Written Answers Nos 1868-1887
1868. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his submission regarding the mid-term capital review includes plans to advance and progress the LUAS Lucan line project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27989/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the implementation and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). The NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035 provides a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the GDA over the next two decades. As the Deputy is aware, the strategy proposes the future development of an east-west Luas line commencing in the residential areas of Lucan and connecting into Dublin City Centre.
The Government's current Capital Plan 'Building on Recovery: Infrastructure & Capital Investment 2016-2021'. The focus of my Department's submission to the Capital Plan review in relation to public transport is on funding for the bus network as the bus system will be key to tackling congestion in the short to medium term. As the Deputy will be aware, the NTA recently launched the BusConnects initiative which will radically overhaul the bus system so that it represents a modern, reliable, punctual, convenient and affordable transport option for users. This will involve a complete redesign of the bus network and the development of a "next generation" of bus corridors serving all areas of the city.
The development of the east-west luas line from Lucan, while part of the longer-term transport strategy for the GDA, will not be progressed within the lifetime of the current Capital Plan.
1869. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the ministerial committee on transport met recently; if so, the outcome of the meeting; if the mid-term review regarding the road safety strategy 2013 to 2020 has been published by the Road Safety Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27990/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main purpose and the intended outcome of the Ministerial Committee on Road Safety is to examine road fatality/serious injuries trends, to review implementation of the Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020, and to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss and put forward orientations, in addition to giving feedback to other stakeholders on relevant road safety issues, and to assist in refining road safety policies and programmes.
The Ministerial Committee on Road Safety has held twice yearly meetings since 2013 up to end 2016. I have increased the frequency of these meeting to at least quarterly. The Committee has already held two meetings in quarter one 2017 with a further meeting held on 22 May 2017, and I am holding a further meeting next month to keep up the momentum regarding road safety. I am satisfied that the Committee is playing a key role in information sharing, facilitating discussions, and in assisting in refinements of policies between road safety stakeholders. I am pleased that fatalities are down 15 as at Tuesday 13 June 2016 by comparison with the same period last year.
Last November I held a mid-term review of the Road Safety Strategy as we were roughly at the half way point of the Government's eight year Road Safety Strategy (2013-2020). The purpose of the review was to oversee the implementation of the Road Safety Strategy, to examine the Road Traffic Fatality / Serious Injury Trends and to determine what actions we can implement to reduce the incidences in these trends.
I expect to receive a draft of the review from the Road Safety Authority for my consideration shortly.
1870. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to the publication of tourist figures by the CSO showing a 5.9% year on year decrease on the number of oversees visits from Great Britain, if this trend is continuing; the steps he is taking to arrest this decline in visitors from Great Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27991/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe most recent CSO data showing a decline in the number of British visitors to Ireland this year are a concern. The depreciation in sterling since the Brexit vote means that competitiveness and value for money are more important than ever. Through the the tourism agencies, we are working both to protect our share of the British market and also to promote diversification into other markets. Fáilte Ireland is actively working on a number of fronts to assist the diversification and development of our tourism industry and the attractiveness of our tourism product offering. As well as already offering a suite of business supports to the sector, it is finalising details of a new targeted Brexit Response Programme. The Brexit Response Programme will focus on building capability in the tourism industry to ensure that the relevant skills and insights are available to tourism enterprises and will provide a range of practical supports to hundreds of businesses. Furthermore, ongoing work to develop the main experience brands and enhance visitor experiences, both through current programme supports and targeted capital investment in attractions and other tourism infrastructure, will also boost Ireland's appeal to key target markets and priority consumer segments.
Tourism Ireland has put an extensive programme in place in Britain with an increased focus on publicity. It is leading a high level tourism industry delegation to London this week to discuss how the agencies and tourism industry can best respond to the challenges posed by Brexit. A series of further actions are being considered including specific initiatives to promote the border counties to potential GB visitors.
Market diversification is an important part of the response to Brexit. In this context, the strong performance of the North American and European markets is reassuring. This is particularly the case when one considers that visitors from these markets tend to stay longer and deliver higher average revenue.
1871. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the conditions attached to women in sport funding as allocated by the sports partnerships and the Irish Sports Council; the objectives of the funding; if results are benchmarked based on allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28040/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes, including the Women in Sport programme. Sport Ireland channels its funding through the relevant National Governing Bodies of Sport and through its network of Local Sports Partnerships.
As this is matter for Sport Ireland, I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
1872. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason project FUTSAL for Ballymun and Finglas has ceased; and if he will reconsider this decision. [28077/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter for the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), as the National Governing Body for Football. National Governing Bodies (NGBs), including the FAI, are independent, autonomous bodies. I have no role in, or responsibility for, operational matters of NGBs. The Deputy may wish to contact the FAI directly. Contact details are: Tel: 01 8999 500, Email: info@fai.
