Written Answers Nos. 1086-1107
1086. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if either his Department or Fáilte Ireland has ever attempted to quantify the value of the accessible tourism market; if not, if he will request that one be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24929/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is primarily involved in the development of national tourism policy, while the tourism agencies have responsibility for the implementation of this policy.
Fáilte Ireland has included Accessible Tourism in their strategic and operational plans. From 2019 onwards they plan to include questions on their domestic and overseas visitor surveys to estimate the size and value of the accessible tourism market to Ireland.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for further information on their Accessible Tourism strategies. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1087. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if either his Department or Fáilte Ireland has ever investigated the delivery of an accessible tourism marketing campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24930/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy role, as Minister with responsibility for tourism, is to develop national tourism policy which is then implemented by the tourism agencies - Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. Fáilte Ireland is responsible for the development of the Irish tourism industry and Tourism Ireland has responsibility for the overseas promotion of the island of Ireland as a tourism destination.
The delivery of accessible tourism marketing campaigns, domestically and internationally, are matters for Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland respectively. Accordingly, I have referred the question to both agencies for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
1088. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the substantial cuts imposed on members of a pension scheme (details supplied) in advance of the sale of the State's stake in Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24942/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Airlines (General Employees) Superannuation Scheme (IASS) is currently the subject of on-going legal proceedings by retired members of daa, Shannon Airport Authority, Aer Lingus and the former SR Technics. Those proceedings began in July 2015.
As this matter is sub judice I am unable to comment any further on the issue.
1089. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a once-off allocation of funding will be made to clear the backlog of local improvement schemes in County Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25068/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regional and local road grant allocations for 2018 were announced at the end of January and do not make provision for Local Improvement Schemes (LIS). This approach was taken in light of the fact that the Minister for Rural and Community Development announced that he would be providing significant funding for LIS this year and I was conscious of the continuing pressing need to direct resources into maintaining and renewing roads which have been taken in charge.
I am also conscious that the LIS is complemented by other streams of funding within the ambit of the Department of Rural and Community Development including CLÁR funding for small scale capital projects in rural areas - including private roads - that have experienced significant levels of depopulation.
In light of the above the Deputy may wish to contact the Minister for Rural and Community Development in this regard.
I have however recently announced funding of €23m for Community Involvement Schemes, of which, Leitrim County Council are receiving almost €1.2m for improvements to local roads. All available grant funding has been allocated by my Department.
1090. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he plans to publish the greenways strategy; the reason for the delay in publishing same in view of the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1382 of 16 January 2018, that he hoped to publish the strategy in the first quarter of 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25075/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra1091. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when further funding will be provided for the part of the Connemara greenway from Oughterard to Clifden (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25076/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1090 and 1091 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 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 indepth consultation with relevant stakeholders. That consultation has now been completed and my officials are currently finalising the Strategy. I expect to publish the Strategy in the coming month. 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.
With regard to further funding for the Connemara Greenway, it will be a matter for Galway County Council in the first instance to submit a proposal to my Department, which meets the required criteria, under the upcoming funding call.
1092. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 204 of 30 May 2018, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that although the proposed third runway at Dublin Airport has been designed to accommodate code F aircraft, the proposed third runway, as currently designed, will prohibit most current and future wide body aircraft from exploiting their maximum range and weight capability (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25084/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the deputy is aware, daa holds statutory responsibility for the management, operation and development of Dublin Airport, including the delivery of the North Runway project.
As previously stated, I have been informed that daa is satisfied that the new runway will facilitate any modern long range aircraft expected to operate from Dublin Airport.
Specifically, I understand that daa has considered the future aircraft fleet mix that may operate from Dublin Airport in concluding an appropriate length for the North Runway; the new runway will be 3,110m in length, and the existing main runway is 2,637m. A key component in arriving at appropriate runway length is to consider the Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW) of the aircraft fleet which may operate from the airport. Once a runway can accommodate the MTOW of an aircraft, a longer runway will not facilitate a greater range; this is down to the aircraft itself.
In the case of the A330, studies show that North runway at Dublin Airport could accommodate an A330-200 at its Maximum Take Off Weight of 238 tonnes. It is a matter for airlines how they wish to distribute this weight between passengers, cargo and fuel in order to determine how far the aircraft might fly.
1093. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of proposed legislation to deal with issues concerning scramblers and quad bikes in Dublin. [25110/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy role in relation to the regulation of scrambler bikes, quad bikes and other similar small vehicles falls under Road Traffic legislation, and relates solely to their use in a public place. It does not extend to private properties, or to public parks which are under the jurisdiction of local authorities.
For the purposes of the Road Traffic Acts, a "public place" means any public road, and any street, road or other place to which the public have access with vehicles whether as of right or by permission and whether subject to or free of charge.
