Clare Daly
Ceist:70. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the progress of the primary legislation necessary to give effect to EU Regulation 598/2014. [25030/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEU Regulations
Ceisteanna (70)
Freagraí scríofa
Since the Government decision in January this year to designate Fingal County Council as the Competent Authority for EU Regulation 598/2014, officials from my Department and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government have been working on Draft Heads of a Bill. That work, I am advised, has been very detailed and technical in nature. It is primarily focusing on the interaction between the Noise Regulation, the EU Environmental Noise Directive and the planning framework.
It is obviously important that the proposed regulatory regime adheres fully to the requirements of the EU Regulation. It is also key that it dovetails with existing environmental and planning processes in a way that is implementable by the Competent Authority and understood by the regulated entity and all other stakeholders.
At a point when there is formal Draft Heads there will be more clarity on the timeframe for the legislative process. I can assure you that it is a priority for me and for my Department.
Cycling Facilities Provision
Ceisteanna (71)
Brendan Ryan
Ceist:71. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider a feasibility study for the provision of a segregated cycle lane to be constructed with the MetroLink project in the interests of increasing green and sustainable transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25334/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail and cycling.
Recently the NTA and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) launched a public consultation on the details in relation to the "Emerging Preferred Route" for the MetroLink Project, which extends between Swords and Sandyford. I am not aware of any plans for the NTA or TII to carry out a feasibility study as suggested by the Deputy.
However I am delighted to inform the Deputy that the BusConnects programme, launched last year by the NTA, will address the needs of current and future cyclists as well as pedestrians and bus users. It is envisaged that BusConnects will see the delivery of a network of key cycle routes delivered as an integral component of the core bus corridors in and out of the city and not just confined to the corridor that will be served by MetroLink. These cycling facilities, provided along each corridor, will be segregated as far as practicable from other traffic.
NTA have calculated that, as part of the BusConnects investment, over 200kms of cycle tracks/lanes will be either built or current lanes improved. The cycling infrastructure delivered under this programme will deliver a radical step-change in cycling facilities in Dublin.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (72)
Clare Daly
Ceist:72. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will meet directly with representatives of the trade unions with a view to establishing a forum to agree a framework for discussion of the ongoing expansion of the transport system that gives certainty to transport workers. [25032/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, as I had previously promised, on 21 May I hosted a round-table discussion on public transport policy, in the context of a wider work programme in my Department - on foot of a commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government - to review public transport policy to ensure services are sustainable into the future and are meeting the needs of a modern economy and to develop a policy statement for the sector.
This stakeholder event brought together a wide range of representatives of consumer and passenger interests, public transport operators, unions, business groups, environmental interests, research institutes and the academic community, regulators, legislature and policy makers.
The round-table also allowed for an open and inclusive exchange of views among interested stakeholders and commentators, facilitated an open discussion about public transport policy, and let everyone put forward their views. The resulting discussions on potential challenges and competing priorities likely to arise in the future across all aspects of public transport provision including economic, social and environmental considerations will inform and enrich the policy review work currently on-going within the Department.
A report from the Chair of the Stakeholder forum, Professor Alan Barrett (ESRI) will be published for public consultation, along with papers and presentations that informed the debate and discussions during the round-table, and members of the public will have an opportunity to contribute to the discussion. Following this public consultation, I will assess, with my Department, the most suitable next steps in this policy review, including the format of any future additional consultative measures with stakeholders that are deemed necessary.
Rail Network Expansion
Ceisteanna (73, 116)
James Browne
Ceist:73. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding plans for the development of the railway line in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25103/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Mick Wallace
Ceist:116. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to invest in the Rosslare to Dublin rail line in order to improve line speed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24635/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 116 together.
The National Development Plan (NDP) notes the funding priority for the inter-urban rail network is to protect the investment already made in the national rail network, including the Wexford line, by funding projects needed to maintain safety and service levels in railway operations. The NDP also confirms a number of key investment priorities to address transport demand and deliver a range of benefits over the next ten years.
Noting the responsibilities of Iarnród Éireann and the National Transport Authority, I have forwarded your questions to both organisations for direct reply and further detail in relation to the questions raised. 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.
Sports Capital Programme Administration
Ceisteanna (74)
Colm Brophy
Ceist:74. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the opening of the 2018 sports capital programme. [25268/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme attracted a record 2,320 applications. 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 has now been finalised and published on my Department's website (www.dttas.ie). This review highlights aspects of the 2017 round of the SCP that worked well but also suggests some further improvements which are being considered prior to the next round of the programme opening for applications. Some of these changes require amendments to the Department's online application system and work in this regard has now commenced. Formal sanction was received last week from the Minister from Public Expenditure and Reform to open the new round of the programme. Accordingly, I expect to make an announcement in relation to the timing of the next round in the coming weeks. All clubs and organisations registered on the Department's online application system will be notified at this time.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (75, 95)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:75. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress of the Bus Éireann review of services in the Ballincollig area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25283/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Michael McGrath
Ceist:95. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of plans made by Bus Éireann to the NTA to improve bus services (details supplied) in County Cork. [24339/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 95 together.
