Written Answers Nos 1788-1807
1788. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans introduce a new price support scheme in respect of renewable energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28606/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government sets out that Ireland’s long-term interests are best supported by further decreasing our dependence on fossil fuels through the continued development of renewable electricity generation. This is underpinned by the Energy White Paper which sets out a framework that will guide policy in the energy sector from now until 2030. It sets a vision of reducing emissions from the energy system by between 80-95% by 2050. My Department is currently developing a proposed new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) designed to assist in meeting our renewable electricity targets out to 2030. This will be guided by the direction of European policy as set out in the Clean Energy Package that is currently under negotiation.
A detailed economic assessment of a range of renewable electricity generating technologies is currently underway and a public consultation on certain design principles of the proposed new RESS will be published next month. Details of this second and final public consultation will be advertised on the Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie . The introduction of any new scheme - including the overall costs and technologies to be supported - will be subject to Government approval and State Aid clearance from the European Commission.
It is expected that the new scheme will open for applications in 2018.
1789. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the renewable heat incentive scheme will be introduced; the rate to be paid per kilowatt hour; the rate to be paid per size of boiler; when this scheme will be fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28607/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe introduction of a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is a commitment in the Programme for Government and will be the primary support mechanism in the heating sector designed to meet Ireland’s 2020 renewable energy obligations. The aim of the RHI is to build on the progress already made in the renewable heating sector and to help reach Ireland’s 12% target by 2020. Provisional data indicates that 6.6% of heat demand was derived from renewable sources in 2016. My Department has undertaken a detailed economic assessment on the design and cost of the RHI for the industrial/ commercial sector in Ireland. This assessment included a range of renewable energy technologies and focused on large commercial and industrial heat users in the non-Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
Before any RHI scheme is introduced, the overall costs and technologies to be supported will be subject to Government approval and State aid clearance from the European Commission. Only when the final design of the scheme is approved will the tariff rates be published. I expect to be in a position to announce details of the new scheme by the end of the year.
1790. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will consider extending the warmer homes scheme to include applicants over 66 years of age to avail of heating upgrade works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28627/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme on behalf of my Department. The scheme provides energy efficiency upgrades free of charge to people who meet the eligibility criteria, regardless of their age. Typical measures available under the scheme include attic and cavity wall insulation, draught proofing, lagging jackets and low energy light bulbs. The measures currently offered under the Warmer Homes schemes were selected as the best balance that could be achieved between the resources that the Exchequer can provide to the scheme, the number of homes that can receive support and the energy savings that can be delivered. In short, the measures supported are those that can deliver the most energy savings at the lowest cost to the highest number of people.
The average cost of a full heating system with heating controls for a standard house is approx. €7000. This is far in excess of the cost of the current measures offered. Therefore providing this under the Warmer Homes scheme would mean that much fewer people could benefit from the scheme each year.
However, with the additional resources I have secured in Budget 2017 for energy efficiency, SEAI are now providing a limited number of deep retrofits to the homes of those people who are living in the poorest homes. Every person who applies to the Warmer Homes scheme has their home surveyed by a professional contractor. When those surveyors find an applicant who is living in a home that is in a particularly poor condition they will recommend the person for a deeper set of measures. What measures will be recommended will depend on what the surveyor finds. However, in general, the surveyors will look at factors including the age of the home, the construction of the wall, the age of the heating system or where one is absent. SEAI have procured additional contractors to deliver these deeper measures and I expect works to start in July.
1791. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if all State bodies under the aegis of his Department have furnished a report confirming the State body has complied with its obligations under tax law for 2015 and 2016 as required under the code of practice for the governance of State bodies; the action which was taken regarding those bodies that did not submit such requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28665/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll of the State Bodies under the aegis of my Department have confirmed that they are tax compliant for the year 2015. In relation to the 2016 accounts all of those Bodies which have submitted accounts to date are also in compliance. There are a number of Bodies which have yet to submit their 2016 accounts due to differing statutory deadline requirements, but all will be requested to confirm compliance with tax laws in accordance with the code of practice for the governance of State Bodies.
