Niamh Smyth
Ceist:1053. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) and issue a response to same. [46705/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Correspondence
Ceisteanna (1053)
Freagraí scríofa
The issues raised are matters for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Bus Éireann 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 reply within ten working days.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Road Improvement Schemes
Ceisteanna (1054)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:1054. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase the funding allocation to Wexford County Council for the community involvement scheme for the restoration and upgrading of local roads and lanes in view of its positive uptake. [46775/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each 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.
The Community Involvement Scheme (CIS) 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.
It is expected that regional and local road allocations for 2018 will be notified to local authorities in January 2018.
Road Improvement Schemes
Ceisteanna (1055)
Robert Troy
Ceist:1055. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if upgrade works to the N4 will be carried out following the mid-term review of the capital investment programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46778/17]
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) 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.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Driver Licensing Exchange Agreements
Ceisteanna (1056)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:1056. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made in having Quebec added to the reciprocal agreement for driving licence exchange; when he envisages it to be included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46780/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Irish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU law, in accordance with which we have mutual recognition of exchange of driving licences with all other EU Member States. In the case of jurisdictions outside the EU, we may reach bilateral agreements on reciprocal exchange of licences.
The work of reaching an agreement is not straightforward. It depends on the relevant authorities on each side comparing the two licensing regimes in detail so that each can be satisfied that the two regimes are compatible. On the Irish side this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Canada operates driver licensing at provincial rather than national level. For some time now the RSA has been engaging with the authorities in the Canadian provinces with a view to reaching agreement on exchange of licences. We now have four such agreements in place, which between them cover over half of the population of Canada.
The RSA is continuing to work with the other provinces, including Quebec, with a view to reaching agreement. It is not possible at this stage to say when an agreement with Quebec will be reached.
Rugby World Cup 2023
Ceisteanna (1057)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:1057. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions he has taken in view of the recent findings of the Rugby World Cup 2023 host selection process evaluation report ; and if he will embark on a campaign of lobbying in order to help the IRFU secure the hosting of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in view of the shortness of time left. [46791/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I was disappointed and surprised by the recent findings of the Rugby World Cup Board which has made a recommendation for previous hosts South Africa to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup. That said it is very clear from the report that Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) was hugely impressed by the quality of the bid put forward on behalf of Ireland. Ireland scored top/joint top in 12 of the 21 scored categories, second in two and in all cases met or exceeded RWCL requirements. In that regard, I was pleased to see that the Evaluation Report acknowledged the quality of Ireland’s plans, and our ability to stage a successful event in 2023, stating as it does ‘any of the three candidates could host a successful Rugby World Cup’.
I would hope that a majority of World Rugby Council members, who will vote on November 15th, will place their trust in Ireland to deliver an outstanding Rugby World Cup 2023. Appropriate engagement with various Rugby Unions will continue over the coming days ahead of the concluding vote.
Together with the Irish Rugby Football Union the Government will, in the coming week, strongly relay Ireland’s compelling proposition to World Rugby Council members ahead of the vote on November 15th as the team competes to turn our historic bid plans into reality.
Sports Capital Programme Applications
Ceisteanna (1058)
Robert Troy
Ceist:1058. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a sports capital grant will be awarded to a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46792/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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. I can confirm that an application has been submitted by the organisation referred to.
When the programme was launched, it was envisaged that €30m would be available which would have made the allocation of grants particularly challenging. Following the conclusion of the budget discussions and in order to allow as many worthwhile projects as possible to receive some funding, I am pleased that significant extra resources have been secured to allocate under this round.
The assessment of all the 2,320 applications is now nearing completion and I expect to be in a position to announce full details of the allocations in the coming weeks.
Sports Capital Programme Applications
Ceisteanna (1059)
James Browne
Ceist:1059. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when groups in County Wexford will be notified if their capital sport grant applications have been approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46824/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
When the programme was launched, it was envisaged that €30m would be available which would have made the allocation of grants particularly challenging. Following the conclusion of the budget discussions and in order to allow as many worthwhile projects as possible to receive some funding, I am pleased that significant extra resources have been secured to allocate under this round.
The assessment of all the 2,320 applications is now nearing completion and I expect to be in a position to announce full details of the allocations in the coming weeks.
Bus Éireann Services
Ceisteanna (1060)
Robert Troy
Ceist:1060. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason it can take up to 12 months for the NTA to make a decision on applications for a new route or a route change; and his views on whether this does not enable Bus Éireann to respond efficiently to market demands. [46847/17]
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.
