Tuesday, 23 Jan 2018

Written Answers Nos. 510-529

EU Directives

Ceisteanna (510)

Noel Rock

Ceist:

510. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason there is a delay in the State passing the necessary legislation in relation to the EU package travel directive 2015/2302 into domestic law by 1 January 2018 in view of the fact that it was required to do so by Article 28.1 of the directive; the steps that will be taken to ensure the consumer protections in the directive become operative on 1 July 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2771/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Package Travel Directive, Directive (EU) 2015/2302, on package travel and linked travel arrangements repeals and replaces the previous Package Travel Directive 90/314/EEC. Whilst the 2015 Directive requires Member States to adopt and publish legal provisions necessary to comply with the Directive by 1 January 2018, the deadline for applying those provisions in law is 1 July 2018.

The two main legislative instruments which need to be amended to comply with the 2015 Directive are the Package Holiday and Travel Trade Act, 1995 and the Transport (Tour Operators and Travel Agents Act), 1982. Officials in my Department are currently working on regulations to amend the relevant provisions of these instruments with a view to promulgating the Regulations ahead of the 1 July 2018 deadline.

Road Projects Data

Ceisteanna (511, 512)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

511. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of road projects that are being assessed by An Bord Pleanála by county, in tabular form; the date on which each project was referred to An Bord Pleanála; his views on whether there are unreasonable delays in assessing road applications; and if he has had discussions with the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government on the issue. [2784/18]

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

512. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of road projects that have been refused by An Bord Pleanála since 2011 by county, in tabular form; the moneys spent on each project up to the time of refusal; the status of each project as of 15 January 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2785/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 511 and 512 together.

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants.  The implementation of individual projects, including the submission of project applications to An Bord Pleanála, is, therefore, a matter for the relevant local authority.

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 national road projects  is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

My Department does not, therefore, hold the information requested by the Deputy. As regards regional and local road projects which are in receipt of grant support from my Department under the Capital Plan,  I can say that there are no non-national project applications under consideration by An Bord Pleanála at present.  

As regards the current position in relation to national road projects, 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.

While responsibility for planning policy lies with the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government,  concerns in relation to delays in the consideration of applications in relation to road projects have not been brought to my attention.  More generally, the Deputy may wish to address questions in relation to the operations of An Bord Pleanála to that Minister.

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

Regional Airports

Ceisteanna (513)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

513. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding discussions with a company (details supplied) in relation to long-term funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2786/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Exchequer funding to support the smaller regional airports, including Ireland West Airport Knock, IWAK, is made available under my Department's Regional Airports Programme. This Programme provides support towards safety and security related projects and activities at these airports.

In respect of the current year, requests were recently issued by my Department to the airports inviting them to submit their 2018 project proposals for capital support.  As the grant schemes under this Programme operate on an annual basis, my Department maintains regular contact with the regional airports, including IWAK, in relation to their proposals.

The most recent meeting with IWAK was in mid-November when airport management requested a meeting with officials of my Department to provide an update on the proposed runway overlay project at the airport. As the Deputy will be aware, my Department is supporting IWAK's case to the EU Commission for approval to grant this project 90% grant aid, such approval being required under the 2014 EU Guidelines on State aid to airports and airlines.

More generally in terms of future funding,  my Department secured over €17 million in additional capital funding for the Regional Airports Programme as part of the Review of the Capital Plan that was carried out last year by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.  These additional resources will be available in the period 2019 to 2021 and are considerably in excess of the €10 million in extra Capital Plan funding that was originally envisaged in the Programme for Government.

State Airports

Ceisteanna (514)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

514. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the airports he has visited here since taking up office; the airport management or boards he has met since taking up office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2787/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Since assuming office I have met with representatives of airport authorities, or officially visited airports, as per the table below:

Date	Airport	Venue	Purpose
13/11/17	Dublin Airport Authority	Department Offices, Leeson Lane	Met Chair of daa, Padraig O’Riordan to discuss North Runway Project and daa Board issues
27/10/17	Dublin Airport Authority	Department Offices, Leeson Lane	First meeting with new CEO of daa
18/09/17	Dublin Airport Authority	Leinster House	General Discussion of Airport Matters with daa Chair. Padraig O’Riordan
22/5/17	City of Derry Airport	Department Offices, Leeson Lane	Discussion re Dublin/Derry Flights
19/4/17	Kerry Airport	Farranfore	Part of County Visit
5/4/17	Dublin Airport Authority	Leinster House	General Discussion of Airport Matters
13/2/17	Waterford Airport	Waterford Airport	General Discussion of Airport Matters
21/11/16	Dublin Airport Authority	Department Offices, Leeson Lane	General Discussion of Airport Matters
21/7/16	Waterford Airport	Leinster House	General Discussion of Airport Matters
30/6/16	Dublin Airport Authority	Department Offices, Leeson Lane	Overview of Company - Initial meeting with CEO   & Chair

Road Projects Status

Ceisteanna (515)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

515. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a road project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2792/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The planning and implementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities. The current funding arrangements in relation to the A5 are governed by the Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start. This Agreement reaffirmed the Government's commitment to provide funding of £50 million for the A5 project and committed an additional £25 million to ensure that the first phase of  the project from Newbuildings to north of Strabane could commence once Northern Ireland authorities were in a position to start work on the project.

