Written Answers Nos. 1 - 55
40. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions he will take in view of the deficiencies within the Irish Aviation Authority highlighted by the Helios section 32 report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49282/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra51. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the fact that no section 32 reports on the performance by the IAA of its functions relating to the application and enforcement of technical and safety standards for aircraft and air navigation were commissioned by his Department in the years 2007, 2010 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49337/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra75. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will meet with representatives of an association (details supplied) to discuss the outcome of the examination under section 32 of the Irish Aviation Act 1993 of the Irish Aviation Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49281/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 40, 51 and 75 together.
As I have advised the House previously, civil aviation is a highly regulated global industry, and there are extensive EU and international rules and regulations which all members states are obliged to comply with.
In Ireland, the Irish Aviation Authority is the designated, statutory body for aviation regulation and it is subject to an extensive performance audit regime. This includes international oversight under ICAO's Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme and under the European Aviation Safety Agency's standardisation audits.
In addition, Section 32 of the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993 provides for an examination and report to the Minister for Transport on the performance of the IAA with regard to its safety regulation functions and air navigation service. The findings of the most recent Section 32 examination by the expert consultancy firm Helios, as set out in its Final Report of 2015, are in line with the positive views of both ICAO and EASA. To reiterate, the IAA is subject to three separate, detailed performance audit review processes - one under domestic law by the Minister, one under European law by EASA, and one under international agreement by the UN's ICAO.
Regarding the Helios Report raised by the Deputy, the Report notes that: the IAA's "level of compliance with European and ICAO safety regulations and standards and recommended practices is very high, evidenced by EASA standardisation audits and other audits over a sustained period where the IAA has consistently performed well. The IAA is well resourced with a level of industry experience and technical expertise that is amongst the best in Europe".
As with any good and robust audit process, the Helios Section 32 Report made recommendations for further improvement. The whole purpose of the audit regimes described above is to verify current perfomance against current requirements and also to push organisations to engage in continuous improvement. The IAA has established an implementation plan to address these areas for further improvement and is reporting periodically to my Department on progress.
In the period up to 2007, three examinations were carried out under Section 32. In 2009, the then Minister for Transport, Mr Noel Dempsey set out in a Dáil reply of 3 November 2009 the reasons for his decision not to carry out an examination under the Section 32 provision at that juncture. This was due to a number of factors, including plans at the time to restructure the IAA.
Within my remit, I will consider any request from the association referred to by the Deputy to meet and discuss matters of concern to it, including relating to the outcome of the Section 32 examination.
41. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report to Dáil Éireann on the progress made regarding his promised review of the issuing of permits for carrying weapons and munitions on civilian aircraft. [49341/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe internal review of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973 is currently underway. The purpose of the internal review is to identify the options available for various aspects of the Order.
The internal review of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973 is currently underway. The purpose of the internal review is to identify the options available for various aspects of the Order.
The Chicago Convention, which is the main international treaty governing the operation of civil aviation, states that no civil aircraft may carry munitions of war over a state without that state’s permission. This requirement is ratified in Irish law by the 1973 Order. Under the terms of the Order the carriage of weapons and munitions of war is prohibited in any civil aircraft in Irish airspace and on board any Irish registered aircraft, unless an exemption is granted by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.
In accordance with the provisions of the 1973 Order, my Department operates a procedure under which airlines wishing to carry weapons or munitions through Irish airspace or airports must apply for each flight at least 48 hours in advance. My Department seeks the views of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in relation to foreign policy issues and the Department of Justice and Equality in relation to security issues. The IAA is consulted in relation to aviation safety issues for applications involving munitions that are also categorised as dangerous goods. If any of these bodies objects, an exemption will generally not be granted.
Officials in my Department are currently liaising with the other departments and agencies concerned and the internal review of the Order should be completed the coming months.
I should point out that the internal review is examining the Statutory Instrument primarily from an administrative and legal perspective. There is no proposal to change the long-standing Government policy of permitting aircraft used by the defence forces of various nations to transit through Irish airspace and airports, subject to appropriate terms and conditions.
42. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on his role and work and that of his Department in Ireland's bid for the Rugby World Cup. [49111/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra52. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reasons for the failure of the bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023; the aspects of the bid that could be improved in future bids to host international sporting competitions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49286/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra91. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his role in Ireland's bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023; and his reasoning as to the unsuccessful nature of this bid. [49432/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 52 and 91 together.
Before I respond to the deputies' questions, I wish to reiterate my congratulations to France on their win. As I have said, I wish them every success as they turn their attention to delivering what I hope will be an outstanding tournament in 2023.
