Michael Collins
Ceist:1305. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the second round of Fáilte Ireland grants will be delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16047/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFáilte Ireland
Ceisteanna (1305)
Freagraí scríofa
This is a matter for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to the agency for further information and 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 Projects Data
Ceisteanna (1306)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:1306. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the major road projects planned to be completed before the end of 2021 under the current national development plan, NDP; the progress to date with the design, planning and construction of each project; the projected cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16051/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism & 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.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's questions to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
As regards major regional road projects, implementation of these projects is the responsibility of the relevant road authority. The following table sets out the information available to my Department:
|
Total Estimated Cost of Project €m |
Name of Project |
Location (County) |
Status of Project |
Construction Timescale |
Completion Date |
|
18 |
Garavogue River and approach roads |
Sligo |
Land acquisition, advance works and preparation of contract documents. |
2.5 yrs |
2021 |
|
11 |
Tralee Northern Relief Road |
Kerry |
At Detailed Appraisal |
3 yrs |
2021 |
|
15 |
R498 Latteragh realignment |
Tipperary |
At planning stage |
3 yrs |
2021 |
|
16 |
Shannon Crossing |
Clare |
At land acquisition stage |
2.5 yrs |
2021 |
|
16 |
Sligo Western Distributor Road |
Sligo |
At land acquisition and advance works stage |
2 yrs |
2020 |
|
42 |
Portlaoise Southern Distributor road |
Laois |
At tender stage |
2yrs |
2020 |
|
67 |
R407 Sallins By Pass |
Kildare |
At Construction. |
3 yrs |
2020 |
|
18 |
Adamstown and Nangor Road Improvements |
Dublin |
At Construction |
2 yrs |
2019 |
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Rail Network Expansion
Ceisteanna (1307)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:1307. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the rail projects planned for completion before the end of 2021 under the national development plan, NDP; the progress to date with the design, planning and construction of each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16052/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The recently published National Development Plan (NDP) sets out how the State's overall capital investment of €116 billion for the lifetime of the NDP 2018-2027 is being allocated on a thematic basis across all ten of the National Strategic Objectives (NSOs) that are identified in the National Planning Framework (NPF). The NDP sets out Strategic Investment Priorities and indicates some of the specific investments which have been identified by the relevant Departments, including my own, as central to the delivery of the NPF vision. The NDP is a 10-year investment plan and it recognises that there are different planning and delivery horizons applying to different types of capital expenditure depending, for example, on whether they involve the construction or development of major new infrastructure, the purchase of new capital assets, protecting the quality and value of existing infrastructure, or providing a programme of capital grants.
The NDP will enable extensive investment across Ireland's transport sector, and the rail-based investments that it will support will contribute to the overall development of an integrated and sustainable national public transport system. Specifically in the rail area, the investment priorities to be delivered over the full lifetime of the NDP include the following:
- construction of the new MetroLink;
- delivery of priority elements of the DART Expansion Programme, including investment in new train fleet, and extended electrification;
- investment to protect the quality and value of the existing rail network and to support safety and service levels;
- delivery of additional capacity on the Luas Green Line;
- investment in strategic park and ride sites including investment in expanding existing parking facilities at rail and Luas locations;
- completing construction of the National Train Control Centre and the city centre resignalling project;
- supporting programmes of railway station improvement/development;
- passenger information programmes;
- accessibility enhancements; and
- the appraisal, planning and design of LUAS network expansions to ensure readiness when and where extensions are needed.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport and the National Transport Authority (NTA) - working with the other relevant State bodies - is responsible in the main for ensuring the planning and delivery of the rail based public transport infrastructure priorities. Therefore, in light of the NTA’s role, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the NTA for further response.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Sports Capital Programme
Ceisteanna (1308)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:1308. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he plans to launch the next round of the sports capital grant programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16061/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
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.
National Transport Authority
Ceisteanna (1309)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:1309. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the NTA has prepared a code of practice providing practical guidance regarding compliance with the Vehicle Clamping Act 2015 and the regulations and establishing standards in relation to the general behaviour, performance of duties and conduct of parking controllers and clamping operators with regard to clamping activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16080/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) 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.
Rail Network Expansion
Ceisteanna (1310)
Martin Kenny
Ceist:1310. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the proposed independent review into the western rail corridor will be completed and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16126/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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.
National Transport Authority
Ceisteanna (1311)
Martin Kenny
Ceist:1311. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the National Transport Authority’s national rail review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16127/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Rail Review Report was undertaken jointly by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Iarnród Éireann and was published in 2016.
The public consultation process held by the NTA following the publication of the Rail Review in 2016 helped to begin an informed discussion about the current and future role of rail transport in Ireland. Over 300 submissions were received in response to that consultation process. The NTA has prepared a report of those submissions, which it recently updated to reflect the increased funding made available in Budget 2018 for both current subvention and, in particular, the Capital Plan 2018 to 2021.
The NTA’s updated report on the consultation was received by my Department in February. I intend is to bring the updated consultation report to Government shortly and I would expect that the consultation report would then be published thereafter by the NTA.
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (1312)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1312. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter regarding safety improvements at a road junction (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16149/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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 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.
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.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (1313, 1314)
John Lahart
Ceist:1313. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of quality bus corridors in Dublin that constitute 100% of the route from terminus to terminus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16281/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraJohn Lahart
Ceist:1314. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the first quality bus corridor will be introduced under BusConnects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16282/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1313 and 1314 together.
As the Deputy is aware, Budget 2018 provides for an increase in the multi-annual capital investment for public transport with a four-year capital envelope of €2.7 billion over the period 2018-2021. This substantial multi-annual envelope includes funding of over €770 million for the BusConnects programme to fundamentally transform our bus system, so that journeys for bus passengers will be fast, reliable, punctual, convenient and affordable.
