Peter Fitzpatrick
Ceist:51. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the 2018 sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7518/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSports Capital Programme
Ceisteanna (51)
Freagraí scríofa
The 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) 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. In November and December last, Minister Ross and I announced €60m in allocations to a record 1,800 projects under the 2017 round of the SCP. Full details of all these allocations are available on my Department's website and the priority in the medium term will be on advancing these projects.
In relation to future rounds of the SCP, my Department is undertaking a review of the 2017 round with a view to making recommendations on how to improve the process for future calls. This work is also examining what is feasible in terms of the scale and timing of the next round. I expect this review to be complete in the coming months and an announcement regarding the next round will be made at that stage.
Public Bike Schemes
Ceisteanna (52)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:52. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to correspondence copied to the NTA on 25 October 2017 by the ambassador of France to Ireland outlining serious concerns about the bicycle scheme in Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7741/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to cycle and public transport infrastructure. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, including the management of public bike schemes.
Decisions regarding contracts, operation and expansion of existing and proposed bike schemes fall under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA).
My Department is aware of the correspondence from the Ambassador of France to the NTA dated 25th October 2017, and to which the NTA issued a reply dated 4th December. As this is an operational matter under the remit of the NTA and also the subject of ongoing litigation, I do not consider it appropriate to comment further on this matter.
Road Network
Ceisteanna (53)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Ceist:53. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when emergency works will take place in an area (details supplied). [7537/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and 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 Network Expansion
Ceisteanna (54, 76, 88)
Clare Daly
Ceist:54. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the metro north project; and the expenditure to date on same. [7740/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Brendan Ryan
Ceist:76. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when public consultation will begin for the new metro north; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7544/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Darragh O'Brien
Ceist:88. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the delivery of metro north; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7579/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 54, 76 and 88 together.
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 new Metro North.
Funding of over €700 million has been allocated under the Government’s present Capital Plan 2016-2021 for planning, design and beginning construction of new Metro North, with construction work planned to commence in 2021 and passenger services expected in 2027.
The NTA, in collaboration with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), has been 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.
Cycling Policy
Ceisteanna (55)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:55. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the data sent to him on injuries sustained by cyclists due to traffic accidents has been examined; and his plans to improve the safety of cycling particularly in urban Ireland. [7512/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is currently examining the data on cyclist injuries and will revert with observations.
My Department fully supports the provision of safe and direct cycling infrastructure, in line with Smarter Travel and the National Cycle Policy Framework. Whilst significant investment has been undertaken in recent years in cycling infrastructure, I firmly believe that further continued investment is required to ensure cycling is seen as a safe and attractive option for cyclists of all ages.
I was delighted to have secured, as part of Budget 2018, a significant increase in the level of Exchequer capital funding available for investment in cycling infrastructure over the period 2018-2021. Capital investment of over €110m will develop cycling and walking infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and Regional Cities over the next four years.
My Department is also currently preparing a National Greenways Strategy. Budget 2018 saw an increase of €30 million in the multi-annual allocation for Greenways bringing the total allocation for the development of Greenways for the period 2018-2021 to over €55 million.
In addition to these cycling-specific investments, other infrastructure investments will also significantly benefit cyclists. The considerable investment of about three-quarters of a billion euro for re-configuring the bus network as part of BusConnects will entail construction of new cycling facilities alongside bus routes on key routes including the provision of safe cycling facilities. In addition, some of the €135m funding that will be provided to local authorities in the GDA and the Regional Cities for Sustainable Urban Transport between 2018 and 2021 will support better traffic management, bus priority measures and pedestrian infrastructure - which will benefit the safe and effective movement of all.
My Department continues to be fund behavioural change measures to encourage more people to take up cycling and to ensure cyclist safety. Funding is provided to the NTA for programmes such as Workplace and Campus travel programmes and the Green Schools Programmes, Cycling Ireland for the "Cycle Right" school training programme, and to the RSA for road safety promotion including campaigns specifically targeting cyclist safety.
This coordinated investment strategy will, I believe, have a lasting transformative effect on the levels of cycling, and our transport network over the coming years.
National Development Plan
Ceisteanna (56)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:56. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which funding under the national development plan will be used for public transport; if the threat to some rail routes and the continued lack of investment in the western rail corridor will be addressed in that plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7717/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the Government’s ten-year National Development Plan will be published shortly along with the National Planning Framework. The National Development Plan will prioritise key investment actions that protect the quality and value of the existing extensive public transport networks. It will also progress new key capital public transport programmes over the period to 2027 to address urban congestion and emerging capacity constraints in our main cities. Investment in any new public transport programmes under the National Development Plan will be subject to the relevant appraisal processes and value for money tests as required under the Public Spending Code.
