Written Answers Nos. 503-522
503. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the sectoral adaptation plans adopted in accordance with the national climate change adaptation framework since the framework was published in 2012; and the locations in which the sectoral plans can be accessed. [41768/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe non-statutory 2012 National Climate Change Adaptation Framework, NCCAF. was the first step in developing a national policy in Ireland to address the anticipated impacts of climate change through a structured programme of action on adaptation.
Under the 2012 Framework, the following four sectoral plans have been developed and published to date:
|
2012 NCCAF Sector |
Plan/Draft Plan |
|
Flood Defence |
“Flood Risk Management Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan” available at http://www.opw.ie/en/climatechange/ |
|
Agriculture and Forestry |
“Adaptation Planning - Developing Resilience to Climate Change in the Irish Agriculture and Forest Sector” available at https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/ruralenvironment/climatechange/adaptation/ |
|
Transport |
“Adaptation Planning - Developing Resilience to Climate Change in the Irish Transport Sector” available at http://www.dttas.ie/public-transport/english/climate-change |
|
Energy |
Draft “Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Electricity and Gas Networks Sector”. The draft is available at http://dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/energy/consultations/Pages/National-Adaptation-Plan-for-Energy-Networks.aspx |
The draft, “Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Electricity and Gas Networks Sector”, is currently the subject of a public consultation with a closing date of 16 October 2017. Preparatory work on preparing sectoral adaptation plans is also underway for other sectors, including the Cultural, Heritage and Biodiversity sectors.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 now provides a statutory basis for adaptation planning. Under Section 5 of the Act, I am required to submit a statutory National Adaptation Framework for approval to Government no later than 10 December 2017. A draft National Adaptation Framework was published for statutory public consultation on 15 September 2017 and will close on 27 October 2017. This public consultation will help inform its further development before a final Framework is submitted to Government in December. Following approval of the NAF by Government, new statutory sectoral plans will be prepared to further the process of transitioning to a climate resilient future. The work undertaken by sectors to date under the 2012 NCCAF has been a hugely important contribution to enabling this transition process.
504. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to put in place an electric vehicle charging point in Leinster House. [41781/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy published earlier this year, the public sector has a leadership role to play in energy efficiency, climate action and the transition to a sustainable energy system. In this context, I would encourage all public sector organisations to consider how they can promote relevant measures in the adoption of electric vehicles such as installing electric vehicle charge points. My own Department has an electric vehicle charge point installed at its head office.
In relation to the provision of an electric vehicle charge point in Leinster House, my Department has engaged with the facilities management unit in the Houses of the Oireachtas and made them aware of the Deputy's request. I would also encourage the Deputy to raise this issue with the unit directly.
505. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the length of the waiting list for solar farms to connect to the grid; if shovel ready projects with planning permission already granted will be prioritised over those with no planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41830/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe most recent data available to me indicates that at present, there are 616 solar applications at the distributional level and 35 solar applications at the transmission level, at various stages in the grid connection application process. These applications amount to 4,344 Megawatts and 1,961 Megawatts respectively or 6,305 Megawatts in total.
Electricity grid connections are an operational matter for the national grid System Operators in conjunction with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, CRU. I do not have any function in the matter. However, I note that the CRU has been working closely with System Operators to develop a new connection process and will be consulting on the proposed new rules in the next number weeks.
It is widely recognised that solar photovoltaic, PV, technology has become more cost competitive for electricity generation over the last few years, not only compared with other renewables but also compared with conventional forms of generation.
While solar does have a role to play in Ireland’s energy future, we cannot have a situation where a new support scheme leads to an excessive increase in people’s electricity bills through a higher Public Service Obligation levy. In designing the new RESS the needs of and cost implications for people and businesses will be foremost in my mind.
506. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the townlands in County Meath in which there will be State intervention under the national broadband plan. [41856/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn April I published an updated High-Speed Broadband Map which is available at: www.broadband.gov.ie. This map shows the areas targeted by commercial operators to provide high-speed broadband services and the areas that will be included in the State led Intervention under the National Broadband Plan, NBP. The Map is searchable by Eircode:
- The BLUE areas on the Map 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 Map represent the areas that will require State Intervention and are the subject of a procurement process.