Public Transport Expenditure
Ceisteanna (1061)
Robert Troy
Ceist:1061. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce a multi-annual funding plan to all semi-State providers of public transport. [46848/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, multi-annual funding for public transport is provided under the Government's Capital Plan. Budget 2018 provided a four-year capital envelope for public transport of over €2.7 billion to 2021. Within this allocation, my Department provides capital funding to semi State providers of public transport both directly and through the National Transport Authority (NTA).
In accordance with the requirements of EU law, my Department provides capital funding to Iarnród Éireann for the maintenance and renewal of the heavy rail network under the Infrastructure Manager Multi-Annual Contract (IMMAC). The current IMMAC covers the five-year period 2014-2018. Iarnród Éireann also receives capital funding, via the NTA, for heavy rail projects in the Greater Dublin Area as well as funding under the Accessibility Grants and Regional Cities Programmes.
My Department provides capital funding to the NTA for a rolling programme of bus replacement and refurbishment of the Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann PSO fleets. Funding is also provided to these two companies for accessibility projects and funding for Bus Éireann under the Regional Cities Programme.
Funding is also provided by my Department, through the NTA, to Transport Infrastructure Ireland for light rail projects.
In relation to services, the Deputy is aware that compensation is provided to PSO operators in accordance with their public service contracts entered into with the NTA. These current contracts relate to 5 year periods in relation to the CIÉ bus operators and a 10 year period in relation to Iarnród Éireann. Compensation is calculated in accordance with EU Regulation 1370/2007 and the relevant schedules to each public service contract.
Bus Éireann Services
Ceisteanna (1062)
Robert Troy
Ceist:1062. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide a once-off capital input to improve conditions at Busáras. [46849/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing or providing public transport in the State in relation to bus stops, bus shelters, bus stations, bus stands and bus fleets.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Dublin Bus Services
Ceisteanna (1063)
Robert Troy
Ceist:1063. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to roll out the policy of BusConnects nationally in view of the fact that BusConnects is the preferred future policy of Dublin Bus for the next number of years; and his plans for the national bus service if this policy is not put in place. [46850/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following the mid-term review of the Capital Plan, Budget 2018 provided for an increase in the multi-annual capital investment for public transport with a four-year capital envelope of €2.7 billion over the period 2018-2021. The increased funding will allow roll-out of a number of key programmes to address congestion and emerging capacity constraints on our public transport system across our cities.
As the Deputy is aware, this includes investment of over €770 million for the BusConnects programme to address growing congestion in the Dublin region in the short to medium term. The four-year capital envelope for public transport will also enable increased investment in sustainable transport projects in our main cities including investment in the region of €130 million for traffic management, bus priority and other smarter travel projects. This is to allow transport infrastructure to function more effectively and will help relieve traffic congestion. Over €110 million will also be invested in new urban cycling and walking routes which will provide additional sustainable travel options to complement increased capacity and faster, higher quality public transport in our main cities.
Undoubtedly the growth in travel demand is becoming an increasing problem in cities. The BusConnects programme, will roll out first in Dublin where congestion is most acute. There is of course potential to then adopt a similar approach in other cities and roll-out of the BusConnects template.
Sports Capital Programme Administration
Ceisteanna (1064)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:1064. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding measures available for sports buildings in order to help enable disability access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46872/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Sports Capital Programme is the primary means of providing Government funding to sport and community organisations at local, regional and national level.
The 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme closed for applications on the 24th February and the announcement of allocations is expected in the coming weeks. The full guide to making an application under the programme is available on my Department's website and applications for assistance can involve modifications to sports facilities to improve access for people with disabilities.
The timing of the next round of the Sports Capital Programme will be announced next year.
Sports Capital Programme Administration
Ceisteanna (1065)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:1065. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the sports capital fund allocations for 2017 will be announced in view of the fact that many clubs have made plans dependent on such funding. [46885/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
When the programme was launched, it was envisaged that €30m would be available which would have made the allocation of grants particularly challenging. Following the conclusion of the budget discussions and in order to allow as many worthwhile projects as possible to receive some funding, I am pleased that significant extra resources have been secured to allocate under this round.
The assessment of all the 2,320 applications is now nearing completion and I expect to be in a position to announce full details of the allocations in the coming weeks.
Commencement of Legislation
Ceisteanna (1066)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:1066. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if all sections of the Harbours Act 2015 are commenced; if not, when the remaining sections will be commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46960/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Harbours Act 2015 was signed by the President on 25 December 2015. All sections of the Act were commenced on the day it was signed.
National Transport Authority
Ceisteanna (1067)
James Lawless
Ceist:1067. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the financial penalties the National Transport Authority has issued in the past five years to operators in circumstances in which the performance of operators do not meet the agreed performance levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46972/17]
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 deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Question No. 1068 answered with Question No. 1040.