Following consideration of the Northern Ireland Planning Appeals Commission report on the scheme, the Department for Infrastructure announced its intention to proceed with the A5 Western Transport Corridor scheme in late November 2017.   Any challenge to this decision will be a matter for the Northern Ireland authorities.

Rail Services Data

Ceisteanna (516)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

516. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the confirmed arrival and departure times for commuter trains to and from Mullingar rail station in the morning and evening over weekdays in the past three months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2794/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forward the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

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

Road Network

Ceisteanna (517)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

517. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of times the Limerick tunnel was closed in 2016 and 2017 respectively due to over height vehicles. [2826/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

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 operation of individual roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. 

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

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

Capital Expenditure Programme Review

Ceisteanna (518)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

518. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the mid-term review of the capital programme will be completed; the manner in which priority road infrastructure projects for inclusion will be decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2843/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Capital Plan Review has concluded and I have announced the outcome of the Review. Overall an additional €486 million was secured for roads over the four-year period to 2021 bringing total roads investment for the period to €4.26 billion.

With this increased funding it will be possible to commence a number of additional roads projects - the Sligo Western distributor road, the Tralee northern relief road, the Killaloe bypass/R494 upgrade and the realignment of the R498 at Latteragh. The commencement of the main contract for the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor road in Limerick will also be undertaken and will be critical to the consolidation and regeneration of the Moyross area. In relation to national roads, I have also confirmed that the construction of the Ardee Bypass can now start.

In addition a package of extra measures can now be implemented including the improved management of the M50 through the use of variable speed limits, reduced energy usage for route lighting, minor improvement works and community involvement programmes together with the assessment of potential future projects.

The overall framework of prioritisation of investment in land transport, including roads, was set out in my Department's Strategic Framework for Investment in Land Transport (SFILT), published in 2015. The first priority for future investment is the steady state maintenance of strategically important elements of the land transport system - the maintenance and renewal expenditure necessary to keep it in an adequate condition. The next investment priority is to address bottlenecks and congestion, to improve efficiency and sustainability of transport systems. Finally, targeted investments that: enhance the efficiency of the existing network; improve connections to key seaports and airports; in the case of roads, provide access to poorly served regions, for large-scale employment proposals, to complete missing links and to address critical safety issues; and support identified national and regional spatial planning priorities.

Traffic Management

Ceisteanna (519)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

519. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the daily traffic delays at the Rath Cross to Kilmoon section of the N2; his plans to prioritise the inclusion of the Rath Cross to Kilmoon section of the N2 in the capital programme; if not, if he has other plans to address this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2844/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

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 (TII) 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 do not receive a reply within ten working days.

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

Parking Regulations

Ceisteanna (520)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

520. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to update legislation in order that drivers parking without a permit in disabled parking bays in supermarket car parks and other public places that are privately owned may be issued and liable for the standard fine that applies to illegal parking in disabled parking bays on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2864/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Road Traffic legislation extends to driving in public places and to the public road.  Car parks in shopping centres are private property and are outside of the remit of my Department. However, I would urge the relevant car park management companies to impose appropriate fines.

Parking Regulations

Ceisteanna (521)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

521. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to raise the penalty applying to illegally parking in a disabled parking bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2865/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I share the Deputy's concerns regarding those who unlawfully park in spaces reserved for the disabled. I am currently looking at ways to appropriately punish such offenders.

Sports Capital Programme Data

Ceisteanna (522)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

522. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of clubs and organisations that received the maximum grant level under the sports capital grant scheme in 2017; and the number of those that received 50% of the maximum grant in 2017, by county. [2905/18]

Freagraí scríofa

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

Details of all allocations under the 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme were announced last November in the case of local applications and in December in the case of regional applications. In relation to local applications, the overall funding available was first distributed by county on a per-capita basis. The maximum possible grant was €150,000 and a total of 33 projects were allocated this amount. 

In relation to regional applications, the maximum possible grant was €200,000 but due to the level of demand for worthwhile projects, no club/organisation was allocated this amount.

