Written Answers Nos. 234-253
234. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of dairy farmers participating and not participating respectively in the sustainable dairy assurance scheme by county, in tabular form; the expected duration of the scheme; the consequence for farmers who do not join the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30773/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme, launched in December 2013, was developed in cooperation with milk producers, processors and the regulatory authorities, including my Department. The Scheme gives the dairy sector the capability to both benchmark Irish milk production internationally and to demonstrate the commitment of Irish dairy farms to sustainable farming practices. The Scheme also allows the sector access to markets and buyers that demand on-farm certification and provide assurance for those customers regarding sustainable production of quality milk.
The scheme is open to all milk producers with a valid herd registration who supply to milk processors in the Republic of Ireland. Applications are processed by Bord Bia who then provide an information pack and assign the farm to an auditor. A farm visit will be conducted by an independent auditor at 18-month intervals at a time and day that suits the farmer. The purpose of these visits is to audit the farm against the quality assurance criteria and to collect data regarding the sustainability of the farm.
There are approximately 17,800 dairy farmers in Ireland. To date over 17,000 applications to join the scheme have been received representing 96% of all dairy farmers. In total over 83% of all dairy farmers are now certified, meaning that their audit is completed and all corrective actions undertaken. This Scheme does not have an end date, as is common with all quality assurance schemes of this nature. It is a matter for processors as to how to deal with milk from suppliers who may choose not to join the scheme.
The following table outlines applications and current participants in the scheme by county:
|
County |
Number of Applicants |
Number of Certified Farms |
|
Carlow |
174 |
144 |
|
Cavan |
657 |
575 |
|
Clare |
604 |
562 |
|
Cork |
4,221 |
3,540 |
|
Donegal |
224 |
176 |
|
Dublin |
24 |
21 |
|
Galway |
494 |
422 |
|
Kerry |
1,533 |
1,424 |
|
Kildare |
158 |
129 |
|
Kilkenny |
912 |
820 |
|
Laois |
435 |
369 |
|
Leitrim |
47 |
42 |
|
Limerick |
1,470 |
1,333 |
|
Longford |
143 |
131 |
|
Louth |
164 |
142 |
|
Mayo |
364 |
317 |
|
Meath |
504 |
393 |
|
Monaghan |
553 |
482 |
|
Offaly |
349 |
301 |
|
Roscommon |
109 |
90 |
|
Sligo |
159 |
144 |
|
Tipperary |
1,747 |
1,501 |
|
Waterford |
779 |
670 |
|
Westmeath |
268 |
241 |
|
Wexford |
816 |
687 |
|
Wicklow |
233 |
182 |
|
Total |
17,141 |
14,838 |
235. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of EU member states that have a suckler cow welfare scheme in operation under the rural development programme, RDP; and the details on the average payment per cow if available. [30774/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the RDP support for animal welfare is programmed under Measure 14. Seventeen Member States, including Ireland for the sheep sector, have activated Measure 14 as of May 2017. However, information on the specific livestock supported and average payments in each Member State is not readily available.
There are a range of supports under Ireland's RDP for the suckler sector including the €300m Beef Data Genomics Programme (BDGP). In response to significant demand, earlier this year I reopened the BDGP Programme for new entrants.
While BDGP is the main support, there are a range of further supports provided to suckler farmers under the RDP such as Knowledge Transfer Groups, GLAS, TAMS and supports to ANCs.
236. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of new training officers being employed to provide green certificate courses in each county; the number of persons on the waiting lists for these courses by county; the timeframe for the placement of these new officers; the start date for the commencement of new courses, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30775/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has been working closely with Teagasc to address staffing issues in relation to delivering the adult Green Cert programme. In conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Teagasc was approved to appoint 70 temporary education officers in the period 2014 to 2016. A further request for 15 new temporary education officers was approved early this year to provide additional courses in areas of acute demand.
As the details requested by the Deputy in relation to assignments by county, waiting lists and start dates for new courses are operational matters for Teagasc, the request has been forwarded to Teagasc for direct reply.
In line with new Dáil procedures, such information can be requested directly from Teagasc using the dedicated email address: oireachtas@teagasc.ie.
237. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons employed directly and indirectly in the agrifood industry based on the latest data to date in 2017. [30776/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CSO published four Quarterly National Household Surveys (QNHS) for 2016, the fourth of which was released in February 2017. These showed that employment in the agri-food sector overall, including all its component parts, averaged 173,400 throughout the year. The agri-food sector represented circa 8.6% of national employment as measured by the QNHS.
238. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of companies that have completed the Brexit barometer to date in 2017, by company larger than SME size, SME size, medium size and micro size companies, in tabular form. [30777/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBord Bia launched its Brexit Barometer last March, and I hope that companies right across the agri-food sector will continue to use this new tool to help them assess their Brexit readiness and develop contingency plans and mitigating actions in order to minimise the impact of Brexit on their activities.
As completion of the Brexit barometer is an operational matter for Bord Bia, my Department has asked Bord Bia to contact the Deputy directly.
239. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of international Bord Bia offices abroad; the location of same; the number of full-time and part-time staff employed in each; and the costs of offices and staffing for each international office on an annual basis, in tabular form. [30778/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBord Bia has 13 international offices; Amsterdam, Dubai, Dusseldorf, London, Madrid, Milan, Moscow, New York, Paris, Shanghai, Singapore, Stockholm and Warsaw.
The number of full time and part time staff employed in each; and the costs of offices and staffing for each international office on an annual basis, is an operational matter for Bord Bia. My Department has asked Bord Bia to contact the Deputy directly.
240. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on coupled supports for disadvantaged regions as laid out in a report (details supplied). [30779/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has supported the greater market orientation of the CAP, including by decoupling of payments from production, because farmers’ freedom to respond to the demands of the market is vital for the long-term development of the sector (as set out in Food Wise 2025). This approach to the reform of the CAP was one which is recognised as being the most suitable approach to take, on the basis that the best interests of farmers were served by allowing them the flexibility to calibrate production to market demand without compromising income from the Basic Payment Scheme.
The report referenced by the Deputy clearly emphasises the economic importance of the cattle sector within EU agriculture and stresses the importance of further product differentiation at EU level, increased export opportunities as well as compensation for environment services to support extensification within the beef sector. I agree with the general thrust of this and the work that I and my Department carry out in relation to the beef sector very much reflects these goals. I have recently returned from successful trade missions to the USA and Mexico. I have also hosted a number of high level visits from other countries outside of the EU including China and Vietnam. These missions will serve to improve our existing levels of market access and promote Ireland’s reputation as a producer of high quality, safe and sustainably produced meat.
With regard to compensation for environment services to support extensification the Rural Development Programme already provides significant supports which include a range of supports available to the Suckler sector. From an environmental perspective GLAS provides support to all participating farmers including suckler farmers to farm in an environmentally sensitive manner.
The introduction of a voluntary coupled support specifically for suckler cows in disadvantaged areas raises a number of issues. First, the funding of any supports from existing Pillar I funding would require a redistribution of existing payments within Pillar I to all farmers. A further consideration would be the effect introducing supports for suckler cows in disadvantaged areas would have on the wider suckler cow sector especially those producers in non disadvantaged areas. I am of course conscious of the unique challenges faced by all farmers regardless of sector, in disadvantaged areas. However it should be noted that the report also states the benefits of not limiting such supports to land type.
Another important factor to consider would be the impact that funding of voluntary coupled supports in Pillar II of the CAP would have on the various commitments already made across a range of schemes and supports provided for under the RDP. Indeed through Pillar II of the CAP some €300 million of funding over a six year period has been targeted at the Irish suckler herd through the Bovine Data Genomics Programme (BDGP). In response to significant demand, earlier this year I reopened the BDGP programme for new entrants. This clearly reflects the success of the programme.
Several other supports are in place for suckler farmers under the RDP, notably GLAS, ANCs and Knowledge Transfer groups. I am of the view that the current range of supports available to suckler farmers is the most appropriate way to support the continued development of this sector at this time.
241. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the broadband signal for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30551/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra244. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when high speed broadband will be installed at the home of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30590/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 244 together.
The Government's National Broadband Plan will provide high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector so that to date approximately 1.4m or 61% of the 2.3m premises in Ireland can get high speed broadband of a minimum of 30 Megabits per second and this footprint is expanding.
