Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:536. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of vacancies in each State board under the aegis of his Department, in tabular form. [49944/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAppointments to State Boards Data
Ceisteanna (536)
Freagraí scríofa
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.
Ministerial Meetings
Ceisteanna (537)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:537. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a meeting with this Deputy will be scheduled (details supplied). [49981/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Due to the volume of diary requests in recent months it has not yet been possible to meet this particular request.
However, the Deputy can be assured that I will request officials to consider the matter urgently.
Road Improvement Schemes
Ceisteanna (538)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:538. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be considered for Coughlanstown Road, Ballymore Eustace in view of the fact that it has been closed for 15 months due to part collapsing into the river. [49982/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of local authorities, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from a local authority's 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.
Kildare County Council was allocated grant funding of €18.9 million in January 2017 in respect of regional and local roads. It is open to Kildare County Council to fund works along the L6042 Coughlanstown Road, Ballymore Eustace, County Kildare from its grant allocation if it so wishes.
It is important to reiterate that the role of Exchequer grants for regional and local roads is to supplement local authorities in their spending in this area and it is also open to Kildare County Council to fund works from its own resources.
Appointments to State Boards Data
Ceisteanna (539)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:539. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the names of persons he has appointed to each State board under the aegis of his Department that have not come from the Public Appointments Service list of suitable candidates, in tabular form. [50006/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Section 9.1.1 of the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards allows for a director appointment outside of the PAS process where ‘A specific mechanism for the filling of a vacancy on a State Board is laid down in legislation’
Under Section 6(1) of the Harbours Act 2015 I have the power to appoint 2 additional directors on a temporary basis to the Board of a port company whose shareholding is transferring to the local authority.
The purpose of the section is to provide the new shareholder with board level representation during the transition period ahead of transfer and any appointment made under the section will automatically cease with effect from 31 July 2018 or earlier if the Minister so specifies.
The appointments that I have made to State boards within my remit that have not come from the Public Appointments Service are under this provision and the details requested by the Deputy are set out in the table below:
|
Board |
Board Member |
Date of expiry/renewal |
|
Galway Harbour Company |
|
|
|
|
Edel McCormack |
31.07.18 |
|
|
Maurice O'Gorman |
31.07.18 |
|
New Ross Port Company |
|
|
|
|
Captain Phil Murphy |
02.05.18 |
Driver Test Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (540)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:540. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an earlier date can be offered for a driving test for a person (details supplied) in order to allow them to take up an offer of employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50007/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland Projects
Ceisteanna (541)
Michael Harty
Ceist:541. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the site near Newmarket-on-Fergus chosen by Transport Infrastructure Ireland for a new M18 motorway service area is designed to remove business from nearby villages rather than just service normal motorway traffic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50030/17]
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 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.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland Projects
Ceisteanna (542)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:542. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress being made to carry out upgrade works on the N14 route; the road class which is being proposed for this route; if costings are available for the various options being considered for this upgrade including the comparative costs of constructing a dual carriageway versus a 2 plus 1 class roadway for this route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50035/17]
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 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Greenways Funding
Ceisteanna (543)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:543. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date for the announcement of the next tranche of greenways funding. [50043/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is currently developing a strategy for the future development of greenways following a public consultation process earlier in the year. The strategy will provide a long term vision and framework upon which Ireland's greenways can be planned in a strategic manner ensuring the best possible return for State investment. I expect to be in a position to announce a new round of funding for the development of greenways in 2018, following completion of the greenways strategy.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland Projects
Ceisteanna (544)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:544. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on his plans to upgrade the N11. [50049/17]
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 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Ministerial Communications
Ceisteanna (545)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:545. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has used a private email account to send or receive official documents or positions on Brexit; and if so, the details of this correspondence. [50067/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have not used a private email account to send or receive official documents or positions on Brexit.
Vehicle Clamping
Ceisteanna (546, 554)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:546. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the regulation of clamping vehicles which is provided for in the Vehicle Clamping Act 2015 in view of the fact that the Road Traffic Bill 2016 has been enacted and the technical amendment to the Vehicle Clamping Act 2015 made; the progress made by the NTA with the consultation process in relation to the draft regulations; if the regulations have been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50083/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Murphy
Ceist:554. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the regulation of clamping vehicles which is provided for in the Vehicle Clamping Act 2015 in view of the fact that the Road Traffic Bill 2016 has been enacted and the technical amendment to the Vehicle Clamping Act 2015 made; the status of the progress made by the NTA with the consultation process in relation to the draft regulations; if the regulations have been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50297/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 546 and 554 together.