1792. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when he will respond to correspondence sent to him by a person (details supplied). [28706/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1793. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when broadband will be upgraded and provided in Gernonstown, Slane, County Meath; and if his attention has been drawn to the current download speeds in the area, which are often as low as 0.88 Mbps. [28722/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1792 and 1793 together.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed broadband services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. This is being achieved through a combination of commercial investment by the telecommunications sector and a State intervention in those areas where commercial investment has not been fully demonstrated.
A key principle of the NBP is to support and stimulate commercial investment through policy and regulatory measures. Commercial investment since the publication of the NBP has considerably exceeded expectations. To date, the commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2.5bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services.
There has been significant progress in relation to broadband rollout so that today, approximately 1.4m or 61% of premises in Ireland can get high speed broadband of a minimum of 30 Megabits per second. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector, which is continuing to expand this footprint.
In April, eir signed an agreement with me committing them to follow through on their commercial plans to provide broadband to 300,000 premises in rural areas. Eir has committed to doing this work over a 90 week period, with an average of 500 premises passed per day. My Department will be monitoring this rollout to ensure that eir meets its obligations under the Agreement. A copy of the Commitment Agreement is available on my Department's website www.dccae.gov.ie. Quarterly updates will be published on the Departments website.
The decision by eir to invest in infrastructure to deploy high speed broadband services to an additional 300,000 premises in rural Ireland was taken purely on commercial grounds. Neither I nor my Department have a statutory authority to direct eir in this regard.
I also published in April an updated High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. The Map shows the extent of the State Intervention area and also the areas targeted for commercial services.
- The BLUE areas represent those areas where commercial telecommunications providers are either currently delivering or have indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services,
- The AMBER areas on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the areas that will require State Intervention and are the subject of the current procurement process.
The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county. Individuals can themselves check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by accessing the High Speed Broadband Map and entering their Eircode at www.broadband.gov.ie.
The map shows that 24% of the townland of Gernonstown, Co. Meath, including the individual address detailed in the question, falls within an AMBER area and will be part of the State led Intervention under the NBP. The remaining 76% of the townland of Gernonstown falls within eir’s plans to deliver rural high speed broadband between now and end 2018 (Light BLUE on map). Information on eir's planned rural deployment is available at http://fibrerollout.ie/eircode-lookup/. Individuals can themselves check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by accessing the High Speed Broadband Map and entering their Eircode at www.broadband.gov.ie.
A formal procurement process is in train to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network within the State Intervention Area. The procurement process is being intensively managed, to ensure an outcome that delivers a future-proofed network that serves homes and businesses across Ireland, for at least 25 years. The finalisation of the State Intervention Area for the procurement process is an important milestone as it means that bidders can progress their business plans and the Department can move to the next stage of the procurement. The three bidders have indicated that they are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home solution. A fibre-to-the-home solution means that householders and businesses may get speeds not just of 30 Megabits per second but much higher, potentially up to 1000 Megabits per second.
The State Intervention network will be a wholesale network and retail service providers will be able to use the network to provide enhanced broadband services to their customers.
The timeframe for the procurement continues to be dependent on a range of factors including the complexities that may be encountered by the procurement team and bidders, during the procurement process. During the Department's extensive stakeholder consultations in 2015, telecommunications service providers indicated a 3-5 year timeline to rollout a network of the scale envisaged under the NBP, once contracts are in place.
The Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best rollout strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and/or high demand.
The Programme for Government also commits to measures to assist in the rollout of the network once a contract is awarded.
In this regard, I established a Mobile Phone and Broadband Task Force in July 2016 together with Minister Humphreys to identify immediate solutions to broadband and mobile phone coverage deficits and investigate how better services could be provided to consumers prior to the full build and roll-out of the network planned under the National Broadband Plan State intervention. The report of the Task Force was published in December and is available at the following link:http://www.dccae.gov.ie/communications/en-ie/Pages/Publication/Report-of-the-Mobile-Phone-and-Broadband-Taskforce.aspx. In producing this report, the Task Force worked with Departments, local authorities, ComReg, State agencies, the telecoms industry and other key stakeholders. The report contains 40 actions that will alleviate some of the telecommunications deficits across Ireland and the implementation programme on mobile phone and broadband access identifies 19 of these actions as areas where immediate and direct action by Departments and State agencies can ensure accelerated benefits to consumers. The work of the Task Force will also assist local authorities in preparing for the roll-out of the new NBP network once contracts are in place.
