Written Answers Nos. 353-370
353. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the EU directives that fall within his Department's remit not yet transposed into law; the deadline imposed by the EU for the transposition of same; the estimated date for transposition into law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14889/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:
|
Directive |
Title |
Deadline |
|
2013/59
|
Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom of 5 December 2013 laying down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation, and repealing Directives 89/618/Euratom, 90/641/Euratom, 96/29/Euratom, 97/43/Euratom and 2003/122/Euratom. |
06/02/2018 Primary legislation is required to enable transposition of the Directive. The primary legislation was published on 20 February with a view to early enactment. |
|
2016/2284
|
DIRECTIVE (EU) 2016/2284 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 14 December 2016 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants, amending Directive 2003/35/EC and repealing Directive 2001/81/EC. |
01/07/2018
|
|
2015/1513
|
Directive (EU) 2015/1513 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 September 2015 amending Directive 98/70/EC relating to the quality of petrol and diesel fuels and amending Directive 2009/28/EC on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources. |
10/09/2017 - transposing legislation will be finalised shortly. |
|
2015/996
|
Commission Directive (EU) 2015/996 of 19 May 2015 establishing common noise assessment methods according to Directive 2002/49/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council. |
31/12/2018
|
|
2016/1148 |
Directive (EU) 2016/1148 concerning measures for a high common level of security of network and information systems across the Union |
06/05/2018 - transposing legislation will be finalised shortly. |
|
2014/910 |
Regulation (EU) 910/2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions. |
May 2018 |
|
2016/2102 |
DIRECTIVE (EU) 2016/2102 of 26 October 2016 on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies |
23/09/2018 |
|
2017/2096 |
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE (EU) 2017/2096 of 15 November 2017 amending Annex II to Directive 2000/53/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on end-of life vehicles |
6 June 2018 |
|
2014/52 |
DIRECTIVE 2014/52/EU of 16 April 2014 amending Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment.
|
Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government is the lead Department, but a number of other Departments, including my Department, have transposition responsibilities |
355. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the average motor tax cost applicable to an electric vehicle; the amount applicable to a hybrid vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14890/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is a single annual motor tax rate of €120 for a private electric vehicle. In respect of electric goods vehicles, an annual rate of €92 applies to vehicles with an unladen weight not exceeding 1,500 kilograms. Hybrid vehicles are taxed on the same basis as private vehicles i.e. taxed on the CO2 emissions level of the vehicle for vehicles registered since 2008, and taxed on the basis of engine capacity for pre-2008 vehicles. Rates range from €170 to €2,350 annually.
356. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the promised stakeholders forum on public transport; the timeline and details of the proposed work of the forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14511/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, following on from a commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government and as further committed to in the latter part of 2017, work is underway in the Department on reviewing public transport policy “to ensure services are sustainable into the future and are meeting the needs of a modern economy”.
As part of this review, I am committed to convene and host a round-table policy discussion forum 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. It is expected 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 soon as industrial relations disputes are resolved my Department will confirm arrangements for the event.
357. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to drive policy towards the development of a coastal walkway of Ireland with an emphasis initially on the Atlantic economic corridor and the Wild Atlantic Way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14524/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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, such as the Wild Atlantic Way. These are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.
I am aware that Fáilte Ireland's Experience Brands have been developed to present different parts of Ireland as compelling tourism experiences of scale and singularity internationally. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland's Ancient East and the Dublin brand are overarching brands under which destinations and individuals can trade collectively with greater visibility and clarity of message in the international marketplace.
I understand that Fáilte Ireland is currently tendering for a pilot study to look at potential options to link the existing Kerry Way and Dingle Way walking trails with a view to informing a full route feasibility study in respect of a coastal trail along the Wild Atlantic Way . The tender for the pilot study has just been published this week.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for their attention and direct reply to the Deputy. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
358. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the appointment of persons with disabilities to the boards of State agencies under his control; the timeline for these appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14550/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I committed to at a recent Joint Oireachtas Committee meeting, a campaign to appoint people with specific personal experience of disability to the boards of the public transport agencies was launched on 26th March 2018.
All information relating to the process is available at the following link http://www.stateboards.ie/stateboards/campaignAdvert/75495/booklet.htm or www.stateboards.ie
359. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of taxis converted for use by wheelchair users that are available; the average number of journeys taken by a taxi per year; the average number of journeys provided to wheelchair users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14551/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the licensing of wheelchair accessible SPSVs, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
I have referred your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
360. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount that his Department has spent on social media training and consultancy in each year since 2016. [14575/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
361. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if training has been delivered in his Department on the use of social media (details supplied); the frequency and cost of this training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14591/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department does not currently maintain any permanent social media presence and has not to date delivered training to staff on the use of the identified social media platforms.
362. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason that the DART underground is not included in the National Development Plan; and if the reports on which the decision was made not to include it will be provided. [14592/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority's (NTA) 'Transport Strategy for the GDA 2016-2035' proposes implementation of the overall DART Expansion Programme. As outlined in the recently published 'National Development Plan 2018-2027: Project Ireland 2040' (NDP), the DART Expansion Programme is a series of projects that will create a full metropolitan area DART Network for Dublin with all of the lines linked and connected over the period of the plan.
