John Lahart
Ceist:1203. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of vehicles under each heading that use the Dublin tunnel (details supplied). [15123/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRoad Tolls
Ceisteanna (1203, 1211, 1213, 1214)
John Lahart
Ceist:1211. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of cars using toll roads here in each of the years 2013 to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15059/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraJohn Lahart
Ceist:1213. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capacity of the Dublin Tunnel; and when it operates to capacity during a 24-hour cycle. [15115/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraJohn Lahart
Ceist:1214. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the revenue generated by the Dublin tunnel through tolling since 2012. [15116/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1203, 1211, 1213 and 1214 together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and 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). Accordingly, the information requested all falls within the operational capacity of TII.
Noting the above, I am referring the question, in relation to National Roads, to TII for direct reply within 10 working days. Please inform my private office if you do not receive the information.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Departmental Offices
Ceisteanna (1204)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:1204. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a person (details supplied) - who has been waiting for more than two months - will receive a certificate of competency from the marine office and the reason for the delay in the marine office in his Department; if his attention has been drawn to the consequences this has on persons who cannot apply for work until they receive it from the office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15309/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department cannot comment on individual applications. There are various reasons why delays will occur in the application process including incomplete information being provided by the applicant. I am not aware of delays generally in processing applications within the Marine Mercantile Office. However, if any fishers are experiencing particular delays, I would urge them to contact the Mercantile Marine Office in the first instance.
EU Funding
Ceisteanna (1205)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:1205. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding received from the EU in each year since 2000 to date for the purposes of specifically assisting the provision of transport infrastructure such as rail, ports, roads and airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15798/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland has received EU funding for transport infrastructure projects from a range of EU funding programmes since 2000, not limited to the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), now considered to be the principal EU co-funding mechanism for transport infrastructure. As my Department is not responsible for the administration of all EU funding for such projects, I have referred the Deputy's question to the agencies under my remit for direct reply in respect of EU funding which they each has received since 2000. Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within 10 working days.
Details of EU funding directly administered by the Department are being collated and will be communicated directly to the Deputy.
Details in relation to Irish transport projects under CEF, Horizon 2020 and under Trans-European Network-Transport before the current CEF programme are available online at the following link: https://ec.europa.eu/inea/en/connecting-europe-facility/cef-transport/projects-by-country/ireland.
The referred replies were forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Trans European Transport Network Programme
Ceisteanna (1206, 1207, 1208)
Lisa Chambers
Ceist:1206. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the decision in 2011 to remove projects from the application for EU Trans-European Transport Network, Ten-T funding; the projects that were removed from the application; the reason they were removed; the criteria used to decide which projects were removed; and the projects that remained. [16249/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraLisa Chambers
Ceist:1207. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the projects which were removed in 2011 from the application to the European Commission's Trans-European Transport Network Ten-T programme. [16250/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraLisa Chambers
Ceist:1208. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the removal of each project from the Ten-T funding programme application; the criteria used to remove projects from the application; and the criteria used to decide which projects would remain on the application. [16251/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1206 to 1208, inclusive, together.
The basis for the current TEN-T network is the European Commission’s planning methodology, available online at https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52013SC0542.
The methodology highlights the criteria used for the identification of the comprehensive network (Chapter 1) and also those parts of the comprehensive network that are identified as the core network (Chapter 2). Ireland’s core transport network, which is a subset of our comprehensive network, is required to be completed by 2030 and was identified on the basis of this planning methodology, which identified the most important urban nodes, ports and airports. These nodes are connected on the TEN-T maps via multimodal transport links. The technical specifications of the Comprehensive Network are also required to be completed by 2050.
Against the backdrop of a very difficult economic climate in 2011, Ireland was required to consider the specific implications of the proposed network for Ireland’s transport infrastructure, as well as our financial capacity to complete the technical specifications of our portion of the network within the timeframes proposed.
Inclusion of transport routes on TEN-T could potentially allow projects on those routes to be part-funded by the EU. However, this could only be done through competitive EU-wide processes which were expected to be considerably over-subscribed. The majority of costs of any capital project being funded by the Exchequer would still be borne by the Exchequer, with just the potential, if applications were successful, of a minority of grant funding coming from EU sources. All projects would also require accompanying cost-benefit analyses.
It was in this context that Ireland, as with other Member States, liaised with the European Commission regarding its views on the appropriateness of the draft Network in line with the proposed methodology and with the affordability of completion of the network at that time. This resulted in sections of the proposed network not ultimately being included in the final TEN-T maps agreed in 2013.
Irish projects have to date been successful in obtaining funding under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) mechanism and details of these projects are available online, at the following link: https://ec.europa.eu/inea/en/connecting-europe-facility/cef-transport/projects-by-country/ireland.
