's Ancient East and Dublin: A Breath of Fresh Air.
These are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland. While my Department provides capital funding to Fáilte Ireland for investment in tourism offerings, it does not have a role in the administration of those capital programmes.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply to the Deputy. I ask the Deputy to contact my private office if he has not received a reply within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
631. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the research collected by Fáilte Ireland, in particular on visitor numbers to individual areas, counties and regions, is not being reported back to the industry in a timely enough manner to enable businesses or local tourism promotion bodies to respond to these patterns on the ground (details supplied); and if he will request Fáilte Ireland to publish draft figures on regional tourism performance at an earlier date in the year. [22064/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe collection of official statistics is primarily a matter for the Central Statistics Office (CSO). However, as the Deputy is aware, Fáilte Ireland conducts additional research and analysis and provides complementary insights, which it shares with tourism industry groups and businesses.
The timeliness of tourism statistical reports and their publication dates are largely determined by the availability of source data. With specific regard to Fáilte Ireland's estimate of the regional breakdown of tourists across Ireland, I am informed that the agency receives the necessary raw data from several different sources - data which becomes available with varying time lags - and then requires further time to analyse this data. However, I understand that other Fáilte Ireland statistical reports - particularly those not reliant on data from external sources - can be published with a shorter lag. For example, Fáilte Ireland publishes the results of its Tourism Barometer, which reports on business sentiment of tourism enterprises throughout Ireland, three to four times a year with minimal delay.
Overall, I am satisfied that Fáilte Ireland publishes the results of its research in a timely fashion, once all the necessary data checks have been completed. I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for further explanatory detail and direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
632. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department or a body under its aegis has plans to introduce incentives or funding for individual businesses or local authorities to provide free Wi-Fi hotspots, in particular in small urban or rural areas, for tourism promotion; and if he will examine proposals to increase the number of free Wi-Fi hotspots. [22065/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment policy concerning the provision of digital connectivity is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment. I understand the forthcoming implementation of the National Broadband Plan will ensure that "next generation broadband" will become widely available in areas where broadband speeds are currently inadequate.
While I have no plans along the lines suggested by the Deputy, my Department's Tourism Action Plan 2016-2018 does commit to encouraging the provision of Wi-Fi connectivity at outdoor locations to support visitors in sharing their images of Ireland through social media. To this end, Fáilte Ireland currently provides free Wi-Fi for visitors to its Tourist Information Offices.
I further understand that the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment is liaising with Local Authorities to facilitate the speedy roll-out of broadband infrastructure in order that next-generation broadband services would become widely available, which would enhance the local tourism offering. Additionally, I will be encouraging the Local Authorities in the context of their tourism strategies to facilitate the wider provision of Wi-Fi hotspots.
633. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether Fáilte Ireland is not doing a good job at directly providing or facilitating the training of new chefs; his further views on whether a new public body should be established to co-ordinate and drive an expansion in the number of training places, especially vocational training places, in hospitality and tourism; and if he has examined plans in this regard in the recent past. [22066/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Education and Skills has overall responsibility for skills development policy generally across all sectors, including hospitality and tourism, and oversees the bulk of the required education and training delivered nationally through the mainstream higher and further education and training sectors. There are no plans to establish a new training organisation or other oversight body for the tourism and hospitality sector specifically. Rather, projected skills demands across the economy are being addressed through a combination of measures involving various key stakeholders.
For its part, Fáilte Ireland provides complementary tourism-related business development and training supports in line with its responsibility for encouraging, promoting and supporting tourism as a leading indigenous component of the Irish economy. Furthermore, in line with my Department's Tourism Action Plan 2016-2018, Fáilte Ireland is committed to working with the tourism industry and the wider education and training sector to implement recommendations contained in the report of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) in the hospitality sector. In this regard, Fáilte Ireland participates in the Hospitality Skills Oversight Group, which oversees skills development and promotion in the sector, including monitoring the implementation of the EGFSN recommendations.