The role and potential of rail is intrinsically linked to where people live, work and wish to travel and these very issues form the core of the Government’s new National Planning Framework over the period to 2040. The National Planning Framework will form an important context for consideration of issues raised by the Rail Review Report which was undertaken jointly by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Iarnród Éireann and published in late 2016. As the Deputy is aware, the NTA held a public consultation on the published Review which helped to begin an informed discussion about the current and future role of rail transport in Ireland. Over 300 submissions were received in response to that consultation process. The NTA has prepared a report of those submissions, which it is currently updating to reflect the additional funding which has been made available for rail infrastructure and services in Budget 2018.
With regard to the Western Rail Corridor, the Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to provide for an independent costing and review of the Western Rail Corridor Phase Two between Athenry and Claremorris. It also commits that no measures will be taken to prevent the future reactivation of the Western Rail Corridor for rail use. The costing and review has not been undertaken pending the advancement of the wider processes underway, including the Rail Review and the National Planning Framework, that are highly relevant to the general rail environment.
Once I have received and reviewed the NTA’s updated report on the Rail Review consultation, it is my intention to bring it to Government for consideration. As I have previously stated, I have no plans regarding the closure of any parts of the rail network. The Taoiseach also gave assurances in the Dáil recently that there are no plans in this regard.
Ports Development
Ceisteanna (57)
James Browne
Ceist:57. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to develop Rosslare Europort, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7542/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be aware that Rosslare Europort is unique among the State-owned ports as it is not a commercial company operating under the Harbours Acts, but is instead operated as a division of Iarnród Éireann. The status of the port, and whether its current status potentially inhibits its development, was most recently considered in a strategic review, commissioned by my Department, and carried out by Indecon Economic Consultants.
Their report concluded that the creation of an independent port authority would be extremely difficult, given the Port's complex legal structure. Instead, it was recommended that the Port remain in public ownership and that the possibilities for increased private sector involvement be investigated.
In order to assist Iarnród Éireann's overall consideration of how best to move forward, the company then engaged consultants to assess market interest. The assessment was largely positive in terms of the potential for increased private sector investment in the port; however, it did identify possible implementation issues due to the complicated legislative basis of the port.
Following that assessment my Department sought and received detailed advice from the Office of the Attorney General on the matter. That advice identified a number of legal issues with any such proposal and those issues remain under consideration by my Department.
The Deputy may also be interested to know that Iarnród Éireann is currently undertaking a strategic review of Rosslare Europort and expects to have this completed by the end of March.
In addition, the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO), in conjunction with my Department, has commenced a study into the use of the UK Land-bridge by Irish importers and exporters. The purpose of this research is to establish the volume of traffic using the UK Land-bridge at present, the likely consequences that Brexit will have on Land-bridge usage and the various alternative options that may be viable. This piece of research is also expected to be completed by the end of March and should inform the potential for the future utilisation of all Ports, including Rosslare Europort.
Road Projects Status
Ceisteanna (58, 91)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:58. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide funding for the extension of the M3 motorway to Cavan town and the east-west link; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7729/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraNiamh Smyth
Ceist:91. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the N2 with a view to upgrading it to motorway status in view of the number of recent accidents on this route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7728/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 91 together.
Proposals to deliver an upgraded East-West route linking Dundalk to Sligo, taking in Cavan, involve linking elements of the national road network and regional roads along as direct a route as possible. Essentially the route involves upgrade/realignment works on the regional routes from Dundalk to Cavan and on national routes from Cavan to Sligo.
As regards the regional road aspect of the proposal, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area is a statutory function of local authorities in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants.
My Department provided funding to Cavan County Council (acting as lead authority with Monaghan and Louth County Councils) with over €2m in the period 2007-2014 to progress the regional road element of the project to preliminary design.
This year I have given an allocation of €25,000 to Cavan County Council to enable the Council to undertake a preliminary appraisal, in line with the current requirements in the Public Spending Code and the Capital Investment Framework, of the Cavan to Dundalk section of the route. The aim of this appraisal would be to assess the extent to which the scheme or elements of it can be justified in terms of appraisal and advanced for further consideration in relation to schemes for development post 2021.
As regards the national road projects mentioned, 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 do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Tourism Project Funding
Ceisteanna (59)
Marcella Corcoran Kennedy
Ceist:59. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which Ireland's Ancient East is performing; the way in which he plans to grow overseas numbers to the Ancient East region including counties Laois and Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7535/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy development. It is not directly involved in the management or development 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 Experience Brands, such as Ireland's Ancient East.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question 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.
