Written Answers Nos. 249-255
249. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will increase the State subsidy to Bus Éireann in advance of the conclusion of the NBRU ballot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22106/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 the allocation of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding to individual operators is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA). However, at a Budgetary level the Deputy is aware that last year an additional 13% was made available in funding for the PSO programme as compared to the previous year. From that additional funding, Bus Éireann itself actually received a 21% increase in its PSO funding in 2016 as compared with 2015. In Budget 2017 I secured a further 11% increase in funding for the PSO programme. That increase means that in 2017 approximately €263 million will be available to the NTA to support the delivery of PSO bus and rail services.
I have already committed publicly, both here in the House and in the Joint Oireachtas Committee, to further increasing PSO funding levels in the future as resources allow.
250. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he anticipates an augmented capital programme to address arterial road network deficiencies throughout the country, including Dublin and its environs and the regions; if he will address the needs that have been identified in the midlands, the north west and the south west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22381/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Capital Plan sets out transport investment priorities to 2022. The decisions on the transport elements of the Capital Plan were framed by the conclusions reached in my Department’s Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport. Based on the findings in that report it is envisaged that maintenance and renewal of the road network will continue to be the main priority over the next period and the bulk of the roads capital budget, approximately €4.4 billion, is earmarked for such essential work with a further €600 million allocated for implementation of the PPP road programme which is already underway. In this context it was not possible to include a range of projects in the Plan given the overall funding envelope available. As regards the possibility of additional funding within the Plan period, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has started the Capital Plan review and has indicated that the additional capital funding for allocation totals €2.6billion. My Department is seeking additional funding for a package of measures, including the development of a project pipeline for road schemes. 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 put forward for funding. The final decisions on allocations are, however, matters for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and Government as a whole.
251. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration has been given to enhancing the capacity of the commuter rail network with particular reference to the need to ensure the availability of convenient and rapid commuter transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22382/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra252. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has examined the rail services network in County Kildare with particular reference to the need to increase capacity at various rail stations thereby alleviating road traffic congestion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22383/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 252 together.
The issues raised are matters for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions 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.
253. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the studies that have been carried out in regard to the current and potential traffic capacity of the M50; if he anticipates early proposals to augment the capacity or provide alternative relief to alleviate the present congestion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22384/17]
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 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. 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.
254. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to liaise with the various national and international sporting organisations with a view to hosting major events here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22385/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra255. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to promote international awareness of the potential for the holding of major sporting and other events here with the consequent social and economic benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22386/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 254 and 255 together.
The hosting of major sports events, both participative and spectator sports, can provide great opportunities to showcase Ireland and drive international visitor numbers. In addition, the media coverage of sports events helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination.
Accordingly, I am very supportive of the ongoing efforts of the tourism agencies and the national governing bodies of sport to attract international events, subject, of course, to an assessment of the costs/benefits involved in any State financial support, in particular the number of overseas visitors.
For example, the Government assisted the IRFU in its successful bid to host the Women's Rugby World Cup which will take place in August 2017. The Government also supported the FAI in its successful bid to host four games as part of the UEFA Euro 2020 football championship and the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive are supporting the IRFU in its preparation of a bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023.
A number of international sports events are due to be hosted in Ireland in 2017 with the support of Government. They include the International Taekwon-Do World Championships, the European Senior Bowling Championships, the Youth World Coarse Fishing Championships and the Junior Touch Championships.
Fáilte Ireland provides financial assistance, subject to eligibility criteria, to applicants who are proposing to bid to host international sporting, cultural and other events in Ireland which will attract significant numbers of international visitors.
Once an event with international tourism appeal is confirmed for Ireland, Tourism Ireland will promote it in relevant markets overseas. Tourism Ireland has highlighted events of all kinds, from the Irish Open Golf Tournament, the Giro d'Italia, the Ryder Cup, the Volvo Ocean Race, and the World Police and Fire Games (in Northern Ireland), to Ireland's Rugby World Cup Bid.