The Vehicle Clamping Act 2015 (Commencement) Order 2017 (SI Number 211/2017) provided for the 1st June 2017 and the 1st October 2017 to be the operative dates for the purposes of the Act.
On the 1st June 2017 a certain number of sections of the Act were commenced to allow the NTA commence a public consultation process in relation to draft Regulations relating to clamping, signage and clamp release charges. This consultation was conducted in June and July and, subsequently, Regulations were drafted and came into effect on 1 October 2017.
On 1st October 2017 the National Transport Authority (NTA) assumed its responsibilities as the regulator of vehicle clamping activities in both statutory and non-statutory (privately-owned) clamping places throughout the State.
Under the Act the appeals and complaints procedures also came into force on 1st October 2017. The NTA is now responsible for processing all second-stage clamping appeals arising from clamping activities anywhere in the State including such appeals against on-street clamping in Dublin City which were previously administered by Dublin City Council.
The NTA will also prepare a draft code of practice providing practical guidance regarding compliance with the Act and the regulations and establishing standards in relation to the general behaviour, performance of duties and conduct of parking controllers and clamping operators with regard to clamping activities.
The full Vehicle Clamping Act 2015 along with the Vehicle Clamping and Signage Regulations can be viewed on the National Transport Authority website at www.nationaltransport.ie/vehicle-clamping
Departmental Bodies Data
Ceisteanna (547)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:547. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the bodies under the aegis of his Department in which his Department provides in excess of €1 million funding per annum to these bodies; the public funding received by these bodies; the bodies in which 50% or more of its income comes from public sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50123/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information required by the Deputy is published and available in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV). I attach a link for ease of reference to the estimates for 2017. The Deputy may wish to examine the agency statements in relation to Vote 31 which deals with non-commercial state agencies under the aegis of my Department. http://www.per.gov.ie/en/rev/.
The Revised Estimates Volume 2018 will be published in early December with updated information.
In addition, Iarnród Éireann has responsibility for the maintenance and operation of the heavy rail network. In accordance with the requirements of EU law, my Department provides annual capital funding to Iarnród Éireann for the maintenance and renewal of the network under the Infrastructure Manager Multi-Annual Contract (IMMAC). The Capital Plan provided €1.3 billion for this purpose. The current IMMAC covers the five-year period 2014-2018. In 2017 €158.8m was allocated to the company for the IMMAC. Iarnród Éireann also receives capital funding, via the National Transport Authority, for heavy rail projects in the Greater Dublin Area (the 2017 allocation was €10.2m) as well as funding under the Accessibility Grants and Regional Cities Programmes.
Dublin Bus Services
Ceisteanna (548)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:548. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans Dublin Bus has to improve the 17A and 29A bus routes in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50155/17]
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Dublin Airport Authority
Ceisteanna (549)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:549. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will next meet the CEO of the Dublin Airport Authority; if he will raise the timeframe for works on the main runway and for the proposed second main runway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50156/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have already met with Dalton Philips, CEO of daa, soon after his appointment to the post. In addition, there is a well established framework for regular engagement between officials in my Department and senior management of daa covering a broad range of issues, as appropriate.
daa holds statutory responsibility for the management, operation and development of Dublin Airport, including all elements of the North Runway project and the maintenance of the existing runway infrastructure.
I understand that work to resurface Dublin Airport’s main runway is more than two-thirds complete. The 18-month project, which started in November 2016, will also involve an upgrade of the runway's ground lighting system and a full replacement of all cabling and ducting.
The first work package for the North Runway Project (which includes site clearance, new road construction and services diversions) is almost complete. The procurement process for the main contract for runway and taxiway works is currently underway with a view to commencing construction by the end of next year. The North Runway is due to become operational in 2021.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (550)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:550. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the rolling out of disability access bus stops particularly in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50168/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Accessibility features are built into all new public transport infrastructure projects and vehicles from the design stage and new systems such as the Luas are fully accessible.
