Thomas Byrne
Ceist:33. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of his Department's commitment to upgrade the N2 road in County Meath. [29950/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRoad Network
Ceisteanna (33)
Freagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Within its annual budget the planning, design and implementation of individual road projects (such as the N2) is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Ireland has just under 100,000 kilometres of road in its network and the maintenance and improvement of national, regional and local roads places a substantial financial burden on local authorities and on the Exchequer. Because of the national financial position, there have been very large reductions in Exchequer funding available for roads expenditure over the past number of years.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual national road projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Brexit Negotiations
Ceisteanna (34)
Robert Troy
Ceist:34. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions he has had with his EU and UK counterparts regarding retaining the single aviation market when the UK exits the European Union; and his views on the position the Government should take in a renegotiation or change to the EU open skies policy. [30169/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Aviation services between the UK and Ireland and within the EU operate within the EU Single Aviation Market. When the UK leaves the EU, an alternative aviation agreement between the UK and the remaining 27 EU Member States will be required.
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. These meetings were extremely useful in promoting an understanding of transport and tourism Brexit implications for Ireland.
The full implications for Ireland of the UK leaving the single aviation market will only become apparent as formal Brexit negotiations develop.
The aviation sector is critical to Ireland. As an island nation with an open economy, air connectivity is essential for our trading relationships, for all of our industries especially tourism, manufacturing and retail, and for our participation in the global economy generally. Ireland's priority for aviation will be to protect a fully liberalised and deregulated market in order to ensure no erosion of our connectivity or disruption to airlines, airports, business, tourism and personal travel.
In advance of formal negotiations on the specifics of an alternative aviation agreement between the UK and the European Union, it is clear that the consideration may be given to possible transitional or interim arrangements to ensure that existing traffic rights are agreed in a timely fashion. In this manner if a replacement agreement cannot be agreed within the timeframes specified by Article 50 any such arrangements will help to bridge the gap between a withdrawal agreement and an agreed future relationship with the UK to bring certainty to the aviation sector and ensure continuity of vital air services.
Public Transport Initiatives
Ceisteanna (35)
Brendan Ryan
Ceist:35. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress which has been made towards the establishment of a public transport stakeholder dialogue as per the Labour Court recommendation arising from the Bus Éireann dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29982/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy is aware that I am committed to a dialogue with all public transport stakeholders in order to advance the commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government to start a review of public transport policy.
I believe that this broad dialogue will allow for all stakeholders, including trade unions, a chance to inform the development of public transport policy in Ireland. I look forward to that dialogue and the participation of all relevant stakeholders. Preparations for the dialogue are at an early stage and I am sure the Deputy can appreciate that there will a considerable level of organisation and scheduling required if we are to have the type of meaningful dialogue and exchange of ideas that I think we all want.
In advance of this dialogue, I have invited representatives of all CIÉ trade unions, as well as ICTU, to meet with me and explain their issues of concern as expressed in recent months. Invitations issued last week and the meeting will take place in early July. I believe this meeting will provide unions with an opportunity to voice their views to me directly in relation to any issues of policy concern they might have.
I think the type of dialogue with stakeholders that I am about to initiate comes at an important time in terms of how we want to shape our public transport services. There are a number of important initiatives underway which will directly impact and influence the development of public transport in future years. I think it opportune that all those with an interest in public transport are given an opportuntity to voice their views and ideas for the future.
Rail Services Provision
Ceisteanna (36, 46)
Robert Troy
Ceist:36. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to deal with the significant financial shortfall in Iarnród Éireann especially with regard to the capital budget for the rail network; and his views on whether closing certain rail lines is a potential solution. [30171/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Imelda Munster
Ceist:46. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures which have been considered by his Department to deal with the apparently serious financial situation at Iarnród Éireann including investment in the company and in relevant infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29961/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 46 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) held a public consultation process to start a national debate on the current and future role of rail transport in Ireland. The public consultation process was launched with the publication of a Rail Review 2016 Report, which examined the funding required to support the heavy rail network now and into the future, together with a consultation document "The Role of Rail in Ireland and Funding its Delivery". The report provided an analysis of the company's financial situation, some funding solutions and proposals to grow passenger numbers.
Over 300 submissions were received by the NTA in response to that consultation process which have now all been examined and the NTA is preparing a report of those submissions.
In advance of that, no decisions have been taken regarding matters such as the future of individual rail lines or investment in the company and its relevant infrastructure.
As noted within the Rail Review Report, its analysis predates the finalisation of the National Planning Framework which is being developed at present under the leadership of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. It is obvious that, once agreed by Government, the approach which that Framework adopts toward land-use planning and settlement patterns for the country will have significant impacts on the potential of rail and other transport infrastructure and services into the future. I look forward to the finalisation and adoption by Government in the coming months of the new National Planning Framework, which I believe will form an important context for my consideration of issues raised by the Rail Review Report and any recommendations I will bring to Government.
Road Improvement Schemes
Ceisteanna (37)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:37. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding programme under which the renovation of two bridges (details supplied) in County Donegal has been approved; the timeframe for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30144/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As I outlined to the Deputy previously, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (including bridges) is the statutory responsibility of Donegal County Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection, prioritisation and timeline for commencement and completion of construction of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
In May 2017, Donegal County Council applied to my Department for additional funding to progress work on two regional road bridges in County Donegal (Tirconnaill Bridge in Donegal town and Fintra Bridge on the R263). The funding request consisted of:
- A deck replacement and associated works for Tirconnaill Bridge and
- The construction of a new replacement Fintra bridge.