The initial sequencing of investment under the NDP 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 (which has provided the option for Kildare commuters to access the city centre stations of Connolly, Tara Street and Pearse). This sequencing and focus 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 Maynooth and Celbridge/Hazelhatch as well as Drogheda and Greystones. The route for the remaining element of the overall DART Expansion Programme, the DART Undeground Tunnel, will be established and protected to allow for its future delivery.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority for further information on the issues raised. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
363. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason each sports capital appeal applicant was successful or unsuccessful for funding under the recently announced grants, by county, applicant, grant amount sought and grant amount awarded if successful in tabular form. [14619/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra149 appeals were submitted in respect of the 2017 Sports Capital Programme (SCP) and of these, 35 were upheld. Appeals were upheld where the appellant demonstrated that the Department erred in its decision to make the application invalid, where it was agreed that the Department's guide to making an application was not sufficiently clear in relation to why the proposed project may be invalid, or where it was felt the original decision involved an overly strict interpretation of the SCP terms and conditions. Appeals were unsuccessful if it was felt that none of these conditions applied. All of these unsuccessful appellants have been given the reasons why their application remains invalid but have also been informed that they will be given the opportunity of simply submitting corrected documentation when the next round of the programme opens without the requirement of submitting a full new application.
A summary of the reasons why appeals were upheld or rejected for all 149 appeals is set out in the spreadsheet in the following link.
364. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the value of contracts for services awarded to a company (details supplied) by his Department since 2010, in tabular form; and the type of work undertaken by the company. [14636/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
365. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the greenway projects under consideration in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14768/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not currently have an open call for Greenways funding and is therefore not considering any greenway proposals at present.
As you will be aware my Department is in the process of developing a Strategy for the future development of Greenways. The strategy will ensure that Greenways are constructed to an appropriately high standard in order to provide a quality experience for all users.
Following publication of the Strategy my Department will announce a Greenway funding call to local authorities. The current budget available to my Department for the delivery of Greenways in the period 2018 to 2021 is almost €56m. I expect to announce the criteria for awarding funding at the same time as the Strategy is published, with funding awarded late in 2018. This is to provide local authorities with as much time as possible to progress the planning of their Greenway proposals. The Strategy is expected to be published during Q2 of 2018.
Given the National Transport Authority's (NTA) responsibility for the development and implementation of cycling infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area in co-operation with each local authority, I am forwarding the Deputy's question to the NTA for their consideration and comment on greenway projects under consideration and for direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the NTA within 10 working days please contact my private office.
366. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the development of additional capacity for the M11 and N11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14769/18]
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 the capital budget available to it, allocation decisions are a matter for TII.
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.
367. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the grant application in respect of the development of a greenway in counties Leitrim and Cavan; when this application will be approved and funding allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14777/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra368. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the grant application in respect of the development of a greenway in counties Sligo and Leitrim; when this application will be approved and funding allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14778/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 367 and 368 together.
You will be aware that my Department is in the process of developing a Strategy for the future development of Greenways. The strategy will ensure that Greenways are constructed to an appropriately high standard in order to provide a quality experience for all users.
I understand that applications were submitted to Fáilte Ireland in 2016 by Cavan, Leitrim and Sligo County Councils under the Grants Scheme for Large Tourism Projects. However, a decision was taken by Fáilte Ireland, following consultation with the Tourism Development Division of my Department, to postpone the evaluation of all applications relating to greenway development. This decision was taken given the preparation of the Greenway Strategy and to ensure a consistent and cohesive approach to the development of greenways in Ireland and the alignment of public policy and funding.
Following publication of the Strategy my Department will announce a Greenway funding call to local authorities. The current budget available to my Department for the period 2018 to 2021 is almost €56m. I expect to announce the criteria for awarding funding at the same time as the Strategy is published, with funding awarded late in 2018. This is to provide local authorities with as much time as possible to progress the planning of their Greenway proposals. The Strategy is scheduled to be published during Q2 of 2018.
369. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be allocated for the upgrading of sporting facilities at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14779/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital Programme is the primary means of providing Government support to sports clubs and organisations for sports capital works. A request from St Tiarnach's GFC Clones, supported by the Monaghan GAA County Board, the GAA Ulster Council and the Central Council of the GAA, for a special allocation of €350,000, was received by my Department last year. The proposed works included roof repairs, dressing room improvements and fencing work. A special allocation was sought as the amount required exceeded the maximum available under the Sports Capital Programme. This request is still being considered in my Department.
In relation to future investment, the recently published National Development Plan (NDP)contains a commitment to establish a new “Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund” (LSSIF) with at least €100m available over the coming years. My officials will draft the terms and conditions of the new LSSIF over the coming months.The Fund will be for larger projects where the proposed Government contribution would exceed the amount currently available for projects under the SCP. In terms of calls for proposals, it is envisaged that the views of the National Governing Bodies of Sport and local authorities would be sought regarding the prioritisation of projects for possible inclusion.
In relation to specific projects, similar to projects like St. Tiarnach’s park, prior to the terms and conditions of the new scheme being finalised and relevant organisations having the opportunity to apply for funding, it is not possible to say which projects will be supported at this stage.
I expect to have the terms and conditions of the LSSIF finalised in the coming months and an announcement will be made at that stage setting out in more detail how and when organisations can apply for the funding available.
370. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional funding will be allocated to Cavan and Monaghan county councils for road improvements in view of the substantial damage to roads caused by recent storms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14780/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads are the statutory responsibilities of Monaghan and Cavan County Councils, 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 also a matter for the local authority.
As indicated previously to the Deputy, I announced the 2018 regional and local road allocations on 29th January and all grant funding available to my Department has now been allocated. Cavan County Council was allocated €10.7million, an increase of €1.6million compared to the 2017 allocation, and Monaghan County Council was allocated €9.1million, an increase of €1.5million, compared to the 2017 allocation. It is for each Council to determine its priorities and decide its work programme on that basis, taking available grant funding and its own resources into account. There is no additional funding available to my Department.
I am aware that my colleague the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government has written to local authorities indicating that claims can be submitted to that Department for recoupment of costs associated with clean-up works and necessary immediate works which were undertaken in the aftermath of the recent severe weather.
