Written Answers Nos. 501-519
501. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to alleviate the drainage problem on a national route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48735/17]
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 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 you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
502. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his Department’s plans regarding the proposed national velodrome and badminton centre at Abbotstown; the status of the project to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48742/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the Programme For Government commitment to continuing progress on the National Sports Campus, in Budget 2017 it was confirmed that the Government has committed 16 million euro to develop a National Velodrome and Badminton Centre at the campus in 2020 and 2021.
The proposed facility will comprise a 250 metre cycling track, 12-16 Badminton Courts in the in-track area, spectator seating and ancillary facilities including office space. The Centre will be developed by Sport Ireland to the construction specification of the Union Cycliste Internationale and the Badminton World Federation.
Planning permission was granted for this facility in March 2015 and a cost benefit analysis has been prepared by Sport Ireland. Procurement and construction of the Centre will take approximately 2 years over the period 2020-21.
As the first indoor velodrome on the island, this arena will be hugely valuable resource for our athletes while also helping to increase participation levels in both cycling and badminton.
503. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the direction he has given to the National Transport Authority regarding liaising with taxi drivers in Dublin in view of the changes to access in Dublin city centre due to the Luas cross city project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48755/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. The NTA also has statutory responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area. On that basis, the NTA are best placed to advise taxi drivers on any changes to access in relation to the Dublin City area due to the Luas Cross City project.
I have referred your query to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
504. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the preparations made in his Department in the event of no agreement being reached between the United Kingdom and the European Union on the terms of the UK's exit from the EU; if such preparations involve the drawing up of detailed and specific contingency plans in the event of a hard Brexit and a trade regime based on WTO tariffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48785/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with special responsibility for Brexit, Minister Coveney has responsibility for coordinating the whole-of-Government response to Brexit. In this capacity, he is working closely with his colleagues across Government to address the many challenges resulting from Brexit. This cooperation also involves the relevant State Agencies.
Work at Cabinet level is being prepared through cross-Departmental coordination structures. These represent a frequent and active channel through which all relevant Departments are providing their research, analysis and overall policy input to the Government’s wider response to Brexit, including its priorities for the ongoing Article 50 negotiations between the EU and the UK.
As the outcome of the negotiations is not yet known, an important focus of the planning and preparation being undertaken through these structures is on deepening the Government’s analysis and understanding of the exact consequences of a range of different possible scenarios.
Brexit is a key strategic risk for my Department and there are ongoing consultations and meetings between my officials, other Government Departments and agencies, and other public and private key stakeholders in order to continue to plan for and mitigate the risks associated with Brexit, and to identify opportunities arising.
My Department is represented on all relevant cross-Departmental coordination structures referred to above, and an internal Departmental Committee on Brexit meets on a monthly basis to oversee the Department's analyses and planning as the negotiations progress. There has been wide engagement with sectorial stakeholders.
My Department is continuing to examine a number of possible scenarios relating to the impact of Brexit on transport, tourism and sport in Ireland, including a “no-deal” scenario, and this work will evolve as the negotiations further progress. The work that will emerge from this will identify actions and funding that may be required in response to threats from Brexit.
The imposition of WTO tariffs would indirectly affect the transport sector involved in international trade but the main implications are on regulatory matters where there could be disruption to international transport should the existing EU regulatory frameworks not continue to apply to the UK.
505. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of providing external coaching and-or training services for staff development in his Department over the past five years and to date in 2017, by cost per year, in tabular form; the company that delivered the training courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48814/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have outlined, for the Deputy, in the table the cost of providing training and coaching to staff of the Department in the years 2012 to 2016 and to date in 2017 and the companies who delivered training courses. The training and development of individual staff in the Department is a key component of ensuring the delivery of the business needs and objectives of the Department.
