Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:127. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a farm payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3558/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraGLAS Payments
Ceisteanna (127)
Freagraí scríofa
The person named was approved into GLAS 2 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2016.
The GLAS participation of the person named was subject to inspection and a letter advising of the final outcome of the inspection has issued. Once all issues relating to the inspection have been finalised this case will move to the payment stage.
GLAS Payments
Ceisteanna (128)
Mary Butler
Ceist:128. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a GLAS payment will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3592/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The above named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015. The applicant has received payments in respect of 2015 and 2016 scheme years.
An issue arose that delayed the payment of the 2017 GLAS advance. Department officials have now resolved the issue and the case will progress to the payment stage. It is expected that the 2017 advance payment will be sent for payment in the coming week.
GLAS Applications
Ceisteanna (129)
Robert Troy
Ceist:129. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a GLAS 3 application by a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3603/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named was approved into GLAS 3 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2017.
Validation checks must be passed on all actions on GLAS claims and all cases must clear these checks before payment can issue. Department officials are working proactively to complete these checks on all claims to allow for the issue of payments. Once this case clears validations the 2017 advance payment will be made. GLAS payments are issuing on a weekly basis.
Basic Payment Scheme Appeals
Ceisteanna (130)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:130. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an appeal in respect of a 2017 BPS application by a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3609/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named submitted an application under the 2017 BPS on 15 April 2017. In order to qualify for payment under the BPS an applicant must have an eligible hectare of land in respect of each entitlement held.
My Department actively investigated incidents of illegal burning during 2017 as the lands affected are deemed ineligible for the purposes of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).
The person named was notified by my Department on 4 December 2017 in relation the burned land parcels on his application, and has submitted an appeal. This appeal will be examined with a view to an early resolution. Should additional information be required, my Department will contact the person named directly.
GLAS Data
Ceisteanna (131)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:131. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons in the GLAS scheme in 2016 and 2017, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3629/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the deputy is set out in the table.
|
County |
GLAS 1 |
GLAS 2 |
GLAS 3 |
Total |
|
Carlow |
277 |
127 |
126 |
530 |
|
Cavan |
903 |
431 |
541 |
1,875 |
|
Clare |
1,613 |
687 |
810 |
3,110 |
|
Cork |
2,145 |
1,001 |
946 |
4,092 |
|
Donegal |
1,934 |
1,002 |
1,410 |
4,346 |
|
Dublin |
60 |
17 |
19 |
96 |
|
Galway |
3,065 |
1,302 |
1,583 |
5,950 |
|
Kerry |
1,767 |
868 |
764 |
3,399 |
|
Kildare |
245 |
78 |
114 |
437 |
|
Kilkenny |
429 |
207 |
191 |
827 |
|
Laois |
368 |
193 |
235 |
796 |
|
Leitrim |
1,016 |
419 |
530 |
1,965 |
|
Limerick |
1,046 |
301 |
406 |
1,753 |
|
Longford |
511 |
343 |
330 |
1,184 |
|
Louth |
146 |
78 |
96 |
320 |
|
Mayo |
2,550 |
1,327 |
1,660 |
5,537 |
|
Meath |
421 |
199 |
253 |
873 |
|
Monaghan |
575 |
145 |
341 |
1,061 |
|
Offaly |
475 |
277 |
296 |
1,048 |
|
Roscommon |
1,519 |
551 |
717 |
2,787 |
|
Sligo |
938 |
362 |
493 |
1,793 |
|
Tipperary |
1,129 |
507 |
507 |
2,143 |
|
Waterford |
361 |
131 |
122 |
614 |
|
Westmeath |
643 |
263 |
281 |
1,187 |
|
Wexford |
758 |
264 |
304 |
1,326 |
|
Wicklow |
331 |
151 |
203 |
685 |
|
TOTAL |
25,225 |
11,231 |
13,278 |
49,734 |
Fur Farming
Ceisteanna (132)
Clare Daly
Ceist:132. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to adopt a similar strategy to Norway in order to close Ireland's three licenced mink fur farms in view of the fact that the Norwegian authorities have recently announced a strategy to close down that country's 300 fur farms by 2023. [3630/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of farmed animals under the European Communities (Welfare of Farmed Animals) Regulations, 2010 (Statutory Instrument No. 311/2010) and the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. Irish fur farmers are, in this regard, subject to the same animal welfare legislation as other livestock farmers.
