Thursday, 16 Nov 2017

Written Answers Nos. 201-220

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (201)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

201. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to the introduction of mutual recognition of driver disqualification between the State and Britain as and from 1 August 2017, in circumstances whereby a person has been convicted and found guilty of driving offences leading to that person being disqualified from driving and forced to surrender their licence here, if such a disqualification is recognised by authorities in Britain should the conviction have occurred prior to the aforementioned date; if authorities here recognise a disqualification for driving offences committed in Britain should the conviction have occurred before said date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48575/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Mutual Recognition of Driving Disqualifications between Ireland and the United Kingdom came into effect from 1 August 2017. The Agreement underpinning that mutual recognition provides in Artice 14.3 that the Agreement shall only apply to offences committed after entry into force of the Agreement. Therefore any convictions for offences committed before 1 August 2017, in respect of covered by the Agreement, fall outside of the scope of the Agreement.

Driver Test Data

Ceisteanna (202)

Joe Carey

Ceist:

202. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of sick leave days taken by each driver tester; the centres to which they were attached in each of the years 2015, 2016 and to date in 2017; the number of driving tests cancelled as a result, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48456/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (203)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

203. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to electrify the Connolly to Maynooth rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48495/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

In line with the Government’s budgetary framework set out in Building on Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2016-2021 published in September 2015, the Government's recently announced Budget 2018 provides 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. 

This includes funding in the region of €230 million for mainline rail and DART capacity enhancement.  This will enable commencement of the initial stages of the DART Expansion programme, focussing on additional fleet and extending the electrified DART system. It will allow further progress to be made on the electrification of both the Northern rail line to Balbriggan and the Maynooth line.  

In light of the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the NTA for further information on the issue 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.

Cycling Facilities Provision

Ceisteanna (204)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

204. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the promised upgrade of the lighting and pathway along the Royal Canal path between Ashtown and Broombridge; if the budget for these works has been given to Luas cross city works; if this work will be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48496/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the development and implementation of public transport and sustainable transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).

Under the Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) Programme, my Department provides funding to the NTA for the seven local authorities in the GDA for the implementation of sustainable transport projects including cycling/walking infrastructure.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply with regard to this particular project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Sports Capital Programme Administration

Ceisteanna (205)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

205. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when decisions will be made on the 2017 sports capital programme applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48526/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

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.

Regional Road Network

Ceisteanna (206)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

206. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase the allocation for the 2018 road works programme to Cavan County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48527/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

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.

It is expected that regional and local road allocations for 2018 will be notified to local authorities in January 2018.

Regional Road Network

Ceisteanna (207)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

207. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase the allocation for the 2018 road works programme to Monaghan County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48528/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

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.

It is expected that regional and local road allocations for 2018 will be notified to local authorities in January 2018.

Gender Balance

Ceisteanna (208)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

208. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the gender balance on each of the State boards under his remit, in tabular form. [48571/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The information requested by the Deputy is available on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.dttas.ie/corporate/english/state-board-membership-and-approved-fees.

Electric Vehicles

Ceisteanna (209)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

209. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the anomaly whereby electric vehicles similar in size to petrol or diesel vehicles are more expensive to insure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48572/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The provision and price of insurance cover is a commercial matter for insurance companies.  It is not a matter in which I, as Minister, have a role.

On the wider matter of EV costs, the Deputy may be aware that many of the operational costs associated with an electric vehicle are lower than those for conventional vehicles; for example, lower motor tax, lower maintenance costs with less frequent servicing required and EVs have an estimated annual fuel saving of up to 80% compared to conventionally fuelled cars. In addition, a grant of up to €5,000 is available from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland towards the purchase of a new electric vehicle, as well as Vehicle Registration Tax relief up to a maximum €5,000. At present, public charging facilities are also provided free of charge to the user.

The Government is very supportive of the transition of the car fleet to zero emissions technology, especially EVs.  The Deputy may be aware that my Department and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, have jointly convened an interdepartmental Low Emission Vehicles (LEV) Task Force to consider a full suite of potential measures to expedite the deployment of low carbon technologies under a commitment outlined in the "Programme for a Partnership Government". 

Initial recommendations from the Task Force were submitted for consideration in advance of the budgetary process and I was delighted to announce a package of measures in Budget 2018 to promote a low-carbon electric vehicle future. The measures include: continuing the VRT reduction for EVs and SEAI purchase grants; introducing a new grant to support home charger installations; a new toll incentive regime; a new grant to stimulate EV take-up in the Taxi /Hackney/Limousine (SPSV) sector; a Public Awareness Programme including driver experience opportunities; EV fleet trials in the public and commercial sectors; a new public procurement framework to allow public bodies to purchase EVs with reduced administrative burden; and a new Benefit in Kind (BIK) 0% rate to encourage the use of electric vehicles in industry.

