Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:505. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding quad bikes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29646/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRoad Traffic Legislation
Ceisteanna (505)
Freagraí scríofa
All-terrain vehicle (ATV) bikes, quad bikes, and scrambler bikes are mechanically propelled vehicles, and as such, irrespective of engine capacity, under Road Traffic legislation the user of an ATV bike, quad bike, or scrambler in a public place must have insurance, road tax and a driving licence, and must also wear a helmet, with severe penalties (including fixed charge notices, penalty points, fines and possible seizure of the vehicle) under the road traffic laws for not being in compliance with these requirements.
For the purposes of the Road Traffic Acts, a "public place" means any public road, and any street, road or other place to which the public have access with vehicles whether as of right or by permission and whether subject to or free of charge.
ATV bikes, quad bikes and scrambler bikes which are being used in a public place must also comply with the requirements of Regulations concerning roadworthiness, which cover essential matters such as brakes, steering, mirrors, safety glass, wipers, headlamps, rear lighting, indicators and reflectors.
ATV bikes, quad bikes and scrambler bikes which do not meet the above requirements may not be driven in a public place under road traffic legislation. In the interest of all road users, and to ensure our roads are as safe as possible, I have no intention of amending legislation to allow unlicensed or uninsured drivers or persons who are otherwise uncompliant with road safety legislation to drive vehicles on our roads.
Traveller Community
Ceisteanna (506)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:506. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding Traveller support and services provided by his Department in each county; the groups, agencies and voluntary bodies involved; the cost of same for each county for the past three years and to date in 2017; his plans to set up an advisory group to report on the minimum levels of support and services from his Department that should be available in each county to address the needs and the rights of Travellers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29701/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department does not provide support and services aimed solely at members of the Travelling Community.
The services provided by my Department are generally open to all, including members of the Travelling Community. For example one of the main objectives of the sports capital programme, operated by my Department is the prioritisation of disadvantaged groups and areas. All applicants are asked to specify how their proposed project will prioritise the needs of disadvantaged groups and people. This information is taken into account in assessing applications.
My Department supported the recently published National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021. While there are no specific actions identified for this Department within the strategy, there are several themes and objectives we will work towards. For example, the Department will provide training to ensure all staff understand our obligations under the section 42 (positive duty) in the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014.
There are currently no plans to set up an advisory group but the need to do so will be kept under review.
Motor Insurance
Ceisteanna (507)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:507. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to parliamentary Question No. 1181 of 9 June 2015, if his Department has concluded its consultations with the insurance industry on the issue of the lack of compensation for persons injured in non-negligent motor accidents, in which liability cannot be assigned to any party; the reason for the then Minister's statement that this was a rare occurrence and the information available to him as to the number of claims of inevitable accident and-or automatism made in relation to road traffic accidents in recent years; if he has been provided detailed information regarding cases in which blameless persons have suffered serious injuries and find themselves without any form of compensation in such circumstances; his views on whether there may be a role for the Motor Insurance Bureau of Ireland in such cases; his further views on whether a change in the law may be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29752/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Claims for damages in motor collisions are claims in tort, specifically negligence. If the third party can show that the injury/damage suffered is due to the negligence of the policyholder/driver he will succeed in his claim, and cover under the third party section of the motor policy will be triggered.
My understanding from contacts my Department has had with Insurance Ireland, with the MIBI, and with insurance companies is that, including because of advances in medical science and because of the relatively high probability of losing such cases in court, and the potential for poor publicity from refusing to pay a claim on the basis of non-negligence, insurance companies are reluctant to advance an argument of non-negligence. I am aware of only one case in Ireland of the type the Deputy has mentioned, tested in court, where the court has found that a claim for damages in a motor collision was not payable on the basis that the driver / their employer (as well as the plaintiff) were not negligent. The details of that case were very specific and in my view extremely unusual.
Given that the law in this area has generally operated well in Ireland, making changes to legislation or attempting to make the MIBI liable to deal with situations which may be extremely rare or close to hypothetical have not been a priority for my Department in the light of other priorities. However, as stated by my predecessor as Minister, Paschal Donohoe TD, in his letter of 12 August 2015 to the Deputy, if the Deputy has any information to the contrary, and wishes to set out a specific case, I would be happy to examine same.
