Written Answers Nos 1849-1867
1849. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of all public or governmental funding for each of the ports of Dublin, Cork, Drogheda, Dún Laoghaire, Galway, New Ross and Wicklow by funding source. [27472/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with National Ports Policy published in 2013, no Exchequer funding is provided to any commercial port company.
National Ports Policy 2013 outlines that Irish ports must operate on a commercial basis without recourse to State funding for any activities. Ports are expected to fund their activities and capital infrastructure investment from their own resources.
1850. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding that is required in each of the years 2017 to 2022 for each of the ports of Dublin, Cork, Drogheda, Dún Laoghaire, Galway, New Ross and Wicklow. [27473/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with National Ports Policy published in 2013, no Exchequer funding is provided to any commercial port company.
National Ports Policy 2013 outlines that Irish ports must operate on a commercial basis without recourse to State funding for any activities. Ports are expected to fund their activities and capital infrastructure investment from their own resources. This can be done in a number of ways such as using reserves or profits, selling an asset, borrowing, applying for EU funding under TEN T/CEF if eligible to apply or by attracting private investment into ports through entering into a joint venture.
Therefore, the funding of individual port operations and development is a matter for the port companies themselves and I have no role in this matter.
The port companies have development masterplans outlining their future infrastructure development over the next 30 to 40 years. A number of ports have already embarked upon a period of significant phased infrastructure investment in relation to key elements of their masterplans while a number of other port companies are at planning stage. Details of these plans are publically available on the individual Company Websites.
1851. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocation for local and regional roads for 2017, 2018 and 2019. [27474/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the local authority's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
Details of the regional and local road grant allocations to local authorities for 2017 are outlined in the regional and local road grant allocation booklet which is available in the Dáil Library.
While the Capital Plan 2016-2021 sets outs overall capital commitments in relation to roads and current expenditure allocations are governed by the Current Expenditure Ceiling for my Department, the specific current and capital allocations for the years 2018 and 2019 will be decided as part of the annual Estimates process and will take into account the outcome of the Capital and Current Expenditure Reviews underway at present.
1852. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocation for Iarnród Éireann for 2017; and the projected funding allocation requirements in each of the years 2018 to 2022. [27475/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1853. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding requirement for Iarnród Éireann for each of the years 2017 to 2022. [27476/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1854. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding levels allocated for the public service obligation for Iarnród Éireann in each of the years 2010 to 2016; and the levels projected to be allocated for each of the years 2017 to 2021, in tabular form. [27477/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1852 to 1854, inclusive, together.
The Deputy is aware that funding for Iarnród Éireann is provided under separate funding programmes. The Company receives current funding for rail services under the PSO funding programme and it also receives capital funding through the Infrastructure Manager Multi-Annual Contract (IMMAC) and also through the NTA in relation to projects within the Greater Dublin Area.
The allocation for current funding (PSO) is subject to the annual Budgetary process. The Deputy is aware that funding has increased in recent years and in 2016 for example total funding provided to Iarnród Éireann under the PSO programme increased by approximately 13.5% when compared with 2015. Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 the allocation of PSO funding to individual operators is a matter for the 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 allocation under the IMMAC is subject to a multi-annual funding framework with the current framework ending in 2018 and its renewal will be subject to discussion and agreement between the Company and my Department.
In terms of likely future funding requirements for Iarnród Éireann, the Rail Review Report 2016 sets out a detailed overview of estimated funding requirements over the period 2016 to 2021. It highlights the considerable amount of taxpayer support currently provided to support the rail network and also provides an overview of the estimated required amount of additional funding needed to support the network over that period. The NTA is currently finalising a report on the public consultation period it held in relation to the Rail Review. I understand that the consultation period elicited over 300 submissions. Upon receipt and consideration of the NTA's consultation report, I hope to report to Government before the end of the year.
1855. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding cycle paths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27490/17]
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 construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads (including measures concerning cycle lanes), is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting this 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.
As regards the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads this is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993 and in line with relevant technical standards and such technical guidance as may be issued by my Department.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
1856. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the public bus service is a vital piece of infrastructure in rural communities; his plans to support such services and ensure there is an adequate and secure level of public transport provision in rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27517/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 1302 which I answered on the 2nd May 2017 (copy following).
