Written Answers Nos. 470-495
470. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position in relation to the possibility of the imposition of a tractor testing system for professional agricultural tractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10919/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEU Directive 2014/45/EU requires the roadworthiness testing of tractors used for commercial road haulage purposes which have a maximum design speed exceeding 40km/hr ('fast tractors') and the use of which takes place mainly on a public road. These rules will come into effect from 20 May 2018.
The requirements of the Directive insofar as tractor testing is concerned have been discussed with concerned groups and representatives and are currently subject to legal advice.
However, I intend to bring forward appropriate legislation as a matter of urgency.
471. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reintroduce the specific improvement grant scheme which was used by local authorities for the realignment of roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10944/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant County or City Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for each Council.
Before the financial crisis, local authorities could apply on a regular basis for grants for Specific Improvement Grants for the strengthening, widening or realignment of rural roads, including bridges, where the proposed scheme cost generally less than €5 million. However, the extent of the cutbacks in grant funding during the crisis meant this grant scheme had to be curtailed after 2013 because expenditure on maintenance/renewal was falling well short of what was required to adequately maintain the regional and local road network.
The Capital Plan does provide for the gradual build up in funding for the road network but it will take some years yet to reach the level required for the adequate maintenance and renewal of the network. For this reason there is limited scope at present for funding projects under the Specific Grant Programme.
Any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under the Specific Grant Programme are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework and it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
472. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the processing of a vehicle change of ownership form will be expedited in view of the fact that a person (details supplied) is the subject of penalty fines for a toll outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10953/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraArticle 12 of SI No. 385 of 1992 provides for the licensing authority to be informed in writing by the current registered owner when a vehicle is being permanently exported from the State. The current registered owner must inform their local Motor Tax Office and/or the Driver and Vehicle Computer Services Division (DVCSD), Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shannon, Co. Clare that the vehicle is being exported. The current registered owner must also provide the name and address details of the person who is taking ownership of the vehicle.
On receipt of this documentation the National Vehicle and Driver File is updated to reflect the vehicle as "Intended for Export".
The vehicle record on the NVDF continues to be recorded with a vehicle status " Current" until confirmation is received from the export destination.
On receipt of this confirmation the NVDF is then updated to record the vehicle status to "Exported".
To date this office has not received any confirmation from the export destination.
On receipt of documentation by the Department on January 11, 2018 the NVDF has been updated accordingly. The NVDF now shows Mr. Lunn as having ceased to be the owner of this vehicle from January 9, 2018.
I will advise eFlow of these details.
473. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the Glenbeigh to Renard South Kerry greenway; when it will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10988/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department awarded funding of almost €4m to Kerry County Council in 2014 for the development of a South Kerry Greenway from Glenbeigh to Renard.
I understand that Kerry County Council is continuing to work on planning, design and environmental assessment of the Greenway and expects to be in a position to submit a planning application to An Bord Pleanála in the coming months.
Given the specific engineering challenges and potential land acquisition and other costs associated with the South Kerry Greenway, the funding currently allocated to the project will not be sufficient to provide for its construction. Kerry County Council is preparing a revised business case for this project which, I understand, will shortly be submitted to my Department for consideration.
As you will be aware my Department is currently developing a Strategy for the future development of greenways which I aim to publish in Q2 2018. This Strategy will provide a long term vision and framework upon which Ireland's greenways can be planned in a strategic manner. The Strategy will also, among other things, seek to address the issues experienced in delivering the South Kerry Greenway and will provide guidance to all local authorities wishing to avail of funding under future funding calls.
474. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an organisation (details supplied) is seeking to have the number of work permits for non-EU nationals increased specifically for persons that would be employed as truck drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11111/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a review carried out by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, during which my Department was consulted, non-EU/EEA HGV drivers were removed temporarily from the Ineligible Categories of Employment list, subject to a maximum quota of 120 General Employment Permits under the Employment Permit Regulations 2017 effective from 3 April 2017.
It is my understanding from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation that a substantial number of the 120 permits available have not been used to date and I am not aware of any further submission in this regard by the organisation (details supplied).
475. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the forthcoming public consultation for the proposed new metro will commence; the timeframe for completion; the format the public consultation will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11133/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra501. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reasons the two previously proposed metro stops at Drumcondra Road and Drumcondra Avenue have been excluded from the route announced recently; the rationale for the elimination of these stops in the most recent plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11568/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 475 and 501 together.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including the development of a metro scheme.
The recently published Project Ireland 2040 proposes to develop a Metro Link scheme to run from Swords, via Dublin Airport to Dublin’s south city centre (operating in tunnel under the city centre) and onwards to Sandyford using the existing Luas Green Line to ensure that growth along this corridor can be accommodated. This will provide Dublin with a high capacity, high-frequency cross-city rail corridor serving critical destinations such as Swords, Dublin Airport, Dublin City University, Ballymun, the Mater Hospital and existing destinations along the Luas Green Line to Sandyford. Metro Link will provide faster reliable journey times to and from these key destinations while offering interchange with other rail, DART Expansion, light rail and bus services.
The NTA is expected to launch the public consultation process on the details of the Metro Link scheme (Swords to Sandyford) very shortly, with construction expected to commence in 2021 with a view to delivering the project by 2027.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for further reply on the information sought. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
476. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the possibility of opening a test centre for DOEs can be examined; if a person can apply for a licence for this testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11170/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006), the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has responsibility for the operation, oversight, development, quality assurance and delivery of commercial vehicle roadworthiness testing arrangements.
I have therefore forwarded this Question to the RSA for direct reply to the Deputy. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
477. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the costs incurred by the Road Safety Authority regarding its use of broadcast and print media in relation to the public information notice to outline changes to the way in which a person can apply for a driving licence and learner permit from 9 April 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11242/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
478. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding that has been set aside in each of the past five years to address the issue of loneliness and social isolation within the sporting world; if his Department or agencies under the remit of his Department have funded research on the topic of loneliness and social isolation; if his Department or agencies under the remit of his Department have projects planned which would address the issues of loneliness or social isolation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11259/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland is the statutory body with responsibility for the promotion, development and coordination of sport. This includes responsibility for the allocation of State funding to sport, including funding for research activity. I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to the specific details of the funding provided to sport over the last five years. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
Funding invested in sport makes a major contribution to improving the health and quality of life of our society in many ways. Important benefits of sport include its role in promoting inclusion, combating loneliness and addressing isolation. These benefits can accrue not merely as a result of participation in sport but also from the perspective of the many thousands of spectators that attend sporting events throughout the country every year.
I will launch the National Sports Policy in the coming weeks which will outline further details of the Government's plans to increase participation levels in sport across the population and, in doing so, foster increased social inclusion and community spirit through the medium of sport.
479. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the projects committed to under the Project Ireland 2040 national planning framework; the deadline for each project's completion; and the status of each project (details supplied). [11273/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, Government has committed toward delivering an ambitious National Development Plan (NDP) 2018 to 2027 which will drive Ireland’s long term economic, environmental and social progress across all parts of the country over the next decade.
My Department and its agencies have a key role to play in delivering that progress and the NDP contains commitments toward a wide range of projects and programmes across transport, tourism and sport.
The NDP itself outlines these projects and programmes, the timelines involved and frequently the current status as well and is available to view at http://www.gov.ie/en/project-ireland-2040
Notwithstanding that, I have provided below some further relevant details under each sectoral area –
Aviation
In relation to aviation issues, the NDP highlights the importance of continued investment in our airport connections as integral to underpinning international competitiveness.
In relation to projects that were specifically mentioned in the new NDP such as the second parallel runway and the IAA’s new control tower at Dublin Airport, I can say that works on both are already underway. Preliminary works for the new runway were completed in late 2017 while the procurement process for the main construction works is currently underway. The new runway is expected to be operational in 2021. Work on the IAA’s new visual control tower commenced last September and construction is expected to be completed in March 2019 to be followed by installation of specialist equipment, systems, testing and commissioning in time to facilitate operations on the second parallel runway in 2021.
