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Tuesday, 17 Apr 2018

Written Answers Nos. 1220-1236

Consultancy Contracts Data

Ceisteanna (1220)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

1220. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expenditure on consultancy and contractors by the Irish Aviation Authority in each of the years from 2015 to 2017, respectively; the number of consultants and contractors engaged by the authority in these years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps taken to reduce expenditure on consultancy and contractors and the authority's reliance on them in the years in question and for the future. [15185/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The issues raised  are operational matters for the Irish Aviation Authority.  I have referred the Deputy's question to the Company 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.

Consultancy Contracts Data

Ceisteanna (1221)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

1221. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expenditure on consultancy and contractors by the Commission for Aviation Regulation in each of the years from 2015 to 2017, respectively; the number of consultants and contractors engaged by the commission in the years in question; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps taken to reduce expenditure on consultancy and contractors and the commission's reliance on them in the years in question and for the future. [15186/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The issues raised are operational matters for the Commission for Aviation Regulation.  I have referred the Deputy's question to the Commission 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.

Consultancy Contracts Data

Ceisteanna (1222)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

1222. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expenditure on consultancy and contractors by the National Roads Authority in each of the years from 2015 to 2017, respectively; the number of consultants and contractors engaged by the authority in the years in question; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps taken to reduce expenditure on consultancy and contractors and the authority's reliance on them in the years in question and for the future. [15187/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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 the national road network, including the engagement of consultants and contractors, 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.  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.

Consultancy Contracts Data

Ceisteanna (1223)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

1223. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expenditure on consultancy by his Department in each of the years from 2015 to 2017, inclusive; the number of consultants engaged by his Department in the years in question; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps taken to reduce expenditure on consultancy and the Department's reliance on consultants in the years in question and for the future. [15194/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Details of all consultancy payments by the Department are available on my Department's website: www.dttas.ie/corporate/english/expenditure-external-services.

The website is updated on a six monthly basis and the second six months for 2017 will be available shortly.

It is the policy of the Department in the exercise of its function to use internal resources as far as possible. However, external consultants are hired occasionally in circumstances where particular expertise is not available internally and where it is deemed to add value and independence to the overall work of the Department.

My Department is constantly looking at ways to upskill internal staff to minimise the need to use external consultants.  All administrative budget expenditure within my Department is undertaken in accordance with public financial procedures.

Rail Network Expansion

Ceisteanna (1224)

Tony McLoughlin

Ceist:

1224. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress of the report into the feasibility of the western rail corridor (details supplied); the terms of reference of the report; the independent consultant who has been appointed to produce the report; the level of engagement the consultants will have with all stakeholders on the closed railway from Athenry to Claremorris; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15228/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware, both the "Programme for a Partnership Government" and the recently published "National Development Plan" commit to independent review of the costings for a proposal to extend the existing Western Rail Corridor.  My Department is currently at an advanced stage in developing an approach for progressing such a review in line with these commitments, and I expect to be in a position shortly to decide on the approach to be taken.  I am cognisant of the need for stakeholder consultation as part of the process, and can assure the Deputy that this will be an integral part of the review's arrangements.

Parking Provision

Ceisteanna (1225)

Danny Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1225. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a matter (details supplied) will be addressed regarding coach parking in Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15230/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy may be aware, the issue of Dublin City coach parking and charging is a matter for Dublin City Council (Parking Enforcement and Policy Section) in the first instance.

The Deputy is probably aware that the National Transport Authority (NTA), which has statutory responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), has recently developed the North Wall Coach Park. Due to numerous competing demands, the availability of kerbside space for coach parking is extremely limited in Dublin City Centre.  This has given rise to issues where tour coaches have difficulties in dropping passengers and collecting them subsequently at the same location.  Contributing to this issue are coaches who park at the designated on-street coach parking spaces for lengthy periods, precluding the use of those spaces for drop-off and collection.  Notable among the streets affected is Nassau Street which, despite having a considerable number of coach spaces, suffers from coaches occupying those spaces for several hours at a time.

