Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 20 Mar 2018

Written Answers Nos 809-825

Rights of Way

Ceisteanna (809)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

809. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the legislative basis upon which a right of way can be extinguished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12372/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A local authority may extinguish a public right of way under section 73 of the Roads Act 1993, once it follows the procedures set down in that section.

Where it proposes to extinguish the public right of way, the local authority must publish notices, in a local newspaper or newspapers and at the right of way itself, informing the public that submissions may be made in relation to the proposed extinguishment, and must then consider any representations it receives on foot of these notices. The local authority may also arrange for an oral hearing in relation to the proposal, and consider the report and recommendation of the person appointed to conduct such a hearing.

Once this process has been completed, the local authority may then make an order extinguishing the right of way or part of the right of way specified in the public notice. The consideration of the results of the public consultation and the decision to make an order extinguishing the public right of way are reserved functions of the local authority.

Where the right of way it proposes to extinguish is located on a national or regional road, the order must be approved by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport before it has any effect.

Coast Guard Services

Ceisteanna (810)

John Brady

Ceist:

810. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the processes and timeframes for the construction of a permanent Coast Guard station at Greystones, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12626/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Coast Guard is presently working with the Office of Public Works to design an appropriate building for the designated site and regular liaison is taking place concerning the design. An estimated timeframe for construction cannot be made available until the design process is complete.

Aviation Industry Regulations

Ceisteanna (811)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

811. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the security measures in place to ensure that regional airports and aerodromes comply with EU law in relation to the common rules in civil aviation security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12719/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Responsibility for carrying out inspection and assessment of airport security now rests with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). 

Security oversight by the IAA involves a programme of  inspections, tests and audits in accordance with EU Regulation 300/2008, to ensure compliance with common rules and standards on aviation security and procedures.

Aviation Industry Regulations

Ceisteanna (812)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

812. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of airports that have been inspected since 2004; if an evaluation of security arrangements at licensed aerodromes and regional airports has been carried out to ensure compliance with security standards for flights arriving and departing from these airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12720/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Responsibility for carrying out inspection and assessment of airport security now rests with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).  I am advised by the IAA that 24 airports and aerodromes have been inspected since 2004 in accordance with the relevant EU Regulations, which lay down common rules and standards on aviation security and procedures.

Departmental Banking

Ceisteanna (813)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

813. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost to his Department of negative interest rates on deposits held; the details of same for agencies under his aegis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11745/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

From 01 January 2017 to 31 January 2018 my Department paid €1,974 in negative interest in three current accounts. These accounts are used for the processing of payments, receipts and payroll.

The negative interest rate of -0.1% is charged on over night balances on two accounts, the third account is zero rated on a closing balance up to €10 million and anything over €10 million is charged at -0.1%.

My Department does not hold the information requested for the Agencies by the Deputy. However I have forwarded your request to all Agencies under the remit of my Department for direct reply to you.  If you  do not hear within ten working days please contact my private office.

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

Driver Licence Data

Ceisteanna (814)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

814. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of valid learner permits by first, second, third, fourth, fifth and over; the age breakdown for each of those categories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11750/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

This 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 has not been received within ten days.

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

Departmental Communications

Ceisteanna (815)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

815. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount spent by his Department on third party public relations advice, communications advice, online advertising and public awareness campaigns from January 2017 to date in 2018, by year, month and company engaged in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11775/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The information requested by the Deputy is available on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.dttas.ie/corporate/english/expenditure-external-services

The information is updated twice yearly. The second six months of 2017 will be published shortly. The first six months of 2018 will be published later in the year.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland Projects

Ceisteanna (816)

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

816. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the M50 Dublin Port south access project contained in the National Development Plan 2018-2027; the proposed route, projected cost and timeframe for delivery; the relationship of same to the previously proposed Dublin eastern bypass plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11794/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects  is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.

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

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

Public Transport

Ceisteanna (817)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

817. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had discussions with the Minister for Justice and Equality or RIA, regarding the need for additional public transport provision regarding the proposed direct provision centre in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare; and his plans to ensure the transport needs of the residents will be met. [11802/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have not had discussions with the Minister for Justice and Equality or the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) regarding the matter raised by the Deputy. As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with the relevant transport operators and therefore 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.

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

National Development Plan

Ceisteanna (818)

Alan Farrell

Ceist:

818. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the DART underground as distinct from the Metro and Luas with specific reference to the planning for the project; the timeframe for its consideration; the timeframe for the construction of a link between Connolly and Heuston stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11839/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I wish to advise the Deputy that in the recently published National Development Plan (NDP), the DART Expansion Programme is identified as a key investment priority comprising a series of projects that will create a full metropolitan area DART Network for Dublin with all of the lines linked and connected.  The estimated cost is €2 billion with an estimated completion date is 2027.

The initial sequencing of investment will focus on delivery of non-underground tunnel elements of the programme using the recently opened rail link and existing connector tunnel under the Phoenix Park. This includes buying additional fleet for the DART network and measures such as re-signalling, junction and station changes to provide expanded services.  The next step will be to provide fast, high-frequency electrified services to Drogheda on the Northern Line, Celbridge/Hazelhatch on the Kildare Line, Maynooth and M3 Parkway on the Maynooth/Sligo Line, while continuing to provide DART services on the South-Eastern Line as far south as Greystones. It will also include new stations to provide interchange with bus, LUAS and Metro networks.

The significant benefit to using the recently opened rail link and existing connector tunnel under the Phoenix Park and the proposed sequence of investment, is that it will enable additional passenger services to be put in place much earlier using existing infrastructure with some enhancements. This integrated rail network will provide a core, high-capacity transit system for the region and will deliver a very substantial increase in peak-hour capacity on all lines from Drogheda, Maynooth, Celbridge/Hazelhatch and Greystones.