TABLE 1
|
- |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 (Jan - 17th Nov) |
|
Training Cost |
€152,984.36 |
€162,993.06 |
€163,001.47 |
€162,872.78 |
€143,992.74 |
€122,883.43 |
|
Training Providers |
Carr Communications Ltd |
Phoenix Safety Services |
Alliance Francaise |
Alliance Francaise |
Legal Island |
IPASS |
|
|
Common Purpose |
The International Academy of Computer Training |
BMF business services |
Arcline Ltd |
EnAct |
Achilles Procurement Services |
|
|
CPL Training Ltd T/A Nifast |
Venture Forward |
Boardmatch Ireland |
Bord Iascaigh Mhara |
IT Knowledge Partners Ltd |
Arcline Ltd |
|
|
Dublin Business School |
Common Purpose |
Bord Iascaigh Mhara |
Bridge Interpreting |
Alliance Francaise |
BT Training Solutions |
|
|
Institute of Public Administration |
CPL Training Ltd T-A Nifast |
Carr Communications Ltd |
Carr Communications Ltd |
Next Action Associates |
Carr Communications Ltd |
|
|
International Academy of Computer Training (IACT) |
Institute of Public Administration |
EnAct |
Common Purpose |
IPASS |
Chartered Accountants Ireland |
|
|
IPASS |
Tiger Consultants |
Gaelchultur |
CPL Training Ltd T/A Nifast |
Institute of Public Administration |
Haymarket Media Group Limited |
|
|
Joint Aviation Authorities Training Organisation |
Carr Communications Ltd |
Institute of Project Management |
Dublin Fire Brigade |
Public Affairs Ireland |
Institute of Public Administration |
|
|
Legal Island |
Irish payroll Association |
Institute of Public Administration |
ECDIS Ltd |
Next Action Associates |
International Academy of Computer Training (IACT) |
|
|
MAZARS CONSULTING |
Red Ensign |
International Academy of Computer Training (IACT) |
Gaelchultur |
ECDIS Ltd |
Irish Management Institute |
|
|
Pitman Training |
Irish Times |
Irish Management Institute |
HighPerformance Training |
European Institute of Public Administration |
ITS Ireland |
|
|
Pulse Medical Ltd |
Donegal IT Centre |
Legal Island |
ICS Skills |
AVEVA Solutions Ltd |
La Touche Bond Solon Training Ltd |
|
|
Rothwell Performance Consulting |
Actian Europe Ltd |
Phoenix Safety Services |
Institute of Public Administration |
Carr Communications Ltd |
Legal Island |
|
|
SureSkills Limited |
Institute of Chartered Accountants |
RB Counihan & Associates Ltd |
Irish Management Institute |
CIPD Enterprises (Training) |
The Law Society |
|
|
The Irish Times |
|
Softworks Computing Ltd |
Irish Payroll Association |
Advanced Workplace Solutions |
Trigraph Professional Services |
|
|
|
|
SureSkills Limited |
Joint Aviation Authorities Training Organisation |
IPASS |
|
|
|
|
|
The Institute of Chartered Accountants |
Legal Island |
Poseidon Ventures Limited |
|
|
|
|
|
The Irish Times |
Next Action Associates |
Irish Management Institute |
|
|
|
|
|
The Open University |
Public Relations Institute of Ireland |
PDP Compliance |
|
|
|
|
|
Tiger Consulting |
Red Ensign |
Arcline Ltd |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sea Training International Ltd |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SureSkills Limited |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tiger Consulting |
|
506. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when legislation will be in place for the Irish Aviation Authority to become the noise regulator for the State's airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48820/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I advised the Dáil on October 11 this year, it has been determined, based on the most recent legal advices provided to me through the Office of the Attorney General, that the Irish Aviation Authority is not an approporiate body to act as the Competent Authority for the purposes of EU Regulation 598/2014. This represented a departure from previous legal advices which had provided the basis for pursing the option of nominating the IAA as the Competent Authority, but I understand it was influenced in particular by developments in European case law. Whilst it is a dissapointing development, I can assure the Deputy that the appointment of an appropriate Competent Authority is a high priority for me and for my Department. I will continue to keep the Dáil informed of developments in this regard.
507. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the interaction or meetings his Department has undertaken in both 2016 and to date in 2017 with either the Department of Health or the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment to promote cycling here; the number of these meetings; the actions agreed thereafter; the progress being made to promote cycling in accordance with the cycling policy framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48821/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that officials from my Department have had a number of interactions with the Healthy Ireland Division of the Department of Health throughout 2016 and 2017 to discuss issues supportive of cycling. These discussions led to Healthy Ireland providing funding for Cycle Right, the new National Cycle Training Standard. The Department has also been in discussions with Sport Ireland who are developing, in conjunction with Healthy Ireland, a “Get Ireland Cycling” programme, as set out in the National Physical Activity Plan. My Department also contributed material on cycling to the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) and the National Communication (NC7) documents, which were coordinated through the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
In regard to cycling promotion, officials of my Department and myself met with cycling advocates over the summer to discuss the potential for change in cycling promotion. I am delighted that this work led to a very significant increase in funding for cycling infrastructure in the recent Budget and will see a step-change in funding over the years to 2021. This will see a number of very important segregated cycle lanes being provided in the Greater Dublin Area and our Regional Cities.
508. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of rail commuters using the Kildare line at Hazelhatch, Celbridge, Naas and Sallins in 2017 compared to the number of commuters using the same line in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48830/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter 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 ten working days.
509. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the names of the companies renting a fixing and-or space on telecommunications and-or communications masts from his Department; the income received for each of the past five years for same, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48848/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra510. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the income received by his Department from the renting to companies of space to use and-or take fixings from telecommunications and-or communications masts on site or on the roof of his Department, in each of the past five years, by location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48886/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 509 and 510 together.
There are no companies renting a fixing or space on telecoms and or telecommunications masts from this Department.
511. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has given consideration to the establishment of a subsidiary company under Irish Rail to operate Rosslare Europort to ensure autonomy of finance and retention of profits (details supplied). [48922/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am not giving consideration at this time to the creation of a separate subsidiary company under Irish Rail to operate Rosslare Europort.
Rosslare Europort is unique among the State owned ports as it is not a commercial company operating under the Harbours Acts, but is instead operated as a division of Iarnród Éireann. This is due to a complicated legislative history as the port technically forms part of an Anglo-Irish company dating back to the 19th Century known as the Rosslare and Fishguard and Harbours Company.
The status of the port, and whether its current status potentially inhibits its developments, was most recently considered in a strategic review, commissioned by my Department, and carried out by Indecon Economic Consultants.
Their report concluded that the creation of an independent port authority would be extremely difficult given the Port's complex legal structure. Instead, it was recommended that the Port remain in public ownership and that the possibilities for increased private sector involvement be investigated.
In order to assist Iarnród Éireann's overall consideration of how best to move forward, the company then engaged consultants to assess market interest. The assessment was largely positive in terms of the potential for increased private sector investment in the port; however, it did identify possible implementation issues due to the complicated legislative basis of the port.
Following that assessment my Department sought and received detailed advice from the Office of the Attorney General on the matter. That advice identified a number of legal issues with any such proposal and those issues remain under consideration by my Department.
512. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the sports capital grant allocations for 2018 for County Kildare will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48942/17]
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.
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.
513. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the dates the allocations under the sports capital programme will be announced. [48956/17]
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.
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.
514. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the sources of State funding relevant to capital funding for sports facilities and campuses encompassing multiple sports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48972/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra515. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funds and associated projects allocated since 2007 to major capital investments in sport facilities encompassing multiple sports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48973/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 514 and 515 together.
The Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary means of providing Government funding for capital projects to sport and community organisations at local, regional and national level.
The 2017 round of the SCP 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 include facilities encompassing multiple sports. In this regard, additional marks are awarded at assessment stage for projects that involve shared facilities.The timing of the next round of the SCP will be announced next year.
