Written Answers Nos. 1395 - 1413
1395. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeframe for the processing of the 2017 sports capital programme applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36082/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme closed for applications on 24 February. By the closing date, a record number of 2,320 applications seeking €155 million in grants were received and all of these applications are currently being assessed. The total amount available to allocate under this round is €30 million. Accordingly, the allocation of grants will be particularly challenging. Given the number of applications received and the detailed information submitted, it will take a further number of weeks to complete this process and I expect that an announcement regarding allocations will be made in September.
1396. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for fast-tracking infrastructural projects within the Border counties in advance of the conclusion of Brexit talks; the priorities for Donegal infrastructural projects in the agreed capital plan by the Government; the potential that such projects have for alleviating the impact of the Brexit negotiations conclusions; his views on whether advance planning at this critical stage is prudent rather than waiting for talks to conclude before implementing a strategy to meet the infrastructural needs of the Border counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36114/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraInvestment priorities for the period to 2022 are set out in the Capital Plan published in September 2015. Decisions on the transport elements of the Capital Plan were framed by the conclusions reached in my Department's Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport. Based on the findings in that report it is envisaged that maintenance and renewal of the road network will continue to be the main priority and the bulk of the roads capital budget, approximately €4.4 billion, is earmarked for such essential work with a further €600 million allocated for implementation of the PPP road programme which is already underway. My Department is making a strong case for additional funding, including the further development of a project pipeline for national road schemes. The final decisions on allocations are, however, matters for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and Government as a whole. Notwithstanding funding constraints TII has been undertaking some preparatory planning work with Donegal County Council in relation to the TEN-T network in the County.
Cross-Border Greenways projects funded under INTERREG VA from Derry to Muff, from Derry to Buncrana and from Strabane to Lifford and the proposed Multi-Modal Transport Hub in Derry will provide sustainable transport routes for people travelling to and from Donegal to Derry and Tyrone. The promoters of these projects are aware of the necessity to progress as quickly as possible in light of the uncertainty surrounding the implications of BREXIT for EU-funded projects. There will be a review of funding arrangements of all these projects in the second half of 2018 when it is expected that greater clarity will have emerged in relation to BREXIT.
With regard to Brexit, at the recent conclusion of the 2nd round of talks, Mr Barnier said that there needs to be clearer understanding of how the UK intends post-Brexit to ensure continuation of North-South co-operation. It is expected that this will form part of the detailed discussions in the next round of discussions at the end of August. It will be difficult to determine how Border issues will be fully resolved until we know what the new arrangements between the UK and the EU will be.
1397. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the Fintra bridge project on the R263 in southwest Donegal; if he will report on the engineering staff intra engagement with the local authority and his departmental engineering staff on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36121/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
As indicated previously to the Deputy in relation to Fintra bridge, my Department requested a report from Donegal County Council on further options taking account of the requirements of the applicable design standard (the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges). Donegal County Council has now provided additional information and this will be assessed by my Department.
1398. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for developing marine tourism in County Donegal; the way in which such plans could easily supplement the success of the Wild Atlantic Way; his strategy to maximise the marine tourism potential for coastal counties; the timeframe for its implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36125/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy. It is not directly involved in the management or development of individual tourism projects, such as the development of individual strategies to promote marine or other tourism products such as the Wild Atlantic Way. These are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply to the Deputy. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
Also if the Deputy has any specific suggestions or idea's I would gladly meet with him to discuss them with him.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
1399. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for developing tourism on offshore islands and especially in County Donegal; his strategy to increase visitor numbers to the islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36126/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of developing national tourism policy, while the tourism agencies have operational responsibility for the implementation of this policy. The matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for the boards and management of the two tourism agencies - Tourism Ireland in regard to overseas tourism marketing and Fáilte Ireland in regard to regional tourism development and domestic tourism promotion.