With regard to existing infrastructure, there is an ongoing Accessibility Grants Programme to upgrade public transport infrastructure and facilities to help improve transport accessibility across the country. The programme is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) on behalf of my Department.
Funding is being provided to the NTA in 2017 for accessibility upgrade works at a number of rail stations, for a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Grant Scheme (WAV Scheme) and for accessible bus stops and bus stations.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply regarding accessibility on the public transport network. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland Funding
Ceisteanna (551)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:551. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided in 2018 towards the planning and design of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50239/17]
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 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Rail Services Data
Ceisteanna (552)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:552. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Iarnród Éireann has reported to him in relation to annual passenger growth or otherwise on its railway network for 2016 and 2017; the findings as reported to him, by service or line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50267/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the collection and publication of statistics relating to public transport 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.
Rail Network Safety
Ceisteanna (553)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:553. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department is examining changes to section 89 of the Railway Safety Act 2005; the rationale for these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50286/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Railway Safety Act 2005 is currently under review in my Department, including Part 9 (Intoxicants and Persons Working on Railway Infrastructure) and Part 10 (Offences by Persons Working On Railway Infrastructure) and this review includes Section 89. The rationale behind the review of the existing provisions in relation to intoxicants (drug and alcohol) is to identify any revision, clarification and updating requirements and to modernise some terminology used in the Act, with a view to preparing proposals for legislative amendments. As part of its work, the Department is commencing a consultation with relevant bodies including the Commission for Railway Regulation (which is the independent statutory-based regulator for railway safety in Ireland) and the Railway Safety Advisory Council (which is a statutory-based advisory council whose members are drawn from across areas of expertise and experience relevant to rail safety).
Question No. 554 answered with Question No. 546.
Sports Capital Programme Applications Data
Ceisteanna (555, 558, 572)
Declan Breathnach
Ceist:555. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of applications for the sports capital grant that were made from clubs and organisations in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50317/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeclan Breathnach
Ceist:558. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of applications for the sports capital grant that were made from clubs and organisations in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50353/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeclan Breathnach
Ceist:572. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of applications for the sports capital grant that were made from clubs and organisations in counties Louth and Meath; the details of clubs and organisations and the amounts applied for, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50664/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 555, 558 and 572 together.
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. A list of all applications received is available on the Department’s website at http://www.dttas.ie/sport/english/sports-capital-programme-applications-received.
I expect that full details of the allocations will be announced later this week.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (556)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:556. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address issues regarding the disjointed nature of the bus lane along the N3, where at almost all junctions the bus must move out of the bus lane into traffic and then move back into the bus lane; if he will ensure buses can move more efficiently along the N3 without impediment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50332/17]
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 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.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Road Traffic Legislation
Ceisteanna (557)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:557. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to bring in legislation to amend section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1994; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50347/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 empowers An Garda Síochána to detain, store, release, or dispose of vehicles in certain specified circumstances.
On 14 November 2017, during the second stage debate in Dáil Éireann on the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2017, I indicated that I intend to amend the circumstances listed in section 41 to add a situation in which the driver is an unaccompanied learner driver. I propose to do so as an amendment to that Bill during its passage through the Dáil.
Learner drivers are required by law to have an accompanying qualified driver. Failure to do so puts the learner driver and other road users at risk. I believe that enabling An Garda Síochána to detain a vehicle in these circumstances will be an important enforcement tool as well as an important deterrent to this dangerous behaviour.
Question No. 558 answered with Question No. 555.
Local Government Fund
Ceisteanna (559)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:559. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount received by his Department from the local government fund in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017; and the estimated amount in 2018. [50361/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The table sets out the local government funds received in each of the years 2011 to 2017. The receipts are paid quarterly and to date in 2017 we have received €165m with the balance due in December.
Legislation has now been passed and responsibility for motor tax policy and associated functions is being transferred from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government to my Department. From 2018 onwards my Department will not be receiving funding from the local government fund but payments will be replaced by additional Voted funds as part of the normal budgetary process.
|
Year |
€m |
|
2011 |
410,788 |
|
2012 |
418,475 |
|
2013 |
421,841 |
|
2014 |
372,443 |
|
2015 |
370,043 |
|
2016 |
361,243 |
|
2017 |
345,500 |