The issues raised are a matter for The National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with Bus Éireann, and I have forwarded the Deputies questions 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.
Legislative Programme
Ceisteanna (76)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:76. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his priority legislation for the remainder of this session of Dáil Éireann and the first session after the summer recess. [25409/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The priority legislation for my Department during the remainder of the current Dáil session is the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2017. The Deputy may be aware that this is currently at the Report and Final Stages in the Dáil and will be referred to the Seanad afterwards.
In advance of the autumn/winter legislative session, the necessary preparatory work continues within my Department in relation to that session’s proposed priority Bills. My priorities after the recess will be the Airport Noise Regulation Bill 2018, the Railway Safety Amendment Bill 2018 and also a Road Traffic Bill to deal with graduated penalties for speeding offences and the introduction of variable speed limits on certain roads.
Taxi Licences
Ceisteanna (77)
Imelda Munster
Ceist:77. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to amend section 15 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 to make it mandatory for holders of small public service vehicle licences to nominate a person to inherit their licence in the event of the death of the licenceholder; the other options that would ensure that small public service vehicle licences will be inherited in the event of the death of the licenceholder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25251/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Section 15 of this Act provides that an SPSV licence may continue to be operated by a person who was nominated by the licence holder in advance of his or her death. This is a discretionary provision and I have no plans to change it at present.
However, in order to be of assistance, I have referred your question to the NTA for consideration and direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Rail Network Expansion
Ceisteanna (78)
Catherine Martin
Ceist:78. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of and proposed timeline for the development of the DART interconnector between Heuston Station and Spencer Dock. [25399/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
One of the features of Dublin's future transport infrastructure that is proposed in the National Transport Authority's (NTA) 'Transport Strategy for the GDA 2016-2035' is implementation of the full DART Expansion Programme. The DART Expansion Programme comprises several elements including: extensively extending electrification of the rail network around the capital city; purchasing new rail fleet; and constructing some new infrastructure, notably the underground interconnector project about which the Deputy is enquiring.
The recently published National Development Plan (NDP) 2018-2027 sets out the Government capital investment priorities for the coming decade. One of the many transport investments that we intend to undertake nationwide within that 10-year period is delivery of the priority elements of the overall DART Expansion Programme. These are the elements that the NTA has identified for priority delivery, and they are the non-tunnel elements of the Expansion Programme. The NTA's rationale is that, by sequencing these investments ahead of the tunnel element of the Programme, they will enable the investment benefits to be realised most quickly for the passenger through the speedier introduction of various important service improvements that will benefit the travelling public. Also, by optimising the delivery of both passenger and network benefits through a large NDP capital investment that builds first on optimising the existing rail infrastructure (including the Phoenix Park Tunnel), there should also be better value for money for the taxpayer.
The priority elements of the DART Expansion Programme that are scheduled for delivery within the NDP's 10-year horizon include:
- completion of the city centre re-signalling project, which allows more train movements across critical parts of the rail network and thereby allows for more and quicker services;
- investment in new train fleet, including a planned move to hybrid diesel-electric trains that can run on both the electrified and non-electrified parts of the rail network and thereby allow passenger services to be upgraded earlier (e.g. introducing higher frequency timetables) without having to wait until the electrification project is fully completed; and
- electrification of existing lines to create a full metropolitan area DART network for Dublin with all of the lines linked and connected.
The NDP investment in DART Expansion will focus on delivery of non-underground tunnel elements of the Programme, in order to provide significantly enhanced services on the existing rail network including better using the recently opened rail link and existing connector tunnel under the Phoenix Park. It will enable additional passenger services to be put in place much earlier using existing infrastructure with some enhancements. This integrated rail network will provide a core, high-capacity transit system for the region and will deliver a very substantial increase in peak-hour capacity on all lines from Drogheda, Maynooth, Celbridge/Hazelhatch and Greystones.
The remaining element of the overall DART Expansion Programme - the DART Underground Tunnel - is not scheduled for delivery within the period of the present NDP. However, over that time, it is envisaged that the route for the proposed project will be established and protected to allow for its future delivery.
Schools Healthy Living Strategies
Ceisteanna (79)
Maria Bailey
Ceist:79. Deputy Maria Bailey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which efforts to promote the daily mile in schools are progressing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25318/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I consider that the Daily Mile initiative, which originated in Scotland about five years ago, can make an important contribution to the challenge of increasing the levels of physical activity in primary school children. As the Deputy may be aware, it involves teachers taking these children outside for 15 minutes each school day, when they can either run or walk around their playground. It has been found that about 50% of the children can typically run for a mile during that time, with others running slightly shorter or longer distances depending on individual capability. It is a fantastic initiative and I fully support it.