Dáil Question
No: 1302 To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the public bus service is a vital piece of infrastructure in rural communities; his plans to support such services; if he will ensure there is an adequate and secure level of public transport provision in rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Joan Burton.
* For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 2nd May, 2017.
Ref No: 20526/17 Proof: 805
Transferred (from) Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs -- 02/05/2017 -- Question No 1767 (Written)
Answered by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport
Shane Ross
REPLY
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 77 which I answered on the 22nd March 2017 (copy following).
*********************
Dáil Question
No: 77
To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the public bus service is a vital piece of infrastructure in rural communities; his plans to support such services and ensure there is an adequate and secure level of public transport provision in rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Joan Burton.
For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 22nd March, 2017.
Ref No: 11609/17 Lottery: 57 Proof: 66
Answered by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport
Shane Ross
REPLY
I am fully aware of the important role the bus fulfils in ensuring public transport connectivity for rural communities. This Government has supported that role through the 11% cumulative increase I secured in Budget 2017 for both the Public Service Obligation (PSO) programme and the Rural Transport Programme. That increase means that in 2017 approximately €277million be available to the National Transport Authority to support the delivery of these important programmes, which underpin the delivery of taxpayer funded bus services across rural Ireland. I have committed publicly to further increasing the funding of those programmes in the future as resources allow. Publicly funded bus services in rural Ireland are expanding and improving and that is reflected in the increases in passenger numbers, particularly within Bus Éireann's PSO network.
That Exchequer financial support is supported at a policy level by the commitment given within the Programme for a Partnership Government to review public transport policy so as to ensure services are sustainable into the future and are meeting the needs of a modern economy. I am glad to say that this commitment is also reflected within the actions contained within Realising our Rural Potential - Action Plan for Rural Development which specifically references the rural transport dimension and the needs of rural communities.
I have no doubt the Deputy is aware that across rural Ireland the publicly funded bus services are complemented by a huge range of privately operated bus services. These bus services are provided by operators under licence from the National Transport Authority pursuant to the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009 and contrary to some reports are not solely focused on major inter-urban routes, but are also frequently found connecting rural towns and villages across the State. In 2015 around 23 million people travelled on a commercial bus service, which represents approximately 9% of all public transport journeys that year.
The National Transport Authority has assured rural Ireland that it has the statutory powers available to it to ensure continued public transport connectivity for communities who may lose services in cases where a commercial operator introduces service changes. The NTA has used those powers in the past and will do so again in the future if required.
1857. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated reduction in the number of cars on the roads nationally and in Dublin during the summer months when schools and universities are closed. [27673/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAny estimation of the number of cars using our roads, either on a national basis or just in the Greater Dublin Area, whether during a particular period or not, would involve the use of traffic count surveys and is entirely a matter for each local authority. I have no role in the matter.
1858. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the last date he met formally with the chairperson and CEO of Dublin Port Company; the issues discussed; when he will next meet the chairperson and CEO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27692/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that I met formally with the Chairperson and CEO of Dublin Port Company on the 30th March 2017. We discussed several issues pertaining to the Port including the National Ports Policy, the Company's continued growth, the Alexandra Basin redevelopment project to address capacity requirements and the Company's Masterplan. In the context of the importance of the Poolbeg SDZ to Dublin Port Company, the possibility of locating a film studio in the vicinity was also discussed.
The Deputy will be aware that I hosted an All Ireland Transport Sectorial Meeting in Dundalk in January to discuss the many possible implications of Brexit across all transport sectors. Senior personnel from Dublin Port were at this forum. In addition senior officials from my Department are in regular contact with the Port Company.
1859. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount his Department or a body under its aegis has paid to a company (details supplied) for advice, the use of intellectual property and other services. [27717/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will find details of all external expenditure on my Department's website at the link pertaining to External Expenditure.
1860. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department or a body under its aegis have considered the possibility of integrated ticketing and fares across two or more of the public transport company services, especially for those using Leap cards; and his views on whether there should be an ability for public transport users to use more than one form of public transport without a financial penalty as there is at present. [27721/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1861. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether it would be desirable and encouraging for more integrated public transport usage if Leap card weekly fare caps were applied for all CIÉ and Luas services trips and not only if a person uses just one form of transport (details supplied). [27722/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1860 and 1861 together.