In April, eir signed a agreement with me committing them to follow through on their commercial plans to provide new high speed broadband infrastructure to 300,000 premises in rural areas. Eir has committed to doing this work over a 90 week period with an average of 500 premises passed per day. A copy of the Commitment Agreement is available on my Department's website www.dccae.gov.ie. The decision by eir to invest in infrastructure to deploy high speed broadband services to an additional 300,000 premises in rural Ireland was taken by eir on commercial grounds. Neither I nor the Department have a statutory authority to direct eir in this regard.
Quarterly updates on progress of the eir 300k rollout will be published on the Department's website. The Q1 figures have been verified by my Department and the eir rollout is in line with the Commitment Agreement.
In April I published an updated High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. This map finalises the State Intervention Area for the procurement process and is an important milestone in the procurement process. The Map shows the extent of the State Intervention area and also the areas targeted for commercial services.
The BLUE areas represent those areas where commercial telecommunications providers are either currently delivering or have indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services,
The AMBER areas on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the areas that will require State Intervention and are the subject of the current procurement process.
The map shows that 100% of the townland of Tarmon East, Co Kerry and 100% of the townland of Corkeragh, Co Kildare falls within an AMBER area and will be part of the State led Intervention under the NBP. Individuals can themselves check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by accessing the High Speed Broadband Map and entering their Eircode at www.broadband.gov.ie.
A formal procurement process is in train to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network within the State Intervention Area. The procurement process is being intensively managed, to ensure an outcome that delivers a future-proofed network that serves homes and businesses across Ireland, for at least 25 years. The finalisation of the State Intervention Area for the procurement process is an important milestone as it means that bidders can progress their business plans and the Department can move to the next stage of the procurement. The three bidders have indicated that they are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home solution. A fibre-to-the-home solution means that householders and businesses may get speeds not just of 30 Megabits per second but much higher, potentially up to 1000 Megabits per second.
The State Intervention network will be a wholesale network and retail service providers will be able to use the network to provide enhanced broadband services to their customers. The timeframe for the procurement continues to be dependent on a range of factors including the complexities that may be encountered by the procurement team and bidders, during the procurement process. During the Department's extensive stakeholder consultations in 2015, telecommunications service providers indicated a 3-5 year timeline to rollout a network of the scale envisaged under the NBP, once contracts are in place.
However, I am aware that the rate of demand for data services has increased exponentially in the last four years and this presents a continuing challenge for telecommunication operators, regulators and policy makers both in Ireland and internationally. Recognising this challenge, I specifically included in the Programme for Government a commitment to a Mobile Phone and Broadband Task force. In July 2016, I established the Task Force together with Minister Humphreys to identify immediate solutions to broadband and mobile phone coverage deficits and investigate how better services could be provided to consumers, prior to the full build and roll-out of the network planned under the National Broadband Plan State intervention.
The report of the Task Force was published in December and is available on both Departments' websites. In producing this report, the Task Force worked with Departments, local authorities, ComReg, State agencies, the telecoms industry and other key stakeholders. The report contains 40 actions that will alleviate some of the telecommunications deficits across Ireland and the implementation programme on mobile phone and broadband access identifies 19 of these actions as areas where immediate and direct action by Departments and State agencies can ensure accelerated benefits to consumers.
In order to maintain momentum created by the Task Force, I established an Implementation Group to drive and monitor the implementation of the actions, bringing together all key stakeholders identified in the Task Force report with responsibility for delivery. This group will be formally reporting every 90 days on progress made on all actions. I published the first such quarterly progress report on 13th June 2017, which is available on my Department's website at http://www.dccae.gov.ie/documents/Taskforce%20Q1%20Progress%20Report.pdf and which shows that considerable progress has been made, particularly in relation to the implementation of actions identified for Q1 2017. The work of the Task Force will also assist local authorities in preparing for the roll-out of the new NBP network once contracts are in place.
In addition, following regulations which I signed last year, ComReg recently announced the results of its auction for the 3.6GHz radio spectrum band, which means an 86% increase in spectrum capacity to meet the growing demand for mobile and wireless broadband services across rural and urban areas. The Regulator has awarded 15 year licences for the rights of use in this band which will provide a degree of stability and create future investment certainty. Spectrum was also awarded in lots covering 9 urban and rural regions across the country.
In my Department's Estimates for 2017, I have secured an €8 million provision for RTE to allow it to free up the 700 MHz spectrum band. ComReg in turn will make plans to allocate this spectrum to provide for significantly enhanced mobile coverage. The 700 MHz band is particularly suited to rural environments where the signal can travel long distances.