I had the privilege of being invited by Athletics Ireland to launch the initiative on a pilot basis in two schools in Dublin and Kerry in April. The programme is organised and run by Athletics Ireland, in cooperation with the Department of Education and Skills and the relevant school authorities. Its further roll out on a wider basis to other schools is accordingly an issue for consideration by those organising and running the programme. My Department or Sport Ireland does not have a function to exercise in that context.
While neither my Department nor Sport Ireland are in a position to decide on the extent to which the Daily Mile initiative may be rolled out to more schools, I would hope that this will prove possible. My Department will shortly launch its new National Sports Policy, which aims at increasing the level of sports participation across the population, with a particular focus on participation and physical literacy levels of school-aged children and young people. Engagement by schools with programmes such as the Daily Mile will be extremely important as we begin to implement the actions in this new Policy.
Greenways Development
Ceisteanna (80)
Joe Carey
Ceist:80. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the Shannon greenway proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25207/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I aware of a mooted proposal with regard to the concept of a Shannon Greenway but no submission has been made to my Department. I understand that this proposal is still very much in its infancy and that it's development would require collaboration with the relevant local authorities as well as Waterways Ireland and the Office of Public Works, in terms of flood defence works.
In the coming month I will launch the Greenways Strategy which will provide a framework for the development of Ireland's greenways and will determine the type of project to be funded by my Department over the coming decade. This is a long term Strategy with the aim of increasing the number, length and regional spread of greenways across the country. It will set out guidance to project promoters on matters including strategic nature, length, design standards, accommodation works and early consultation with communities and land owners along proposed routes.
It is important that the National Strategy for the future development of Greenways would be subject to in-depth consultation with relevant stakeholders. That consultation has now been completed and my officials are currently finalising the Strategy. This will be followed by call for applications later in 2018 with a view to awarding funding to a number of projects for drawdown between 2019 to 2021. In this regard, I was pleased to secure additional funding for greenways last year bringing the total available for the period 2018 to 2021 to €55.9m.
Given the increased interest in greenways in recent years I expect that there will be a strong response to this funding call. I would urge potential applicants for funding to progress their planning and design of greenways as far as possible in advance of any application for funding and to resolve any land ownership issues.
Tourism Promotion
Ceisteanna (81)
Martin Heydon
Ceist:81. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans in 2018 to further promote and enhance Ireland's Ancient East as a tourist destination for visitors from at home and abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25281/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I believe that Ireland's Ancient East has very exciting potential and I was very pleased to recently announce a number of grants by Fáilte Ireland for the development of tourism attractions across Ireland's Ancient East. These investments combined with previous investments, work on the ground by Fáilte Ireland with the industry and marketing overseas by Tourism Ireland will help draw more tourists to the region.
Given their respective areas of responsibility, I have asked Fáilte Ireland to respond directly to the Deputy in regard to further development of the Ireland's Ancient East and it's promotion to domestic tourists; and Tourism Ireland to respond in regard to overseas tourism marketing. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The referred replies were forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Sports Capital Programme Data
Ceisteanna (82)
Marcella Corcoran Kennedy
Ceist:82. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital funding awarded to sports clubs in County Offaly since 2011 under the sports capital programme; when the next sports capital programme will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25248/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Details of all allocations under the Sports Capital Programme since 1998 are published on a county basis on my Department's website http://www.dttas.ie/sport/english/sports-capital-programme.
The 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme attracted a record 2,320 applications. 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 has now been finalised and published on my Department's website (www.dttas.ie). This review highlights aspects of the 2017 round of the SCP that worked well but also suggests some further improvements which are being considered prior to the next round of the programme opening for applications. Some of these changes require amendments to the Department's online application system and work in this regard has now commenced. Last week, formal sanction was received from the Minister from Public Expenditure and Reform to open the new round of the programme. Accordingly, I expect to make an announcement in relation to the timing of the next round in the coming weeks.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (83)
Robert Troy
Ceist:83. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the number of bus routes that are privatised will not be increased in excess of the current 10%. [25403/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 it is a statutory function of the National Transport Authority (NTA) to determine the appropriate mix of directly awarded and competitively tendered Public Service Obligation (PSO) bus services. In this, it is subject to both national and EU legislation.
It is incorrect to describe competitive tendering as privatisation as nothing is being sold, services are not being deregulated and control remains with the NTA.
I have therefore referred 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.