Accordingly I have referred the Deputy's question to the two tourism agencies for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Also if the Deputy has any specific suggestions or ideas I would gladly meet with him to discuss them with him.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
1400. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of each body or organisation that is scheduled to receive in excess of €1 million from his Department's vote of expenditure or the group of votes of expenditure connected with his Department in 2017 for the provision of services by the body or the organisation concerned; the amount involved in each case; if there is a signed service level agreement in place in respect of the services to be carried out by these bodies or organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36165/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware details in relation to funding of Agencies under the aegis of this Department are available on page 227 of the 2017 Revised Estimate. The following table sets out the information as requested:
|
Public Sector Body |
Funding provided (€m) |
Signed SLA in place |
|
Shannon Group |
1.0 |
No (but will be subject to an appropriate agreement) |
|
Fáilte Ireland |
57.9 |
Revised SLA being agreed |
|
Sport Ireland |
59.0 |
Revised SLA is currently with the Minister for approval. |
|
Medical Bureau of Road Safety |
5.0 |
Revised SLA being agreed |
|
National Transport Authority |
461.0 |
Yes |
|
Tourism Ireland |
14.9 |
N/A - North-South Body |
|
Irish Rail (maintenance and improvement of railway infrastructure) |
158.77 |
Signed contract in place |
|
Transport Infrastructure Ireland |
515.0 |
Revised SLA being agreed |
|
Organisation |
Funding provided (€) |
Signed SLA in place |
|
Donegal Airport¹ |
22,500 |
Signed contract in place |
|
Knock Airport¹ |
1,109,430 |
Signed contract in place |
|
Kerry Airport¹ |
769,537 |
Signed contract in place |
|
Waterford Airport¹ |
39,330 |
Signed contract in place |
|
Stobart Air² |
7,600,000 |
Signed contract in place |
¹Figures show funding allocated to date for these four regional airports; further allocations will be made before year-end.
²Stobart Air operate the PSO air services on the Donegal/Dublin and Kerry/Dublin routes under contract with Department; €7.6m is the estimate of the Exchequer cost in 2017 of subsidising these services.
1401. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will instruct the National Roads Authority to carry out an audit of the transport needs in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath for persons to be able to get to work; if persons with disabilities are being provided with equal access in these counties; if his Department will engage with Cavan, Monaghan and Meath county councils to provide same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36251/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1403. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of the existing fleet of public transport in counties Cavan and Monaghan and throughout the country that are disability friendly, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36253/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1401 and 1403 together.
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. 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 a more detailed reply in relation to public transport accessibility in Cavan, Monaghan and Meath and throughout the country. 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.
1402. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will expedite the east-west link as an important part of infrastructure for east Cavan and the Border region as a matter or urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36252/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I explained to the Deputy in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 34 of 8 February 2017, proposals to deliver an upgraded route linking Dundalk to Sligo, taking in Cavan, involve linking elements of the national road network and regional roads along as direct a route as possible. Essentially the route involves upgrade/realignment works on the regional routes from Dundalk to Cavan and on national routes from Cavan to Sligo. The latter would involve a route that passes through Northern Ireland.
In relation to the national element 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 under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
As regards the regional road aspect of the proposal, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area is a statutory function of local authorities in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants.
The Capital Plan published in September 2015 provides for the gradual build up in expenditure on the maintenance and improvement of the road network over a 7 year period. The bulk of expenditure is scheduled to be spent on maintenance of the road network with some limited investment in new projects. My Department has provided funding to Cavan County Council (acting as lead authority with Monaghan and Louth County Councils) with over €2m in the period 2007-2014 to progress the regional road element of the project to preliminary design. At an estimated cost of €150 million, unfortunately it was not possible to include the East-West Link in the Capital Plan.
1404. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the proposed timeframe for the approval of the 2017 sports capital programme applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36260/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme closed for applications on 24 February. By the closing date, a record number of 2,320 applications seeking €155 million in grants were received and all of these applications are currently being assessed. The total amount available to allocate under this round is €30 million. Accordingly, the allocation of grants will be particularly challenging. Given the number of applications received and the detailed information submitted, it will take a further number of weeks to complete this process and I expect that an announcement regarding allocations will be made in September.
1405. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to allocate additional funding to Cavan and Monaghan county councils in 2017 for the non-national road network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36262/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I explained to the Deputy in Parliamentary Question No. 260 of 29 June 2017, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in counties Cavan and Monaghan is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority, 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 and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
I announced the 2017 regional and local road allocations to local authorities on 24 January 2017 of which Cavan County Council was allocated €9.1m and Monaghan County Council was allocated €7.6m.
All grant funding for 2017 has now been allocated.