Full details of all the local and regional allocations under the 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme are available on my Department's website at  http://www.dttas.ie/sport/english/sports-capital-programme-awards-new.

Road Network

Ceisteanna (523)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

523. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the €25,000 that was recently announced in grant allocations from Transport Infrastructure Ireland for the N2 road from the Rath roundabout to Kilmoon Cross, County Meath; and his further views on whether the N2 requires urgent attention to increase efficiency and road safety in view of major fatalities in recent years. [2916/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

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 (TII) 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 do not receive a reply within ten working days.

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

Tourism Revenue

Ceisteanna (524)

John Lahart

Ceist:

524. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the annual worth to the economy on an individual basis by sector of the various sectors directly and indirectly associated with tourism here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2919/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

There is no single indicator in national accounts data, as published by the CSO, which determines the annual worth of tourism to Ireland in economic terms and, therefore, no sectoral breakdown. Fáilte Ireland does estimate a figure for total tourism revenue using data from the CSO and some other sources and this is available on the agency's website. For ease of reference, the total revenue figure published by Fáilte Ireland for 2016 was €8.389 billion. Of this, €6.613 billion arose from foreign exchange earnings (including carrier fares) and €1.776 billion from domestic sources. Figures for 2017 are yet to be published.

Tourism Revenue

Ceisteanna (525)

John Lahart

Ceist:

525. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the percentage of GDP directly and indirectly accounted for by tourism respectively in each of the years 2011 to 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2921/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

There is no single indicator in national accounts data, as published by the CSO, which determines the annual worth of tourism to Ireland in economic terms. Fáilte Ireland does estimate a figure for total tourism revenue using data from the CSO and some other sources and this is available on the agency's website. Outlined below is the total revenue figure published by Fáilte Ireland for years 2011-2016, the GDP for the respective years as published by the CSO, and the percentage of GDP accounted for by tourism (based on Fáilte Ireland's estimation). Figures for 2017 are not yet available.

Year	Total Tourism   Revenue	GDP	Tourism Revenue as a % of GDP
2016	€8,389.1m	€275,567m	3.0%
2015	€7,688.8m	€262,037m	2.9%
2014	€6,851.2m	€194,537m	3.5%
2013	€6,164.3m	€180,298m	3.4%
2012	€5,652m	€175,561m	3.2%
2011	€5,293m	€171,939m	3.1%

Sport and Recreational Development

Ceisteanna (526)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

526. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects to publish the promised review of national sports policy; his plans to reintroduce the local authority swimming pool programme as part of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2981/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

It is my expectation that the new National Sports Policy will be considered by Government during the first Quarter of 2018, with a view to its publication shortly thereafter.

The Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP) provides grant aid to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools.  There are four swimming pool projects in the current LASPP and the priority in 2018 will be on progressing these projects.

In relation to the future funding of swimming pools, the upcoming National Sports Policy will include a specific focus on how Government should fund sports facilities, including swimming pools, in the years ahead.

Road Network

Ceisteanna (527)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

527. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reverse SI 54/2012 as it relates to the N4 from Con Colbert road to the M50 in order to enable the junction of the N4 and Palmerstown village to be considered for TII funding for an interchange and-or underpass at the junction in view of South Dublin County Council's inability to fund such a project and the serious traffic delays for outbound traffic in particular that this junction causes on a national route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2986/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Section 10 of the Roads Act 1993 as amended by the Roads Act 2007 provides for the classification of national, regional and local roads. Road classification needs to follow appropriate and logical criteria and have regard to existing legislative provisions. Careful consideration of such proposals is, therefore, required.

As part of the 2012 roads classification review, all national roads within the M50 were re-classified to regional road status to reflect their changed role in the overall road network. Among other things, part of the old National Route 4 between its junction with O'Connell Bridge and its junction with the M50 at Palmerstown Upper was classified as a regional road. There are no proposals at present to review that decision.

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (528)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

528. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the N20 Mallow relief road will be built independently of the M20 Cork to Limerick motorway from both an infrastructural and financial point of view further to the announcement made by his Department in respect of the enhanced roads investment following the capital review. [3034/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

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 (TII) 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 do not receive a reply within ten working days.

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

Departmental Contracts

Ceisteanna (529)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

529. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the contracts his Department or agencies under his remit has with a company (details supplied); the status of these contracts; the contingency plans that may now be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3154/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

My Department has no contracts with the company mentioned.

With regard to the agencies, this is a matter for the agencies themselves. I have forwarded your question to the agencies for direct reply to you. If the Deputy has not received a reply within ten working days please contact my private office.

The referred replies were forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.