Imelda Munster
Ceist:548. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of implementing the remaining measures in the greater Dublin area cycle network plan. [23398/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCycling Facilities Funding
Ceisteanna (548)
Freagraí scríofa
The National Transport Authority's (NTA) "Transport Strategy for the GDA 2016-2035" includes the Greater Dublin Area Cycle Network Plan, an ambitious plan for the development of a safe and high quality cycling network. As the Deputy may be aware, Budget 2018 announced the allocation of funding over a four year period to progress a number of key projects which are included in the NTA's strategy and the Cycle Network Plan. These commitments were also announced as part of Government's Project Ireland 2040.
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. Allocation of funding and details of individual projects are also managed by the National Transport Authority in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.
In addition to these cycling-specific investments, the BusConnects programme, a plan to fundamentally transform Dublin's bus system, is calculated to either build or improve over 200 km of cycle tracks/lanes, alongside bus routes on the key radial routes into the city centre. This means providing safe cycling arrangements, largely segregated from other traffic along those corridors. This initiative is the foundation of the overall cycle network that has been planned for the Greater Dublin Area.
All these substantial investments will allow us to further increase the numbers cycling, thereby easing congestion, improving public health and enhancing the liveability of our cities.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to advise my private office if she does not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Question No. 549 answered with Question No. 546.
Road Tolls
Ceisteanna (550, 551)
Imelda Munster
Ceist:550. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of removing tolls from all tolled roads; and the amount of that cost comprising compensation for the companies operating the tolls. [23400/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraImelda Munster
Ceist:551. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of years that remain on each contract for tolling; and the name of the company operating each toll. [23401/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 550 and 551 together.
Both of these PQs relate to operational tolling matters.
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).
Noting the above, I am referring both questions to TII for direct reply within ten working days. I would ask the Deputy to inform my private office if she does not receive the information.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Sports Capital Programme
Ceisteanna (552)
Tony McLoughlin
Ceist:552. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the revised deed of covenant and deed of charge for the 2015 Sports capital programme allocation to a company (details supplied) has now been signed; when this funding will be sanctioned to be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23404/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under various rounds of the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) almost €500,000 has been allocated to the organisation referred to by the Deputy. As is the norm for allocations of this scale under the SCP, a Deed of Covenant and a Deed of Charge is required to protect the Minister's investment.
The necessary deeds have been signed and sealed on behalf of the Minister and returned to the Chief State Solicitor's Office (CSSO) for their attention. As the organisation is a Limited Company, I understand the charge must be registered by the organisation's solicitor in the Companies Registration Office before formal approval can be provided to the organisation. The organisation's solicitor is aware of this requirement.
Railway Stations
Ceisteanna (553)
Catherine Martin
Ceist:553. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the provision of a new train station at Pelletstown, including funding; if delays in the provision of funding could see planning permission for the station expire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23415/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the development and implementation of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).
As the Deputy is aware, work commenced last year to complete a detailed design and prepare tender documents for a new train station at Pelletstown which is located between the existing Broombridge and Ashtown railway stations. Planning permission is in place and detailed design and tender preparation for the new station is currently being finalised. The objective is to go to tender for construction later this year and once that process concludes a decision on progress to construction and funding can be made.
In light of the National Transport Authority's statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for an update on the matter raised. I would ask the Deputy to advise my private office if she does not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Rail Services Staff
Ceisteanna (554)
Robert Troy
Ceist:554. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of train and tram drivers who have been convicted of driving while under the influence of alcohol each year for past five years in tabular form; and the consequences each faced. [23478/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I understand that the Deputy's question relates to convictions under the Railway Safety Act 2005. The position is that no train driver or tram driver has been convicted pursuant to that Act of driving a train or a tram while under the influence of alcohol.
National Driver Licensing Service
Ceisteanna (555)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:555. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal can expect to receive a response from the NDLS in relation to a driver query; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23585/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), and I have no power to intervene in individual cases. I have therefore referred the Question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Health and Safety
Ceisteanna (556, 557)
Tony McLoughlin
Ceist:556. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 521 of 22 May 2018, if a comprehensive reply will issue on whether the Marine Survey Office will identify in writing the way in which the process of reconducting a health and safety evaluation for operators landing at Inishmurray Island can be commenced in view of the fact that it has been ten years since the last evaluation was conducted and to date no accidents have occurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23601/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTony McLoughlin
Ceist:557. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 521 of 22 May 2018, if a comprehensive reply will issue on whether the question originally asked, which was, if the Marine Survey Office will begin the process of reconducting a health and safety re-evaluation for operators landing at Inishmurray Island in view of the fact that it has been ten years since that last evaluation was conducted and no accidents have occurred to date, can actually be answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23602/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 556 and 557 together.