In addition, I signed regulations allowing ComReg to proceed with the allocation of spectrum in the 3.6 GHz radio spectrum band. On 22 May, ComReg announced the result of its 3.6 GHz spectrum award which will provide an 86% increase in total spectrum available for mobile and fixed wireless services. In my Department's Estimates for 2017, I have secured an €8 million provision for RTE to allow it to free up the 700 MHz spectrum band. ComReg in turn will make plans to allocate this spectrum to provide for significantly enhanced mobile coverage. The 700 MHz band is particularly suited to rural environments where the signal can travel long distances. These initiatives should assist in enhancing the quality of mobile phone and data services across Ireland and particularly in rural Ireland.
1794. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when his Department will complete development of a new renewable electricity support scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28728/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive sets Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020. Ireland is committed to achieving this target through meeting 40% of electricity demand, 12% of heat and 10% of transport from renewable sources of energy, with the latter target also being legally binding. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to facilitate the development of solar energy projects in Ireland. This builds on the commitment in this area in the 2015 Energy White Paper.
With respect to renewable electricity, my Department is currently developing a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which will be designed to assist Ireland in meeting its renewable energy contributions out to 2030. Analysis is on-going against a range of commercial renewable technologies at various scales and includes an assessment of the cost of supporting Solar Photovoltaics (PV) - both rooftop and ground-mounted. The assessment also includes analysis of the optimum financial support mechanisms for renewable technologies, in line with the 2014 EU State Aid Guidelines.
My Department will shortly publish a public consultation on the design of the new support scheme. Following the outcome of this public consultation, and before any new scheme is introduced, it will need to secure Government approval and state aid clearance from the European Commission. Subject to this, it is expected that the new scheme will become operational in 2018.
I am fully aware of the level of interest in the solar PV sector in Ireland, by both state-owned and private-sector companies. I am advised that there have been over 550 applications, amounting to about 3,900 Megawatts of solar capacity, seeking a connection to the electricity grid in the last 18 months.
Notwithstanding the level of solar applicants seeking connection to the grid, my stated position is that while solar has a role to play in Ireland’s energy future, we cannot have a situation where a new support scheme leads to a disproportionate increase in people’s electricity bills through the Public Service Obligation levy. In designing the new RESS, the cost implications for people and businesses will, therefore be a high priority and I will ensure that the new scheme is designed in a cost efficient manner and will take advantage of falling renewable costs.
Finally, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland currently provides supports for the use of solar thermal heating technology to both large industry and SMEs. Households can also avail of grant support for investment in renewable energy installations, including solar thermal, under the Better Energy Homes Scheme.
1795. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to the Minerals Bill 2015, if the environmental risks are being treated pragmatically or in compliance with directives on water habitat and sustainability; the details of his Department’s observance of the Aarhus Convention; if the Minerals Bill 2015 contains a capital allowance of 120% as reported in the public domain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28874/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll minerals exploration activities must comply with the EU Habitats Directive and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. Screening is undertaken to ascertain whether or not the exploration activity is likely to have a significant effect on the environment and as such whether or not it is subject to Article 6 of the Aarhus Convention or a requirement for appropriate assessment under the Birds and Habitats directives and regulations. Where a licensee wishes to prospect within the footprint of a Natura 2000 (European) Site, or in close proximity to one, my Department may require the licensee to carry out a more detailed environmental assessment, involving the preparation of an Appropriate Assessment Screening. Such a statement requires input from an ecological specialist, and entails field surveys and site investigations. If the activity is determined likely to have a significant effect, the licensee is required to prepare a Natura Impact Statement which is submitted to the local authority for consideration.
In addition to carrying out Appropriate Assessment Screening determinations, my Department also ensures that all mineral exploration drilling activities comply with the European Communities Environmental Objectives (Groundwater) Regulations, 2010 (S.I. No. 9 of 2010).