1873. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of munition of war permits issued to date in 2017 under Article 5 of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973; the details of the date, the aircraft operator, the locations they were flying to and from and cargo being carried that required the permit; if he has refused permit requests in that period; if so, the details of the aircraft operator; and the basis on which the permit request was refused. [28114/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has recently started to publish on its website a Monthly Report on Munitions of War Exemptions issued under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, 1973, (S.I. No. 224 of1973). This can be be accessed by the Deputy via the following link http://www.dttas.ie/aviation/publications/english/statistics-munitions-war (latest figures available are up to the end of May 2017). The remainder of the information sought by the Deputy, in tabular form, will be forwarded to the Deputy.
In relation to the 16 refusals detailed in the tabular statement, these were all refused on the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
1874. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions that have been taken by the marine survey office against owners of fishing vessels that refuse to submit log books. [28117/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI answered a similar question from Deputy Jan O'Sullivan on 26 January 2017. Owners and Skippers of Irish Fishing Vessels of 25 Gross Tonnage and upwards are required under the Merchant Shipping Acts to maintain a log for the vessel and to enter into an agreement with their crew. These two requirements are combined into a single document called a Fishing Vessel Logbook.
These Fishing Vessel Logbooks should commence on, or as soon as a vessel is next operational, after 1st January and 1st July each year. They should run for a maximum period of six months, expiring on 30th day of June or 31st day of December, as the case may be and immediately after that date they should be returned to the Mercantile Marine Office (MMO) of my Department.
As commercial sea fishing is regulated by the Fisheries Acts, 1959 to 2006 and comes under the remit of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, my Department would not maintain data on licensed fishing vessels at any period in time or the number of licenced operating vessels required to submit logbooks during any 6 month period.
The requirement to submit Fishing Vessel Logbooks to my Department arises in the context of the safe operation of the vessel and the welfare of the crew. The Marine Survey Office of my Department carries out surveys and inspections of fishing vessels and enforces compliance with the requirements regarding official logbooks, including where appropriate, the prosecution of offenders through the courts.
1875. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount spent by his Department on designing, implementing and supporting the Eircode system in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form. [28147/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's National and Vehicle Driver File (NVDF), which contains details of registered vehicles and licensed drivers in this country, is fully capable of accommodating and processing Eircodes. The Departments online systems, including www.motortax.ie which enables vehicles be taxed online, can also accommodate Eircodes.
The cost of making the necessary NVDF software and other operational adjustments required is set out below in tabular form, as requested.
|
Year |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 (Year to date) |
Total |
|
Cost (inc VAT) |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€18,988 |
€69,860 |
€264,211 |
€61,341 |
€414,400 |
1876. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeframe for the approval of the 2017 sports capital programme applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28183/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll of the 2,320 applications received under the 2017 Sports Capital Programme 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.
1877. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding ferry services post Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28184/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that Brittany Ferries currently operates a ferry service between Cork and Rosscoff. Ireland is well serviced in terms of ferry connectivity as the market offers a diverse range of viable maritime links in and out of the State. There are currently six shipping lines providing passenger and roro services, with, depending on the time of year, up to 226 weekly departures from Ireland to Britain and continental Europe. In addition there are 15 lolo only operators with 64 weekly departures from Ireland, with a number operating direct to the continent.
My Department has no function in, or finance for, the provision or subsidisation of ferry services. We are bound by EU state aid rules and the limitations these impose.
In the year since the UK voted to leave the European Union, there has been no discernable negative impact on port and shipping activity. Trade through the ports has remained strong: according to the latest iShip Index published by the Irish Maritime Development Office, shipping and port activity in the Republic of Ireland rose by 6% in the first quarter of 2017.
As part of my Department's preparation for Brexit, there has been wide enagagement with sectoral stakeholders and I am aware that a significant proportion of goods destined for EU markets use the UK landbridge to access these markets. The efficiency of these routes could be affected by Brexit, particularly if there were increased border and custom procedures and delays, or if the UK applied differing standards, road charging or regulatory regimes.
Shipping services are market driven. In the past, ferry operators have responded to market developments and increased capacity when required. I expect ferry services to develop and adapt to changing market demands and conditions following Britain's exit from the EU but will continue to monitor the situation closely.
1878. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a list of the successful applicants for the sports capital grants will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28233/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll of the 2,320 applications received under the 2017 Sports Capital Programme 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.
