Tuesday, 20 Mar 2018

Written Answers Nos 844-859

Road Signage

Ceisteanna (844)

Lisa Chambers

Ceist:

844. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to update the traffic signs manual; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12186/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Traffic Signs Manual (TSM) constitutes a Ministerial Direction to road authorities under section 95(16) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, and is available from my Department's website.

The TSM stipulates the traffic signs to be used on Irish roads, their layout and symbols, the circumstances in which each sign should be used and the rules for positioning them.

Work towards updating the Manual is at an advanced stage and it is expected to be completed during 2018.

Road Signage

Ceisteanna (845)

Lisa Chambers

Ceist:

845. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will instruct TII to erect signposts for Knock Airport on the M6 and M17; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12187/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

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

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.

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

Road Network

Ceisteanna (846)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

846. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied) will be addressed. [12212/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

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

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply in relation to the traffic issues raised in the question. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.

As regards the speed limit on the road, the Road Traffic Act 2004 sets default speed limits for various categories of roads but elected members of local authorities have statutory responsibility for deciding on and making appropriate Special Speed Limit bye-laws for roads within their administrative area, with the consent of TII in the case of national roads.

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

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (847)

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

847. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if asylum seekers are allowed to hold an Irish driver licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12227/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Under EU legislation, Member States issue driving licences to those normally resident in their jurisdiction. As asylum-seekers are persons whose residence status has, by definition, not been determined, we cannot issue them with driving licences.

Public Transport Fares

Ceisteanna (848)

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

848. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department will review the matter of taxsaver passes for public transport in view of the delays and overcrowding on the Luas line; if taxsaver tickets for rail services can be transferred for use on Bus Éireann as an interim measure until the delays and overcrowding issues on the Luas are resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12231/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Dublin Bus 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.

Question No. 849 answered with Question No. 837.

Sports Capital Programme

Ceisteanna (850)

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

850. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department will be accepting applications for the sports capital grants programme in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12336/18]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) closed for applications on the 24th February 2017. 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. Following these announcements, all applicants deemed invalid or partially invalid were invited to appeal the Department’s decision if it was felt that an error had been made in the assessment process. 149 appeals were submitted prior to the deadlines. 35 of these appeals were upheld by the reviewers looking at these appeals and all appellants have now been informed of the result of the appeals process.

In relation to future rounds of the SCP, my Department is now undertaking a general 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 shortly and an announcement regarding the next round of the SCP will be made at that stage.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (851)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

851. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Bus Éireann and TII will be informed regarding the dangers at a bus stop (details supplied); if this will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12348/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development of bus stops, bus shelters, bus stations etc in the State.

In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for a more detailed 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.

Motor Insurance

Ceisteanna (852)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

852. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a person (details supplied) will be allowed to acquire a motor dealer identity number in advance of securing a premises for their business continuation. [12358/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

My Department through the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) maintains a record of the ‘registered owners’ of motor vehicles. Article 10 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 1992 (SI No. 385 of 1992) and amendments made thereon set out the procedures regarding notification and recording of changes of vehicle ownership. Central to this is notifications of vehicle ownership changes from motor dealers.

In the administration of this system, motor dealers who are issued an identity number from my Department, are, in effect, given special 'dispensation' as they are not required to pay motor tax, or complete a non-use declaration, while the vehicle is in their ownership but not on a public road. Neither are they regarded as a registered owner of the vehicle when it is subsequently sold. The presumption is that vehicles in the ownership of motor dealers are not used in a public place and if they are, it is under the cover of a Trade Plate, or have been taxed and used for private purposes.

In this regard, the Department have strict requirements in issuing identity numbers, and must be satisfied as to the authenticity of the applicant. Identity codes are only issued to a registered Company or a sole trader on completion of a standard application form.

The application must include:

- copy of a premises rateable valuation receipt, or planning permission for such premises granted under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 1963, the same as an application for a Trade Licence. If leasing a premises, rates must be paid on the leased premises.

- copy of current motor trade insurance policy

- V.A.T number or PPSN number (whichever applicable)

- If the application is in the name of a registered company (registered with the C.R.O.) a registration number is required

The correspondence does not set out why the identity code is sought in advance of securing a business premises, but my Departments officials in Shannon, who administer the issuance of identity codes, are happy to discuss the matter further with the individual concerned if he wishes to make contact with them.

Ministerial Meetings

Ceisteanna (853)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

853. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of times he has met officials from Cork City Council and Cork County Council on traffic volumes and solutions on the south link and north ring road in Cork since he entered office. [12365/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

To date I have not met with Cork City Council and Cork County Council regarding traffic volumes and solutions on the south link and north ring road in Cork, nor have I had any such request to meet to discuss that particular topic.

