Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:1356. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the greenway in east County Cork; and if a design work is in place. [54322/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraGreenways Development
Ceisteanna (1356)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department has not provided funding for the development of a Greenway in east County Cork and I am not in a position to provide any information to the Deputy on the status of the Greenway. I understand, however, that Cork County Council is progressing plans to develop the disused rail line between Youghal and Midleton as a Greenway. Cork County Council would be best placed to advise the Deputy on the current status of those plans.
My Department is currently developing a strategy for the future development of Greenways. I would advise local authorities to have as much preparatory work in place as possible, including planning and design, in advance of the next round of funding being made available for Greenways. I expect the next funding call to take place later in 2018 following the publication of the Greenways Strategy.
Sports Capital Programme Applications
Ceisteanna (1357)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:1357. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54347/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
When the 2017 Sports Capital Programme was advertised my Department issued a guide to filling out the application form which set out the minimum requirements that applicants had to meet to be considered for funding. My Department made significant efforts to streamline and simplify the application process on this occasion in order to try and reduce the number of invalid application. Amongst the measures introduced to reduce the number of invalid applications were the following:
- Simplification of the application form from 14 pages to 6
- The organisation of regional workshops to assist applicants completing the form
- Relaxation of rules around planning permission and quotations at application stage (requirements still stand before any grants will be paid)
Under previous rounds of the Programme typically one third of all applications were deemed invalid. For the 2017 round, this was reduced this to one in five. For the first time, invalid applicants were also given the opportunity to appeal the decision to make them invalid and the review of such appeals is now underway. My Department is also undertaking a more general review of all invalid applications including those where incorrect or incomplete documentation was submitted. Improvements to further reduce the level of invalid applications under future rounds of the programme will be taken once these reviews are complete.
Sports Capital Programme Data
Ceisteanna (1358)
Imelda Munster
Ceist:1358. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of grant applications that were made to the sports capital programme under the 2017 allocation; the number of those applications that were deemed to be invalid; and the reasons provided for applications being declared to be invalid, in tabular form. [54365/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme closed for applications on the 24th February. By the closing date, a record number of 2,320 applications seeking €155 million in grants were received. Of these 2,320 applications, a total of 465 were deemed invalid.
Applications were deemed invalid primarily for one or more of the following reasons:
- Title/Access requirements of the Sports Capital Programme not satisfied
- Evidence of own funding not provided in prescribed format
- Insufficient own funding
All applicants have now been contacted with details of the outcome of the assessment of their application, including details of why applications were deemed invalid. Organisations were invited to appeal these decisions if they believe that an error was been made in deeming their application invalid and the assessment of these appeals is underway. Separately, my Department is undertaking a general review of all invalid applications including those where incorrect or incomplete documentation was submitted. Decisions in relation to how to address any successful appeals and improvements to further reduce the level of invalid applications under future rounds of the programme will be taken once these reviews are complete.
Road Traffic Legislation
Ceisteanna (1359)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:1359. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the regulations of rickshaws in regard to road traffic legislation; his views on serious criminal allegations made in a newspaper report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54374/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, I asked the National Transport Authority (NTA) to conduct a public consultation on rickshaws, which concluded on 25 September 2017. A report on the consultation, along with recommendations by the NTA, are being considered by my officials as part of a process to develop a Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA). This will entail examination of all potential viable regulatory options for rickshaws.
While many of the issues raised in the newspaper report are beyond the remit of transport policy and legislation, I do share concerns that have been raised in relation to rickshaws, particularly from a public safety perspective. It is my intention, following completion of the RIA, to progress any legislative provisions deemed necessary to provide an appropriate modern regulatory framework for rickshaws.
Rail Services Provision
Ceisteanna (1360, 1362)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:1360. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of plans to bring DART services to Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54382/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Joan Burton
Ceist:1362. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there will be progress on the expansion of the DART to the Kildare line in view of the mid-term capital review 2018 to 2021; if not, the other improvements planned up to 2021 to improve capacity and frequency of services on the Kildare line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54423/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1360 and 1362 together.
The DART Expansion Programme has a key role to play in delivering an efficient transport system. When fully implemented the enhancements to the heavy rail system provided for in the NTA's Transport Strategy will create a full metropolitan area DART network for Dublin with all of the lines linked and connected. This integrated rail network will provide the core high capacity transit system for the region and will deliver a very substantial increase in peak-hour capacity on all lines from Drogheda, Maynooth, Hazelhatch and Greystones.