Public Transport Fares
Ceisteanna (84)
Mick Barry
Ceist:84. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in Estonia there are plans to make public transport free at the point of use (details supplied); and if his Department will conduct a cost-benefit analysis to carry out same here. [25392/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I understand that free public transport is available in some European cities and towns to encourage increased use of public transport, reduce congestion, attract people into cities for leisure purposes and for environmental reasons among others.
In Ireland this year, the Exchequer will provide almost €300m as subvention for public transport services. This is additional to the passenger fares of about €500m per annum for these PSO services.
If these services were to be provided free to passengers, then it would be expected to cost the Exchequer would be in the range of that €500 million. This would be over and above the €300m already spent on subvention and the amount (€77m in 2017) that the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection pays to public transport providers in respect of its Free Travel Scheme which provides free transport to almost 1 million people in the State, including all people aged over 66 living permanently here, along with some other qualifying people.
While I have no immediate plans to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of such a scheme which would require substantial additional funding by the taxpayer or from other sources, I am interested in hearing about innovative and radical ideas that would meet the needs of passengers, encourage more people out of their cars and onto public transport thus alleviating congestion and helping to tackle climate challenges.
Question No. 85 answered with Question No. 48.
Greenways Development
Ceisteanna (86, 91)
Tom Neville
Ceist:86. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the forthcoming greenway strategy will inform on the best way to undertake expanding the Great Southern Greenway; if he will discuss the matter further with officials of Limerick City and County Council further to his previous meetings with the officials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25337/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTom Neville
Ceist:91. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the tourism potential in expanding the Great Southern Greenway; if he will visit the greenway to view possible expansion options and discuss the matter with officials of Limerick City and County Council and cycle part of the trail; his further views on whether this would be a helpful exercise in the context of finalising the greenway strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25338/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 91 together.
The Greenways Strategy will provide a framework for the development of Ireland's greenways and will determine the type of project to be funded by my Department over the coming decade. This is a long term Strategy with the aim of increasing the number, length and regional spread of greenways across the country. It will set out guidance to project promoters including strategic nature, length, design standards, accommodation works and early consultation with communities and land owners along proposed routes.
I plan to publish the Strategy in the coming month following which I plan to announce a funding call later in 2018 with a view to awarding funding to a number of projects for drawdown between 2019 to 2021. I was pleased to secure additional funding for greenways last year bringing the total available for the period 2018 to 2021 to €55.9m.
There is no doubt that the extension of the Great Southern Greenway towards Limerick City and to Listowel/Tralee would increase the tourism potential of this route both in Limerick and Kerry. However, it will be a matter for Limerick City and County Council in the first instance to submit a proposal for any extension of the greenway under the next funding call, bearing in mind the criteria set out in the Strategy.
I understand that my Ministerial colleague Brendan Griffin met with Limerick City and County Council last year and was impressed by the significant work undertaken since the Council took over the Greenway from the voluntary organisation that had initiated its development. It is important that the Council continue with this work in order to be well placed in the upcoming competitive funding call.
Anti-Social Behaviour
Ceisteanna (87)
John Lahart
Ceist:87. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of anti-social incidents that have been reported on the Luas Green Line and Red Line in each of the years 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form. [24340/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The safety and security of passengers and staff including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour on the Luas is a matter for the transport operator (Transdev) in conjunction with, as appropriate, An Garda Síochána.
I have forwarded the Deputy's question to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), who have contracted Transdev to operate Luas, 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.
Road Projects Expenditure
Ceisteanna (88)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:88. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding for the extension of the M3 motorway to Cavan town, the N2 to motorway in County Monaghan and the east-west link will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24501/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Proposals to deliver an upgraded east-west route linking Dundalk to Sligo, taking in Cavan, involve linking elements of the national road network and regional roads along as direct a route as possible. Essentially the route involves upgrade/realignment works on the regional routes from Dundalk to Cavan and on national routes from Cavan to Sligo.
In relation to the national element 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 implementation of individual national road projects within its capital budget is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also the case for the M3 and N2 schemes mentioned by the Deputy.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply in relation national roads. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
As regards the regional road aspect of a proposed east-west link, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area is a statutory function of local authorities in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants.
My Department did provide funding to Cavan County Council (acting as lead authority with Monaghan and Louth County Councils) of over €2m in the period 2007-2014 to progress the regional road element of the project to preliminary design. At an estimated cost of the order of €150 million, it has not been possible to date to include the East-West Link in capital investment plans. I have, however, made an allocation available this year to allow an updated project appraisal for such a scheme to be prepared.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Military Aircraft Landings
Ceisteanna (89)
Clare Daly
Ceist:89. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the review of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973 which was commenced more than a year ago. [25029/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The position remains as outlined in my response to the Deputy's questions on 24 April 2018 [17725/18].
My Department is continuing to progress the review with a view to it being concluded shortly.