Tourism Promotion

Ceisteanna (854)

John Curran

Ceist:

854. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific targets and actions he has set to address the tourist number decline from the UK in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12463/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

In January 2018, the total number of trips to Ireland by overseas residents increased by 3.8% to 585,500 - an overall increase of 21,400 compared to twelve months earlier. Trips by residents of Great Britain decreased by 4.4%.

Tourism Ireland has a programme of marketing activity in place for 2018 to keep Ireland front of mind for British visitors. That marketing effort will continue throughout the year. In addition, Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland launched an initiative, specially designed to boost tourist numbers from Britain to the Wild Atlantic Way. A €1.35 million marketing campaign in Britain will be complemented by a Fáilte Ireland €500,000 programme to support businesses along the Wild Atlantic Way to position themselves to benefit from the campaign, as well as to boost its own marketing campaigns in Northern Ireland.

Additionally, Fáilte Ireland’s 'Get Brexit Ready' programme offers a suite of industry supports, designed to help businesses meet specific Brexit-related challenges. The programme allows individual businesses to self-assess their exposures and risks and provides a range of interventions to match their needs.

Finally, in Budget 2018, with Brexit in mind, €2m in capital funding was specifically secured for Tourism Ireland to invest in strengthening its digital infrastructure, deepening its understanding of the all-important overseas consumer and developing new creative content, for roll out from 2019, that will give Ireland real stand-out and inspire and motivate people across the world to visit Ireland.

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (855)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

855. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the road classification being proposed for the A5-N2 road project (details supplied); if this route will consist of a type 2 dual carriageway, a type 3 dual carriageway, motorway standard or other road type; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12467/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Deputy will appreciate that classification issues relating to the A5 are matters for the Northern Ireland Authorities.

With regard to the N2, this is already a National Primary Road, so it is expected that no direct classification issue arise. However, should sections of the route be constructed to motorway standard, then re-designation to motorway status might arise and will be considered at the appropriate time should that happen.

The planning, design and implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting this, I have referred this aspect of 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.

Road Projects

Ceisteanna (856)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

856. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the road classification being proposed for the Atlantic corridor road project (details supplied); if this route will consist of a type 2 dual carriageway, a type 3 dual carriageway, motorway standard or other road type; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12468/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Atlantic Corridor project is already based on National Roads, so it is expected that no direct classification issue arise. However, where sections of the route are constructed to motorway standard, then re-designation to motorway status may arise and will be considered at the appropriate stage.

The planning, design and implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting this, I have referred this aspect of 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.

Motor Tax Yield

Ceisteanna (857)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

857. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of commercial vehicle motor tax collected in each of the years 2015 to 2017; the amount paid online and over the counter in a local authority office, by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12609/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Motor tax receipts from commercial vehicles in each licensing authority are set out in the following tables for the years 2015 to 2017:

2017

Licensing Authority	Online receipts (€)	Motor tax office receipts (€)	Total (€)
Carlow	€1,171,981	€1,332,807	€2,504,788
Cavan	€1,716,328	€1,567,412	€3,283,740
Clare	€1,825,882	€1,901,364	€3,727,246
Cork	€9,584,230	€7,185,270	€16,769,500
Donegal	€2,341,978	€3,452,768	€5,794,746
Dublin City	€15,514,045	€12,225,400	€27,739,445
Galway	€4,218,428	€4,123,516	€8,341,944
Kerry	€2,821,789	€1,880,986	€4,702,775
Kildare	€3,829,424	€2,784,603	€6,614,027
Kilkenny	€1,761,659	€1,618,894	€3,380,553
Laois	€1,288,728	€1,256,052	€2,544,780
Leitrim	€685,435	€628,348	€1,313,783
Limerick City and County	€2,975,934	€2,854,933	€5,830,867
Longford	€812,483	€816,751	€1,629,234
Louth	€1,691,913	€1,706,780	€3,398,693
Mayo	€2,731,204	€2,507,769	€5,238,973
Meath	€3,746,975	€2,566,608	€6,313,583
Monaghan	€1,481,280	€2,009,331	€3,490,611
Offaly	€1,470,082	€1,123,349	€2,593,431
Roscommon	€1,176,925	€1,398,941	€2,575,866
Sligo	€971,946	€1,358,696	€2,330,642
Tipperary	€3,276,289	€2,456,202	€5,732,491
Waterford City and County	€1,531,576	€1,604,589	€3,136,165
Westmeath	€1,313,739	€1,765,198	€3,078,937
Wexford	€3,207,519	€2,621,767	€5,829,286
Wicklow	€2,096,404	€1,756,175	€3,852,579
Total	€75,244,176	€66,504,509	€141,748,685