As the Deputies are aware, the Government’s budgetary framework for capital investment, as set out in Building on Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2016-2021, was reviewed last year in the context of the Mid-Term Review of capital priorities, delivery and funding. Following this work, Budget 2018 increased the multi-annual capital investment funding envelopes for the coming four-year period, including providing an enhanced capital envelope of €2.7 billion for public transport investment between 2018 and 2021.
This enhanced capital envelope includes funding in the order of €230 million for mainline rail and DART capacity enhancement and will allow acceleration of the initial stages of the overall DART Expansion Programme, focussing particularly at this stage on providing additional fleet to enhance capacity, and extending the electrified DART system.
Specifically, it will allow substantial progress on electrification of the Northern rail line as far as Balbriggan - now expected to be delivered in 2022 - and commencing work on the Maynooth line. The NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035, which provides a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the GDA over the next two decades, does not envisage an extension of the line beyond Maynooth. The remaining elements of the DART Expansion programme including the extension to Drogheda are being considered in the context of the 10 year investment plan that is expected to be published in the near future.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputies' questions to the Authority for further information on the issues raised. Please advise my private office if the Deputies do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Swimming Pool Programme Expenditure
Ceisteanna (1361)
Imelda Munster
Ceist:1361. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to public swimming pools in each of the years 2008 to 2017. [54389/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Details of all swimming pool allocations and payments from 2008 to date are available on my Department's website at http://www.dttas.ie/sport/english/allocations-and-payments.
Question No. 1362 answered with Question No. 1360.
Fishing Industry
Ceisteanna (1363)
Mick Barry
Ceist:1363. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of Marine Survey Office inspectors assigned to working in the fishing fleet; and the number of inspections of relevant vessels containing, or suspected of containing, non-EU migrant fishing crew documented or undocumented by the office since the atypical scheme for non-EU migrant fishing crew was established. [54497/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Marine Survey office regulates the living and working conditions of all Irish ships and crews and foreign flagged ships and crews in Irish ports which are within the scope of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. It has a team of 22 Surveyors who are responsible for examining and reporting on the condition of vessels, including fishing vessels, from a safety perspective. In 2016, 1387 vessels were licensed/surveyed. In carrying out its regulatory functions, the MSO works closely with the fishing sector to enhance the safety of fishing vessels to the benefit of all those who work on them, regardless of nationality.
Fishing Industry
Ceisteanna (1364)
Mick Barry
Ceist:1364. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of enforcement actions, civil or criminal, initiated by the Marine Survey Office in respect of violations of regulations in relevant vessels since the atypical scheme for non-EU migrant fishing crew was established. [54500/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Details of all prosecutions by the MSO for 2015 and 2016 are available on my Department's website www.dttas.ie/maritime/english/prosecutions. They are uploaded on a yearly basis. 2017 will be available in January 2018. The prosecutions listed here relate to the role of the MSO as safety regulator for maritime transport in Ireland. Its primary focus in exercising that role is to ensure safe travel at sea. This means ensuring the safety of the vessel itself – from design stage, to launch, to periodic checks, and ensuring seafarers operating those vessels have the right qualifications and training to operate them safely.
Bus Éireann Services
Ceisteanna (1365)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:1365. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 524 of 4 July 2017 and the referred reply to same received from Bus Éireann (details supplied), the number of Bus Éireann journeys that have been cancelled in each of the years 2012 to 2017; the number of kilometres lost in the same period; if substitute bus drivers are available in the event of drivers calling in sick; and the number of sick days taken on average per driver. [54532/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issues raised are matters for Bus Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if the Deputy does not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Coast Guard Services
Ceisteanna (1366)
John Deasy
Ceist:1366. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the Coast Guard helicopter call-out figures for each search and rescue base in each of the years 2015 to 2017. [54633/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
Base |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
Shannon |
334 |
277 |
231 |
|
Sligo |
347 |
340 |
308 |
|
Dublin |
151 |
126 |
99 |
|
Waterford |
181 |
155 |
117 |
|
Total |
1013 |
898 |
755 |
Coast Guard Services
Ceisteanna (1367)
John Deasy
Ceist:1367. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of missions that have been carried out by Coast Guard helicopter crews, by search and rescue, SAR, base, specifically to assist the national ambulance service since January 2015. [54634/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
Base |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
Shannon |
58 |
49 |
43 |
|
Sligo |
122 |
94 |
80 |
|
Dublin |
22 |
14 |
10 |
|
Waterford |
23 |
22 |
16 |
|
Total |
225 |
179 |
149 |
Drugs in Sport
Ceisteanna (1368)
John Deasy
Ceist:1368. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions his Department has had with Sport Ireland in 2017 regarding the adequacy of its resources for anti-doping in sport; and his plans to increase funding specifically for this purpose. [54635/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Sport Ireland is designated as the National Anti-Doping Organisation for Ireland. Clause 22.6 of the World Anti-Doping Code states that "Each government will respect the autonomy of a National Anti-Doping Organization in its country and not interfere in its operational decisions and activities”.