In terms of the more significant committed projects in Shannon, work is currently underway by Shannon Group on an advanced technology manufacturing unit and a new office block in the Shannon Free Zone which are scheduled for completion in April and July respectively this year. I am informed that other projects are at various stages of the project appraisal lifecycle: appraisal, planning and implementation. These include, subject to cross agency support, the construction later this year of a new wide body aircraft hangar in Shannon Airport.
The NDP also provides for continued Exchequer support for the smaller regional airports under the Regional Airport Programme. This Programme is administered on an annual basis and the airports are invited to submit their applications for capital support towards safety and security related projects at the beginning of each year. This year’s applications are currently being assessed by my Department and, as in previous years, an announcement of the capital grant allocations for these airports will be made in due course.
Ports
The NDP details the non-Exchequer led funding being invested in our three Ports of National Significance (Tier 1) which is summarised in the table –
|
Project |
Cost |
Estimated Completion Date |
|
Dublin Port Company Alexander Basin Redevelopment Project |
€230m |
2022 Status: Under construction |
|
Port of Cork Company Ringaskiddy Redevelopment |
€90m |
2020 Status: - Contractor appointed |
|
Shannon Foynes Port Company Capacity Extension Works |
€27m |
2022 Status: Phase 2 at preplanning stage– Expect to go to planning April 2018 |
Public Transport
The NDP provides a total of €8.6 billion for investment in public transport projects around Ireland over the next 10 years. These projects include Metro Link, priority elements of the DART Expansion Programme and BusConnects in the GDA and Cork and Galway. In addition, there will be continued investment in sustainable transport projects including traffic management and other smarter travel projects along with new urban and cycling routes in our cities to allow transport infrastructure to function more effectively and relieve congestion.
As the National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the delivery of the various projects, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the NTA for a more detailed reply.
Roads
The NDP details a range of inter-urban and national road projects to be progressed over its lifetime. As 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, I have referred the Deputy's Question to TII for for a more detailed reply.
The NDP details the regional and local roads to be progressed over the course of the NDP as part of an estimated €4.5billon investment programme. All projects bar two are expected to be completed by end 2021, the exceptions being Athy Southern Distributor Road and Killaloe Bypass/R494 Upgrade, which are expected to be completed by end 2022. The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority 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. Implementation of projects included in the NDP is the responsibility of the relevant local authority.
My Department will be liaising with local authorities in relation to possible future projects for development in the post 2021 period and the appraisal requirements in relation to such projects.
Sports
The Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the Government’s primary method of providing support to sports clubs and organisations for capital projects. The Capital Plan provides €100m for the SCP in the period to 2021. The Plan also states that the programme will be further expanded over the period 2022 – 2027.
Following the conclusion of the Budget 2018 discussions, it was agreed that this Department would also establish a new “Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund” in 2018. The Fund will be for larger projects where the proposed Government contribution exceeds the amount available under the SCP. The NDP as published includes €100m for the new fund with finance available from 2019. The Department will draft the terms and conditions of the new scheme over the coming months and an announcement to include how and when organisations can apply for the funding will be made at that stage.
As part of the development of the National Sports Campus, €26 million has been allocated for Phase 2 of the National Indoor Arena which comprises covered pitches and ancillary facilities, for rugby, soccer and Gaelic games. Construction is underway and this project is due for completion in 2019.
Furthermore, €16 million has been allocated for the construction of a National Velodrome and Badminton Centre. Planning permission is in place and construction is to commence in 2020. This project is due for completion by 2021.
480. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of projects (details supplied) as conceptualised under the 2015 capital plan as of 1 February 2018; the amount that had been spent on them to date since their announcement; the areas in which projects are included in the Project Ireland 2040 national planning framework; and the estimated amount of prior expenditure that will remain relevant to the project in the future. [11274/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the recently published Project Ireland 2040 comprising the National Planning Framework (NPF) and National Development Plan (NDP) sets out a number of Public Transport Investment priorities including the DART Expansion programme, City Centre re-signalling and MetroLink. The DART Expansion Programme comprises of the DART Underground Tunnel and a series of projects, including the City Centre Re-signalling project, interlinked with the Tunnel but which also have benefits in and of themselves as stand-alone projects. This series of projects will create a full metropolitan area DART network for Dublin with all the lines linked and connected. This integrated network will provide a core, high-capacity transit system and will deliver a very substantial increase in peak-hour capacity on all lines from Drogheda, Maynooth, Celbridge/Hazelhatch and Greystones. The route for the DART Underground Tunnel will be established and protected to allow for its future delivery.
The NDP also proposes to take forward a Metro Link scheme to run from Swords, via Dublin Airport to Dublin’s south city centre (operating in tunnel under the city centre) and onwards to Sandyford using the existing Luas Green Line to ensure that growth along this corridor can be accommodated. This will provide Dublin with a high capacity, high-frequency cross-city rail corridor serving critical destinations such as Swords, Dublin Airport, Dublin City University, Ballymun, the Mater Hospital and existing destinations along the Luas Green Line to Sandyford. Metro Link will provide faster reliable journey times to and from these key destinations while offering interchange with other rail, DART Expansion, light rail and bus services.
As the Deputy is also aware, the NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area provides the overarching framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services for Dublin over the next two decades including those investment priorities identified in the NDP. In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this matter, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the NTA for further update.
Implementation of the eight Capital Plan regional and local road improvement projects mentioned by the Deputy is the responsibility of the relevant road authority with grant support from my Department.
As it will be some years before funding under the Capital Plan builds up to the level required to maintain the regional and local road network in a steady state condition, expenditure continues to be primarily directed towards maintenance and renewal work. This means that the Capital Plan upgrade projects have to be implemented on a phased basis as budgets allow and as projects are advanced through the project development stages by the relevant road authorities.
Two of the projects have reached construction stage - the Sallins Bypass and the upgrade of the Nangor and Adamstown roads in the vicinity of Grange Castle business park. The main design and construction elements of the Naas Bypass widening Scheme, Osberstown Interchange and Sallins Bypass Schemes are being progressed under one construction contract. Kildare County Council is the contracting authority and these three projects are expected to be completed on a phased basis over 2019/2020. In the case of the Nangor and Adamstown road upgrade, South Dublin County Council is the contracting authority and it is anticipated that the project will be completed in 2019.
The other projects will be progressed as the necessary development consents, land acquisition and procurement are advanced and as funding can be made available by my Department. As regards grant expenditure to date for these projects, this information is included in the Regional and Local Roads Payment and Allocations Booklets which are available in the Oireachtas library.
In relation to the national road projects mentioned by the Deputy, 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. I have, therefore 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.
481. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when an application for planning permission will be made in the case of the N2 Slane bypass. [11343/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
482. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the meaning of pre-appraisal in the context of the N2 Rath to Kilmoon as mentioned in the National Development Plan. [11349/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra483. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the statutory basis of the pre-appraisal procedure mentioned in Project Ireland 2040 in the context of the N2 Rath to Kilmoon and other roads as mentioned in the National Development Plan. [11350/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra484. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there will be a public consultation or public involvement in the pre-appraisal procedures announced in the National Development Plan. [11351/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra485. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the previous pre-appraisal procedures in relation to roads pre-appraised within the past ten years; and the results of each such pre-appraisal. [11352/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 482 to 485, inclusive, together.
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. The appraisal process for transport projects generally is set out my Department's "Common Appraisal Framework for Transport Projects", which can be found on my Department's website, www.dttas.ie.
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.
486. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the new provider for the park-by-text system which covers stations in County Longford (details supplied) will update its mapping system to allow customers to pay for parking in advance at Irish Rail stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11387/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
488. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a memorandum to Cabinet in relation to the N6 Galway city ring road will be submitted; when approval will be given to Galway County Council to submit a planning application to An Bord Pleanála; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11433/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
A decision in relation to when the project is ready to be submitted to An Bord Pleanála is a matter for TII in liaison with Galway County Council. As regards Government approval this is required in the case of projects costing over €100 million and the Department is considering when best to seek this approval taking account of progress made in relation to the project.
489. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the dismissal of persons from the Irish Coast Guard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11439/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI advised previously in a response to Parliamentary Question No. 1415 of 16 January 2018 as follows:
"A 2012 Value for Money Review for the Coast Guard recommended that Waterville Coast Guard Unit and Knightstown Coast Guard Unit be amalgamated to form a single Unit (Iveragh) for the South Kerry area. The new Unit was formally approved on 30 June 2015. An extensive consultation process was followed in order to assuage concerns raised by existing members. A building was renovated in Waterville as an administrative centre for the new Unit. This building was opened by the then Taoiseach Enda Kenny on 27 March 2017.
Despite numerous requests by the Coast Guard, several members of the now-defunct Waterville Unit refused to enrol in the Iveragh Unit. Following the official opening of the Stationhouse the members in question had further opportunities to enrol which they were not prepared to do. This left the Coast Guard with no option but to reluctantly terminate their membership. The Unit has now completed its establishment and intensive training is ongoing to make it a fully operational Search and Cliff Rescue Unit."
The above merger and the subsequent decisions concerning volunteers is an operational matter for the Coast Guard.
490. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital funding options available to a club (details supplied); the time of year funding becomes available; if it should apply on its own or in conjunction with a school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11458/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is operated by my Department and provides grants to assist in the development or refurbishment of sports facilities and the provision of sports equipment. The 2017 round of the 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. The maximum grant available for local projects under the 2017 SCP was €150,000 and astro turf projects were covered under the scheme. The full terms and conditions of the SCP are available on my Department's website including details of who can apply and the requirements around making joint applications with schools.
My Department is currently undertaking a review of the 2017 round of the SCP 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. Once this review is complete, an announcement regarding the timing of the next round next round will be made.
491. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the process for road upgrading (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11468/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for the classification of roads as either National or Regional under the Roads Act, 1993. I am empowered under Section 10 of the 1993 Act to classify any public road as a national or regional road and periodic reviews are undertaken in that regard. A public road, other than one classified by me as a national road or a regional road, is a local road. Road classification needs to follow appropriate and logical criteria and have regard to existing legislative provisions. Careful consideration of such proposals is, therefore, required.
Should a person or a county council wish to raise road reclassification issues relating to a road between Carrickmacross and Drumconrath, they can do so by writing to the Roads Division of my Department enclosing the following information:
- Road number and name of road or section of road in question including relevant townlands/junctions.
- Reason for reclassification request.
- Map(s) indicating current road classification.
- Map(s) indicating requested road classification.
Any such matters so raised can be considered as part of a wider road classification process.
492. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to an issue with regard to the classification of particular vehicles and the implications it has for toll charges (details supplied); his plans to amend the by-laws in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11493/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy in relation to roads. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects on national roads are a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the relevant local authority. For regional and local roads it is a matter for each respective local authority.
More specifically, the statutory powers to levy tolls on national roads as well as regional and local roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors are vested in TII (for national roads) and each local authority (for regional and local roads) under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007).
Noting the above, I am referring the question including the details supplied to TII for direct reply within 10 working days. Please inform my private office if you do not receive the information.
493. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of fines issued by the revenue protection unit at Irish Rail in the past three years; the number of fines that were appealed; the number of successful appeals; the way in which the money collected from fines is used by Irish Rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11518/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
494. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of fines issued by the revenue protection units at Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann in the past three years; the number of fines that were appealed; the number of successful appeals; the way in which the money collected from fines is used by the respective companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11519/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issues raised are operational matters for Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Companies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive responses within ten working days.
495. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of passengers travelling on the Galway to Limerick railway service annually based on the annual National Transport Authority annual survey or an Iarnród Éireann surveys; the way in which this compares with the original projections for the service when it re-opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11524/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Iarnród 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 reply within ten working days.