A review of all aspects of fur farming in Ireland was commissioned in November 2011. The Terms of Reference of the Review Group were:
(i) To review fur farming in Ireland taking into account existing legislative provisions for the licensing of mink farming;
(ii) To comment on the economic benefits of the sector;
(iii) To consider the effectiveness of existing welfare controls, and
(iv) To make appropriate recommendations
The Review Group invited submissions from the public and interested parties and considered over four hundred submissions which were received.
The Group concluded that it did not find the arguments in favour of banning the farming of fur animals in Ireland compelling and recommended that instead, fur farming be allowed continue under licence and subject to official control.
On foot of the Review Group’s deliberations, my Department introduced more rigorous controls on licence holders in the areas of animal welfare, animal accommodation, security and nutrient management. Licensees are subject to regular inspections, including unannounced inspections by Department officials.
In the circumstances, given with recommendations from the review group, I have no plans to amend the current provisions in this area.
Departmental Reports
Ceisteanna (133)
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:133. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the implementation of each of the 40 actions in the mobile phone and broadband taskforce report. [3545/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Taskforce worked with key stakeholders to produce the December 2016 report available on my Department’s website, which contains 40 actions to alleviate some of the deficits. The Implementation Group I co-chair with Minister Kyne is overseeing implementation of the actions and comprises all key stakeholders responsible for delivery. This includes ComReg, who attend as both an action owner, and in an observer capacity in their role as the independent Regulator.
I published the third Taskforce Quarterly Progress Report in November 2017, which demonstrates that good progress has been made in delivering the actions. I plan to publish an Annual Report shortly. This Report will give an update on progress made on each of the 40 actions and will evidence the continuing progress, together with the sustained level of engagement between actions owners and industry. The Annual Report will also contain a work programme for 2018, with new actions identified that will lead to improvements for consumers across Ireland.
The Taskforce’s achievements to date include:
- Funding of all local authorities to assign a Broadband Officer;
- Close cooperation with local authorities to develop local digital strategies, including Government working closely with local authorities to identify approximately 320 high speed Strategic Community Access Hubs to be connected at an early juncture after award of the NBP contract;
- ComReg’s development of a testing regime to check mobile handset performance which will inform consumers in choosing products and network services. ComReg will also develop a new network coverage map.
- Most local authorities applying waivers in respect of development contributions for telecoms development.
- Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has constructed 80km of ducting on the M7/M8 corridor and 14km on the N25 in Cork, with more following in the coming months to help expedite infrastructure roll-out. TII is also reviewing the cost of duct access for telecoms.
All of these initiatives should assist in enhancing the quality of telecommunications services, particularly in rural areas.
Commission for Communications Regulation Staff
Ceisteanna (134)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:134. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is satisfied that the communications regulator has the necessary financial resources and personnel to be able to fully carry out the responsibilities it has under its remit. [3548/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The funding of the Communications Regulator is an operational matter and not one in which I as Minister have any function. Funding is provided through fees and levies on the communications and postal sectors made by the Communications Regulator under section 30 of the Communications Regulation Act, 2002.
The appropriate level of staffing of the Communications Regulator is one of my functions as Minister under section 20 of the Communications Regulation Act, 2002. As consultation on staff resourcing is currently on going between the Communications Regulator and officials of my Department, I cannot comment on the detail at this time.
Warmer Homes Scheme
Ceisteanna (135)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:135. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there are plans to extend to the warmth and wellbeing scheme to other counties, including County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3557/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Warmth and Wellbeing scheme is a pilot initiative being delivered under the Government’s Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty and the Healthy Ireland Framework. Its main aim is to demonstrate the positive effects that making homes warmer and more energy efficient can have on the health and wellbeing of people in energy poverty who are living with a chronic respiratory condition. The Warmth and Wellbeing scheme is a joint policy initiative between my Department and the Department of Health. The pilot began in 2016 and has now entered the final year of its 3 year operational period. I have allocated €20m to the pilot scheme under the Government’s Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Health Service Executive (HSE) are working together to deliver the scheme.