The route for the remaining element of the overall DART Expansion Programme, the DART Underground Tunnel, will be established and protected to allow for its future delivery.

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (819)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

819. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the conversion of Irish driver licences in Boston and the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11846/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There are no arrangements for exchange of driving licences between Ireland and the United States.

The starting point for driver licensing law is that it is a matter of public safety - we need to be satisfied that people licensed to drive on our roads have met certain basic standards.  Driver testing standards are set at EU level, and as such all EU driving licences are interchangeable. 

In the case of non-EU jurisdictions, we may reach bilateral agreements on driver licence exchange. These are not a straightforward matter and cannot be reached simply because they are convenient. They are based on detailed comparison of the two licensing regimes so that each side may be satisfied, in the interests of public safety, that their standards are comparable. On the Irish side, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

The RSA has examined the possibility of driver licence exchange with the USA. However, US driver licensing operates at State rather than Federal level. This means that there are 50 different systems, with widely varying standards. It would be necessary to reach 50 separate agreements, each of which would have to take account of the arrangements between the State in question and the other 49. The RSA concluded that this was not possible.

Public Appointments Service

Ceisteanna (820)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

820. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons holding Civil Service positions above clerical officer grade in his Department who entered the Civil Service via a route other than through an open competition run by the Public Appointments Service or its predecessors; the grades of each; and the basis for the non-standard recruitment. [11866/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

All recruitment for my Department is conducted in accordance with the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA) Codes of Practice. The Commission is the principal regulator of recruitment and selection processes within the public service. It has a statutory role to ensure that appointments in the organisations subject to its remit (that is, those that fall under the authority and scope of the Commission) are made on candidates’ merit and as a result of fair and transparent appointment processes.    

As well as open competitions conducted by the Public Appointment Service, recruitment to the Civil Service can also take place through other means; Recruitment under a Department’s own Recruitment Licence and under Excluding Order from the CPSA. 

All recruitment in my Department is through open and interdepartmental competitions conducted by the PAS, or through lateral moves through Redeployment, Secondment or transfer/mobility in the Public Service.

Civil Service Management

Ceisteanna (821)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

821. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the directions provided to the payment of staff in the public sector and Civil Service that fall under the direction of his Department for the days during Storm Emma when staff were directed to stay at home; if deductions in pay and annual leave were made to staff in the public sector or Civil Service as a result of days lost during the storm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11883/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There were no deductions made to the pay or annual leave entitlements of the staff of my Department as a result of days lost during storm Emma. Many staff worked from home during this period and, as the Deputy will be aware, many others, including in particular members of the Irish Coast Guard, provided valuable assistance to the public and other relevant authorities during the event.

The arrangements that were in place in agencies under the remit of my Department is a matter for the agencies themselves. I have referred the Deputy's question to them for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

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

Driver Test Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (822)

Eugene Murphy

Ceist:

822. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expected waiting times and number of those waiting for a practical driver test by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11897/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

This 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 ten days.

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

Driver Test Centres

Ceisteanna (823)

Eugene Murphy

Ceist:

823. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to reduce the waiting time for a practical driver test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11898/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Driver Testing Service has seen an increase of almost 20% in the levels of driving test applications over the last four years. I accept that current waiting times remain too high. The Road Safety Authority currently employs 103 driver testers. My Department has sanctioned an additional 28 Driver Testers since October 2016, and to date 23 are now conducting driving tests. The remaining 5 testers will be recruited in the coming months.  The RSA is examining the long term requirements for driver tester numbers to ensure that the Authority can meet future demand.

The Authority is currently undertaking other initiatives in order to increase capacity to deliver extra driving tests. These initiatives include:

- The delivery of 120 extra overtime tests per driver tester who participates. To date, 55 driver testers have committed to the delivery of the extra tests and it is expected that this will yield at least 6,600 extra tests up to March 2018.

- A reduction in the number of applicant no-shows at the driving test. Some 6,709 applicants have been contacted, with 1,386 tests that would have been lost due to no-shows being cancelled in advance instead. The tests in this instance have been made available for other test applicants.

- A reduction in non-conducted driving tests. The RSA communicates with test applicants, via text-messaging and via applicants’ Approved Driving Instructors, some key messages on the vehicle and document requirements closer to test appointment dates in an effort to reduce non-conducted driving tests.

- A new Driving Test Booking System. The RSA plans to introduce a new test booking system that will give test applicants much more control over their booking and appointment choice. A request for tender has been published and it is envisaged that the new system will be in place by late 2018 or early 2019.

I am assured that the measures the Authority has put in place will have the desired effect of reducing waiting times to the public.

Commercial Vehicle Testing

Ceisteanna (824)

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

824. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the costs associated with introducing a statutory instrument to test wheeled tractors of the T5 category with a maximum design speed exceeding 40 km/h used for commercial haulage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11900/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under 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.

Accordingly, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport will not incur any costs by introducing legislation to enable the periodic roadworthiness testing of category T vehicles with a maximum design speed of 40 km/hr.

Commercial Vehicle Testing

Ceisteanna (825)

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

825. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated revenue that will be generated by introducing a statutory instrument to test wheeled tractors of the T5 category with a maximum design speed exceeding 40 km/h used for commercial haulage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11901/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has responsibility for the operation, oversight, development, quality assurance and delivery of commercial vehicle roadworthiness testing arrangements. Therefore it will be the RSA who will be able to provide the figures requested.

However, as the Statutory Instrument that will transpose the relevant EU Directive and introduce periodic roadworthiness testing for category T vehicles with a maximum design speed exceeding 40 km/hr from 20 May 2018 is currently at drafting stage and pending legal advice, this will not be possible until the test comes into operation from 20 May 2018.

Barr
Roinn