Minister Naughten and I have committed to working together to ensure that all new passenger cars sold in Ireland from 2030 onwards will be zero emission vehicles; demonstrating Ireland’s commitment to decarbonise the transport sector and our economy as a whole.

Ports Policy

Ceisteanna (210)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

210. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the implementation status of the national ports policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48593/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

National Ports Policy, published in 2013, recommends the implementation of a number of Actions which are listed at Appendix 1 of the document.

The following table lists these Actions and the current status of each one.

Appendix I - Actions and Timelines

Section Ref.	Action	Timeline	Status
2.3.1	Consider and respond   to Competition Authority study	2013	Complete
2.6	Publish a pathway for   future development of the Port of Waterford Company and Rosslare Europort	2013	Complete
2.7	Initiate and complete programme of discussions re   transfer of certain port companies, as outlined in sections 2.7.1 – 2.7.5	2013–2015	Two port transfers are complete. Three port   transfers are in progress.
2.7.7	Develop and publish legislative amendments in   respect of the above	2013–2015	Complete
3.1	Introduce performance measurement system for the   Ports of National Significance (Tier 1 and 2)	2016	In progress
3.3	Publish procedures to ensure port company directors   are kept informed of Government policy	2013	Complete
3.4	Ensure port companies submit an acceptable dividend   policy	2013	Complete
4.2	Introduce regular capacity forecasting	2018	In progress
4.2	Develop a model for on-going origin and destination   data collection	2016	In progress
5.2	Work with the Irish Ports Association and the   Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to conclude an administrative   agreement under Regulation 40 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural   Habitats) Regulations 2011	2013	Ongoing
5.3	Work with the Irish Ports Association and the   Department of Environment, Community and Local Government to address   outstanding foreshore-related issues	2013–2014	Ongoing

Ports Development

Ceisteanna (211, 217, 218)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

211. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding awards that the Trans-European Transport Network has made to Irish ports in each year since 2007. [48594/17]

Robert Troy

Ceist:

217. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding awards that the Connecting Europe facility has made to Irish ports in each year since 2007. [48600/17]

Robert Troy

Ceist:

218. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of applications that his Department has made to the Trans-European Transport Network and the Connecting Europe facility on behalf of Irish ports since 2007, by year and port. [48601/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 211, 217 and 218 together.

Port Companies apply directly to the EU for funding following calls for proposals under the Trans European Network (TEN-T) and Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and my Department endorses these applications.

Applications are processed by the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (INEA) and details of successful projects are available on their website.

Successful TEN-T project awards are publicly available at: https://ec.europa.eu/inea/ten-t/ten-t-projects/projects-by-country/ireland.

And successful CEF project awards are publicly available at: https://ec.europa.eu/inea/en/connecting-europe-facility/cef-transport/projects-by-country/ireland.

Dublin Port Company submitted an application for TEN-T funding in 2013 but the application was unsuccessful. A further application for funding for studies relating to the Alexander Basin Redevelopment Project was made in 2014 and was successful.  The port was awarded a 50% grant up to a maximum of €2,464,000. In 2015, the port submitted an application for CEF funding for the works element of this project and was awarded €22,782,055.

In 2013, the Port of Cork Company applied for funding for studies in relation to the Redevelopment of Ringaskiddy and was awarded €1,842,000. In 2015, the port was successful in a CEF application for the works element of the project and was awarded €12,736,001.

In addition, the Port of Cork was one of a number of parties to, but not the main applicant, of the Installation of gas and water cleaning system for the upgrade of the Arch Atlantic project, in 2014. The project application over 2015-2018 was for a study with up to 50% co-funding. The port received €25,000 for this project.

Shannon Foynes port submitted an application for TEN-T funding in 2013 but was unsuccessful. The port made two further applications for CEF funding in 2015 and both were successful. The first was in respect of a Jetty Enhancement for Sea Port Infrastructure Connectivity(JESPIC) project where the port was awarded a 20% works grant, up to a maximum of €2,400,000.  The second related to Connecting International Sea Cargo to the Irish Rail Network (CISCIRN) where the port was awarded a 50% studies grant, up to a maximum of €800,000.

The port submitted an application for CEF blended funding in 2017 for a Capacity Extension at Shannon Foynes (CESF) for a 20% works blended grant up to a maximum of €5,377,000. This is currently in the INEA evaluation process.

Legislative Programme

Ceisteanna (212, 213)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

212. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the implementation status of the Safety of Life at Sea Convention. [48595/17]

Robert Troy

Ceist:

213. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the merchant shipping Bill. [48596/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 212 and 213 together.