Departmental Staff Data
Ceisteanna (508)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:508. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of Civil Service clerical officers in full-time employment in his Department as of 31 May 2017 by county, in tabular form. [29857/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the table.
|
County |
Clare |
Cork |
Donegal |
Dublin |
Galway |
Kerry |
Total |
|
Number |
36 |
2 |
1 |
62 |
6 |
4 |
111 |
Departmental Staff Data
Ceisteanna (509)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:509. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of full-time Civil Service clerical officers in his Department that have either retired, resigned or been promoted from 1 January 2015 to 31 May 2017, by county, in tabular form. [29873/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the table.
|
County |
Clare |
Dublin |
Kerry |
|
Retired/resigned |
2 |
4 |
0 |
|
Retired/resigned |
3 |
14 |
1 |
Departmental Staff Data
Ceisteanna (510, 511)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:510. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of full-time Civil Service clerical officer appointments made in his Department from 1 January 2015 to 31 May 2017 by county, in tabular form. [29899/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMick Wallace
Ceist:511. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of temporary Civil Service clerical officer appointments made in his Department from 1 January 2015 to 31 May 2017 by county, in tabular form. [29915/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 510 and 511 together.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of full time and temporary Clerical Officer appointments made in the period from 1 January 2015 to 31st May 2017 is as outlined in the table.
Table 1
|
- |
Clare |
Cork |
Dublin |
Galway |
Kerry |
Total |
|
Clerical Officer |
8 |
1 |
24 |
0 |
1 |
34 |
|
Temporary Clerical Officer |
16 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
24 |
Cycling Policy
Ceisteanna (512)
Catherine Martin
Ceist:512. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to bring Luas by-laws regarding bicycles in line with the National Cycle Policy Framework 2009-2020, objective 8.6; and his further plans to allow bicycles on board at off-peak times following the extension of the Luas lines and the addition of extra carriages before the end of 2017. [29996/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At present only the carriage of folded up bikes in carry cases is permitted while travelling on the Luas. However, to encourage a multi modal approach to commuter journeys bicycle parking facilities are in place at most stops with approximately 700 bicycle parking spaces along the Luas lines. This number will no doubt increase with the extension to the Luas line.
Luas encourages the integrated use of bicycles and trams in Dublin recognising that integrated bicycle and tram journeys are a convenient, fast and sustainable way to travel around Dublin in addition to the associated health benefits.
A review of the National Cycle Policy Framework will take place this year and all objectives will be reviewed as part of that process.
Railway Stations
Ceisteanna (513)
Robert Troy
Ceist:513. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if CIÉ plans to install monitors and cameras at platforms 1 and 2 in Mullingar train station; if so, if this will result in redundancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30009/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Company 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.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (514)
Declan Breathnach
Ceist:514. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the A5 motorway project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30016/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The planning and implementation of the A5 project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities.
The Irish Government's funding commitment in relation to the A5 is as set out in the Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (515)
Declan Breathnach
Ceist:515. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the Narrow Water Bridge project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30018/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Fresh Start Agreement, the Northern Ireland Executive and the Government agreed to undertake a review of the proposed Narrow Water Bridge project with a view to identifying options for its future development, for consideration by the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC).
Following on from consultation with stakeholders, I understand that an options paper is being prepared for consideration by the North South Ministerial Council later in the year.
Sport and Recreational Development
Ceisteanna (516)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:516. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to a requirement for funding for a project (details supplied); and the funding that can be made available for such a project. [30035/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP) provides grant aid to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools.
In January of 2016, my Department contacted local authorities and sought expressions of interest in a limited round of swimming pool allocations. There were three expressions of interest received for new pools, two of which were valid and both in Dublin. The Deputy should note that no request was received from Cork County Council for a new swimming pool in Midleton.
There are four projects in the current programme and the priority in 2017 is on progressing these projects. Dunmanway Swimming Pool in Cork is the most recently completed project and the Deputy is probably aware that it is now open to the public.
In relation to the future funding of swimming pools, my Department is currently undertaking a review of national sports policy which includes a specific focus on how Government should fund sports facilities including swimming pools in the years ahead.