I have replied very extensively to a number of PQs and a topical debate on this issue. Minister of State Griffin has also met the Deputy on at least two occasions to discuss the matter and possible remedies.
At the last meeting between Minister of State Griffin and the Deputy on 10 May, I understand the Marine Survey Office explained the process for carrying out an evaluation as suggested - ie that an assessment of landing facilities at a location can be requested by an operator in the context of seeking a passenger boat licence which includes the location on in its plying limits.
It was also made clear that there would be little to be gained from such an evaluation if no changes had been made to the landing facilities in the intervening time. The fact that no accidents have been reported as you suggest in your question does not make the landing facility compliant with safety requirements. The Marine Survey Office is the safety regulator for maritime transport in Ireland and it is not in a position to compromise on required standards in this regard.
As I have stated before, the solution here is simple. The provision of an appropriately safe landing facility. Once an appropriate landing facility is provided, officials of the Marine Survey office will assess it and any passenger vessel proposing to use the facility with a view to granting the appropriate licence.
Sports Facilities Expenditure
Ceisteanna (558)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:558. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the availability of funding for the development of a project (details supplied). [23639/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The recently published National Development Plan (NDP) contains a commitment to establish a new “Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund” (LSSIF) with at least €100 million available over the coming years. My officials are currently drafting the terms and conditions of the new scheme.
My officials are also engaging with relevant stakeholders on the proposed terms and conditions of the new scheme. It is intended that the Fund will be for larger projects, such as that referenced by the Deputy, where the proposed Government contribution exceeds the amount currently available for individual projects under the Sports Capital Programme. It will be open to the promoters of this project to apply for funding once the new scheme is launched later this year.
There is no funding provided for the programme in 2018. The amounts to be provided in 2019 and 2020 will be decided in the context of the annual estimates for each year respectively.
An announcement in relation to when applications will be accepted will be made once the terms and conditions are finalised.
Motor Insurance Regulation
Ceisteanna (559)
John Curran
Ceist:559. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made regarding the establishment of a motor insurance database; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23713/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Recommendation 28 of the Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance concerns the establishment of a motor insurance database, known as the Motor Third Party Liability (MTPL) insurance database, to identify uninsured driving. Phase 1 relating to privately owned motor vehicles will provide insured and uninsured vehicle lists to An Garda Síochána based on vehicle licence plate number and insurer name. This includes providing a list of uninsured vehicles that can be loaded into the An Garda Síochána Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) System.
Phase 2 of the project, which includes the capturing of driver numbers, has an expected date for its completion of Quarter 3 2020.
I acknowledge the commitment of the insurance industry, including their financial commitment, to deliver the MTPL insurance database project as soon as possible. In tandem with the efforts of the insurance industry, my Department will do everything possible to support the efforts of the industry, including through any road traffic legislative measures necessary to support these efforts, in developing the database. This includes an amendment to the Road Traffic Act 1961 which is being submitted at Report stage of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2017, which is currently under way.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (560)
John Curran
Ceist:560. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline for the full implementation of the BusConnects programme; the associated budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23714/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority's (NTA) Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area provides the overarching framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services for Dublin over the next two decades. Addressing urban congestion on both the strategic road network and locally in certain locations is an important theme in the Strategy. The measures proposed are linked to an analysis of current and projected levels of travel demand across the region.
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 some €770 million for the BusConnects programme.
The recently published National Development Plan (NDP), which was launched earlier this year by Government as part of Project Ireland 2040 setting out capital allocations over the period to 2027, also confirms BusConnects as one of a number of key investment priorities which will address growing congestion and capacity constraints on the existing public transport network in the short to medium term, and provides for funding of €2.4 billion for the overall BusConnects programme.
Initially rolled-out in Dublin, BusConnects will radically redesign the bus system and will include a network of “next generation” bus corridors on the busiest routes including segregated cycling and walking facilities, a complete redesign of the bus network, a network of park and ride facilities at key locations, simpler fare structures, cashless payment system and a state of the art ticketing system, new bus branding, integrating bus vehicles of different operators and types, new bus stops and shelters and use of low emission vehicles. The advantage of a bus-based solution is that the implementation can start quickly and the benefits of BusConnects can start coming on stream progressively from 2019.
Work is on-going, by the National Transport Authority (NTA), 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 NTA will be launching public consultations. The NTA expect that an initial public consultation at Concept Level on the Core Bus Corridors will be held in Quarter 2 of this year. This period of consultation will be followed by a next phase in Quarter 3 on the re-designed bus network (service re-design) and a separate public consultation on the Core Bus Corridors at a detailed level also in Quarter 3. The results of the public consultations will inform the NTA on the final decisions to be made on the network redesign and Core Bus Corridors routes.