Notwithstanding that I, as Minister, have responsibility for the oversight of Sport Ireland and I fully respect the autonomy of Sport Ireland in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code.
Accordingly, it would not be appropriate for me or my Department to intervene in the operational decisions and activities of the Anti-Doping Unit of Sport Ireland, including the nature and manner of Sport Ireland’s spending in this area.
My Department receives regular updates on the activities of the Anti-Doping Unit as part of the formal liaison meetings between my Department and Sport Ireland.
In the event that Sport Ireland considers that additional investment is required for the anti-doping effort, it is open to Sport Ireland to make the case for such funding in the context of the annual budgeting process.
Taxi Regulations
Ceisteanna (1369)
John Deasy
Ceist:1369. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of local area hackney licences that have been issued in each county since the introduction of the scheme. [54636/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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. Furthermore, under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 (Local Area Hackney) Regulations 2013, the NTA is responsible for the granting and renewing of local area hackney licences.
In order to be of assistance, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for their direct reply to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if the Deputy does not receive a response within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Sport Ireland Expenditure
Ceisteanna (1370)
John Deasy
Ceist:1370. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of Exchequer funding that has been allocated to programmes devoted to the development of young golfing talent in each of the past ten years. [54637/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the promotion, development and co-ordination of sport. This includes responsibility for the allocation of funding to National Governing Bodies of Sport.
I have referred the Deputy's Question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to funding provided to programmes devoted to the development of young golfing talent under Sport Ireland's funding programmes in each of the past ten years. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
Additionally, in relation to capital works, the Sports Capital Programme is the primary means of providing Government funding to sports and community organisations throughout the country and some assistance has been provided to golf clubs in the past. Details of all previous allocations and payments made under the sports capital programme are available on my Department's website.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Public Transport Data
Ceisteanna (1371)
John Deasy
Ceist:1371. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons who have taken rail journeys from Plunkett Station, County Waterford, in each of the years 2010 to 2017. [54638/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The collection and collation of transport statistics is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with the relevant transport operators and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if the Deputy does not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Regional Airports
Ceisteanna (1372)
David Cullinane
Ceist:1372. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the subvention to Waterford regional airport in each of the years 2007 to 2017; the projected subvention in each of the years 2018 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54644/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Regional Airports Programme operated by my Department provides for Exchequer funding in the form of capital and operational grants towards necessary safety and security related projects and activities at the four regional airports in Kerry, Donegal, Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) and Waterford.
Details of funding provided to Waterford Airport under the Programme for the period 2007-2017 is set out in the following table. Waterford Airport has not had any scheduled passenger air services since June 2016 and hence no Exchequer funding was provided to that airport in 2017.
As regards projected funding in the years 2018 to 2021, applications for grant support under the Regional Airports Programme in the areas of safety and security are invited from the airports on an annual basis and these applications are assessed by my Department, in conjunction with the IAA, against the criteria set out in the Programme. It is therefore not possible to forecast funding supports to particular airports in future years. In the case of Waterford Airport, the authorities there are aware that support under the Programme is subject to scheduled passenger air services operating at the airport.
As I indicated last month it is my intention to arrange for a review to be undertaken on the options for Waterford Airport. In the meantime, my Department will this month provide a sum of €375,000 to the airport to safeguard the Coast Guard Search and Rescue service for the first six months of 2018. This is an exceptional measure, given the current difficult financial circumstances at the airport, and will allow time for an evaluation of the future of Waterford Airport and ensure that the important work of the Search and Rescue service can continue.