Greenways Funding
Ceisteanna (517)
Martin Ferris
Ceist:517. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the proposed Tralee to Fenit greenway; when funding will be provided to complete the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30057/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Kerry County Council was awarded €345,000 by my Department under the Government Stimulus package 2014 to commence the Rock Street to Casement Station section of the Tralee to Fenit greenway, and this was paid.
The Programme for Partnership Government commits to making additional funding available for greenways into the future, and I am pursuing this in the context of the mid-term review of the Capital Plan. When the capital plan review is finalised and there is clarity on the totality of the funding that will be available for greenways in the coming years, my Department will issue further funding calls and local authorities would then be able to submit projects for funding The Deputy may be aware that I recently launched a public consultation process to inform the development of my Department's new Strategy for the future development of greenways. A public consultation paper is available on my Department's website at http://www.dttas.ie/public-transport/publications/english/greenways. All interested parties are invited to make submissions by 14 July, 2017 and I would welcome your views as part of this process.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (518)
Niall Collins
Ceist:518. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details and county location of capital projects announced by his Department in March, April, May and to date in June 2017. [30128/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, a mid-term review of the Capital Plan is currently underway by Government to look at where capital investment priorities lie over the remaining 4 years of the current plan. I am engaged in making our cases to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for increased funding for a variety of important capital investments.
I understand that all Departmental submissions relating to the capital Plan will be made in due course and that a final decision on these submissions will be made by the Government as part of the 2018 estimate.
With regard the specific timeframe mentioned by you in your question please see a number of capital projects announced by my Department;
In April my Department along with the OPW jointly announced €11.5m funding from Fáilte Ireland’s Capital Grants budget for 10 OPW sites located in Dublin and along Ireland’s Ancient East including the following
- Record Tower in Dublin amounting to €5,000,000
- Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre in Co. Meath amounting to €2,580,000
- Rock of Cashel in Co. Tipperary amounting to €1,780,000
- Knowth in Co. Meath amounting to €1,400,000
- Newgrange in Co. Meath amounting to €1,000,000
- Ormond Castle in Co. Tipperary amounting to €585,000
- King John's Castle in Co. Louth amounting to €400,000
- Glendalough in Co. Wicklow amounting to €349,000
- The Phoenix Park in Dublin - Tourism and Amenity Study - amounting to €300,000
- Boyne Valley in Co. Meath - Interpretation Masterplan - amounting to €120,000
In May it was announced that a number of Greenway projects would received funding, these projects where
- Meath Section of the Galway to Dublin Greenway amounting to €2,463,014
- Kildare Section of the Galway to Dublin Greenway amounting to €2,107,271
- Garrycastle to Whitegates Greenway in Westmeath amounting to €80,270
- Completion of works on the Waterford Greenway amounting to €1,600,000
I also announced an allocation of €387,450 for the replacement of the moveable boom in UL swimming pool, in County Limerick, to allow the continued use of the facility for high performance swimming.
In June I announced a number of capital projects under my Department's Regional Airports Programme amounting to €1,940,797
- A Safety and security related project Donegal Airport amounting to €22,500
- A Safety and security related project Ireland West Airport Knock (Mayo) amounting to €1,109,430
- A Safety and security related project Kerry amounting to €769,537
- A Safety and security related project Waterford Airport amounting to €39,330
I also announced €700,000 in June in relation to the rehabilitation to Tirconnaill Bridge, Co Donegal.
Sports Capital Programme Applications
Ceisteanna (519)
Willie Penrose
Ceist:519. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a capital sports grant application by a club (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30140/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I 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 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.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (520)
James Lawless
Ceist:520. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the passenger numbers for train stations (details supplied) in County Kildare in each of the years 2012 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; if the opening of the Phoenix Park tunnel and extended leap card zone has increased numbers in these stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30179/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the collection and publication of statistics relating to public transport 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.
Brexit Issues
Ceisteanna (521)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:521. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the grave uncertainty regarding Brexit is impacting negatively on the hotel and hospitality sectors; the steps he will take to address these impacts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22954/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following what was a record year for overseas visitors to Ireland in 2016, figures published by the CSO showed that overseas visitors for the period February to April 2017 were slightly up (+0.1%) on the same period in 2016. Whilst there was strong growth from the North American market, up by over 25%, visitors from Britain were down 10.7% year on year. It is clear that the Sterling depreciation following the Brexit referendum has made Ireland, and every other Eurozone country, more expensive for British travellers than was the case previously. This has led some British holidaymakers to holiday at home this year.