Wednesday's result was disappointing, particularly after the years of work put into the bid. However, in our disappointment, we should not lose sight of the fact that the technical report found that Ireland would be an excellent host country for a Rugby World Cup.
Ireland was up against two previous hosts and in the evaluation report we fell behind them based on the quality of their stadia, many of which are recently built as result of hosting Euro 2016 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. We presented a different, more sustainable, vision that involved investment in existing stadia to meet tournament standards. Unfortunately, RWCL's (Rugby World Cup Ltd) evaluators did not agree. In any event, ultimately the voters did not support the RWCL recommendation.
We did not win the bid due to not having secured a sufficient number of the votes cast last Wednesday. Unfortunately, that is the nature of the competitive process used. In a competition of this nature there always will be a winner and losers. We will of course learn from this experience and use that learning in any future bids for sporting events, but that does not take away from the excellent work that was done in preparing our bid.
My Department took the lead role in co-ordinating the input of Government Departments and public sector in support of the Bid as well putting in place the legislation and guarantees required by World Rugby. I am satisfied that the Government gave the IRFU all the support that was asked of it in its efforts to secure the Rugby World Cup in 2023.
I would like to particularly thank the IRFU, our colleagues in the Northern Ireland Executive, the members of the RWC 2023 Oversight Board, those who took on ambassadorial roles for the bid, the civil and public services and many State bodies, and the people of Ireland, all of whom have given such incredible support to this bid.
43. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which it is expected to augment the commuter rail service serving north County Kildare with particular reference to the need to ensure adequate carriages to accommodate and meet commuter requirements in order to eliminate passengers having to stand for the duration of the journey; the steps he plans to take in the short term to address this issue and in the long term to upgrade, including the extension of the DART to the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49434/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day to day operations of public transport. Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the NTA is the statutory body with responsibility for the issues raised in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann.
The PSO subvention for public transport services increased last year, again this year and will increase yet further next year. Over the three years PSO subvention will have increased by some 35% in total. This means that in 2018 over €285 million will be allocated via the National Transport Authority (NTA) to support the continued delivery of these socially necessary but financially unviable services that have grown in recent years.
The upgrade to the Phoenix Park Tunnel in 2016 has seen commuters on the Kildare to Dublin Heuston line have the option of direct trains to Connolly, Tara Street, Pearse and Grand Canal Dock Stations. The NTA is also continually monitoring and reviewing the operation of contracted bus and rail services in conjunction with the operators to ensure that the needs of the travelling public are met to the greatest possible extent. The NTA has previously extended the Short Hop Zone for rail travel on the Kildare line to Sallins/Naas and Kilcock stations, which considerably reduced the cost of travel for passengers commuting from those stations.
The DART Expansion Programme is a cornerstone project of the NTA Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035. Under this Programme, the DART system will be expanded, providing fast, high-frequency electrified services to Maynooth and M3 Parkway on the Maynooth/Sligo Line, Hazelhatch on the Kildare Line and Drogheda on the Northern Line, while continuing to provide DART services on the South-Eastern Line as far south as Greystones. The NTA in collaboration with Iarnród Éireann is continuing to work on the DART Expansion Programme – Pre-planning Stage.
44. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report to Dáil Éireann on progress regarding primary legislation and nominating a competent authority to implement EU Regulation 598/14. [49340/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputy, you will recall that in October, I advised the Dáil of the most recent legal advices made available to me at that time which had the effect of ruling out the Irish Aviation Authority as the preferred body to be nominated Competent Authority for the purposes of EU Regulation 598/14.
This represented a very late-in-the-day development, and it has resulted in my Department having to go back to the drawing board to some extent.
As promised last month, I can advise the Deputy that there has been a series of high level meetings involving my Department, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment. All parties are agreed on the need to find a resolution to this matter soon, and I expect to receive revised proposals in the near future. I expect those proposals to be legally robust, and therefore they will be subject to detailed legal scrutiny before a final decision is made. I can assure the Deputy that there is strong political support amongst my Cabinet colleagues to have this matter settled as soon as possible.
I can also assure the Deputy of a number of other things:
- As soon as an implementable course of action is presented to me for decision I will advise this House of my intentions;
- The interests of residents who live in the vacinity of Dublin Airport will be properly reflected and protected in whatever approach is developed. Access to public consultation and a transparent and balanced decision making process is paramount.