2016

Licensing Authority	Online receipts (€)	Motor tax office receipts (€)	Total (€)
Carlow	€1,008,192	€1,490,653	€2,498,845
Cavan	€1,485,675	€1,586,889	€3,072,564
Clare	€1,676,847	€2,070,077	€3,746,924
Cork	€8,565,079	€7,806,141	€16,371,220
Donegal	€2,004,641	€3,694,039	€5,698,680
Dublin City	€13,737,433	€12,711,513	€26,448,946
Galway	€3,728,691	€4,604,591	€8,333,282
Kerry	€2,664,345	€2,092,798	€4,757,143
Kildare	€3,278,336	€2,975,450	€6,253,786
Kilkenny	€1,571,459	€1,787,178	€3,358,637
Laois	€1,117,437	€1,344,376	€2,461,813
Leitrim	€578,898	€733,643	€1,312,541
Limerick City and County	€2,674,170	€2,963,336	€5,637,506
Longford	€664,461	€902,723	€1,567,184
Louth	€1,434,100	€1,937,804	€3,371,904
Mayo	€2,435,913	€2,733,740	€5,169,653
Meath	€3,337,272	€2,900,454	€6,237,726
Monaghan	€1,199,390	€1,993,291	€3,192,681
Offaly	€1,274,147	€1,279,905	€2,554,052
Roscommon	€1,024,356	€1,458,999	€2,483,355
Sligo	€858,660	€1,406,037	€2,264,697
Tipperary	€2,931,706	€2,645,528	€5,577,234
Waterford City and County	€1,367,530	€1,664,230	€3,031,760
Westmeath	€1,112,761	€2,049,034	€3,161,795
Wexford	€2,720,030	€2,887,094	€5,607,124
Wicklow	€1,825,594	€1,886,805	€3,712,399
Total	€66,277,123	€71,606,328	€137,883,451

2015

Licensing Authority	Online receipts (€)	Motor tax office receipts (€)	Total (€)
Carlow	€1,092,552	€2,115,912	€3,208,464
Cavan	€1,687,878	€2,136,104	€3,823,982
Clare	€1,698,019	€2,743,484	€4,441,503
Cork	€9,885,807	€11,413,276	€21,299,083
Donegal	€2,033,657	€4,625,501	€6,659,158
Dublin City	€14,508,047	€17,756,212	€32,264,259
Galway	€3,676,353	€6,728,246	€10,404,599
Kerry	€2,954,052	€2,804,542	€5,758,594
Kildare	€3,565,254	€4,299,501	€7,864,755
Kilkenny	€1,684,627	€2,719,691	€4,404,318
Laois	€1,186,296	€2,100,607	€3,286,903
Leitrim	€624,585	€841,406	€1,465,991
Limerick City and County	€2,830,344	€4,795,781	€7,626,125
Longford	€678,282	€1,309,530	€1,987,812
Louth	€1,684,115	€2,768,847	€4,452,962
Mayo	€2,588,738	€3,578,423	€6,167,161
Meath	€3,678,802	€4,694,419	€8,373,221
Monaghan	€1,423,591	€3,384,845	€4,808,436
Offaly	€1,144,617	€2,002,772	€3,147,389
Roscommon	€1,063,656	€1,853,228	€2,916,884
Sligo	€886,465	€1,809,222	€2,695,687
Tipperary	€3,448,515	€3,973,001	€7,421,516
Waterford City and County	€1,417,824	€2,210,044	€3,627,868
Westmeath	€1,182,883	€2,116,542	€3,299,425
Wexford	€2,896,220	€4,761,540	€7,657,760
Wicklow	€1,835,074	€2,302,869	€4,137,943
Total	€71,356,253	€101,845,545	€173,201,798

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (858)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

858. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the privatising of bus routes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12613/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

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

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

Road Signage

Ceisteanna (859)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

859. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to review the traffic signs manual as published by his Department to ensure that Ireland West Airport Knock is included on all signs on the M17- M18 and on the N17 in view of its enhanced status in the recently published National Development Plan 2018-2027; and the timeframe for same. [12617/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Traffic Signs Manual (TSM) constitutes a Ministerial Direction to road authorities under section 95(16) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, and is available from my Department's website. The TSM stipulates the traffic signs to be used on Irish roads, their layout and symbols, the circumstances in which each sign should be used and the rules for positioning them. Work towards updating the Manual is at an advanced stage and it is expected to be completed during 2018.

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 operation of individual roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting this position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply in relation to that aspect of his question concerning specific traffic signage on the recently opened M17/M18 as well as on the N17. 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.