The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county including County Meath. Over 50,000 townlands and 2.3 million premises have been identified. Information on county coverage and related statistics is available on my Department's website.
The updated Map shows that of the 83,115 premises in County Meath, 77% of those premises are in the BLUE areas and will be served by commercial operators. The remaining 23% (c. 19,000) of premises are in the AMBER areas and are to be served by the State led Intervention.
It is intended that all premises will have access to services of at least 30 Megabits per second when the procurement process for the State led intervention is completed and the network rolled out.
507. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the meetings he held in respect of the Rugby World Cup bid. [41380/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have had a number of meetings over the last year to progress Ireland's bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023. I am glad to say that the outcome has been the submission of a compelling bid to World Rugby.
Most recently, on 25 September, together with An Taoiseach, I led the delegation presenting a world class proposition to host the Rugby World Cup tournament on the island of Ireland in 2023. The delegation also included Dick Spring, Chairman of the Ireland 2023 Oversight Board; Philip Browne, Chief Executive, IRFU; David Sterling, Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service; and Brian O'Driscoll, Ireland's Bid Ambassador, among others.
World Rugby will announce its decision on who will host the 2023 Rugby World Cup on 15 November 2017.
508. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the consumer protection rights and compensation available to persons at national and EU level following the cancellation of thousands of flights by a company (details supplied); and if he or his departmental officials have had direct discussions with the company since the cancellations were announced. [41925/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe legal framework in relation to air passenger rights in the event of cancellation, denied boarding and delay is set at EU level and is governed by the provisions of EU Regulation 261/2004. The regulation provides for consumer protections which may include, depending on the circumstances arising, refund of airfares, re-routing (i.e. provision of comparable transport to the passenger destination at the earliest opportunity), care and assistance and compensation and/or reimbursement of certain expenses under defined conditions. In addition to the provisions of Regulation 261/2004, the European Commission has published a complementary set of interpretive guidelines in 2016 in order to clarify rights and ensure better application of the regulation by air carriers and its enforcement by the national enforcement bodies in each Member State.
The Commission for Aviation Regulation is the independent regulator for the enforcement of air passenger rights in Ireland, functioning as the national enforcement body for such matters. The Commission for Aviation Regulation has been working directly with the airline (details supplied) since the cancellation announcement was made to ensure that the provisions of the regulation were correctly applied in respect of the passengers affected. The Commission has also made information available to consumers on its website and is available to advise consumers by phone and by email. The Commission is continuing its engagement with the airline.
I have also been in direct contact with the airline’s CEO and have expressed the Government’s concerns at the significant disruption caused to passengers by these cancellations, and I will continue to engage with the Commission for Aviation Regulation and the airline to ensure that all Irish passengers’ rights are upheld and that any possible impact upon them is minimised.
509. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a renewed driving licence in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth now displays a change to data in respect of country of birth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41234/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis 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 ten days.
510. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he plans to announce the allocations under the 2017 sports capital grant programme. [41279/17]
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. 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.
511. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of plans for a ring road or outer city bypass for Galway; the involvement his Department has in this area and other efforts to resolve traffic congestion in Galway city; when he expects to have progress on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41291/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme and in relation to public transport. 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. Traffic management in Galway and other cities is the responsibility of the relevant local authority.
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.
I am advised by the NTA that a transport strategy for Galway city was prepared by the National Transport Authority, NTA, in partnership with Galway City Council and Galway County Council during 2016. That Transport Strategy set out an overall framework for the development of transport infrastructure and services in Galway city and its environs over a 20-year period. The Strategy has been included in the new City Development Plan which was adopted by the city council and came into force on 7 January 2017. It is now primarily a matter for the local authority to pursue its implementation.
512. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a report on the further development of the western rail corridor has been commissioned by his Department; if so, the person or body that is compiling the report; the timeframe for it to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41298/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Partnership Government includes a commitment to provide for an independent costing and review of the Western Rail Corridor Phase Two between Athenry and Claremorris for passenger and freight use.
The role of heavy rail in Ireland's transport sector is currently under review. The National Transport Authority, NTA, held a public consultation process to start a national debate on the current and future role of rail transport in Ireland. The public consultation process was launched with the publication of a Rail Review 2016 report, which examined the funding required to support the heavy rail network now and into the future, together with a consultation document, "The Role of Rail in Ireland and Funding its Delivery".
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, which I expect to receive shortly.
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. No decisions have been made on future changes to the rail network, including any decisions relating to the Western Rail Corridor.
513. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to a matter (details supplied); if the person has been replaced in the interim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41321/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis 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 ten days.
514. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the waiting times to sit a driving test for the first nine months of 2017 (details supplied) for counties Cavan and Monaghan in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41322/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis 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 ten days.
515. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of applications made to his Department for exemptions for the transportation of munitions or weapons of war through Shannon Airport to date in 2017 under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, SI 224 of 1973; the number of these applications which were granted and denied, respectively, in 2017; the reason given for these decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41324/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra516. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of US troops who have passed through Shannon Airport to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41325/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 515 and 516 together.
The functions of the Minister under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, SI 224 1973, as amended, are limited to munitions or weapons of war; I have no function in relation to the transport of troops themselves.
On this basis my Department does not keep records on the number of troops transiting through Shannon Airport. Shannon Airport has informed my Department that the number of US troops that have passed through Shannon Airport from 1 January 2017 to 31 August 2017 was 33,277.
In the period 1 January 2017 to 30 September 2017, my Department received 197 munition of war exemption requests from airlines to land at Shannon Airport, 193 of which were granted.
In relation to the four refusals, these were refused on the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
517. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has given consideration to include funding for the Drogheda northern port access route in the forthcoming capital plan review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41341/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in County Louth is the statutory responsibility of Louth 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 and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
My Department has no grant application on hand in relation to the proposed Drogheda Northern Cross Port Access road and the project is not under consideration for funding at present.
518. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is reviewing the operation of the secondary toll on the M1 at Drogheda; if he has had formal engagement with the toll operator in this regard; the nature and timeframe of the toll operator's contract; the cost to the State; if the secondary toll at Drogheda is to be removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41342/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe statutory position which I as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport have is responsibility for overall policy in relation to roads. The statutory powers to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll by-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors are vested in TII and as such there is no provision under legislation by which I, as Minister, could review toll charges, such as those on the M1.
In 2012, TII conducted a study of the implications of the removal of the tolls at the north-facing slip roads at M1 junction 9. Two scenarios were considered. The first involved removing ramp tolls only and the second involved removing ramp tolls and increasing the mainline toll.
The study concluded that significant levels of additional traffic would divert to local routes and that for both Scenarios there would be significant financial implications for TII through increased payments to the PPP company of up to €7 million and that mainline tolls would have to be increased by up to 60%. An update of the study in 2017 concluded that the findings are still valid and would increase in line with growth in traffic demand, year-on-year.
TII is not in a position to underwrite the loss in income that would arise from a TII instruction for the removal of the ramp tolling at Donore interchange. Given the need for ongoing investment in our transport infrastructure, I would not consider it reasonable for the State to pay this and the only possible course of action available to TII would be to increase mainline tolls.
It is important to point out that the aim of the Donore ramp toll plazas was to mitigate possible rat-running and that the toll scheme allows vehicles to exit and re-enter within three hours, with no further charge.
I recently visited the toll bridge and the surrounding areas to hear about the difficulties faced by some local residents and businesses. I am reflecting on the issues raised and whether there are reasonable measures within my power that could ameliorate the concerns expressed to me without causing adverse consequences to the tax payer or local communities.
519. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress on his call for an organisation (details supplied) to implement measures still outstanding from the 2002 Genesis report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41346/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is my understanding that the question relates to the recommendation that this large sporting organisation should have an independent external non-executive director.
All National Governing Bodies of sport, NGBs, are independent, autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own governance procedures and competition rules for their sports. It is a matter for the NGBs themselves to appoint their board members in accordance with the rules of the organisation and in compliance, where applicable, with the relevant provisions of company law.
However, I fully recognise the need to maintain public confidence in all State-funded bodies. It is vital that the highest standards of governance are in place across all levels of Irish sport to ensure accountability, fairness and transparency across organisational activities and support the integrity of sport both at home and abroad.
Corporate governance is a key priority moving forward for Sport Ireland funded bodies. To this end, the Governance Code for Community, Voluntary and Charitable Organisations 2016 will become a condition of funding. It is a requirement for all Sport Ireland funded bodies to start the process of adopting the Code during 2017. Larger organisations are to complete the journey to implementing its principles and practices on a comply-or-explain basis by 1 January 2019. Smaller organisations are to complete the journey to implementing its principles and practices on a comply-or-explain basis by 1 January 2020.
Good governance practices in all sporting organisations, whether NGB, LSP or sports clubs, is a key aim in the upcoming National Sports Policy. The Policy recognises that it is imperative that transparency and good governance is at the heart of all publicly-funded sports organisations into the future. As such, it will encourage the early adoption by all sporting organisations of the Governance Code. This Code, which has been adopted by Sport Ireland, is principles-based and has a framework which can help to assess how these organisations are progressing toward developing stronger governance practices.
I hold the view that independent external board members are helpful for good corporate governance. In the case of large sporting organisations that receive significant public funding, I would encourage and expect them to consider appointing such persons to their boards.
520. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41391/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe fee charged for commercial vehicle roadworthiness tests in the UK, France, Germany, Northern Ireland or any other jurisdiction, as well as the content of such tests, is a matter for the relevant Ministries/bodies charged with responsibility for such in each of these respective jurisdictions.
The prescribed fee, per class of vehicle, for commercial vehicle roadworthiness tests in Ireland is set out in the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (Vehicle Testing)(No .2) Regulations 2013 (SI 347 of 2013). The fee covers the test undertaken at the testing centre, cost of the certificate of roadworthiness, CRW, and a road safety levy payable to the Road Safety Authority, RSA, in respect of an annual test.
In this jurisdiction, the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness, CVR, testing system is operated on a fully commercial basis and without any financial contribution from the State. This means that CVR tests are delivered by privately owned garages who are responsible for the provision of the necessary infrastructure and facilities and they carry the financial and operational risks associated with that investment.
The road safety levy is being used to fund several aspects of the commercial vehicle roadworthiness reform programme which is intended to support safer roads and compliant operators. The RSA has financed the up-front capital investment associated with the reform programme to date.
The model for commercial vehicle testing has been reviewed and it was decided by Government that the prevailing model involving the delivery of commercial testing by privately owned garages should continue.
521. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a person (details supplied) with a driving licence can avoid the obligation of taking a number of driving lessons before sitting a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41392/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU law, which sets common standards of obtaining a licence for all Member States. As a consequence, all EU licences are mutually exchangeable. In the case of non-EU jurisdictions we may reach bilateral agreements on the exchange of licences. There is no bilateral agreement in place with Mexico.
In the absence of an exchange relationship, we have no option but to ask people to go through the necessary steps to obtain an Irish licence. I appreciate that this creates a burden in terms of time and cost for people who have, in many cases, a long record of safe driving.
The biggest difficulty, in both time and cost, is with the mandatory 12 Essential Driver Training, EDT, lessons. My Department is currently working on proposals from the RSA for a "Short EDT" for drivers with full licences from non-exchange countries. It is my intention that this system will be in place from the beginning of 2018.
522. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeframe for a safety review of a road (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41419/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 road projects is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 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 the Deputy does not receive a reply within ten working days.