Environmental matters in respect of mining activities are considered in the context of the Planning Application. Planning Permission for mining activities is required from the relevant Local Authority (or, on appeal, from An Bord Pleanala), and an Integrated Pollution Control Licence from the Environmental Protection Agency. This position continues under the Minerals Development Bill 2015.
Section 7 of the Minerals Development Bill clarifies that a Mining Licence or any other permission granted under the provisions of the Bill will not affect any requirement under the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 or the Waste Management Acts 1996 to 2011.
Sections 203 to 206 of the Minerals Development Bill 2015 address obligations under the Aarhus Convention ratified by Ireland in 2012. These provisions provide that the Minister, prior to making a decision which will permit activities where the Planning and Development Acts do not apply, must determine whether such activities may have a significant effect on the environment, and thus whether the activity is captured by Article 6 of the Aarhus Convention. The Minister is required to publish any such determination made and the reasons for the determination together with the procedure for seeking judicial review. Provision is also made for the public to have a right of participation in and ease of access to justice to review decisions where an activity is permitted that may have a significant effect on the environment.
The Minerals Development Bill 2015 does not contain provisions in respect of capital allowances. The taxation of minerals exploration and mining activities is dealt with under Part 24 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.
Certain exploration and mining expenditures benefit from capital allowances designed to encourage investment in exploration. Changes were made to the available capital allowances in the Finance Act 2011. The 120% allowances previously available do not apply to expenditure incurred after December 2010. Expenditure incurred after that date qualifies for an allowance of 100%.
1797. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will review waste management regulations in the wake of the recent incident at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29025/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIndustrial Emissions installations are subject to a range of regulatory controls under national legislation, including the conditions attached to a licence issued by the Environmental Protection Agency on the operation and management of such sites. The Agency has particular expertise in ensuring the protection of human health and the environment from activities with potential for significant pollution through its licensing system. I am satisfied that the necessary legislative and policy framework is currently in place and that the plant is and will continue to be subject to the appropriate statutory controls.
1798. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated cost that would be incurred by the Exchequer by introducing a universal service obligation to ensure a quality mobile phone service for all parts of the country. [29029/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current EU and national regulatory framework for telecommunications allows for the application of a Universal Service Obligation (USO) in respect of fixed voice services. This framework has, in my view served consumers well over several decades and ensured that householders can get an affordable fixed voice service, regardless of where they are located. There are no provisions in European or national regulation for a USO in relation to mobile voice services. Mobile operators are however rolling out 3G and 4G networks across Ireland following ComReg’s 2012 Multiband Spectrum auction, with at least one operator now having over 90% population coverage of 4G services. Given that such a USO is not facilitated in the legislative framework, the issue of the cost of introducing such a scheme has not arisen.
However, I am aware that the rate of demand for data services has increased by 500% in the last four years and this presents a continuing challenge for mobile operators, regulators and policy makers both in Ireland and internationally. Recognising this challenge, I specifically included in the Programme for Government a commitment to a Mobile Phone and Broadband Task force. In July 2016, I established the Task Force together with Minister Humphreys to identify immediate solutions to broadband and mobile phone coverage deficits and investigate how better services could be provided to consumers, prior to the full build and roll-out of the network planned under the National Broadband Plan State intervention. The report of the Task Force was published in December and is available on both Departments' websites.
In producing this report, the Task Force worked with Departments, local authorities, ComReg, State agencies, the telecoms industry and other key stakeholders. The report contains 40 actions that will alleviate some of the telecommunications deficits across Ireland and the implementation programme on mobile phone and broadband access identifies 19 of these actions as areas where immediate and direct action by Departments and State agencies can ensure accelerated benefits to consumers.
In order to maintain momentum created by the Task Force, I, together with Minister Humphreys, established an Implementation Group. This group is driving and monitoring the implementation of the actions, bringing together all key stakeholders identified in the Task Force report with responsibility for delivery. This group will be formally reporting every 90 days on progress made on all actions. Last week, I published the first such quarterly progress report, which is available on my Department's website at http://www.dccae.gov.ie/documents/Taskforce%20Q1%20Progress%20Report.pdf and which shows that considerable progress has been made, particularly in relation to the implementation of actions identified for Q1 2017.