1879. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for investment in rural routes; his further plans to ensure that there will be transport services in rural Ireland to accommodate local communities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28241/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 is available to the National Transport Authority (NTA) 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.
The restructuring of the Rural Transport Programme, involving the establishment of 17 Local Link offices, has positioned the Programme to better integrate with other public transport services. It also provides a solid base to expand or adapt services to meet current and future identified needs. A total of 21 new regular commuter bus services were developed in 2016 including the addition of more regular services. The additional funding of €2.19m provided to the Programme in 2017 allows for further improvement of existing services and the development of new services.
The NTA 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 services changes. The NTA has used those powers in the past and will do so again in the future if required.
1880. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Transport Infrastructure Ireland has plans for a motorway (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28344/17]
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.
1881. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount allocated and recouped respectively under the local authority swimming pool programme in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017 in each local authority. [28634/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of all allocations and payments under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme from 2011 to date in 2017 are published on the Department's website at the following link: http://www.dttas.ie/sport/english/allocations-and-payments.
1882. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the costs associated with the adverse winter of 2015 to 2016 in relation to the roads; the amount of funding that each local authority sought; and the amount of Exchequer funding that was given to each local authority to remedy the damage. [28643/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe initial estimate of the cost of repairs to national, regional and local roads arising from the severe weather in late 2015 and early 2016, based on returns from local authorities, was €88m.
This was followed by Government agreement in January 2016 to allocate €106m to assist in the repair of storm and flood damage to transport infrastructure, including repairs to national, regional and local roads and the rail network. The regional and local road allocation included funding set aside from my Department's Vote as well as additional funding made available by Government.
Local authorities were requested to provide detailed submissions before allocations were made for repairs to regional and local roads. The cost of the work included in these submissions amounted to €137.7m in total and a breakdown per county is given in the table. Following consideration of these submissions, the bulk of the available monies was allocated to local authorities in February to facilitate getting work programmes underway as quickly as possible - these Tranche 1 allocations are set out in the table.
It was explained to local authorities that a limited amount of funding was being retained to allow for the further assessment of damage, for example, to bridges and that the balance of the available funding would be allocated in May. The Tranche 2 allocations are as set out in the table.
|
Road Authority |
1st Tranche RLR Requests |
1st Tranche Allocations |
2nd Tranche RLR Requests |
2nd Tranche Allocations |
Severe Weather Payment 2016 |
|
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Carlow County Council |
314,250 |
314,250 |
1,206,875 |
600,000 |
906,768 |
|
|
Cavan County Council |
3,593,500 |
2,600,000 |
2,030,000 |
300,000 |
2,900,000 |
|
|
Clare County Council |
3,313,090 |
2,800,000 |
2,026,831 |
800,000 |
3,600,000 |
|
|
Cork County Council |
13,284,552 |
11,000,000 |
3,061,750 |
450,000 |
11,550,000 |
|
|
Cork City Council |
1,866,291 |
300,000 |
1,081,412 |
- |
300,000 |
|
|
Donegal County Council |
9,064,695 |
7,000,000 |
1,700,000 |
400,000 |
7,394,746 |
|
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
545,000 |
545,000 |
- |
- |
17,111 |
|
|
Dublin City |
40,240 |
40,240 |
- |
- |
39,105 |
|
|
Galway County Council |
8,195,206 |
6,000,000 |
4,491,408 |
400,000 |
6,504,332 |
* |
|
Galway City |
16,585 |
16,585 |
- |
- |
16,585 |
|
|
Kerry County Council |
5,200,213 |
4,000,000 |
4,395,475 |
650,000 |
4,650,000 |
|
|
Kildare County Council |
1,364,900 |
350,000 |
1,008,900 |
100,000 |
417,651 |
|
|
Kilkenny County Council |
4,753,505 |
3,000,000 |
3,743,160 |
300,000 |
3,300,000 |
|
|
Laois County Council |
2,001,450 |
1,500,000 |
497,100 |
300,000 |
1,798,396 |
|
|
Leitrim County Council |
2,764,600 |
1,800,000 |
1,166,200 |
250,000 |
2,049,985 |
|
|
Limerick Council |
5,825,383 |
4,000,000 |
3,742,367 |
400,000 |
4,297,590 |
|
|
Longford County Council |
1,708,045 |
1,200,000 |
609,545 |
200,000 |
1,399,995 |
|
|
Louth |
- |
- |
458,863 |
250,000 |
247,324 |
|
|
Mayo County Council |
7,383,851 |
5,000,000 |
4,084,024 |
500,000 |
5,465,564 |
|
|
Meath County Council |
993,000 |
400,000 |
2,047,500 |
300,000 |
786,820 |
|
|
Monaghan County Council |
8,793,812 |
5,000,000 |
3,831,165 |
150,000 |
5,150,000 |
|
|
Offaly County Council |
2,887,899 |
1,800,000 |
1,762,299 |
200,000 |
1,994,426 |
|
|
Roscommon County Council |
9,603,000 |
4,500,000 |
5,821,950 |
400,000 |
4,900,000 |
|
|
Sligo County Council |
7,996,087 |
4,000,000 |
4,529,301 |
350,000 |
4,350,000 |
|
|
Tipperary County Council |
8,209,221 |
5,000,000 |
5,881,653 |
350,000 |
5,334,385 |
|
|
Waterford County Council |
19,502,000 |
7,000,000 |
9,204,800 |
350,000 |
7,350,000 |
|
|
Westmeath County Council |
4,789,523 |
3,000,000 |
1,011,500 |
300,000 |
3,299,959 |
|
|
Wexford County Council |
3,057,200 |
2,200,000 |
1,674,600 |
250,000 |
2,745,581 |
* |
|
Wicklow County Council |
598,533 |
598,533 |
712,030 |
450,000 |
1,048,533 |
|
|
Total |
137,665,631 |
84,964,608 |
71,780,708 |
9,000,000 |
93,814,856 |
* Total drawdown for Galway County and Wexford County includes carryover from a 2015 allocation .