The recently launched National Development Plan also identifies the BusConnects programme as a key public transport investment priority for completion in the GDA over the period of the plan.
Work is ongoing on the redesign of the bus services network in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and also on infrastructure proposals for Core Bus Corridors which will be an integral part of the programme. When this work is complete, the National Transport Authority (NTA) will launch public consultations in the coming months. The results of the public consultation will inform the final decisions to be made on the network redesign and Core Bus Corridors routes.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply on BusConnects and to his query on the number and length of Quality Bus Corridors currently in use. Please contact 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.
Traffic Management
Ceisteanna (1315)
John Curran
Ceist:1315. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he has taken to date to alleviate city centre traffic congestion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16300/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will recall that, in 2015, Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority (NTA) jointly published the Dublin City Centre Transport Study setting out the various measures proposed to ensure the efficient functioning of transport within Dublin's city centre. In preparing the study, Dublin City Council and the NTA reviewed the current and future transportation needs of the City Centre. Their report recognised that the continued and welcome economy recovery and increased employment would lead to traffic congestion and longer journey times on the key routes to Dublin City and within the City Centre itself, and therefore that positive interventions would be needed so as to counteract this trend. The report acknowledged measures that were being taken in preparation for the new Luas Cross City line. It also acknowledged the potential impact on the reliability of the bus network given its interaction with other road traffic and pointed out that a rebalancing of the available road space would be required on various streets to facilitate the introduction of additional capacity for public transport, cycling and walking. Overall, the Report identified that significant changes to the traffic network in the City Centre would be necessary. Through a multi-agency approach by NTA, DCC, and TII working in conjunction with the various Public Transport Operators, the measures set out in the 2015 Study are being progressed so as to ensure that Dublin City transport system is capable of operating efficiently and reliably, with consistent journey times, and that it is facilitating the City's continued development and growth.
As Minister for Transport, I am ensuring continued investment to build on recent public transport projects and initiatives across the Dublin region to alleviate congestion including the city centre rail signalling upgrade, the opening of the Phoenix Park Tunnel, Luas Cross City, ongoing bus fleet replacement and expansion, and other sustainable transport projects such as building cycling and walking networks and the expansion of public bicycle share schemes.
Looking to the future I have ensured that Budget 2018 increased the multi-annual capital investment funding envelopes for the coming four-year period, including providing an enhanced capital envelope of €2.7 billion for Ireland's public transport investment programme between 2018 and 2021. Furthermore, Government’s Public Transport investment priorities are also set out in the recently published National Development Plan (NDP) and include the aim of improving and expanding attractive and sustainable public transport capacity alternatives to private based car transport to reduce congestion in the Dublin Area. These alternatives include programmes such as BusConnects, MetroLink, DART expansion, continued investment in Dublin's light rail and heavy rail networks, cycling and walking and traffic management measures. These programmes will be implemented by the NTA which has statutory responsibility for development of Public Transport in the GDA. All the planned investment in public transport combined will add greatly to the choice and experience of the travelling public, connecting more people with more places and ease congestion in Ireland’s cities.
Noting the responsibility of the NTA in this matter, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please inform 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 Network
Ceisteanna (1316)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1316. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding road markings in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16331/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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 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.
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.
Road Safety Authority Campaigns
Ceisteanna (1317)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:1317. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount spent by the Road Safety Authority, RSA, in 2017 and to date in 2018, on promoted social media advertisements and content by the amount spent per campaign and social media platform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16385/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Rail Services Provision
Ceisteanna (1318)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:1318. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the frequency of trains on the Maynooth to Connolly route will be increased in view of the number of large scale developments planned or under way in western areas of County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16416/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Iarnród 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.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (1319)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:1319. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a more direct bus route to connect western areas of County Dublin and the south side of Dublin city centre will be deployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16417/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Departmental Staff Data
Ceisteanna (1320)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:1320. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of clerical officers and clerical assistants in his Department on temporary contracts by years of service; if these officers will be offered permanent positions in the Civil Service when they have served a fixed period of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16438/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are currently 7 Clerical Officers on temporary assignment in my Department. There are no Clerical Assistants.
The duration and period of a temporary contract varies from post to post. There is no entitlement to a permanent position.
Coast Guard Services
Ceisteanna (1321, 1322)
Mary Butler
Ceist:1321. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of missions carried out by Irish Coast Guard helicopter crews by search and rescue base in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16681/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMary Butler
Ceist:1322. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of missions carried out by Irish Coast Guard helicopter crews by search and rescue base in 2017 specifically to assist the national ambulance service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16682/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1321 and 1322 together.
Coast Guard helicopter services are provided under contract to my Department by CHC Ireland. These services are delivered from four bases located at Sligo, Shannon, Waterford and Dublin airports. The primary role of the Coast Guard helicopter service is maritime search and rescue. In addition aeromedical support services are provided under arrangements agreed with the HSE National Ambulance Service on a request and 'as available' basis. Coordination of these services is managed by Coast Guard Rescue Coordination centres based in Malin Head, Valentia and Dublin.
In 2017 Coast Guard helicopters were tasked for a total of 755 missions of which 144 were carried out on request from the National Ambulance Service. Of these, 74 were provided by the Sligo Base, 48 by the Shannon base, 14 by the Waterford base and 8 by the Dublin base.
In relation to the overall number of missions, 308 were operated by the Sligo base, 231 by the Shannon base, 117 by the Waterford base and 99 by the Dublin base.