These initiatives should assist in enhancing the quality of mobile phone and data services across Ireland and particularly in rural Ireland.
242. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to encourage persons to use solar panels on outbuildings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30561/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive sets Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020. Ireland is committed to achieving this target through meeting 40% of electricity demand, 12% of heat and 10% of transport from renewable sources of energy.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to facilitate the development of solar energy projects in Ireland. This builds on the commitment in this area in the 2015 Energy White Paper.
With respect to renewable electricity, my Department is currently developing a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which will be designed to assist Ireland in meeting its renewable energy contributions out to 2030. Analysis is on-going against a range of commercial renewable technologies at various scales and includes an assessment of the cost of supporting Solar Photovoltaics (PV) - both rooftop and ground-mounted. The assessment also includes analysis of the optimum financial support mechanisms for renewable technologies, in line with the 2014 EU State Aid Guidelines.
My Department will shortly publish a public consultation on the design of the new support scheme. Following the outcome of this public consultation, and before any new scheme is introduced, it will need to secure Government approval and state aid clearance from the European Commission. Subject to this, it is expected that the new scheme will become operational in 2018.
My stated position is that while solar has a role to play in Ireland’s energy future, we cannot have a situation where a new support scheme leads to a disproportionate increase in people’s electricity bills through the Public Service Obligation levy. In designing the new RESS, the cost implications for people and businesses will, therefore be a high priority and I will ensure that the new scheme is designed in a cost efficient manner and will take advantage of falling renewable costs.
Finally, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland currently provides supports for the use of solar thermal heating technology to both large industry and SMEs. Households can also avail of grant support for investment in renewable energy installations, including solar thermal, under the Better Energy Homes Scheme.
243. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason a charge of 50 cent is imposed on the top-up for gas and electricity meters; the body that benefits from this charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30577/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the regulation of the electricity and the natural gas markets is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) which is an independent statutory body.
Pay As You Go meters were introduced in 2011 and are offered free of charge to energy consumers experiencing financial difficulty. I understand that the CER views Pay As You Go meters as contributing significantly to the decrease in disconnections of electricity and gas customers in that period.
I believe that in light of the assistance that Pay As You Go metering is providing to households under financial pressure, it is critical that these households do not incur any additional charges for availing of these meters. However, I am aware that some retailers are charging surcharges to top-up payments for Pay As You Go meters for electricity and I deplore this practice.
Officials in my Department have previously met with the providers of these systems, retail representative groups and a number of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), particularly the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) and Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) specifically on this topic.
Payment providers have assured my officials that the practice of surcharging is explicitly forbidden in the contract retailers must sign on accepting a payment terminal. Additionally, they advise that the level of customer complaints they receive is low but that they are working with energy suppliers to investigate and address persistent problems. They are also working to mitigate the problem through proactive support of those retailers who aren’t engaging in the practice. They do this through the provision of promotional material that can encourage customers to use retailers who do not apply surcharges and in the case of repeat offenders, payment providers have the ability to withdraw a payment terminal.
The CER continues to monitor this matter and has engaged with energy suppliers and payment providers to address this. The CER has written to suppliers to remind them of their obligations to prevent this practice. My officials have requested that the aforementioned NGO's keep the Department appraised of any growth in the practice of surcharging with a view to monitoring the need for further engagement with the industry.
245. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the provisions that have been put in place to ensure that mobile telephone companies are implementing the new roaming charges regime approved by the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30705/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is the competent statutorily independent regulatory authority for Telecoms and as such is the authority which regulates the Roam Like At Home (RLAH) regime in Ireland which came into effect on 15 June 2017.
In this regard ComReg’s role includes scrutinising all existing and new mobile market offerings to ensure full legal and regulatory compliance. I have been advised by ComReg that it wrote to all of the mobile operators reminding them of their obligations under the regulations and asking them what changes they are making to their tariffs to comply with those obligations.
ComReg has also advised me that operators have indicated that the necessary steps are being taken to comply with the new roaming regulations and I understand that the Regulator will be undertaking a review of these tariffs, as implemented, in order to be satisfied with respect to their compliance.
ComReg has also published advice for mobile phone users on its website about the new roaming regime which explains the new price levels and the relevant transparency measures for consumers.
ComReg will monitor the new regime on on-going basis to ensure the operators comply with the new regulations.
246. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is satisfied that anti-bullying policies are in place in his Department and in each State body and agency under his aegis; if such polices are being implemented effectively; the amount paid in compensation for bullying claims in each of the past five years in his Department and in each State body and agency under his aegis in tabular form; the action that has been taken to ensure such cases do not arise in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30747/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dignity At Work Policy was introduced by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in 2015 across the Civil Service to promote respect, dignity, safety, and equality in the workplace. The main purpose of this policy is to ensure all members of staff should be aware that any form of bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment are unacceptable and every member of staff has a duty to behave in an acceptable and respectful manner.
The Human Resources section in my Department provided information sessions to staff across the Department in 2015 and 2016 providing awareness of the Policy, their obligations under the Policy and the process to be undertaken where individuals believe that they have been bullied, harassed, or sexually harassed. All new staff recruited to my Department are informed of their obligations under the Policy as part of the Department's induction training programme.
No compensation claims for bullying have been received in my Department over the past five years.
The information requested in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. The Department will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisations.
247. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the N4 upgrade between Mullingar and Longford; and the timeframe for same. [30520/17]
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 operation of individual road projects (including the N4) is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
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.
248. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a proposal to reopen the old Merrion railway station as a DART station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30552/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
249. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 27 of 2 November 2016, the status of the review of the cost benefit analysis submitted by Sport Ireland for phase 2 of the national indoor arena that found that further work would be required on the cost benefit analysis to ensure compliance with the public spending code; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30553/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland submitted a revised business case and appraisal for Phase 2 of the NIA on 25 May 2017. The additional information provided in this revised business case and appraisal is presently being considered by officials in my Department.
250. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the situation regarding the circumstances surrounding the mandatory use of cycle lanes in the context of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2012 (SI Number 332 of 2012) has been resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30556/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is currently consulting with the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána and has sought their views on the relevant provisions. Before any amendments are considered to clarify the situation in relation to the circumstances surrounding the mandatory use of cycle lanes, this Department will have to satisfy itself that any such measures strike an appropriate balance between the views of all stakeholders from a road safety perspective. A detailed report on this issue is expected from the RSA shortly.
251. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 227 of 5 October 2016, the costs of his trip; the cost of the trip for his accompanying official in itemised tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30557/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI travelled to Brazil to attend the Olympic Games from 14th August and returned on 18th August. I was accompanied by one official who attended from 4th August 2016 and returned also on 18th August. Details of my travel costs are published on my Department's website www.dttas.ie and are also included in the following table. The total flight and accommodation costs incurred for both the Departmental official and myself are set out in the table. The hotel was block booked for the duration of the Olympics and the costs below include a proportion for unused accommodation due to an earlier than anticipated return due to the circumstances at that time.
|
NAME |
PURPOSE |
DURATION |
ACCOMODATION COST |
FLIGHTS COST |
|
Minister Ross |
Olympic Games 2016 Rio de Janeiro |
14-18 August 2016 |
1,893.54 |
3,961.76 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
Olympic Games 2016 Rio de Janeiro |
4 - 18 August |
8,520.85 |
4,921.90 |
252. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding has been made available to reopen the L6042 Coughlanstown Road, Ballymore Eustace, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30571/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of local authorities, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from a 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.
Kildare County Council was allocated grant funding of €18.9 million in January 2017 in respect of regional and local roads. It is open to Kildare County Council to fund works along the L6042 Coughlanstown Road, Ballymore Eustace, County Kildare from its grant allocation if it so wishes.
It is important to reiterate that the role of Exchequer grants for regional and local roads is to supplement local authorities in their spending in this area and it is also open to Kildare County Council to fund works from its own resources.
253. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Fáilte Ireland grants scheme for large tourism projects is open for applications; the level of funding available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30588/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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, which are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland. While the Department provides capital funding to Fáilte Ireland for investment in tourism offerings, it does not have a role in the administration of Fáilte Ireland's tourism capital programmes, such as the Grants Scheme for Large Tourism Projects.
However, I am aware that the scheme is currently closed for applications but that Fáitle Ireland is planning to launch a second call for applications by the end of 2017. This follows a very strong response to the first call for applications in June 2016, which drew a total of 115 applications. A total of €65 million has been allocated to this scheme, which runs from 2016-2021. The scheme will award grants of between €200,000 and €5 million.