Taxi Regulations
Ceisteanna (1069)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:1069. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce an incentive scheme for the provision of a greater amount of fully accessible taxi and hackney services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46989/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the licensing of vehicles, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. Since 2010, under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 (Wheelchair Accessible Hackneys and Wheelchair Accessible Taxis —Vehicle Standards) Regulations 2010, new taxi or hackney licences are granted only where the vehicle complies with the specifications for wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs).
As the Deputy may be aware, there is already a WAV scheme in place for taxis and hackneys which is administered by the NTA. This scheme offers grants, on a sliding scale, of up to €10,000 for purchase or conversion of a WAV. I have no plans to introduce an additional incentive scheme in this area.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply on the current situation in respect of wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Bus Éireann Services
Ceisteanna (1070, 1072)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:1070. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of new buses purchased in 2016 and 2017 by Bus Éireann; the number of planned bus purchases by Bus Éireann in 2018; if new buses will have higher capacity than the current stock; the way in which the new stock will be allocated to existing routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46990/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Murphy
Ceist:1072. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the known capacity constraints on Bus Éireann services; the services and or routes that currently cannot operate at full capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46992/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1070 and 1072 together.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of Public Service Obligation (PSO) public transport services.
As part of the public transport investment programme, my Department provides funding to the NTA for a rolling programme of bus replacement and refurbishment of the PSO bus fleet including the Bus Éireann fleet.
I have referred the Deputy's question to both the NTA and Bus Éireann for direct reply on the issues raised. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Bus Éireann Services
Ceisteanna (1071)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:1071. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to an issue regarding the 120 Bus Éireann early morning services in the Straffan area, County Kildare; his plans to intervene and request Bus Éireann to issue a public commitment to affected persons regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46991/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Bus Éireann 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 deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Question No. 1072 answered with Question No. 1070.
Railway Stations
Ceisteanna (1073, 1074, 1075)
Robert Troy
Ceist:1073. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to alter DART services (details supplied); and his views on the impact this change will have for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users and other persons that require assistance in boarding and disembarking the train. [46994/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRobert Troy
Ceist:1074. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the decision to make Sydney Parade an unattended station, in view of the fact that this is the main station which services St Vincent's hospital; and his further views on the fact that Sandymount station services a school and a centre (details supplied). [46995/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRobert Troy
Ceist:1075. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he has put in place to assist DART passengers travelling to and from DART stations which are scheduled to become unattended. [46996/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1073 to 1075, inclusive, together.
The issues raised are matters for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann 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 10 working days.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (1076)
Marcella Corcoran Kennedy
Ceist:1076. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure the conversion of the national fleet of vehicles to electric and renewable fuel sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47009/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the procurement of the bus fleet for PSO services. The procurement of buses for Dublin Bus' and Bus Éireann’s commercial services as well as private bus fleets is a matter for the individual companies.
However, clean and energy efficient vehicles have an important role to play in achieving Ireland's policy objectives of reducing energy consumption and lessening our levels of greenhouse gas emissions, and I am strongly committed to facilitating the uptake of low-emission vehicles and technologies in the public transport sector. Decarbonising transport will require a significant step-change and this is reflected in the recently launched Bus Connects proposal which includes a commitment to transition the bus fleet towards new low-emission vehicle technologies. It is anticipated that by 2023, half of the bus fleet (approximately 500 buses) will be converted to low-emission vehicles, with plans for full conversion by 2030.
My Department has also established a Green Public Transport Fund to support the uptake of low carbon technologies within the public transport sector. This Fund supports the uptake of energy efficient technologies within the public transport sector; specifically to transition the national bus fleet to low emission technology by covering the price differential between the cost of a conventional diesel bus and the cost of an alternatively fuelled vehicle, as well as refuelling infrastructure. Furthermore, the National Policy Framework for Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland was published in May to support the deployment of alternative fuels for transport in Ireland and assist in removing any barriers that exist towards greater uptake of low emissions vehicles (LEVs).
The Deputy will be aware that a series of measures were announced in Budget 2018 that clearly reflect the Government’s determination to promote a low-carbon electric vehicle future. Measures supported include: continuing the current valuable and generous VRT reduction and SEAI purchase grants; introducing a new grant to support installation of home charger points for buyers of new and second-hand EVs; a new grant to stimulate take-up in the Taxi /Hackney/Limousine (SPSV) sector; a new EV toll incentive regime; a new EV Public Awareness Programme to include driver experience opportunities; public sector and commercial fleet trials allowing public bodies and business to trial EVs; a new Benefit in Kind (BIK) 0% rate to incentivise EVs without mileage conditions as well as rules to ensure that there is no BIK liability associated with recharging EVs in workplaces.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the purchasing of PSO bus fleets, I have referred your letter to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.