The work of the Task Force will also assist local authorities in preparing for the roll-out of the new NBP network once contracts are in place.
In addition, following regulations which I signed last year, ComReg recently announced the results of its auction for the 3.6GHz radio spectrum band, which means an 86% increase in spectrum capacity to meet the growing demand for mobile and wireless broadband services across rural and urban areas. The Regulator has awarded 15 year licences for the rights of use in this band which will provide a degree of stability and create future investment certainty. Spectrum was also awarded in lots covering 9 urban and rural regions across the country.
In my Department's Estimates for 2017, I have secured an €8 million provision for RTE to allow it to free up the 700 MHz spectrum band. ComReg in turn will make plans to allocate this spectrum to provide for significantly enhanced mobile coverage. The 700 MHz band is particularly suited to rural environments where the signal can travel long distances.
These initiatives should assist in enhancing the quality of mobile phone and data services across Ireland and particularly in rural Ireland.
In parallel, the National Broadband Plan aims to deliver high-speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland, through private investment and a State intervention in areas where commercial investment plans have not been fully demonstrated.
1799. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of staff under the remit of his Department who have applied to be transferred to Department or State agency offices located outside the Dublin region in each of the years 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; the estimated average cost incurred for each staff member that relocated outside the Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29034/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraStaff who wish to transfer to other departments apply through the Central Applications Facility (CAF), which is operated and maintained by the Public Appointments Service, or directly, if appropriate to the relevant department they wish to transfer to. My Department does not directly accept or process applications with regard to transfer requests to other government departments or agencies outside of Dublin. Any relocation costs are borne by staff members, with no cost to the Department.
1800. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will extend the warmer home scheme to landlords that agree to make their properties available to HAP participants for at least three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29103/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed to increasing energy efficiency activity in the rented sector. People living in rented accommodation are twice as likely to live in a home that is E, F or G rated on the Building Energy Rating (BER) scale. This means that those with the least means to improve the condition of their home are also likely to be paying higher energy bills.
The Government’s Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty commits to piloting an initiative to allow landlords participating in the Local Authority led Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) schemes to receive free energy efficiency upgrades
My officials are currently working with Local Authorities to agree the terms and conditions for this pilot. This would be trialled initially with a small number of Local Authorities and the findings from this would inform consideration of a wider rollout.
1801. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will consider putting in place public community energy advisers to engage and inform hard-to-reach energy users who would most benefit from energy efficiency and advice programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29104/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThrough the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), my Department has created a range of supports to broaden the reach of energy efficiency schemes. Under the Better Energy Communities scheme a pool of funding is made available each year to community projects that encompass upgrades to homes, community facilities and local businesses. This year 47 communities will receive more than €26m in funding. Local energy agencies, who have been successfully working around Ireland in recent years to bring together communities, are involved with many of these projects. In addition, SEAI provides capacity-building assistance to communities through the Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC) network. This is a support network dedicated to community organisations who want to develop a sustainable energy system in their local area. An SEC aims to be energy efficient, to use renewable energy where feasible and to develop decentralised energy supplies. The community can include all the different energy users in the community including homes, sports clubs, community centres, churches and businesses. At present there are 90 Communities in the network, with two more joining up this week.
SEAI has appointed a panel of experts to help these community groups. As soon as a community group joins the network a mentor will make contact with to see how they can help develop the SEC. For 2017, €700,000 in capital funding has been made available to support the SEC network and my intention is to develop a multi-annual pipeline for the scheme that will build capacity in communities to take on more ambitious sustainable energy projects and projects of scale in the coming years. I would encourage any community who wants to improve their technical capabilities and have support from the SEAI in planning and implementing their sustainable vision for their community to engage with the SEAI and the SEC scheme.
