Mattie McGrath
Ceist:1334. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of plans to upgrade the N24 to motorway status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34927/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRoad Projects Status
Ceisteanna (1334)
Freagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy’s question to TII for direct reply. 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.
Aviation Industry
Ceisteanna (1335)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:1335. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has discussed with his UK counterpart the possibility of a new aviation agreement between Ireland and Britain to avoid flight disruption as a result of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34935/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have had a number of meetings with my UK counterparts, EU counterparts and the European Commissioner on Brexit. These meetings were extremely useful in promoting an understanding of transport and tourism Brexit implications for Ireland including the potential implications for the open skies policy and connectivity. It is too early in the Brexit process to speculate in any detail on the possible need for a new aviation agreement between Ireland and the UK. This will be informed by the future relationship of the EU and the UK in aviation, and much depends on the progress that can be made during the negotiations on such matters.
Public Transport Initiatives
Ceisteanna (1336)
Imelda Munster
Ceist:1336. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the 2017 allocation for the wheelchair accessible vehicle grant scheme; and the amount he plans to allocate in each of the years 2018 to 2021. [34963/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Accessibility features are built into all new public transport infrastructure projects and vehicles from the design stage and new systems such as the Luas are fully accessible. In addition, 100% of the Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann city fleets are wheelchair accessible, as well as approximately 80% of the Bus Éireann coach fleet.
With regard to existing infrastructure, there is an ongoing Accessibility Grants Programme to upgrade public transport infrastructure and facilities to help improve transport accessibility across the country. The programme is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) on behalf of my Department.
Funding is being provided to the NTA in 2017 for accessibility upgrade works at a number of rail stations; for accessible bus stops and bus stations; and for a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Grant Scheme (WAV Scheme). Funding is also provided via the NTA for the Travel Assistance Scheme which is run by Dublin Bus. Under the scheme an assistant can accompany people who need help using public transport and to plan a journey on Dublin Bus, Luas and the DART.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply in relation to the funding available for the WAV Programme over the next few years. 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.
Taxi Regulations
Ceisteanna (1337)
Imelda Munster
Ceist:1337. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of applications that have been made under the wheelchair accessible vehicle grant scheme, by year, since its inception, including 2017; and the number of persons that have been successful each year, including 2017. [34964/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The regulation of the small public service vehicle industry, including management of the grant scheme for wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs), is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. 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 under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Driver Test Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (1338)
Peter Burke
Ceist:1338. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the average waiting time for a driving test at each test centre in 2015 and 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34967/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Harbour Authorities
Ceisteanna (1339)
Maria Bailey
Ceist:1339. Deputy Maria Bailey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the due diligence between Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council; the proposed timeframe for this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34978/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company, as a Port of Regional Significance, is designated under National Ports Policy for transfer to Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. The process of transferring governance of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company to Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council is ongoing.
This process and the future operational structures of the port are primarily matters for agreement between the Council and the port. Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, with funding support from my Department, procured consultants to conduct due diligence of the port company in advance of its planned transfer to the Council. The Chief Executive of the Council presented a due diligence report at a Council meeting held on 9 January 2017.
As the report raised a number of issues for further clarification, the Chief Executive engaged a risk and financial consultant to carry out a risk assessment. This will enable the Council to fully understand the implications of models of transfer and the responsibility that will transfer in financial and other terms.
I understand that the port company is currently engaging with the risk assessor. When the risk assessment process is completed, I expect matters to progress towards agreeing a model and a date for transfer.
Regional Road Network
Ceisteanna (1340)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1340. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be made available for a road (details supplied) in Glenbeigh, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35106/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
I understand that the road referred to is a local tertiary road. Kerry County Council was allocated grant funding of €15.2 million in January 2017 in respect of regional and local roads. It is open to Kerry County Council to fund works on this road 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 Kerry County Council to fund works from its own resources.
Local Authority Funding
Ceisteanna (1341)
Mick Barry
Ceist:1341. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will reverse the decision of his Department not to provide funding to Cork City Council to assist with the escalating problem of Japanese knotweed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35147/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has not sought applications from local authorities for grant assistance in relation to the treatment of Japanese Knotweed on the regional and local road network and has no record of a request for funding from Cork City Council for such treatment in relation to regional and local roads.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (1342)
John Lahart
Ceist:1342. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of his proposed transport forum; the bodies which will attend such a forum; if the forum will be on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35149/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy is aware that I have previously committed to dialogue with all public transport stakeholders to facilitate a review of our national public transport policy.
I believe that this type of broad dialogue will allow for a meaningful exchange of views about how we should shape the development of our public transport policy over the next 10 to 15 years. I look forward to the participation of all relevant stakeholders, which should include, among others, PSO operators, licensed bus operators, trade unions, representatives of the voluntary disability sector, Oireachtas members, transport economists, experts in the fields of climate and the environment and public transport user representative groups.
Preparations 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. It will not be established on a statutory basis but will, I hope, allow for the sharing of ideas from a diverse range of perspectives as we look to inform the development of a statement of public transport policy.