To address the issue of multi-hour on-street coach parking during business hours, the NTA decided to develop a coach parking facility where coaches could lay-over during daytime hours, thereby freeing up the available on-street spaces.  In order for such a coach park to meet its objective, it had to be located close to the city centre, to ensure short journeys from the passenger locations and to be useful for short-stay coaches. Planning permission was granted for a coach space facility in North Wall from Dublin City Council in 2015, was subsequently appealed and a grant of permission with a number of conditions was issued by An Bord Pleanala in May 2016. 

Discussions were held by the NTA with the Coach Tourism Transport Council (CTTC) in advance of the construction contract for the facility so as to ensure that the coach park would be used by their members, where feasible, during its hours of operation.  A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by both the NTA and the CTTC in January 2017, which set out the operational hours of the coach park, the charges that will apply for parking in the facility, and the commitment of CTTC to encourage use of the facility by their members.

In light of their responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the National Transport Authority for a direct response.  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.

Airport Development Projects

Ceisteanna (1226)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

1226. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 538 of 27 March 2018, the legal basis upon which the DAA is permitted to withhold public information from residents, namely, the longitudinal data which have long been outstanding that are being withheld on the basis of pending litigation. [15304/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware, the daa has statutory responsibility to manage, operate and develop Dublin Airport, including the North Runway project.  

As previously stated, the legal proceedings in question are not, in fact, completed. It would therefore be inappropriate for me to comment further on issues to which these proceedings relate.  I will be happy to arrange for the provision of any information that is appropriate to release when the litigation is concluded.

Haulage Industry

Ceisteanna (1227)

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

1227. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase the number of non-EU work permits to allow an organisation (details supplied) to fill vacancies in the truck driving industry; the working terms and conditions of those employed in the industry with specific reference to wage structures; the position regarding the roll-out of the three-year HGV driver apprenticeship by the organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15308/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Following 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 availed of to date. The position will be kept under review.

Wages in the haulage industry are subject to market conditions rather than direct regulation. The Workplace Relations Commission has responsibility for employee rights and the regulations governing terms and conditions of employment.

The development of an apprenticeship programme for HGV drivers is a matter for SOLAS, the state agency with responsibility for the management of the national apprenticeship system.

Legislative Measures

Ceisteanna (1228)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

1228. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of Bills both enacted and published by his Department which originated in work carried out by the Law Reform Commission in each of the past ten years, in tabular form; the details of each Bill in the corresponding year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15356/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department has had no legislation which was either enacted or published that originated in work carried out by the Law Reform Commission.

Greenways Provision

Ceisteanna (1229)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

1229. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the proposed Boyneside cycleway trail project for Drogheda and east County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15363/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department is currently finalising our Greenways Strategy. I expect to announce the funding call following the completion of the Strategy.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the development and implementation of public transport and sustainable transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).

I understand that the NTA has been working with the relevant local authority in progressing this particular cycleway.  Given the NTA's involvement on this basis, 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.

Road Safety Authority Campaigns

Ceisteanna (1230)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

1230. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had engagement or consultation with the Road Safety Authority regarding the 1 m clearance when overtaking a cyclist in 50 km/h areas and under and 1.5 m in areas over 50 km/h campaign; the research and briefing that was undertaken by him or the RSA regarding arriving at the conclusion that a 1 m clearance when overtaking a cyclist in areas 50 km/h and under and 1.5 m in areas over 50 km/h are the most appropriate margins in respect of a campaign (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15372/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In January this year, I tasked the Road Safety Authority with carrying out a study of best international practice in relation to the minimum passing distance when overtaking cyclists. The Road Safety Authority produced a report at the end of February, this report - a pre-legislative scrutiny examining the international research evidence in relation to minimum passing distances for cyclists - is available on my Department's website www.dttas.ie (see Publications under the Roads section). 

Road Projects Status

Ceisteanna (1231)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

1231. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the Ardee bypass project; the projected end date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15375/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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 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.

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

Regional Airports

Ceisteanna (1232)

John Deasy

Ceist:

1232. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding Waterford Airport has received from his Department under the capital expenditure grant scheme in each of the years 2013 to 2017. [15402/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Regional Airports Programme operated by my Department provides Exchequer funding in the form of both capital and operational grants towards necessary safety and security related projects and activities at the four regional airports, including Waterford Airport.