With specific regard to chef training, Fáilte Ireland is playing a leading role in the development of a culinary apprenticeship programme through its participation, together with industry stakeholders, on the consortium collaborating on its development. I have conveyed to Fáilte Ireland my strong desire that an excellent-quality apprenticeship regime would be brought forward as soon as possible and Fáilte Ireland is working with all the stakeholders to that end.
I expect this approach to address the challenges regarding the supply of skilled chefs and I will continue to monitor the situation.
634. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether local authorities are competing unfairly with private businesses in providing tourism services at below market rates (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to this as a more general problem; and his views on whether local authorities should not be involved in directly providing tourism services to customers in view of the fact they also act as local regulators of tourism business activities through by-laws. [22067/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraServices provided by Local Authorities are a matter for each City and County Council and I have no role or responsibility in this regard. Specific queries on these should be addressed to the relevant Minister.
Under the Tourist Traffic Acts 1939-2016, Fáilte Ireland has specific functions in relation to the mandatory registration and grading of certain types of tourist accommodation using legally protected titles, such as caravan or camping parks.
With specific regard to this category of accommodation, Fáilte Ireland's regulations apply to all premises consisting of a caravan park and/or camping park comprising 20 or more pitches, irrespective of operator or owner. Fáilte Ireland has no role in relation to boating berths.
635. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether current short-term hosting accommodation, such as a company (details supplied) is not compliant with the same health and safety standards as formal accommodation providers, such as those registered with Fáilte Ireland; if he has explored proposals for mandatory registration of all accommodation providers to ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations; and his further views on whether not implementing compliance with such regulations in the hosting sector amounts to unfair competition vis-a-vis formal accommodation providers. [22068/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra636. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of providers of short-term hosting accommodation which have been inspected by Fáilte Ireland or another body to ensure compliance with health and safety standards in 2016 or the most recent year for which statistics are available. [22069/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 635 and 636 together.
With specific regard to health and safety standards, regardless of whether or not they are registered or listed with Fáilte Ireland, accommodation providers must comply with the relevant statutory requirements, as enforced by a range of bodies including local authorities and the Health Service Executive. I, as the Minister with responsibility for Tourism, have no role in this regard. Neither my Department nor the tourism agencies are responsible for legislating for, regulating or enforcing compliance with health and safety standards. Accordingly, neither I nor Fáilte Ireland can provide information on the number of health and safety inspections conducted.
Under the Tourist Traffic Acts 1939-2016, Fáilte Ireland has specific powers and functions regarding the registration and grading of tourist accommodation. In accordance with the legislation, certain categories of accommodation (such as hotels and guesthouses) are statutorily obliged to register with Fáilte Ireland and comply with approved regulations, whereas other accommodation segments (such as B&Bs or small self-catering schemes) are not. However, these regulations mainly relate to the quality of the product and the level of service. In addition to the statutory systems, Fáilte Ireland also offers a voluntary quality assurance approval and listing system for non-statutory tourist accommodation, including Irish home B&Bs, historic houses with accommodation and other atypical tourist accommodation businesses who could seek approval under the Welcome Standard. There are no plans at present to amend the current systems.
The company the Deputy mentions is a sales and marketing platform for a variety of accommodation types, including B&B and self-catering. Short-term accommodation providers, regardless of whether or not they use intermediary sales and marketing platforms, may apply for Fáilte Ireland approval. Furthermore, Fáilte Ireland engages with any accommodation providers and intermediary platforms whose offering aligns with the strategic objectives for the development of Irish tourism.
637. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department or a body under its aegis have undertaken research on the cost base of Irish tourism hospitality businesses compared to European competitors. [22070/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to the "Costs of Doing Business" reports published by the National Competitiveness Council, coming under the remit of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. While neither my Department nor Fáilte Ireland has undertaken research specific to the cost base of tourism and hospitality businesses, I would highlight that the cost base of Irish tourism and hospitality businesses would be similar to that of small and medium enterprises generally.