As it is a pilot scheme, the resources available to the scheme are limited and consequently I have had to limit eligibility for the scheme. The operational area for the scheme was selected as Community Health Area (CHO) 7, following consultation with the Department of Health and the HSE. This CHO encompasses Kildare/West Wicklow, Dublin West, Dublin South City and Dublin South West. Within CHO 7 the need to build capacity in the local public health and SEAI teams, and establish communications on the pilot with the local community, meant that further narrowing of the area was necessary and Dublin 8, 10, 12, 22 and 24 were selected as the operational areas.
An independent research project will assess the impact the scheme is having. At the conclusion of the scheme, and with independent evidence on its effectiveness, the potential for a wider rollout, including any criteria, will be considered
Gas Networks Ireland
Ceisteanna (136)
Willie Penrose
Ceist:136. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps taken to ensure that the supply of natural gas is available more widely throughout the midlands, particularly in the context of counties Westmeath and Longford in which significant towns and villages have been deprived of same due to the narrow criteria being utilised in the assessment of the requirement of these towns and villages for the supply to be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3635/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As I have stated in reply to previous Questions on this issue, I have no statutory function, as Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, in relation to either the routing of gas pipelines or the connection of towns to the gas pipeline network. These are matters for Gas Networks Ireland, a commercial State-sponsored body under the aegis of the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, the statutorily independent Regulator.
I have, however, also stated that, in my view, the possibility of whether network extensions should, where economically feasible and in line with our energy policy goals in the White Paper, provide for future connections in order to contribute to regional and rural development, needs to be addressed. My long-standing position on the gas network is that it should be developed generally in rural Ireland to provide natural gas to as many areas as possible. Accordingly, I commissioned a study last year on the wider costs and benefits of gas network extensions, to include possible climate and decarbonisation aspects, as well as regional and rural development benefits. My Department appointed external consultants to undertake this work last October and a seminar on the matter was held on 15 January. The study will be completed by the end of February and I will consider the findings at that stage.
Tourism Policy
Ceisteanna (137, 138, 139, 140)
Robert Troy
Ceist:137. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated and the sources for the development of the midlands tourism brand. [3499/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRobert Troy
Ceist:138. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether there is adequate provision of human resources for the roll-out the midlands tourism brand. [3500/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRobert Troy
Ceist:139. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the roll-out of the midlands tourism brand will be finished. [3501/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRobert Troy
Ceist:140. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the counties that will be included in the new midlands tourism brand. [3502/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 to 140, inclusive, together.
My Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy. It is not directly involved in the development, implementation or management of individual tourism projects. These are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland. Similarly, I do not have a direct role in relation to the development, implementation or management of branding strategies.
I can inform the Deputy that an initial capital investment of €1m was secured in Budget 2018 to allow Fáilte Ireland to progress its preparatory work on creating a distinctive tourism brand for the Midlands during 2018. Additional current funding of approximately €1.9m has also been provided to Fáilte Ireland in 2018 for Brexit related activities and the development of the midlands brand. The breakdown of this funding is a matter for Fáilte Ireland.
The other matters raised by the Deputy are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I am referring the Deputy's questions to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply to the Deputy. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Light Rail Projects Provision
Ceisteanna (141)
Imelda Munster
Ceist:141. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the role his Department has in the requisition of longer trams on the LUAS green line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3515/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area and in the context of Light Rail works with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to deliver the Luas Network.
Passenger numbers on both lines of the Luas network increased by over 10% to 37.6 million in 2017. With the Green Line now extended to Broombridge, and providing interchange with the Red Line and greater connectivity to rail services, those numbers are likely to grow substantially again in 2018. While it is welcomed that so many new customers are using the extended Green Line, it has meant that some trams are operating at capacity.
As part of the Luas Cross City project seven new 55 metre-long trams have been ordered by TII to increase capacity on the Green Line. The first of these new trams is expected to be in service next month and the remainder will be delivered and become operational over the next few months.