I have given approval to Donegal County Council under the Specific Grant Programme to proceed with the replacement of Tirconnail bridge at a maximum cost of €700,000. Given the need to update the tender package and to go through the procurement process, I understand it will be year-end before construction can commence on this scheme. The timeline for completion of the works is a matter for the local authority.
In respect of the construction of a new replacement bridge at on the R263 at Fintra, Co. Donegal, my officials have confirmed that further engagement is required at engineering level between the Council and my Department regarding options for this bridge. A report is being sought from Donegal County Council which would set out further options taking account of the requirements of the applicable design standard (the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges). That process is continuing and no allocation can be confirmed in respect of that project until that process concludes. However, it should be noted that I, and my Department, is committed to the project.
Park and Ride Facilities
Ceisteanna (38)
James Lawless
Ceist:38. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to allocate a budget for the provision of park and ride facilities in a number of towns (details supplied) in County Kildare in which the requirement for park and ride is crucial in order to increase usage of public transport services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30199/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the provision of Park and Ride facilities in County Kildare.
The National Transport Authority's (NTA) Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2016-2035 includes the planned development of a network of strategic rail-based park and ride facilities where rail services intersect with the national road network. It is proposed that these facilities would be located at Swords, Finglas, Dunboyne, Liffey Valley, Naas Road, Carrickmines, Woodbrook and Greystones. The Strategy indicates that further development of local park and ride facilities will also be considered at appropriate locations on the rail network in the outer parts of the Dublin metropolitan network and hinterland.
In addition, the NTA recently launched the BusConnects initiative which proposes a radical transformation of the bus system in Dublin 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.
As the Deputy will be aware, a mid-term review of the Capital Plan is currently underway and in my Department's submission to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform I have sought a significant increase in funding for public transport investment to support these initiatives. The extent to which the park and ride network - both the rail-based and bus-based network - can be rolled out will be dependent on the level of additional funding that may become available for public transport following the completion of the mid-term review of the Capital Plan.
Aviation Industry Regulations
Ceisteanna (39)
Clare Daly
Ceist:39. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 48 of 10 May 2017, the progress made on the promised review of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973, as amended. [29942/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As I outlined in my response on 10 May last I decided recently that my Department should conduct an internal review of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973, as amended. Such a review is timely, given the age of that Order and the subsequent changes to international law since 1973, particularly as regards the transport of dangerous goods by air.
In the first instance this will be an internal review in my Department, to identify the options available for updating various aspects of the Order. Given that so many aspects of the current Order require review, taking into account legislation at EU level and internationally at the International Civil Aviation Organisation, it is likely that implementing the recommendations of the review would require a new Statutory Instrument to replace existing legislative provisions.
In addition to compatibility with EU and International law, other issues that may be examined in the review would be the role of other Ministers and agencies in the granting of exemptions under the order, the legal definitions of civil aircraft and state aircraft, the requirement for permits for each individual aircraft operation, the application of the order to Irish registered aircraft outside of Irish airspace, issues related to the carriage of firearms by certain categories of law enforcement officers and finally the provisions of the order relating to monitoring, enforcement, inspection and offences.
I would then envisage a public consultation taking place in order to ensure that any proposed changes are considered in an open and transparent manner. I would hope it is possible to begin this wider public consultation process before the end of the year.
Tourist Accommodation
Ceisteanna (40)
Robert Troy
Ceist:40. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures his Department is taking to address the very significant cost inflation in accommodation and other items in Dublin being experienced by overseas visitors; and his views on whether a special body under the aegis of his Department should be tasked with examining the way to address this issue to protect the reputation of the tourism sector. [30172/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A shortage of available hotel bedrooms in Dublin city has caused hotel room rates to increase in recent years. While I welcome the improved viability of the sector and accept the need for a fair return on investment, hotels must ensure that this is done at an appropriate rate and in a way that visitors perceive as reasonable. This is a point made frequently by both Minister Ross and my predecessor and one which I will also be stressing in my own engagements with the industry.
I have no plans to establish a dedicated body to monitor and address tourism competitiveness issues. These are tracked and monitored by my Department and the tourism agencies on an ongoing basis.
For example, I am informed by Fáilte Ireland that the most recent information available to them indicates that the rate of increase in hotel room pricing is slowing. Furthermore, Fáilte Ireland's most recent assessment of hotel accommodation in Dublin indicates that there should be sufficient stock to meet projected demand after 2018, with approximately 5,500 bedrooms coming on stream by 2020, which should further moderate price increases.
Revised Hotel Regulations introduced last August should also make investment more attractive by allowing hotel operators provide more rooms and operate at a lower cost base, thus improving hotel capacity, competitiveness and profitability. Consumers should also benefit from this change.
More broadly, the Government has continued a range of supportive measures, such as the reduced VAT rate, aimed at enhancing competitiveness.
I welcome Fáilte Ireland research which shows a significant improvement in overseas visitors' perception of value for money in Ireland. Nonetheless, I urge the tourist industry to remain vigilant and to maintain a focus on value and competitiveness. To do otherwise could seriously jeopardise continued growth.