The list of regional mentors is set out in the table:
|
REGION |
MENTOR(S) |
|
Border |
IT Sligo |
|
Dublin |
IT Sligo |
|
West |
Energy Co-operatives Ireland |
|
Midwest |
Tipperary Energy Agency |
|
Southwest |
XD Consulting |
|
Southeast |
Kilkenny Leader Partnership |
|
Mideast |
Future Fit |
|
Midlands |
ORS |
The Warmth & Wellbeing pilot scheme, which offers deep energy efficiency upgrades to people in energy poverty who are suffering from respiratory conditions, was specifically established to reach vulnerable people through the health system and support them through deep renovation of their homes. Participants are referred to the scheme by health care professionals and HSE staff in those areas where the pilot is active. Officials from my Department are also working with staff from the National Parks and Wildlife Service to establish a new efficiency scheme targeted at participants in the Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme.
Through these and other new pilots in development I will continue to prioritise new and innovative methods of encouraging more people to take advantage of the benefits that energy efficiency brings.
1802. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of an application for a sports capital grant by a club (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27985/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that an application has been submitted by the organisation referred to by the Deputy under the 2017 Sports Capital Programme. All of the 2,320 applications received are being assessed by officials in my Department. Given the number of applications received and the detailed information submitted, it will take a further number of weeks to complete this process. I expect that an announcement regarding allocations will be made in September.
1803. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff employed in his Department and in each State agency under the aegis of his Department, by county, in tabular form. [29257/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy regarding the number of staff employed in my Department is outlined in the following table as at 31 May 2017:
|
County |
Staff Numbers |
|
Dublin |
347 |
|
Clare |
66 |
|
Donegal |
17 |
|
Galway |
13 |
|
Limerick |
1 |
|
Cork |
9 |
|
Kerry |
44 |
In relation to the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department, I have asked the agencies to provide the Deputy with the information requested. If you do not receive a reply from the agencies within ten working days, please inform my private office.
The referred replies under Standing Order 42A were forwarded to the Deputy.
1804. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to improve bus services serving the Dublin 15 area; the position regarding the bus rapid transit routes for Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26519/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) recently launched the BusConnects initiative which proposes a radical transformation of the bus system in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) that will involve, inter alia, the development of a network of 'next generation' bus corridors and a complete redesign of the network to be accompanied by a network of bus-based park and ride sites at strategic locations. I am seeking additional funding for public transport investment in the mid-term review of the Capital Plan to support this initiative.
The NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2016-2035 includes proposals for two specific Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)Schemes - Blanchardstown to UCD, and Clongriffin to Tallaght. Funding is being made available for initial planning and design work for the Blanchardstown to UCD BRT under the Government's Capital Plan 'Building on Recovery Infrastructure & Capital Investment 2016-2021'. I understand from the NTA that following from a recent tender competition a design team has now been appointed to progress the design and planning documentation for the scheme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for a more detailed reply. Please advise 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.
1805. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are differences in the rules for the time heavy goods vehicles can be on roads here in comparison to roads in the European Union; if this affects increased traffic on roads here late at night; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26521/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland does not have a nationwide system of rules for when heavy good vehicles (HGVs) may use roads. Some EU Member States do apply certain nationwide restrictions on times of use of HGVs, such as barring HGVs at certain hours at weekends.
Under the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 182 of 1997), as amended, local authorities may restrict access to roads in their areas in accordance with the height or weight of a vehicle. These restrictions may apply permanently or for specific periods. It is a matter for the local authorities to determine on which roads to impose such restrictions and, if the restriction is not permanent, the periods during which they apply.
I believe that it is appropriate for Irish circumstances that local authorities, who are responsible for traffic management within their functional areas, should be the bodies to decide whether to restrict the use of HGVs on certain routes and the times at which to do it.
As Ireland has no single nationwide policy on times when HGVs may be used, a comparison with those EU Member States which do have such policies would not be meaningful.
1806. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide funding under the sports capital programme to a group (details supplied). [26523/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that an application has been submitted by the organisation referred to by the Deputy under the 2017 Sports Capital Programme. All of the 2320 applications are being assessed by officials in my Department. Given the number of applications received and the detailed information submitted, it will take a number of months to complete the assessment process with allocations not expected until September.
1807. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the continuous downgrading of bus services on the route between Kilcullen, County Kildare, and Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26528/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) 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.