Details of grants, both capital and operational, provided to Waterford Airport under the Programme for the years 2013 to 2017 are set out in the Table.

Since Waterford Airport has not had any scheduled passenger air services since June 2016, no Exchequer funding was provided in 2017. As the Deputy will be aware, the fundamental rationale for providing Exchequer support to any of the four regional airports is that scheduled services are provided at those airports on a year-round basis for the travelling public.

However, my Department provided a sum of €375,000 to the Airport in January last to safeguard the Coast Guard Search and Rescue service for the first six months of this year. This was an exceptional measure, given the Airport’s current difficult financial situation and will ensure that the important work of the Search and Rescue service can continue while an evaluation of the Airport’s future is undertaken.

Table - Funding under Regional Airports Programme to Waterford Airport 2013-2017

Year

Capital Grants (€)        

Operating Grants (€)

Total (€) 

2013

361,686

 1,121,399

 1,483,085

2014

533,210

 1,038,784

 1,571,994

2015

776,125

 1,139,030

 1,915,155

2016

  18,381

 1,020,215

 1,038,596

2017

 0

 0

 0

TOTAL

1,689,402

 4,319,428

 6,008,830

Sports Capital Programme Expenditure

Ceisteanna (1233)

John Deasy

Ceist:

1233. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated by sport or governing body since the sports capital programme was introduced; and the percentage each sport has received of the overall allocation during that period. [15403/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Sports Capital Programme is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.  Details of all allocations under the SCP since 1998 are published on the Department's website www.dttas.ie.

The Department moved to a new IT system in 2014 which provides a single system for managing all aspect of the Sports Capital Programme. The breakdown of allocations by sport since this new IT system was introduced is contained in the table.  The allocations for individual clubs/organisations for the period 1998 to 2014 are also published.  The production of accurate consolidated information by sport for the 1998 to 2014 period would require significant resources to produce as such consolidated information is not readily available.  

SportSport Type Type

€ Allocated since 2014

% of Total

American Football

91,036

0.05%

Angling/Fishing

158,852

0.08%

Archery

173,139

0.09%

Athletics

2,545,478

1.34%

Badminton

391,996

0.21%

Baseball

12,800

0.01%

Basketball

436,552

0.23%

Billiards & Snooker

59,000

0.03%

Bowls

351,867

0.19%

Boxing

3,248,386

1.71%

Camogie

531,369

0.28%

Canoeing / Kayaking

682,113

0.36%

Clay Pigeon Shooting

78,500

0.04%

Community Games

251,300

0.13%

Cricket

754,203

0.40%

Cycling

292,686

0.15%

Diving/Snorkelling

980,296

0.52%

Equestrian Sports

368,200

0.19%

Fencing

24,199

0.01%

Gaelic Games (includes €30,000,000 towards redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh)