Park and Ride Facilities
Ceisteanna (60, 82)
John Curran
Ceist:60. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he plans to introduce bus-based park and ride facilities on the main approaches to Dublin city; the timeframes in this regard; the locations being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7735/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Frank O'Rourke
Ceist:82. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase capacity in the park and ride facilities in the commuter belt regions of north County Kildare (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7610/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 82 together.
As the Deputy is aware, 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 bus infrastructure.
The Government's Budget 2018 announce last October provides for an increase in the multi-annual capital investment for public transport with a four-year capital envelope of €2.7 billion over the period 2018-2021 including an investment of over €400 million in 2018. This represents a 30% increase over the original Capital Plan allocations for 2018-2021 and includes increased funding for the heavy rail network.
Over €770 million will be invested in the BusConnects programme to fundamentally transform our bus system, so that journeys for bus passengers will be fast, reliable, punctual, convenient and affordable. At the heart of this proposal is the development of continuous bus lanes as far as is practicable along the busiest bus corridors along with a network of park and ride facilities at key locations. Work is ongoing on the redesign of the bus services network and also on infrastructure proposals for Core Bus Corridors which will be an integral part of the programme. When this work is completed the proposals will be launched for public consultations in April and May of this year.
The results of the public consultation will inform the final decisions to be made on the network redesign, Core Bus Corridors and park and ride facilities.
I am advised that due to the extension of the Short-Hop fare zone to include Sallins & Naas Railway Station, coupled with the introduction of train services through the Phoenix Park Tunnel Link to serve Connolly, Tara, Pearse and Grand Canal Dock, the level of car parking demand at this station has increased significantly. To address this issue, it is intended to expand the level of car parking at Sallins & Naas Railway Station during 2018 through an expansion of the car park on the north side of the station. Funding in the amount of €680,000 is being allocated to Iarnóid Eireann this year in respect of this project.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter I have referred your question to the NTA for an update on the issues raised. 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.
Harbour Authorities
Ceisteanna (61)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:61. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the communications he has had with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and-or Dún Laoghaire harbour with regard to the implementation of the Harbours Act 2015 and the transfer of ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7514/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company, as a Port of Regional Significance, is designated under National Ports Policy 2013 for transfer to Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. The port has no commercial shipping since 2015.
The process of transferring governance of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company to Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council is, I understand, nearing completion. The transfer and the future operational structures of the port are primarily matters for agreement between the Council and the port.
The Chief Executive of the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council presented the final due diligence report to Councillors at the Council meeting held on 9 January 2017. As the report raised a number of issues for further clarification, the Chief Executive (CE) engaged a risk and finance consultant to carry out a risk assessment. This will enable the Council to fully understand the implications of each model of transfer, and the responsibility that will transfer in financial and other terms.
My officials have been in touch with the port on this issue over several months. The port has engaged in the risk assessment process and in the provision of the information requested by the risk assessor.
My officials have now been informed by the Council that a draft Risk Assessment Report was recently submitted to the CE and that a special meeting of the Council is scheduled to take place on 6 March 2018 to discuss the transfer. It is expected that matters will then progress towards agreeing a model and a date for transfer.
Ports Development
Ceisteanna (62)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:62. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to overcome ownership issues regarding the future of Rosslare Europort (details supplied); his plans for the future of Rosslare Europort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7713/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer the Deputy to my response to Question No. 57 which I answered earlier.
Road Projects Status
Ceisteanna (63)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:63. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the progress of the A5; his engagement with his counterparts in Northern Ireland on this project; the funding that will be made available for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7503/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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. As a result of the Capital Plan Review funding is being allocated to my Department to meet the Government's commitment in the Fresh Start Agreement.
While, in the absence of the Northern Ireland Executive the North South Ministerial Council has not been meeting, the Senior Officials Group, comprising Northern and Southern officials, established to oversee implementation of the Fresh Start Agreement has been continuing to meet.
Tourism Promotion
Ceisteanna (64)
Marcella Corcoran Kennedy
Ceist:64. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of his efforts to capitalise on the exposure for Ireland following the release of a film (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7536/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for the tourism agencies. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland 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 Promotion
Ceisteanna (65)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:65. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to promote the Lee valley area in County Cork as a tourist destination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7733/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of developing national tourism policy, while the tourism agencies have operational responsibility for the implementation of this policy. The matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for the boards and management of the two tourism agencies - Tourism Ireland in regard to overseas tourism marketing and Fáilte Ireland in regard to regional tourism development and domestic tourism promotion. Accordingly I have referred the Deputy's question to the two tourism agencies 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.