Despite the economic challenges the country has faced, a priority has been placed on access to and within the North-West. The most notable demonstration of this is the Gort-Tuam motorway, which is the largest transport investment completed anywhere in the country since 2011.
That priority is maintained in the National Development Plan, Project Ireland 2040. Project Ireland 2040 places a strong emphasis on further improving connectivity, including the development of the strategic Cork to Limerick road link.
There will be a review of the implementation of the core network by end 2023. The Commission will consult with Member States and will evaluate progress made in the implementation of the TEN-T Regulation, as well as the impact of evolving traffic patterns and relevant developments in infrastructure investment plans. The Regulation further sets out that the Commission, in consultation with EU Member States, will evaluate whether the core network should be modified to take into account developments in transport flows and national investment planning. In the meantime, the recently published Project 2040 by Government includes a range of potential transport projects, including key transport projects in the West and Northwest regions.
Public Transport Data
Ceisteanna (1209)
Imelda Munster
Ceist:1209. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of times delays occurred on the Luas due to medical emergencies in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018, by month and Luas line in tabular form. [14995/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the Luas operator, Transdev. 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 response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Cycling Facilities Provision
Ceisteanna (1210)
John Curran
Ceist:1210. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding being provided in 2018 and 2019 for the provision of cycle lanes; if there is a scheme open to local authorities to apply for funding for cycle lanes; and if not, when such a scheme will open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15019/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, including the provision of cycle lanes.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that over €110 million in capital funding is directly allocated to develop cycling and walking infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford over the period 2018-2021. This programme will provide active travel routes to help alleviate congestion by providing viable alternatives and connectivity with existing public transport infrastructure. Allocation of funding and details of individual projects are managed by the National Transport Authority in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.
A further €135 million capital funding is allocated over this same period for investment in Sustainable Urban Transport projects, and these will include projects that will provide either direct or indirect improvements for urban cycling. This programme builds on investment to date to deliver improvements in public and sustainable transport infrastructure in the regional cities and the GDA. It includes traffic management, bus priority and other smarter travel projects, which will allow transport infrastructure to function more effectively and will help relieve traffic congestion. Again, allocation of funding and details of individual projects are managed by the National Transport Authority in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.
Furthermore, investment of more than €750 million on the BusConnects Programme in the same period, will deliver a transformative investment package that will finance new and expanded bus routes, greatly improve bus access, and includes designated segregated cycle lanes.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA 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.
Question No. 1211 answered with Question No. 1203.
Sports Capital Programme Administration
Ceisteanna (1212)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:1212. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date it was decided to have an appeals process for sports capital applications; if there was an appeals process for previous versions of the sports capital programme; if so, when; if a system (details supplied) had to be used to process the appeals; if the system had to be changed in order to process these appeals; the work titles and grades of each person in or outside his Department that was involved in assessing the sports capital grants and appeals; if advisers were involved in the sports capital process; if so, the way in which they were involved; if information on applications or appeals prior to announcement of decisions was shared with individuals or parties outside his Department; if so, the information shared; the way in which it was shared; the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15092/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The introduction of an appeals process was formally approved by the Minister, Deputy Ross and me on 5 December 2017 following a recommendation from departmental officials.
The 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) was the first round of the programme under which every valid local application received an offer of funding. Consequently, the decision to make an application invalid certainly cost the applicants a grant offer. Accordingly, in the interests of equity and fairness, an appeals system was introduced for the 2017 round and will be available for all future rounds of the SCP. There was no formal appeals system in place for the rounds of the SCP prior to the 2017 round.
The introduction of the appeals process ensures that the SCP now accords with the Department’s Customer Action Plan which commits to maintaining "a formalised, well publicised, accessible, transparent and simple to use system of appeal/review for customers who are dissatisfied with decisions in relation to service”.
The Department moved to a new IT system (OSCAR) in 2014 which provides a single system for managing all aspect of the SCP. This system was used to inform applicants that appeals were being accepted. Appeals were submitted using a dedicated email address. Some minor changes were made to the "back-office" element of the OSCAR system to allow officials to record the outcome of appeals and to track appeals as they were processed.
No person from outside the Department was involved in the assessment of individual applications or appeals. In the case of the original grant applications, the assessments were normally undertaken by Clerical Officers, Executive Officers and Higher Executive Officers from within the SCP Division of my Department. These officers consulted with more senior staff in the Division as necessary in relation to any non-standard issues which arose. In the case of the appeals process, each appeal submitted was initially assessed by a HEO not involved in the original assessment of that application. All decisions on appeal were also reviewed by at least two more senior officials up to Principal Officer level. A general review of the proposed appeals decisions, and the reasoning behind the proposed approach, was also undertaken at Assistant Secretary level.