1406. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount it would cost to restore the CIÉ subvention to 2008 levels. [36368/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1407. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount it would cost to restore the CIÉ subvention to 2008 levels and add 33%. [36369/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1406 and 1407 together.
The allocation for the Public Service Obligation (PSO) is subject to the annual Budgetary process. As the Deputy is aware, in Budget 2017 I secured an 11% increase in the total amount of funding available to support the delivery of PSO services. That means that a total of almost €263 million will be allocated in 2017 to support the delivery of these socially necessary but financially unviable services.
Total funding committed toward the PSO programme in 2017 now stands at approximately 85% of the €308 million provided in 2008, which was the year of record funding, and I have already committed publicly, both here in the House and in the Joint Oireachtas Committee, to further increasing PSO funding in the future as resources allow.
The Deputy will be aware that since 2010 there is no subvention paid directly by my Department for public transport services. The level of compensation provided in relation to PSO services falls under the independent statutory remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA), which has direct responsibility for this area.
The funding provided to each operating company is not based upon a particular percentage-based threshold but rather relates to the provision of the contracted level of services and must conform to the methodology established by relevant EU legislation.
Information regarding PSO allocations to the three CIÉ companies is publicly available through the NTA's Statistical Bulletin series for State-funded bus and rail services. Those documents are published on www.nationaltransport.ie.
1408. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount the conversion to automated stations including all ancillary works on the DART line will cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36395/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area. This would include the automation of stations and works on the DART line.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for 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.
1409. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will commence the section of the Road Traffic Act 2016 which will establish a regulation system for rickshaw vehicles in view of the recent concerns expressed by members of the public regarding this transport system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36453/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing consideration of proposals from the National Transport Authority (NTA) and legal advice which I received, I have decided not to commence Section 31 of the Road Traffic Act 2016.
However, I am proceeding with the drafting of Heads of a Bill to provide for a new Part to be inserted to the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 exclusively for the regulation of rickshaws. The approach will, amongst things, ensure that:
- the relevant interactions with the existing legislative framework under the 2013 Act for small public service vehicles (taxis, hackneys and limousines), are properly integrated;
- the definition of 'rickshaw' will encompass all known types of rickshaw, in particular the most prevalent type of rickshaw in operation which has an electric motor which provides assistance to the person pedalling the rickshaw, and
- the principles and policies will be set out in primary legislation as to the matters which the NTA may provide for in regulations, thereby giving the NTA the necessary powers to regulate.
To inform the detailed drafting process I have also tasked the NTA with conducting a public consultation, as the views of key stakeholders and the public will be important in devising an appropriate regulatory regime for rickshaws. The consultation will, amongst other things, seek to elicit information on existing rickshaw operators in relation to the scale and type of operations and users' experience of rickshaws including fares charged and issues they have experienced, as well as operators'/drivers' and the public's views on how operators/drivers and vehicles should be regulated. The NTA intends to initiate the consultation process next week. Early consultation on proposals to legislate will mean that feedback can be used constructively and a broad consensus secured.
I share the concerns which have been raised about the need for regulation of rickshaws and it is my intention to progress the drafting of the Heads of a Bill without delay.
1410. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 675 of 11 July 2017, the way an organisation (details supplied) has selected athletes from Northern Ireland to compete in international events can be described as representing the Republic of Ireland; the reason the organisation should claim to restrict itself voluntarily to representing the Republic of Ireland; if this has formally been approved by the membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36505/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs in respect of PQ Number 32166, Dáil Question 675 of 11 July 2017, this would also be a matter for the National Governing Body. National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) are independent, autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own governance procedures and competition rules for their sports. Contact details for the organisation were supplied in my reply to Dáil Question number 675 of 11 July 2017.
1411. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the basic material difference in comparing the functional standard of the physical rail line between Rosslare and Waterford and an equivalent stretch of average, standard operating line on the Waterford to Limerick side in particular with reference to maximum or optimal speed possible. [36538/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1412. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of preparing the Rosslare to Waterford railway line for renewed operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36539/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1413. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost if it were necessary to upgrade the Rosslare to Waterford line to a standard matching a similar or average operating line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36540/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1411 to 1413, inclusive, together.
The issues raised by the Deputy are a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Irish Rail. I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
