Written Answers Nos. 585-606
585. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a capital sports grant application (details supplied); when an announcement of funds allocated is expected under the sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39049/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme closed for applications on the 24th February and I can confirm that an application has been submitted by the organisation referred to by the Deputy. By the closing date, a record number of 2,320 applications seeking €155 million in grants were received. The total amount currently available to allocate under this round is €30 million. Accordingly, the allocation of grants will be particularly challenging.
All of the 2,320 applications received are currently being assessed by officials in my Department. I expect to be in a position to make an announcement regarding allocations in the coming weeks.
586. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 1830 of 20 June 2017, if there have been improvements to the bus service 458 between Blacklion and Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39085/17]
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.
587. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has received correspondence from the relevant local authority regarding the funding of a planned pedestrian foot-bridge adjacent to the R257 route spanning the Clady river at An Bun Beag in County Donegal; if so, the progress that has been made to deliver this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39111/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I explained to the Deputy in Parliamentary Question No. 624 of 7 February 2017, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in a given area is a statutory function of each road authority 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 initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
My Department has not received an application from Donegal County Council for funding a pedestrian bridge at Bun Beag.
Donegal did submit an application under the Bridge Rehabilitation Grant Programme for strengthening works at the existing bridge at Bunbeg. I announced the 2017 regional and local road grant allocations on 24 January and €15,000 has been allocated for the bridge at Bunbeg. Given the current spending constraints it is the Department’s policy when grant applications are received from local authorities for bridge improvement works to prioritise rehabilitation works over widening projects and proposed new bridges.
588. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the body he plans to appoint as the appeals body to make judgments in circumstances in which an appeal is taken against a decision of the IAA or an existing noise-related decision of An Bord Pleanála in line with the requirements of EU Regulation 598/2014 and the need to introduce a statutory instrument to appoint the IAA as the competent authority under this regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39115/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraEU Regulation No 598/2014 establishes rules and procedures with regard to the introduction of noise-related operating restrictions at Union airports in accordance with the Balanced Approach developed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Officials in my Department are currently working closely with the Office of the Attorney General determining the appropriate legislative arrangements to give full effect and implementation to the provisions of Regulation 598/2014 and to bring those legislative arrangements to completion urgently. These legislative arrangements will include putting in place an appropriate appeals mechanism with regard to the decisions of the competent authority, with responsibility for aircraft noise at Dublin airport, as required under Article 4 of the Regulation. Consequently, I am not in a position, at this point in time, to provide precise details on the appeals mechanism or indeed other aspects of the legislative arrangements required to give full effect to Regulation 598/2014 until such time as the Attorney General’s Office completes its work and subsequent advice to my Department on the matter.
589. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeframe for the M7 widening to three lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39117/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra590. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the schedule for widening the M7 to three lanes is delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39118/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra591. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the works being carried out on the M7 are on budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39119/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra592. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of the M7 upgrades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39120/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 589 to 592, inclusive, together.
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 under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's questions 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.
593. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the legal basis which allows TII and local authorities to freeze development on lands that have been identified for road projects despite those projects being delayed or cancelled owing to funding or alternative route identification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39128/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy in relation to the public roads programme.
Under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has responsibility for the planning and supervision of works for the construction and improvement of national road projects in conjunction with the road authorities concerned.
The construction and improvement of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant road authority under section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993.
The Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government has overall responsibility for the Planning and Development Acts under which planning authorities are responsible for making decisions on planning applications and An Bord Pleanála is responsible for considering appeals in relation to planning applications. I have no function in relation to the planning process.
It is a matter for local authorities, in their capacity as planning authorities and given their functions under the Roads Acts, to assess how to best balance planning needs with the protection of route corridors for future road projects.
594. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a capital sports grant application by a club (details supplied); when an announcement of funds allocated is expected under the sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39150/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme closed for applications on the 24th February and I can confirm that an application has been submitted by the organisation referred to by the Deputy. By the closing date, a record number of 2,320 applications seeking €155 million in grants were received. The total amount currently available to allocate under this round is €30 million. Accordingly, the allocation of grants will be particularly challenging.
All of the 2,320 applications received are currently being assessed by officials in my Department. I expect to be in a position to make an announcement regarding allocations in the coming weeks.
595. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided for the N4 in the budget in view of the fact that a new road is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39212/17]
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 implementation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
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.
596. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be put in place to build an extension or new road on the section of the N5 road between Tarmonbarry and Frenchpark; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39213/17]
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 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.
597. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to build a dual carriageway or motorway between Mullingar and Castlebar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39214/17]
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 implementation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
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.
598. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will open the Claremorris to Galway train line; if funding will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39215/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra604. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Ennis to Galway and Limerick line will be kept open in view of positive figures on journeys taken in the week commencing 4 September 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39221/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 598 and 604 together.
My Department's 2015 Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport recommended the development of a new rail policy and last year the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Iarnród Éireann published the Rail Review Report 2016 on which the NTA held a public consultation.
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 or will be taken regarding matters such as the future of individual rail lines.
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. 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.
599. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will restore the roads budget for county councils back to 2008 levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39216/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding for the national, regional and local road network has been reduced significantly across the board since 2008 when funding was €2.3 billion. The funding this year is around €760 million.