Advisors had no role in relation to decisions on any individual allocation or appeal.
The formal grant announcements for local applications took place on the 30th of November 2017 and for regional allocations on the 21st of December 2017. The sports capital programme is important to thousands of communities throughout Ireland. The programme is frequently raised with me by Oireachtas members of all parties and none. I am always willing to engage with interested parties on the programme given its huge benefits for so many people and clubs.
A review of the 2017 round of the programme is now being finalised and will be published on my Department's websitewww.dttas.ie in the very near future.
Questions Nos. 1213 and 1214 answered with Question No. 1203.
Traffic Data
Ceisteanna (1215)
John Lahart
Ceist:1215. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the sources for his Department's information on congestion times in Dublin; the way in which this information is arrived at and compiled; and if he is satisfied that this information is accurate. [15122/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In 2017, my Department undertook a research project to estimate the cost of ‘aggravated congestion’ across Ireland’s transport system, and it also presented an estimate of the annual value of time lost to road users due to aggravated congestion in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). The study was carried out in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA), Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and Dublin City Council (DCC), with particular support from the NTA’s modelling team in producing the modelled outputs.
The study utilised data from a variety of sources - including Census data on travel to work, NTA travel surveys for the GDA, car ownership data, and CSO statistics on small area population - to estimate activity and operation on the transport network. The data was used to model for both a base year (2012) and a future year, 2033, to project the future cost of aggravated congestion. The 2033 scenario modelled the 2017 traffic network and utilised population and macroeconomic forecasts to estimate likely travel demand.
I understand that the analysis was conducted utilising the Eastern Regional Transport Model (ERM) which is managed and operated by the NTA. The ERM includes all of the main surface modes of travel, including travel by car, bus, rail, heavy goods vehicles, walking and cycling, and the ERM output can show location, time of day, and travel model. Each of the data sources used in the NTA's ERM to estimate and forecast of travel in Dublin are updated periodically, to allow it to remain up-to-date with respect to travel demand, population characteristics and wider economic conditions.
The Deputy may be aware that there are some other useful data studies/surveys carried out annually by Dublin City Council, in conjunction with the NTA, to monitor traffic crossing the canals, however, this only informs on travel patterns and mode share.
Appointments to State Boards Data
Ceisteanna (1216, 1217, 1218)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:1216. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that two worker directors at Dublin Port and Shannon Foynes Port were discriminated against as a result of the insertion by the 2015 amendment to the Harbours Act 1997 of a clause which limits their term of office to ten years when no such limit applies in other commercial State companies, for example, ESB, DAA, Bord na Móna, An Post and CIÉ; the reason this discrimination exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15139/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:1217. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the 2015 amendment to the Harbours Act 1997 which was signed on 25 December 2015 provides for retrospective application in that it covers the period from 1997, that is, when the port companies were corporatised; the reason this retrospective application was included in the 2015 amendment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15140/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:1218. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a current worker director based in a port here was re-elected as a worker director to the board of that port in July 2017; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that their re-election was in accordance with the regulations; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the election result was validated by the returning officer who was also the company secretary; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the person has been refused a mandate; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the person has been refused a letter of appointment as a director of the port company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15141/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1216 to 1218, inclusive, together.
The Harbours Act 2015 introduced changes in legislation in line with Government policy and to strengthen and improve corporate governance arrangements for port company boards, including the introduction of a 10-year limit on the period served by a director of a port company.
Section 30(6) of the Harbours Act 1996, as substituted by section 39 of the Harbours Act 2015, provides that a person shall not serve as a director of a port company for a period that is longer than 10 years in total. This applies equally to all directors of port companies, including employee directors.
The Harbours Act 2015 was signed into law on 25 December 2015. Accordingly the 10-year limit applies to all directors of port companies from that date forward, including serving directors at the time of enactment.
In 2017, employee director elections were held in a number of the port companies. In the case of the port referenced by the Deputy, the employee who went forward for election was an existing employee director and had already served as an employee director for 10 years and was therefore not eligible to be appointed for a further term of office. My Department advised the company that the 10-year limit applies to all directors including employee directors and the process for election of an employee director was reheld. A number of candidates went forward and a new employee director is now in place. All employee director positions in port companies have been filled and no vacancies will arise for a number of years.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (1219)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:1219. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the ongoing disruption to a commuter service (details supplied) will be investigated; and if he will contact Bus Éireann on the issue. [15147/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Bus 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 response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.