Local authorities were given flexibility to prioritise projects when drawing up their programme of works and informed that the Department of Public Expenditure, in approving the additional funding for repair works, had stipulated that the monies involved had to be drawn down in 2016 and that for that reason works listed in returns for implementation in 2017 could not be considered for funding.
With regard to funding allocated to address the impact of the severe weather in late 2015/early 2016 on national roads, details of the drawdown of funding for these roads are a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland. 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.
1883. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport 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. [28677/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll the agencies within my Departments remit have confirmed that they fully complied with their obligations under tax law for 2015. With regard 2016 all the commercial agencies under my Department's remit have fully comfirmed their compliance with their obligations under tax law with the exception of CIÉ. CIÉ requested an extension to their delivery of the 2016 Financial Statements and Chairperson’s Report, due to the circumstances surrounding Bus Éireann which was granted by my Deaprtment. Of the non-commercial agencies, the Commission for Railway Regulation, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Marine Casualty Investigation Board have confirmed their compliance, while the remaining agencies are currently awaiting the C&AG's sign off of their 2016 accounts.
I expect a report to be submitted to my Department by each of the outstanding agencies in the near future.
1884. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the new location of the taxi rank in Tralee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28705/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1885. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the decision by Kerry County Council to relocate the taxi rank in Tralee town centre as part of ongoing redevelopment works is one that cannot be reversed due to his Department's planning policy; if this decision can be renegotiated to make amendments to address concerns of taxi operators in Tralee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28725/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1884 and 1885 together.
Decisions 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 you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
The referred reply was forwarded to the Deputies under Standing Order 42A.
1886. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the exclusion of the Seven Heads peninsula, including Courtmacsherry, Butlerstown and other villages and town lands from the southern leg of the Wild Atlantic Way; and if he will request Fáilte Ireland to reconsider this decision in view of the fact it is redirecting visitors away from this very picturesque and interesting coastal route and unfairly and unnecessarily disadvantaging local tourism businesses. [28857/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1895. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the Seven Heads in County Cork has been excluded from the route of the Wild Atlantic Way; if plans are in place to reverse this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29049/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1886 and 1895 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, such as the Wild Atlantic Way. This is an operational matter for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.
Accordingly I have referred the question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
I can assure the Deputy that the Seven Heads Peninsula is a key component of the Wild Atlantic Way in West Cork. It is important to note that the Wild Atlantic Way is not simply a touring route but rather it is a means to guide and attract visitors, and all villages, businesses and geographic areas within close proximity of the route are in essence part of the geography of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Fáilte Ireland works with groups all along the coast and is more than happy to engage with interested parties in the Seven Heads peninsula to maximise the initiative's potential for the benefit of their community.
The referred replies under Standing Order 42A were forwarded to the Deputies.
1887. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funds provided and projects funded under the National Transport Authority's sustainable grants programme in 2016 in each of the seven greater Dublin area local authorities; the projects approved but not implemented in the Fingal local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28891/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the administration of the Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) Programme. This rolling programme of measures facilitates investment in various QBCs, cycling/walking, safety and traffic management projects throughout the seven local authority areas in the Greater Dublin Area, including Fingal County Council. Noting the NTA's responsibility for the STMG Programme, I have referred your question to the Authority for a more detailed reply in relation to the projects funded under the Programme in 2016. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