In 2016, Irish hotels performed well with the number of bednights up 6.6%. Recent CSO data indicates that hotel bednights in the first quarter of 2017 were in line with 2016. Whilst the number of visitors from Britain staying in hotels is down, this has been offset by increases from other areas. I am conscious that certain regions may feel a greater impact from the drop in British visitors.
The tourism agencies are engaged in the operational aspects of preparing for Brexit. Tourism Ireland is responsible for marketing Ireland as a tourism destination overseas. In broad terms, its strategy involves two main elements. Firstly, it has taken steps to revise its marketing effort in Britain to make it more relevant in a Brexit environment. As well as this, it is implementing a market diversification strategy. This aims to attract more visitors from markets which deliver longer stays and, therefore, higher revenue returns. The significant increase in visitors from North America in early 2017 is evidence of this.
For its part, Fáilte Ireland is also working on a number of fronts to assist the diversification and development of our tourism industry and the attractiveness of our tourism product offering. Ongoing work to develop the main experience brands and enhance visitor experiences is aimed at boosting our appeal to key target markets and priority consumer segments. With regard to training and business supports, Fáilte Ireland offers a suite of supports to enhance the competitiveness, enterprise capability and sustainability of the tourism sector. In addition, it is creating a new Brexit Response Programme that will focus on delivering a Capability Building programme for Industry.
Brexit Issues
Ceisteanna (522)
Robert Troy
Ceist:522. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the negotiations he has held with his counterparts across the EU and UK regarding Brexit and the maintaining of the open skies policy to ensure aviation connectivity. [25638/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The opening of negotiations with the UK regarding their exit from the EU commenced on the 19th of June. The Government has been clear that its approach is aimed at minimising the impact of Brexit on our trade and economy and an orderly withdrawal of the UK from the EU. The Government recognises that there is a desire to have clarity and certainty on every detail of the future EU-UK relationship as quickly as possible. However, we also need to be realistic about the process we are heading into, and the time it will take to reach a full conclusion.
It is too early in the Brexit process to speculate in any detail on the possible impacts or outcomes in areas such as the Single Aviation Market. These questions relate primarily to the future relationship of the EU and the UK and negotiations on such matters have not yet begun. When they do begin Ireland will be ready for those negotiations and the necessary preparations and consultations are underway.
I have had a number of meetings with my EU counterparts, UK counterparts and the European Commissioner on Brexit, most recently at the Transport Council in Luxembourg earlier this month. These meetings were very useful in promoting an understanding of transport and tourism Brexit implications for Ireland, including the potential implications for the open skies policy and connectivity. Details of these meetings are summarised in tabular form:
|
Date |
Name of Minister/EU Official |
Role/title |
Country/Institution |
Subject of meeting |
|
12/12/16 |
Minister Chris Hazzard |
Minister for Infrastructure |
Northern Ireland Executive |
NS MC matters and Brexit |
|
04/04/17 |
Prof. Péter Balázs |
European Coordinator for the North Sea Med Corridor Connecting Europe Facility Core Corridor |
EU: European Commission |
Implications of Brexit on TEN-T |
|
25/05/17 |
Minister Anna Johansson |
Minister for Infrastructure |
Sweden |
Brexit, Road safety |
|
26/05/17 |
Rt. Hon. Chris Grayling |
Secretary of State, Department for Transport |
UK |
Brexit |
|
08/06/17 |
Commissioner Violeta Bulc |
European Commissioner for Transport |
EU: European Commission |
Brexit and European Issues |
|
08/06/17 |
Jörg Leichtfried |
Minister for Transport, Innovation and Technology |
Austria |
Brexit and Road Safety |
Departmental Staff Data
Ceisteanna (523)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:523. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the staffing complement of her Department in whole-time equivalents as at the end of 2016. [29599/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The staffing complement for my Department at the end of 2016 was 177.56 whole time equivalents.