In addition, the Green Line Capacity Enhancement project was recently approved by Government. The purpose of the project is to address current capacity limits at peak hours on the Luas Green Line and to cater for future demands along the line. The project is proposed in the National Transport Authority's (NTA) Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035.
The project, being managed by TII and NTA, will cost approximately €90 million and it includes the lengthening of the 26 existing Green line trams from 43 metres to 55 metres and the purchase of a further 8 new 55 metre-long trams which will greatly increase the passenger capacity of the fleet now and to meet future passenger demand. The capacity increases at peak periods provided by the project will assist in reducing crowding on the Green Line and enhance accessibility for mobility and sensory impaired users during these periods.
The project also includes modifications to Sandyford Depot to accommodate the maintenance of the longer trams. Construction work has already begun at the depot and the order for the tram extensions was placed in November last year.
Additionally the Green Line Infrastructure Upgrade, an investment project to lengthen the platforms at the Green Line stations was also completed by TII towards the end of last year.
Taxi Licences
Ceisteanna (142)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:142. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of taxi drivers that have had their licences withdrawn in each of the years 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3528/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the licensing of vehicles within this sector, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Motor Tax
Ceisteanna (143)
Niall Collins
Ceist:143. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the back money must be paid to put a vehicle on the road again in circumstances in which a vehicle has been off the road for a period of time and the Motor Tax Office was not informed of this at the time (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3538/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Act 2013 came into effect on 1 July 2013. The primary purpose of the Act is to replace the system whereby a vehicle was declared off the road retrospectively, which was unverifiable, with a system under which the vehicle must be declared off the road in advance.
The Act provides that a vehicle can be declared off the road for a minimum period of three months and a maximum period of twelve months. Where the owner of a vehicle wishes to make a declaration of non-use, he or she must do so during the final month of an existing tax disc or a previously made declaration of non-use. The declaration can be made on-line at www.motortax.ie or through the local motor tax office. The Driver and Vehicle Computer Services Division of my Department issues renewal notices at the beginning of the final month of tax or a previously made declaration of non-use to remind motorists that the vehicle must be either taxed or declared off the road for a further period.
Where a declaration of non-use is not made in the final month of a tax disc or previously made declaration of non-use, a vehicle must be taxed for the minimum period provided for in motor tax legislation for the category of vehicle concerned. A new declaration can then be made at any stage during the final month of the new motor tax disc if the vehicle is thereafter not going to be in use in a public place.
These arrangements were well publicised at the time of introduction of the legislation.
Light Rail Projects Status
Ceisteanna (144)
Denise Mitchell
Ceist:144. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the metro north project; when it is expected the final plan will be published; the level of funding allocated; when it is expected construction work will commence and be completed respectively; and when it is expected passenger services will begin. [3569/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsiblity for the development and implementation of public transport and sustainable transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including Metro North.
Funding of over €700 million has been allocated under the Government’s present Capital Plan 2016-2021 for planning, design and construction of Metro North with construction work commencing in 2021 and passenger services starting in 2027. The estimated cost of completing the Metro North project is €2.4 billion.
The NTA, in collaboration with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), is undertaking an option analysis and selection study of possible metro alignments and station locations. It is my understanding that the NTA and TII expect that this process will be completed shortly, after which a public consultation process will be undertaken on the Emerging Preferred Route (EPR). Arising from this work a final route and station location will be established. It is also expected that Preliminary Design will commence early this year.
The 10 year capital plan which will published shortly will provide a funding commitment to complete this significant addition to public transport.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (145)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:145. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request the National Transport Authority to address concerns regarding changes to the 109 bus route from Cavan to Dublin which is causing undue stress to commuters, particularly those attending the Mater hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3607/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Bus Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Greenways Provision
Ceisteanna (146)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:146. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the provision of the section of the Royal Canal greenway in particular in the vicinity of the new LUAS stop at Broombridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3611/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the development and implementation of public transport and sustainable transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including the allocation of funding for the building of specific cycling infrastructure projects. Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply with regard to this particular project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.