85,810,198

45.16%

Golf

2,973,591

1.57%

Gymnastics

1,294,665

0.68%

Handball

1,422,820

0.75%

Hillwalking

145,000

0.08%

Hockey

1,520,706

0.80%

Judo

8,778

0.00%

Ladies Gaelic Football

17,600

0.01%

Martial Arts

323,569

0.17%

Modern Pentathlon

13,391

0.01%

Motor Sport

20,000

0.01%

Motorcycling

49,198

0.03%

Mountaineering

224,580

0.12%

Multi-sport

39,361,967

20.72%

Olympic Handball

20,000

0.01%

Orienteering

45,000

0.02%

Pitch and Putt

520,059

0.27%

Raquetball

12,000

0.01%

Rock Climbing

4,850

0.00%

Rowing

2,987,751

1.57%

Rugby

9,325,286

4.91%

Sailing

2,783,297

1.46%

Shooting Sports

97,729

0.05%

Skateboarding

4,000

0.00%

Skydiving

50,000

0.03%

Soccer

20,330,986

10.70%

Special Olympics

203,205

0.11%

Squash

182,500

0.10%

Surfing

12,500

0.01%

Swimming

1,412,508

0.74%

Table Tennis

81,800

0.04%

Taekwondo

50,215

0.03%

Tennis

6,233,225

3.28%

Tenpin bowling

8,000

0.00%

Triathlon

360,510

0.19%

Tug of War

22,752

0.01%

Volleyball

62,000

0.03%

Waterskiing & Wakeboarding

88,000

0.05%

Weightlifting

103,806

0.05%

Wheelchair Sport

351,998

0.19%

Wrestling

28,500

0.01%

Grand Total

190,000,512

100.00%

Road Projects Expenditure

Ceisteanna (1234, 1256, 1257, 1258, 1259, 1260, 1261, 1263, 1265, 1266, 1267, 1268, 1269, 1270, 1271, 1272, 1273, 1274, 1275, 1276, 1277, 1278, 1279, 1280, 1282)

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1234. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of projects (details supplied) in each of the years from 2019 to 2023, respectively. [15414/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1256. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of the national road network in each of the years from 2019 to 2023, respectively; the estimated cost of delivering the projects; and the expected timeline for completion. [15507/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1257. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to enhancing capacity on the M50 and M11 in each of the years from 2019 to 2023, respectively; the estimated cost of delivering these projects; and the expected timeline for completion. [15508/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1258. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of plans, announced in his speech on budget 2018, to relieve bottlenecks and improve access to regional locations in each of the years from 2019 to 2023, respectively; the exact projects that have been decided on; the funding allocated for each project in each of the years 2019 to 2023; the estimated cost of delivering these projects; and the expected timeline for completion. [15509/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1259. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of M7 Naas bypass widening in each of the years from 2019 to 2023, respectively; the estimated cost of delivering the project; and the expected timeline for completion. [15510/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1260. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of the Dunkettle interchange in each of the years from 2019 to 2023, respectively; the estimated cost of delivering the project; and the expected timeline for completion. [15511/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1261. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin road in each of the years from 2019 to 2023, respectively; the estimated cost of delivering the project; and the expected timeline for completion. [15512/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1263. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of investment in roads in County Donegal after flooding in each of the years from 2019 to 2023, respectively; the estimated cost of delivering the project; and the expected timeline for completion. [15514/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1265. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of the M20 Cork to Limerick road in each of the years from 2019 to 2023, respectively; the estimated cost of delivering the project; and the expected timeline for completion. [15516/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1266. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of the N6 Galway ring road in each of the years from 2019 to 2023, respectively; the estimated cost of delivering the project; and the expected timeline for completion. [15517/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1267. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of the Listowel bypass in each of the years from 2019 to 2023, respectively; the estimated cost of delivering the project; and the expected timeline for completion. [15518/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1268. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of the N28 Cork to Ringaskiddy road in each of the years from 2019 to 2023, respectively; the estimated cost of delivering the project; and the expected timeline for completion. [15519/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1269. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of the N21/N69 Limerick to Adare to Foynes road in each of the years 2019 to 2023; the estimated cost of delivering the project; and the expected timeline for completion. [15520/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1270. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of the N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom road in each of the years 2019 to 2023; the estimated cost of delivering the project; and the expected timeline for completion. [15521/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1271. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of the N72/N73 Mallow relief road in each of the years 2019 to 2023; the estimated cost of delivering the project; and the expected timeline for completion. [15522/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1272. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of the N59 Moycullen bypass in each of the years from 2019 to 2023, respectively; the estimated cost of delivering the project; and the expected timeline for completion. [15523/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1273. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of the N25 New Ross bypass in each of the years from 2019 to 2023, respectively; the estimated cost of delivering the project; and the expected timeline for completion. [15524/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1274. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of the M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy road in each of the years from 2019 to 2023, respectively; the estimated cost of delivering the project; and the expected timeline for completion. [15525/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1275. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin road in each of the years from 2019 to 2023, respectively; the estimated cost of delivering the project; and the expected timeline for completion. [15526/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1276. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of the N5 Westport to Turlough road in each of the years from 2019 to 2023, respectively; the estimated cost of delivering the project; and the expected timeline for completion. [15527/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1277. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of the N5 Ballaghderreen to Scramogue road in each of the years from 2019 to 2023, respectively; the estimated cost of delivering the project; and the expected timeline for completion. [15528/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1278. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of the N52 Ardee bypass in each of the years from 2019 to 2023, respectively; the estimated cost of delivering the project; and the expected timeline for completion. [15529/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1279. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of the N2 Slane bypass in each of the years from 2019 to 2023, respectively; the estimated cost of delivering the project; and the expected timeline for completion. [15530/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1280. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of the N56 Dungloe to Glenties road in each of the years from 2019 to 2023, respectively; the estimated cost of delivering the project; and the expected timeline for completion. [15531/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