Funding under Regional Airports Programme to Waterford Airport 2007-2017
|
Year |
CAPITAL GRANTS € |
OPERATIONAL GRANTS € |
TOTAL € |
|
2007 |
1,174,487 |
1,352,000 |
2,526,487 |
|
2008 |
1,907,729 |
1,540,000 |
3,447,729 |
|
2009 |
223,606 |
1,494,000 |
1,717,606 |
|
2010 |
23,381 |
1,584,458 |
1,607,839 |
|
2011 |
795,582 |
1,272,071 |
2,067,653 |
|
2012 |
1,333,830 |
1,232,964 |
2,566,794 |
|
2013 |
361,686 |
1,121,399 |
1,483,085 |
|
2014 |
533,210 |
1,038,784 |
1,571,994 |
|
2015 |
776,125 |
1,139,030 |
1,915,155 |
|
2016 |
18,381 |
1,020,215 |
1,038,596 |
|
2017 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
TOTAL |
7,148,017 |
12,794,921 |
19,942,938 |
Coast Guard Services
Ceisteanna (1373)
Robert Troy
Ceist:1373. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of Coast Guard stations; and the number of these with running water, bathroom facilities and Internet facilities, respectively. [54671/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Irish Coast Guard, a Division of my Department, has 45 Units based in 58 coastguard stations.
There are a number of Coast Guard Units around the coast operating from Rocket Houses, some of which have been identified for upgrade in the Coast Guard Building Programme.
Of these 58 stations: 26 unit buildings have running water, bathroom facilities and internet facilities. 12 unit buildings have running water, bathroom facilities but no internet. 1 unit building has running water but no bathroom or internet facilities. Of the remaining 19 buildings without running water, bathroom or internet facilities, 17 are old Rocket Houses. 10 of these are sub-units or secondary Unit buildings.
Sports Capital Programme
Ceisteanna (1374, 1380)
Darragh O'Brien
Ceist:1374. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is an appeal process available to clubs which made applications for 2017 capital sports grants that were unsuccessful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54701/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRobert Troy
Ceist:1380. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the appeals process for clubs that were deemed ineligible for sports capital funding in 2017. [54795/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1374 and 1380 together.
When the 2017 Sports Capital Programme (SCP) was advertised, my Department issued a guide to filling out the application form which set out the minimum requirements that applicants had to meet to be considered for funding.
Applications were deemed invalid primarily for one or more of the following reasons:-
- Title/Access requirements of the SCP not satisfied
- Insufficient quotations/estimates submitted
- Evidence of own funding not provided in prescribed format
All applicants have been informed of the outcome of the assessment of their application, including details of why applications were deemed invalid. Applicants were also offered the opportunity to appeal the Department's decision if they believe that an error was made in deeming their application invalid. The closing date for appeals for local applications was the 20th December and all appeals received are currently being assessed. The closing date for appeals for regional applications is the 19th January.
Separately, my Department is undertaking a general review of all invalid applications including those where incorrect or incomplete documentation was submitted. Decisions in relation to how to address any successful appeals and improvements to further reduce the level of invalid applications under future rounds of the SCP will be taken once these reviews are complete.
Rural Transport Programme
Ceisteanna (1375, 1376, 1377, 1378)
Robert Troy
Ceist:1375. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the scoring system used when tenders are being assessed for operators of the rural link service; the way in which the scoring process is weighted by costing, age of vehicle, experience and local knowledge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54732/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRobert Troy
Ceist:1376. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the detail of the criteria in the tender process of the rural link scheme which ask that operators have a legal right to a substitute bus; the way in which his Department assesses this information; if there is a need for applicants to own their own vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54733/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRobert Troy
Ceist:1377. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which the local link service monitors the usage of a primary vehicle by a successful applicant to the scheme; if there is a minimum requirement for usage time of the highlighted primary vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54734/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRobert Troy
Ceist:1378. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to investigate the possibility of harmonising contracts in the rural link service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54735/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1375 to 1378, inclusive, together.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme funded by my Department, and which now operates under the "Local Link" brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities regarding Local Link services, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if the Deputy does not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.