The Capital Plan published in September 2015 outlined proposed transport investment priorities to 2022 and was framed by the conclusions reached in my Department's Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport (SFILT). 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 over the next period and the bulk of the roads capital budget, approximately €4.4 billion, is earmarked for such essential work.
As part of work to determine a SFILT, my Department's Economic and Financial Evaluation Unit assessed and estimated the level of expenditure required to maintain the current land transport system in its 'steady state', a key element of which is the national, regional and local road network.
The estimate for regional and local roads is based on industry standards, asset management best practice and conservative cost estimates. It is based on a minimum annual output of providing surface sealing on 5% of the network, road strengthening on 5% of the network and general maintenance and repairs on the totality. The analysis points towards a conservative estimate of €580 million gross per annum (including local authority own expenditure) to keep the regional and local road network in a steady state condition.
For the national road network the steady state analysis includes the cost of pavement works, signs and lines, safety works, bridge works, routine maintenance, small works and costs associated with programme support and network management. The analysis conducted determined that on average the gross steady state requirement for national roads is c. €580 million per annum (using 2015 as the basis).
Based on the existing Capital Plan it is envisaged that ‘steady state’ funding for the national, regional and local road network will be achieved over the lifetime of the plan.
600. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department is putting funding in place for an outer ring road for Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39217/17]
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 is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
The transport element of the Capital Plan makes provision for a number of national road projects to commence during the plan period, including the Galway City Ring Road, subject to necessary project approvals.
601. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of new carriages Iarnród Éireann is buying for its fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39218/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra602. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Iarnród Éireann is refurbishing 28 train carriages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39219/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 601 and 602 together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and for overall funding in relation to public transport. Iarnród Éireann operates the heavy rail network and is responsible for assessing rolling stock requirements for the heavy rail network in conjunction with the National Transport Authority.
Noting the responsibilities of the agencies in this regard, I have referred the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
603. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are more carriages being added to the Dublin to Westport train in view of the fact that it is frequently overcrowded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39220/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with 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.
605. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the sports capital grants will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39222/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme closed for applications on the 24th February. By the closing date, a record number of 2,320 applications seeking €155 million in grants were received. The total amount currently available to allocate under this round is €30 million. Accordingly, the allocation of grants will be particularly challenging.
All of the 2,320 applications received are currently being assessed by officials in my Department. I expect to be in a position to make an announcement regarding allocations in the coming weeks.
606. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department will increase the funding for the local transport sector in budget 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39223/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra608. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason Dublin is getting more funding for transport infrastructure than other regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39225/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 606 and 608 together.
As part of the 2018 estimates process, my Department is currently finalising a submission to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform outlining priorities for funding in 2018. When my Department's allocation is confirmed, decisions will be made regarding appropriate level of funding for all programmes under my areas of responsibility.
As you are aware my Department is responsible for many programmes that involve investment throughout the whole country e.g. various road schemes, Tourism measures, Sports Capital Grants, Greenways, etc.
As regards road transport infrastructure, the four Dublin Councils became self-funding for regional and local roads under the main road grant categories from 2015 as a result of the arrangements in place in relation to Local Property Tax receipts. This means that State grant funding for regional and local roads is primarily directed to local authorities outside Dublin. Provision was made in the current Capital Plan for a strategic scheme to upgrade roads in the vicinity of Grange Castle Business Park. This project together with the Naas Bypass Widening/Sallins Bypass scheme are the only major road upgrades in the Greater Dublin Area provided for in the Capital Plan. All other major road improvement projects are outside of the Greater Dublin Area.
The focus of the €3.6 billion investment in the Public Transport Capital Programme over the 7-year period of the Government's Capital Plan, particularly in the early years of the Plan, is on achieving essential steady state maintenance of our public transport network to ensure that it remains safe and fit for purpose.
It is not possible to draw a clear line between investments in the Greater Dublin Area and outside of Dublin in all cases. Approximately €1.3bn of the overall funding for public transport over the period of the capital plan is required for maintenance of the heavy rail network which benefits all areas of the network.
A further €250m approximately is provisionally allocated for other improvements to the heavy rail network. While this includes almost €70m for phase one of the DART expansion programme and €30m for other heavy rail projects in the Greater Dublin Area, over €150m is allocated for the City Centre Re-signalling project, development of the Central Traffic Control Centre and ticketing programmes which will deliver benefits across the whole rail network.
The light rail network in Dublin, including completion of Luas Cross City and new Metro North, will receive approximately €1bn over the period of the capital plan.
Over €800m is provisionally allocated for development of the bus system throughout the country. Funding is also provided to continue development and further roll-out of the Leap Card Scheme over the period of the capital plan. The scheme is now available in the regional cities and the Greater Dublin Area and is being rolled out nationally on a gradual basis. The capital plan also provides over €70m for sustainable transport projects in the regional cities and accessibility programmes.
My Department continues to provide funding to local authorities throughout the country through the Smarter Travel and Active Travel Towns programmes, which help deliver transport infrastructure, including cycle lanes, to areas outside of the Greater Dublin area.