Dublin Bus Fleet
Ceisteanna (561)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:561. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide Dublin Bus with more tag on options and-or points other than the single onboard tag on point with a view to decreasing the stop time per stop for buses (details supplied); and his plans to upgrade Dublin Bus stops with a Leap card tag on-off point. [23716/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and for the overall funding of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport and sustainable transport infrastructure including the Leap Card Scheme.
The NTA recently marked the sale of the 3 millionth Leap Card. The card is a convenient way for passengers to pay for public transport services in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Wexford. The NTA reports that, of the 3 million cards issued to date, close to 250,000 have been sold in the first four months of 2018 alone. Since the sale of the first edition over 6 years ago, the Leap Card has enabled 495 million journeys – 63.5 million of which took place from January to April 2018. The card has emerged as the preferred payment for passengers in many Irish cities, with consumers using it to save 20% on their public transport journeys. In the Greater Dublin Area, some 70% of public transport journeys are now paid using Leap. Overall the scheme has reached monthly turnover of €23.3 million per month (April 2018) – or over €633 million since its launch.
The NTA has been gradually extending the applicability of the Leap card system and will continue to do so and to respond positively to customer feedback, so that new innovations are integrated into the scheme. The NTA wishes to ensure that Leap continues to grow as the safe payment method of choice for consumer who are increasingly moving to public transport modes.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to advise my private office if she does not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Rail Services Data
Ceisteanna (562)
Peter Burke
Ceist:562. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the confirmed arrival and departure times for commuter trains to and from Mullingar rail station, specifically the 17:05 and 19:05 from Connolly to Sligo over weekdays in the past two months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23719/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forward the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Early Years Sector
Ceisteanna (563)
Denise Mitchell
Ceist:563. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the estimated cost per child of introducing a baby box scheme similar to that operating in Scotland. [23659/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
"Baby Boxes" for newborns are to be trialled in a pilot under the national Early Years Strategy that is to be published later this year. Piloting Baby Boxes is just one initiative which will be part of a wide ranging strategy that will address various aspects of the lives of babies and young children under 6 years old and their families including supports to balance working and caring of children, developments in early childhood care and education and health initiatives.
A Baby Box is intended to welcome a new arrival to a family and acknowledge a very significant moment for parents. Key objectives with the Baby Box and linked communications will be to support parents through information on baby development and early learning, advice on breastfeeding and promotion of infant safety. Distribution of a Baby Box is also an early opportunity to link parents in with support services if required. This is consistent with the principle of progressive universalism whereby all families receive something, but where there are additional needs, extra supports are provided.
The concept of Baby Boxes originates in Finland, and has been implemented in a number of other countries including Scotland, and consists of a package of items to assist with the transition to parenthood including safety items, baby clothes and toys and books to support early development. The pilot project will undertake research and consultation with child development experts and with parents to determine items for inclusion in the pack and accompanying information resources. There will be a significant emphasis in the pilot on evaluation of impact and cost-benefit analysis of the measure with a view to determining whether the initiative is suitable for wider roll out.
Until the pilot project and scoping is undertaken it is not possible to estimate the cost of introducing the Baby Box initiative to Ireland as the cost would be heavily dependent on the design of the box itself and what is included in it. Supply of items for inclusion would be subject to procurement rules.
Child Detention Centres
Ceisteanna (564)
Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:564. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in the first quarter of 2018 held in Oberstown detention centre who were held in single separation by month; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23748/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Single separation is when a young person is separated from his or her peers to a room designated for separation, for as short a period of time as is necessary, due to one or both of the following reasons: a) Where a young person is likely to cause significant harm to her/himself or others; b) Where a young person is likely to cause significant damage to property that would compromise security and impact on the safety of others.
My Department receives monthly reports on separation from Oberstown Children Detention Campus. I am advised that the number of single separations for Quarter 1 2018 are as detailed as follows:
|
Date |
Number of Single Separations |
|
January 2018 |
143 |
|
February 2018 |
142 |
|
March 2018 |
154 |
|
|
TOTAL 439 |
Children in Care
Ceisteanna (565)
James Browne
Ceist:565. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children aged between 0 and 18 years who died while under the care of the HSE in each of the years 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23183/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer the Deputy to my answer to Parliamentary Question No. 526 of 22/05/2018, which requested similar information.
I can advise the Deputy that a child or young person who is the subject of a legal court order or through voluntary parental consent, is placed in foster care or residential care with either state, private or voluntary providers.
Prior to the establishment of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency in 2014, child protection services, including State care, were carried out by the Health Services Executive (HSE).
Between 1 January 2011 and 16 May 2018, a total of 19 children sadly passed away while in the care of Tusla. The following table outlines the total, year by year.
Deaths of children in care, by year
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 to date |
|
2 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
5 |
0 |