I take it the Deputy is referring to the planned Merchant Shipping (International Conventions) Bill.  This is still at the preliminary preparatory stages in my Department, prior to seeking Government approval for its drafting in due course.  The main purpose of the Bill is to provide the legislative framework for Ireland to become a party to a number of international maritime conventions.

The SOLAS Convention is an international convention of the International Maritime Organisation relating to the safety of ships (both passenger ships and cargo ships of >500 gross tonnes) that are engaged on international voyages.  In effect, it sets standards for such ships’ construction, equipment and operation.  Ireland is a party to the SOLAS Convention, and as a Flag State is responsible for ensuring and certifying that ships on the Irish register that undertake international voyages comply with the relevant SOLAS requirements, which vary according to the size of the ship and the year of construction. 

Additionally, under Port State Control, foreign ships in national ports are inspected to verify that the condition of the ship and its equipment complies with the requirements of international conventions (including SOLAS) and that the ship is manned and operated in compliance with those conventions.

Port State Control inspections are carried out by the Marine Survey Office (MSO) of my Department while Flag State activities are undertaken by the MSO and by authorised Recognised Organisations on their behalf.

National Transport Authority

Ceisteanna (214)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

214. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has received an implementation plan from the NTA relating to the transport strategy for the greater Dublin area 2016 to 2035; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48597/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035 provides a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the GDA over the next two decades that will be subject to a number of influencing factors including funding availability.  The 20-year Strategy will be supported and given effect through a series of sequential shorter-term implementation plans - succeeding the NTA's present "Integrated Implementation Plan 2013-2018" - that will set out the investment priorities and proposals over the coming six year period.

The NTA has been working on this and has provided a draft new implementation plan.  Before approval, though, the plan will need to be finalised to appropriately reflect a number of highly relevant other strategic pieces of work that either have only recently, or are expected very shortly, to come to completion including: the Mid-Term review of the Capital Plan which has provided enhanced capital allocations for the coming 4-year period; the 10-year National Investment Plan to be published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform that will include Exchequer funding envelopes for the period up to 2028; the Rail Review and recent consultation by the NTA; and the Government's forthcoming new National Planning Framework which is being finalised under the leadership of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

Taxi Licences

Ceisteanna (215, 216)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

215. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of wheelchair accessible vehicles licensed as taxis here. [48598/17]

Robert Troy

Ceist:

216. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of grants that have been awarded for the purposes of providing wheelchair accessible vehicles each year since 2011. [48599/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 216 together.

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the licensing of wheelchair accessible SPSVs, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. Furthermore, it is the NTA who administer the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) grant for the SPSV industry on an annual basis.

I have referred your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.

Questions Nos. 217 and 218 answered with Question No. 211.

Taxi Regulations

Ceisteanna (219)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

219. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of his Department's review of cross-border SPSV operations. [48602/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As the Deputy is aware, in order to carry persons for hire and reward, the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 requires the holding of a small public service vehicle (SPSV) licence and a SPSV driver licence.  These requirements only apply to services if and when they are provided in the State.  The 2013 Act does not provide for such services to be delivered on a cross border basis.  The legislative position is similar in Northern Ireland.

As a result, under current legislation, if a SPSV operator wishes to operate cross-border taxi services, they would have to apply for and obtain licences in both the North and the South.

Accordingly, and to ensure that cross border taxi services can be legally facilitated and appropriately regulated, it has been decided that primary legislation will be needed in both jurisdictions, on a reciprocal basis, to provide for the exempting of particular requirements on licenced taxi operators in respect of certain cross-border services, subject to specified conditions. This approach was agreed, last year, between myself and the Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland at that time, Chris Hazzard. 

My Department is committed to developing the necessary legislative changes, which will require Government approval in due course.  However, any changes to the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 can only be progressed and ultimately enacted, in parallel with reciprocal legislative changes being introduced by the Northern Executive.

Taxi Regulations

Ceisteanna (220)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

220. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of his Department's review of ride sharing arrangements. [48603/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As the Deputy is aware, the regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is provided for under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. This Act requires the holding of a SPSV licence and SPSV driver licence to carry passengers for hire or reward. No definition for "ridesharing" is provided for in this Act.

The current licensing regime was put in place to protect the consumer and to help ensure personal safety.  While cognisant of the need to safeguard these objectives, I am conscious that there is also a need to evolve and be open to new technologies and innovation. 

In this context, I am committed to giving further consideration to this issue.  Along with my officials, I regularly engage with key stakeholders in the transport industry.  This helps to provide insights into the performance of our legislative frameworks and their impacts on the delivery of all modes of transport including SPSVs.  My Department continues to consider the issue of ride sharing, taking into account the likely impacts and risks to the travelling public associated with any change to current provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.  This work is ongoing and I am more than happy to consider new proposals and workable options.