1282. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the delivery of the N56 Mountcharles to Inver road in each of the years from 2019 to 2023, respectively; the estimated cost of delivering the project; and the expected timeline for completion. [15533/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1234, 1256 to 1261, inclusive, 1263, 1265 to 1280, inclusive, and 1282 together.

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. Within the budget available to it, the allocation of funding to individual projects is a matter for TII.

The first five year reporting period for the National Development Plan is 2018 to 2022 and indicative Exchequer costs are being compiled by TII for this period. This will form the basis for updating the Capital Tracker which is published by the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform.

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's questions 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.

Sports Capital Programme Administration

Ceisteanna (1235)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

1235. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of spot checks on capital projects in the past three years under the sports capital programme and swimming pools; the number of checks that raised concerns; the way in which these cases or issues were resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15416/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Spot-checks in relation to the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) and Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP) are carried out in accordance with the relevant Department of Finance Guidelines and are carried out by the Finance Unit of my Department. Checks are undertaken in respect of payments made in the previous year so visits undertaken in 2017 related to payments made in 2016. The checks are primarily designed to  ensure that the work undertaken by grantees is consistent with that indicated in the grant award, ensure that payments were paid correctly and in a timely manner, and that appropriate insurance is in place for grant aided facilities. The inspections are also used to obtain feedback from grantees on the Sports Capital Programme.

In relation to the inspections carried out in the last three years, the information sought by the Deputy is set out in the table.

Year of  Spot-check inspection

Number of checks

Number of concerns raised

2015

13 SCP

 

1 LASPP

0

2016

14 SCP checks

 

1 LASPP

3 in relation to SCP

2017

19 SCP checks

 

1 LASPP check

0

In relation to the issues that caused concern in 2016, they included lack of adequate insurance for sports equipment, lack of disabled access to playing areas and a delay in installing material funded by the Department. Following subsequent liaison with the clubs in question, in all cases the matters were subsequently resolved to the satisfaction of the Department.

Sports Capital Programme Data

Ceisteanna (1236)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

1236. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of sports capital grant applications received in 2016 and 2017; the number for those years that were declined; the number of applicants contacted prior to a decision on the grant to provide further information or offer clarity in respect of their application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15417/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Sports Capital Programme is the Government's primary vehicle for supporting the development of sports facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.

There was no round of the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) in 2016. Under the 2017 round of the Programme, 2,320 applications were submitted with 7 of these subsequently withdrawn by applicants. 

Applicants were only contacted by the Department during the assessment process for one of two  reasons:  Firstly where the online system had not forced them to upload a mandatory document or secondly, where they were party to a joint application and had also made an application in their own right. In these latter cases, the organisation was asked which application it wished to have considered (under the terms of the SCP, organisations such as sports clubs and community groups are only allowed to have one application considered). 

Following the conclusion of the assessment process, all applicants were contacted with details of the outcome of the assessment of their application, including details of why applications were deemed invalid. A total of 663 applications were deemed either invalid or partially invalid. In the case of these invalid applications, all organisations were invited to appeal the decision if they believed an error was made in deeming their application invalid. 149 such appeals were submitted and of these 35 were upheld. 

Including these successful appeals, a total of 1,837 of the applications under the 2017 round of the programme received a grant offer. 

A review of the 2017 round of the programme is now being finalised and will be published on my Department's website (www.dttas.ie) in the very near future. 

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