- There will be primary legislation, and therefore the Oireachtas will have full opportunity to examine and help shape the State's approach to implementing EU Regulation 598/14.
45. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeframe for the train station at Royal Canal Park; if his attention has been drawn to the lack of transport infrastructure facing persons who live in the area; his plans to upgrade the Royal Canal path between Ashtown and Broombridge station with improved lighting. [49349/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware plans have been developed for a new train station at Pelletstown, approximately mid-way between Broombridge and Ashtown railway stations. As well as serving this area with a new train station, this facility also incorporates a pedestrian/cycle bridge over both the railway and the canal at this location. This will link with the canal towpath on the north side of the canal, allowing pedestrians to use the canal tow path to walk to Broombridge railway station/Luas stop, where there will be another pedestrian bridge spanning the canal and railway.
In relation to Pelletstown Station, planning permission is in place and work is currently on-going to complete a detailed design and prepare tender documents for the station's construction. This work is expected to be completed in the next two months and the NTA expect to be able to advise a firm timeline for the construction of this station very early next year.
Investment is also planned for the bus network to greatly improve transport infrastructure across the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). Work is ongoing on the new BusConnects programme, announced by the NTA earlier this year. Bus Connects will provide a greatly enhanced bus service across Dublin, with high quality infrastructure and services, coupled with major improvements in ticketing and information, all providing a modern, faster, reliable, convenient and attractive public transport solution.
46. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the M3 motorway was not constructed as far as Cavan town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49144/17]
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.
My understanding is that the background to the M3 Scheme lies in the National Road Authority National Road Needs Study 1998. This study reviewed future road investment needs and concluded that a dual carriageway type road was required to cater for anticipated traffic flows between Clonee and Kells. That Study also concluded that a dual carriageway standard road was not indicated for the section of the route north of Kells.
47. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the changes to policy he plans to implement, in view of the fact that during recent industrial disputes at Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann those companies indicated that they are in significant financial distress due to a lack of Government funding; the actions he will take to ensure that the companies are funded sufficiently, particularly in terms of capital investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49284/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFinancial support from the Exchequer - or taxpayer - for public transport takes two main forms: there is current funding for the Public Service Obligation (PSO) subvention to help fund the operational costs of delivering services, and there is capital funding for investment in infrastructure and facilities. Both of these funding streams have been growing and, as announced recently in Budget 2018, they are now budgeted to continue to grow further.
The PSO subvention for public transport services increased last year, again this year and will increase yet further next year. Over the three years PSO subvention will have increased by some 35% in total. This means that in 2018 over €285 million will be allocated via the National Transport Authority (NTA) to support the continued delivery of these socially necessary but financially unviable services that have grown in recent years.
Multi-annual capital funding for investment in public transport is provided under the Government's Capital Plan. An enhanced four-year capital envelope for public transport of over €2.7 billion was announced in Budget 2018, which is a 30% increase over the original Capital Plan allocations for the period 2018-21. This funding will enable both necessary investment in maintaining the existing public transport infrastructure (especially the rail network) in order to underpin the continued provision of safe and effective transport services, and it will also allow for considerable investment in new infrastructure and facilities so as to expand capacity, address congestion and enhance services.
The capital allocation provides capital funding to semi State providers of public transport both directly and through the 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 present 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 also 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.
48. 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. [49145/17]
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 allocation of funding to individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
I understand from TII that a safety review of the N2 in County Monaghan, between Drumgeeny and the Castleblayney Bypass, has been completed and various measures that were identified in the review to improve safety on this section of the route have been carried out.
In light of the findings of the review, discussions have taken place between officials of TII and the road authorities concerned, Monaghan and Louth County Councils, and it has been agreed that the improvement of a 36km section of the N2 between Ardee and Castleblayney will be progressed as a major road project. Monaghan County Council and Louth County Council, with the support of TII, will, therefore, commence the establishment of a project team and the procurement of Technical Advisors to bring the scheme from inception to the preparation of CPO/EIS documentation and Business Case.
Additionally, TII has conveyed approval to Monaghan County Council to re-activate the proposed N2 Clontibret to the Border road improvement scheme.
The progression of the schemes concerned to construction stage will be subject to the satisfactory conclusion of the planning and approval processes and the availability of funding.
49. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 180 of 18 October 2017, if he is satisfied with the regulatory oversight and enforcement duties carried out by the IAA in regard to its oversight of proactive crew fatigue mitigation through adequate manpower planning in the context of safety management systems, in view of the recent revelations in regard to insufficient pilots at an airline (details supplied) to crew a schedule which was published approximately six months beforehand. [49339/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Aviation Authority is responsible for the safety oversight of the Irish civil aviation industry, and it ensures that all air carriers comply fully with all safety regulations to the highest international safety standards, including Flight Time Limitation (FTL) rules. No Irish air carrier can operate its services without maintaining full compliance with all safety regulations.
Civil aviation is a highly regulated global industry, with very good reason, and the IAA is consitently found to be amongst the best performing national aviation safety regulatory bodies in the world. Performance audits by the UN's International Civil Aviation Organisation and by the European Aviation Safety Agency have shown this.
Manpower planning is a matter for individual companies, and each airline is entirely responsible for managing its operations to comply with European regulations, provided it is deemed acceptable by the safety regulator. The airline which the Deputy refers to has accepted full responsibility for what has occurred. It is precisely because the airline is required to comply with EU requirements concerning flight time limitations, for the purpose of ensuring aviation safety, that it was forced to take the regrettable but necessary steps to cancel and reschedule flights.
50. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to the announcement in budget 2018 of additional capital funding as part of the mid-term capital review for his Department for €46 million in 2018, €315 million in 2019 and €413 million in 2020, the additional capital works to be undertaken with this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44698/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFull details on the allocations for each of my Department's subheads for 2018 will be set out, as usual, in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV). In the meantime my Department is in discussion with relevant agencies regarding the details of allocations. The Government has also proposed that a ten year national investment plan will be set out which will take account of the National Planning Framework. My Department will also take that into account when setting infrastructure investment priorities over the coming years.
On Thursday 12th of October, I outlined my view of what our current priorities for investment are to the Dáil and I have also published further details in a separate speech which is available at www.dttas.ie/speeches/2017/minister-ross-budget-2018-speech.
I would ask the Deputy to note that the information detailed in those speeches is for a four year period of capital investment, between the year 2018 and the year 2021, rather than out to 2020 as requested by the Deputy. We have planned our investment on the basis of resources available to us out to 2021. I think it is more helpful and that the Deputy will get a greater appreciation for our ambition for these projects and programmes if the detail is viewed in that context.
53. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the international marketing campaign for 2018 to be delivered by Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland with an emphasis on the positions of Dublin and the breath of fresh air campaign within those strategies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49424/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTourism Ireland is the agency responsible for marketing the island of Ireland overseas as a tourism destination. The matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Tourism Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply, albeit I understand that they have not yet published marketing plans for 2018. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
54. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will assure Irish Rail passengers that no rail line in the network will be closed; and the timeframe for the review report to be published. [49280/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra57. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when it is planned to make final decisions on the rail review carried out by Iarnród Éireann and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, in 2016; if consideration is being given to the closure of some railway lines based on this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49436/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 57 together.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) and Iarnród Éireann report on the Rail Review was published in 2016. Since then, the NTA has held a public consultation on the Review. Over 300 submissions were received in response to that consultation process.
The NTA recently submitted a report of those submissions to my Department. When I have reviewed the report and the NTA has updated it to reflect the increased funding that has now been made available in Budget 2018 for both current subvention and, in particular, the Capital Plan 2018 to 2021, I intend to bring it to Government for consideration.
It is my intention that the NTA's report on the consultation would be published by the NTA following consideration by Government. In advance of that, no decisions have been taken regarding matters such as the future of individual rail lines or investment in the company and its relevant infrastructure.
Clearly the role and potential of rail is intrinsically linked to where people live, work and wish to travel and these very issues form the core of Government’s National Planning Framework which has recently been published for public consultation. When finalised, the new National Planning Framework will form an important context for consideration of issues raised by the Rail Review Report and for any recommendations that I may bring to Government in due course.
55. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the transport forum will be established; the functions this body will discharge; the way in which persons who utilise all transport modes will be involved in this forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49137/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra64. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide the timeframe on the delivery and implementation of the promised stakeholder forum for transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49344/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 64 together.
The Deputies will be aware that Iarnród Éireann workers are currently balloting on the recent Labour Court Recommendation and I do not wish to interfere in any way in that process. However, I would like to assure the Deputies that I look forward and remain committed to holding a dialogue with public transport stakeholders at an appropriate time and I hope that this can be shortly.
I believe that this type of broad dialogue will allow for a meaningful exchange of views about how we should shape the development of our public transport policy over the next 10 to 15 years. This dialogue will, I hope, allow for the sharing of ideas from a diverse range of perspectives as we look to inform the development of a statement on public transport policy.