In relation to the funding previously provided to facilities encompassing multiple sports, details of all allocations and payments made under the SCP are available on the Department's website at http://www.dttas.ie/sport/english/sports-capital-programme
Outside of the SCP, Government funding has also been provided through Sport Ireland (and previously through the National Sports Campus Development Authority) for the development of the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown. Total Capital Funding allocated for the Campus in the period 2007 to 2017 is set out in the table.
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
€6,807,364 |
€4,000,000 |
€3,855,719 |
€1,347,328 |
€676,414 |
€3,900,000 |
€7,965,000 |
€4,352,887 |
€30,132,000 |
€31,124,000 |
€4,400,000 |
516. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will meet with a group (details supplied) campaigning for a greater share of infrastructural capital investment in County Donegal; if he has given consideration to the much needed transport infrastructure required if County Donegal is to attract jobs and develop further; the way in which he intends to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48999/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am fully aware of the importance in enhancing regional accessibility and I note the emphasis on the matter as proposed by the draft National Planning Framework.
I am not aware that the Group in question has submitted a request to meet. If they would like to send a request to my Office that request will obviously be given consideration.
517. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the grants available for a club (details supplied); if supports are available for the development of other clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49026/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 it would be open to the organisation referred to by the Deputy to apply for funding under future rounds.
The timing of the next round of the Sports Capital Programme will be announced next year.
518. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons with sleep apnoea who have registered their condition with the national driver licence service as required under the European Union Directive 2014/85/EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49033/17]
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 10 days.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
519. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the domain names registered to or owned by his Department or through a third party company. [49071/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the deputy to the table which contains the information as requested.
State agencies under the remit of my Department have been forwarded a copy of your enquiry. They have been requested to respond to you directly. Please advise my private office, if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
|
Internet Domain |
Owner |
|
AAIU.ie |
DTTAS |
|
Bikeweek.ie |
DTTAS |
|
Coastguard.ie |
DTTAS |
|
departmentoftransport.ie |
DTTAS |
|
deptoftransport.ie |
DTTAS |
|
Dttas.ie |
DTTAS |
|
dublintransport21.ie |
DTTAS |
|
eport.ie |
DTTAS |
|
Gardacostanaheireann.ie |
DTTAS |
|
Ircg.ie |
DTTAS |
|
ircgstores.ie |
DTTAS |
|
Irishcoastguard.ie |
DTTAS |
|
irishmaritimeadministration.ie |
DTTAS |
|
marinesurveyoffice.ie |
DTTAS |
|
mcib.ie |
DTTAS |
|
moraninquiry.ie |
DTTAS |
|
railwayinquiries.ie |
DTTAS |
|
RoadHaulage.ie |
DTTAS |
|
safeseas.ie |
DTTAS |
|
Safetyonthewater.ie |
DTTAS |
|
Seafarers.ie |
DTTAS |
|
Smartertravel.ie |
DTTAS |
|
sportscapitalprogramme.ie |
DTTAS |
|
Sustainabletransport.ie |
DTTAS |
|
Sustainabletravel.ie |
DTTAS |
|
Transport.ie |
DTTAS |
|
transport21.ie |
DTTAS |
|
Vesselregister.ie |
DTTAS |
|
motarchain.ie |
DVCSD |
|
motarelv.ie |
DVCSD |
|
motarviews.ie |
DVCSD |
|
motorelv.ie |
DVCSD |
|
npmotorelv.ie |
DVCSD |
|
motortax.ie |
DVCSD |
|
motortrans.ie |
DVCSD |
|
motorviews.ie |
DVCSD |
|
npmotarchain.ie |
DVCSD |
|
npmotortax.ie |
DVCSD |
|
npmotortrans.ie |
DVCSD |
|
nvdfservices.ie |
DVCSD |
|
rtol.ie |
DVCSD |
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