Local Improvement Scheme Funding
Ceisteanna (1343, 1344)
Mary Butler
Ceist:1343. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for increased funding for community involvement and local improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35188/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMary Butler
Ceist:1344. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a review has taken place regarding funding for community involvement and local improvement schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35189/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1343 and 1344 together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the local authority's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
Maintenance of private laneways/roads not taken in charge by local authorities is the responsibility of the landowners concerned. Due to the major cutbacks in roads funding it was necessary for my Department to cease making separate allocations to local authorities in respect of the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS). The approved scheme remains intact and local authorities can use a proportion of their Discretionary Grant (15%) for LIS should they wish to do so.
The Community Involvement Scheme (CIS) also remains in place in 2017 on the basis that local authorities may set aside 7.5% of their Restoration Improvement and Restoration Maintenance grants for CIS schemes if they so wish.
While there is a modest increase in funding for roads this year, it will take some years yet under the Capital Plan to restore "steady state" funding levels for regional and local roads. The primary focus has to continue to be on the maintenance and renewal of public roads.
In light of the provision in the Programme for Government indicating that, as the economy recovers, the Government will promote increased funding for Community Involvement and Local Improvement Schemes, I will review the scope for making a separate grant allocation once the planned Review of the Capital Plan is completed.
Departmental Contracts Data
Ceisteanna (1345)
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:1345. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if all security and contract cleaning companies that have obtained contracts from his Department and agencies under the aegis of his Department under public procurement rules are paying the legal employment regulation order, ERO, hourly rate to their security and contract cleaning employees; the steps he has taken to confirm full compliance with the ERO system; if he has cancelled contracts with companies that have been found to be in breach of the ERO system since 1 October 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35235/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated and will be forwarded as soon as possible. If the Deputy does not receive a response within 10 working days they should contact my private office.
Traffic Calming Measures
Ceisteanna (1346)
Tom Neville
Ceist:1346. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the application by Limerick City and County Council for traffic calming measures on the N69 outside a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [35251/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), formerly the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the 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.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (1347)
Brendan Ryan
Ceist:1347. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to new bus services which will serve an estate (details supplied); the company providing this service; when this service will begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35256/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
Traffic Management
Ceisteanna (1348)
Lisa Chambers
Ceist:1348. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the assessment carried out by Transport Infrastructure Ireland of Ballyheane village, Castlebar, County Mayo, further to the application to have the speed limit in the village extended south of the L57501 Carrowclogher Road; if TII attended physically at the site; if so, the person who attended; the assessment which was carried out; the details of the observations made; and the reason for refusal of the application to extend the speed limit. [35271/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 N84 through Ballyheane Village) 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.
Swimming Pool Programme
Ceisteanna (1349, 1350)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:1349. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is a grant programme open for swimming pools. [35297/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThomas Byrne
Ceist:1350. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if applications have ever been made for a swimming pool in south County Meath; and when a decision will be made in respect thereof. [35298/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1349 and 1350 together.
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. No request was received from Meath County Council for a new swimming pool.
There are four swimming pool projects in the current programme and the priority in 2017 is on progressing these projects.
In relation to the future funding of swimming pools, my Department is currently undertaking a review of national sports policy. This includes a specific focus on how Government should fund sports facilities including swimming pools in the years ahead.
Regional Road Network
Ceisteanna (1351)
Brian Stanley
Ceist:1351. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department will make provision in the capital roads budget to complete the section of the Portlaoise orbital route from Timahoe road, Portlaoise to Abbeyleix road, Portlaoise. [35315/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in Laois is the statutory responsibility of Laois County Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the local authority's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
The Portlaoise Southern Circular route is among the schemes included in the Capital Plan 2016-2021 subject to achieving the necessary project approvals (including approval from An Bord Pleanála for the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO)). My Department’s Economic and Financial Evaluation Unit liaised with the Council in respect of the project appraisal submitted by the Council under the Capital Appraisal Framework. This appraisal process was concluded last month and the Council was advised of my Department’s approval to progress the project to the next stage. I understand that this will involve the submission by the Council of the Compulsory Purchase Order relating to the project to An Bord Pleanála for approval.
It is the responsibility of Laois County Council to progress this scheme through the approval process and the timescale for the progression of the scheme to construction depends on when that process is completed. Once the necessary project approvals are received funding support from my Department for construction of the project will be provided.
Haulage Industry Regulation
Ceisteanna (1352)
Declan Breathnach
Ceist:1352. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many road haulage companies registered in Northern Ireland are operating here contrary to the cabotage rules governed by Regulation (EC) 1072/2009 as of 14 May 2010 (details supplied); if he will increase monitoring of this through the Road Safety Authority; and if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that road haulage companies operating within the rules are at a severe disadvantage. [35342/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The enforcement of cabotage legislation is a matter for the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána. I believe that the enforcement authorities are aware of the issue and have procedures in place to ensure that International haulage operators are checked to verify that they are compliant with cabotage regulations. I would urge anyone who has information on out-of-state haulage companies operating contrary to cabotage rules to make that information available to the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána to assist them in enforcing cabotage rules.
Irish Coast Guard Issues
Ceisteanna (1353)
Mary Butler
Ceist:1353. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason independent mediation services were not employed in respect of a case with the Irish Coast Guard (details supplied); the reason the Irish Coast Guard did not request such mediation services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35347/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is my understanding that this matter is being handled by the Irish Coast Guard in accordance with established procedures for managing such matters with volunteers.