Rural Transport Programme
Ceisteanna (66)
Willie Penrose
Ceist:66. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the proposals his Department is working on in conjunction with the NTA to deliver on action points 251 and 254 of the Action Plan for Rural Development to work with rural communities to assess and implement improvements to existing rural transport routes and develop new rural transport routes as necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54714/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Action no. 251 of the Action Plan for Rural Development refers to a commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government to conduct a review of public transport policy "to ensure services are sustainable into the future and are meeting the needs of a modern economy", which will encompass the rural transport dimension. Following on from this commitment and as further committed to in the latter part of 2017, work is underway in my Department on reviewing public transport policy.
As part of this review, I am committed to convene and host a round-table policy discussion with a wide range of stakeholders from across the public transport and related sectors. The objective of this event is to facilitate an open and inclusive exchange of views from interested parties on the potential challenges and competing priorities likely to arise in the future across all aspects of public transport provision including economic, social and environmental considerations. I expect that the discussions will inform and enrich the policy review work currently ongoing within my Department.
I am determined to hold this event at the earliest possible date. However, at this stage the event has not been able to take place against a backdrop of recent and ongoing industrial dispute. As I have previously stated in 2017, as soon as industrial relations disputes are resolved my Department will confirm arrangements for the event.
Action no. 254, which relates to making Rural Transport Programme (RTP) vehicles accessible, falls to the National Transport Authority (NTA) to implement, given its responsibility for managing the RTP, now operating under the 'Local Link' brand. I have therefore referred this aspect of your question to the NTA for direct reply. 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.
Rail Services
Ceisteanna (67)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:67. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the reliability of the route profitability figures published in the 2016 rail review; if his attention has been drawn to anomalies in the figures; if so, the assurances he sought or was given that the figures were robust; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7714/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the Rail Review was jointly undertaken by the NTA and Iarnród Éireann.
My Department has consulted the NTA on the matter raised by the Deputy and the Authority has advised that it is not aware of any anomalies in the figures published in the Rail Review 2016.
The NTA has stated that it is confident that the route profitability methodology utilised by experienced consultants on behalf of the Authority and Iarnród Éireann is robust and suitable for the comparative analysis that was carried out.
Sport Ireland Administration
Ceisteanna (68)
Robert Troy
Ceist:68. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of his Department's commitment to make it mandatory for all bodies that are funded by Sport Ireland to adopt the community and voluntary code of governance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7747/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Corporate governance is a key priority for Sport Ireland funded bodies. To this end the Community and Voluntary Code of Governance will become a condition of funding. This will make it mandatory for all Sport Ireland funded bodies to start the process of adopting the Code. Larger organisations are to complete the journey to implementing its principles and practices on a comply-or-explain basis by 1st January 2019. Smaller organisations are to complete the journey to implementing its principles and practices on a comply-or-explain basis by 1st January 2020.
Sport Ireland has advised that, as of 10th January 2018, the 59 Sport Ireland funded bodies have signed up to the code. Of those 59, 12 have fully adopted it, with the other 47 working towards meeting the requirements of the code.
European Fund for Strategic Investments
Ceisteanna (69)
Robert Troy
Ceist:69. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether his Department and transport agencies under its aegis are not doing enough to promote the use of the European Fund for Strategic Investments in terms of identifying and carrying out background work on public infrastructure projects that may meet the criteria for project selection in terms of additionality and revenue generation and may attract private co-financing investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7744/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department hosted an Information day in June 2017 and previously in 2015 to raise awareness among project promoters about co-funding though the Connecting Europe Facility and financing options through the EIB including EFSI. The Information days were aimed at potential transport project promoters, including transport agencies under the remit of the Department, and attended by representatives from the European Commission, the EIB and INEA.
From 2014-2017 EIB has facilitated over €628m in transport financing in Ireland. Additionally from 2013 to present some €80m has also been availed of in Connecting Europe Facility co-funding for transport related projects. The EIB figure includes a project involving a private company using €75m of EFSI funding. CEF bonds and EIB finance has also been used for road projects during this period.
The transport elements of the forthcoming National Development Plan will be formulated taking account of the fiscal space available. EU assistance options including EFSI , CEF grants and EIB financing options can be considered where appropriate in reviewing project financing by agencies under my Departments remit.
Road Network
Ceisteanna (70)
Alan Farrell
Ceist:70. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action he will take to upgrade the Lissenhall junction 4 onto the M1 to cater for the increasing demand from Donabate and Portrane, in view of the inadequacy of the current infrastructure (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7510/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and 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.