The issues raised are matters for 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 was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
1862. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department or a body under it aegis have considered plans to integrate the scheduling of Dublin Bus, DART and commuter rail services at certain locations in order to enable persons to experience the rail and bus services as a network and to make connections easier. [27723/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) is the statutory body with responsibility for the integration of services in respect of public transport services provided under public service contracts 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.
1863. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27739/17]
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 Listowel Bypass) is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) 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.
1864. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the Tourism Ireland marketing budget spent in each country since 2010. [27877/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is an operational matter for Tourism Ireland and one in which I, as Minister, have no role or function. Tourism Ireland is responsible for promoting the island of Ireland as a visitor destination overseas. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1865. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of subsidiaries which have been approved for establishment by Drogheda Port Company; the percentage shareholding held in each case; the declared justification for each; if the consent of the Minister for Finance was obtained for each approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27878/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that Drogheda Port Company has established two Subsidiary companies namely Fast Terminals Limited in which it holds a 50% shareholding and Bremore Ireland Port Limited in which it holds a 100% shareholding.
It is the statutory objective of each port company, inter alia, to take all proper measures for the development of its harbour, to promote investment in its harbour and to engage in any business activity either alone or with others, to develop its harbour. Both of these subsidiary companies were established following consideration by the Board of its statutory remit.
The approval of both the Minister for Transport Tourism and Sport and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to the establishment of these subsidiaries was given as required under Section 17(2)(b) of the Harbours Act 1996 as amended by the Harbours Act 2015.
Fast Terminals Limited was established in partnership with Fast Herco Limited to provide stevedoring services in the port.
Bremore Ireland Port Limited was established to develop a new deep water port at Bremore. In the intervening years since its establishment the economic and policy perspective has changed significantly. Since the publication of the National Ports Policy 2013 which specifies that large scale infrastructure projects will be led by ports of national significance, no further investment has been made by Drogheda Port in this regard.
1866. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions his Department and the NTA are taking to prevent congestion times increasing in 2017 and 2018 on the M50 and on all main city bound routes (details supplied); his plans to bring 2017 and 2018 congestion levels back to 2015 levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27987/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise that there is considerable evidence emerging of increased travel demand across the Dublin region in general, with growing traffic levels on many of the region's roads and streets.
With regard to the M50, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), along with other stakeholders are continuing to implement a number of measures on the M50 to manage demand and optimise operational efficiency, including: changes to merge and diverge layouts at junctions; the introduction of permanently signed emergency routes; increased incident access points; increased provision of incident response units; and enhanced interagency co-ordination to improve incident management. TII have also established a project team to manage the design and procurement of a system of mandatory variable speed limits for the M50 and are progressing this project in 2017.
Insofar as congestion issues in Dublin are concerned, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has overall responsibility for the implementation of their published Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). Congestion isn't confined to a single corridor in the Dublin Region and it cannot be solved on focusing on just one or two corridors. It needs an approach that addresses the whole region. Last month, the NTA launched BusConnects – a plan to tackle congestion in the GDA by overhauling all aspects of Dublin's bus system including:
- Building a network of "next generation" bus corridors on the busiest bus routes to make journeys faster, predictable and reliable;
- Introducing Bus Rapid Transit, a higher quality of bus routes to make journeys faster, predictable and reliable;
- A complete redesign of the bus network to connect more places and carry more people;
- A state of the art ticketing system and cashless payment system;
- A revamped fare system to provide a simpler fare structure;
- Implementing new bus branding;
- Rolling out new bus stops; and
- Transitioning to new bus fleet using low emission vehicle technologies;
Delivering BusConnects will take a number of years, but the advantage of a bus-based solution is that implementation can start quickly and can ramp up depending on the level of funding available each year. With sufficient investment, and subject to planning approvals, the benefits of BusConnects can start coming on stream from 2019. My Department will continue to work closely with the NTA on the BusConnects project and on intensifying efforts to combat congestion across Dublin in the short to medium term.
1867. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to the publication of BusConnects by the NTA, the process and timeframe to identify specific sites to provide bus-based park and ride facilities for Dublin city bound commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27988/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the 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.
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 was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