Scramblers, quad bikes and similar vehicles are mechanically propelled vehicles, which means that they are vehicles intended or adapted for propulsion by mechanical power. As such, under Road Traffic legislation, the user of a vehicle in a public place must have insurance, road tax and a driving licence, and must also wear a helmet, with severe penalties (including fixed charge notices, penalty points, fines and possible seizure of the vehicle) for not being in compliance with these requirements.
Scramblers and quads are also subject to the requirements of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 2002, and the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 1996. These regulations prescribe standards in relation to essential matters such as brakes, steering, mirrors, safety glass, wipers, headlamps, rear lighting, indicators and reflectors.
Although my Department has attended the recent working group convened by the Department of Justice and Equality, there are no indications that any changes will be required to what is already a comprehensive suite of road traffic legislation. Enforcement of this legislation is entirely a matter for an Garda Síochána.
The use of such vehicles in parks is outside the remit of this Department; it is a matter for the local authorities to introduce bye-laws prohibiting their use in areas under their control, while the framework legislation for such bye-laws is a matter for the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. In light of the very serious incident which occurred last week, regarding the use of a scrambler in such places, it is hoped this matter will be given urgent attention by all parties.
1094. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the sections and parts of all legislation brought forward by his Department in each of the past four years that have yet to be commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25186/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current sections and parts of any primary legislation brought forward by my Department in the last four years that are yet to be commenced are outlined in the following table below with an explanation provided in each different case.
|
Year |
Legislation Title |
Sections not Commenced |
Reasons why Sections not commenced |
|
2012 |
RSA Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Act |
Section 43 |
Requires Regulation |
|
RSA Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Act |
Section 45 |
The Commencement of Section 36 alongside the introduction of the new Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (Roadside Enforcement) Regulations removes the need to commence this section as they deal with the same issue |
|
|
2014 |
Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) Act 2014 |
Whole Act other than section 69 |
Full commencement of the Act requires the establishment of a new electronic Irish Register of Ships and ship registration regime, which will be progressed under a separate IT project. New ship registration regulations are also required to complement the IT project. |
|
2014 |
Road Traffic Act |
Section 6 |
Needs regulations |
|
2016 |
Road Traffic Act |
Section 30 |
Section 30 – Amended in Road Traffic Bill 2017 |
|
Road Traffic Act |
Section 31 |
Section 31 – Currently under consideration |
|
|
Road Traffic Act |
Sections 34 & 35 |
Sections 34 and 35 – Currently under consideration |
|
|
Road Traffic Act |
Sections 38 |
currently under consideration |
|
|
Road Traffic Act |
Section 39 |
Amended in Road traffic Bill 2017 |
1095. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of bicycles Iarnród Éireann trains can carry per journey on each of its routes in tabular form. [25198/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
1096. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the case of a person (details supplied) who applied to have their car certified as not in use from July 2015 has now received a car tax bill of €1,892; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this person had sent in an RF150 form to state their car was off the road; if this person is only due to pay tax from the present as they get their car back on the road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25199/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Act 2013 provides that a vehicle may be declared off the road, in advance, for a period of between 3 and 12 calendar months, thus avoiding liability for motor tax. If, thereafter, the vehicle is not going to be used for a further time, another declaration may be made during the last month of the period covered by the first declaration. I would stress that such declarations must be made ahead of the period for which the vehicle will be off the road.
If a declaration of non-use is not made in respect of a vehicle, arrears are payable, at the time of next taxation, in respect of each month not covered by a declaration.
1097. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a new round of sports capital grants will be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25223/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
1098. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress to date in the implementation of the transport access for all policy in terms of the taxi fleet, buses and trains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25329/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. My Department's high level policy goal for accessible public transport is embodied in the concept of 'Transport Access for All'. This policy is based on the provisions of the Disability Act 2005 and related Government strategies, in particular the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021.
Accessibility features, such as wheelchair access and audio/visual aids, are built into all new public transport infrastructure projects and vehicles from the design stage. Newer systems such as LUAS are fully accessible.
My Department funds an ongoing programme of accessibility improvement grants to upgrade older existing infrastructure and facilities which is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA). In Budget 2018 I secured a trebling of the funding provided for the accessibility retro-fit programme as part of the 4 year capital envelope for public transport announced. An amount of almost €28 million is being made available for accessibility upgrades in the period 2018 to 2021. The additional funding will facilitate the continued roll-out of the programmes to install accessible bus stops, upgrade train stations to make them accessible to wheelchair users and provide grant support for the introduction of more wheelchair accessible vehicles into the taxi fleet.
I intend to improve upon that under the National Development Plan (NDP) over the next ten years and beyond. Investment in public transport will be accelerated under the NDP to support the development of an integrated, accessible and sustainable national public transport system. A number of key new major public transport programmes are proposed to be delivered under the NDP over the period to 2027 and these will be fully accessible as part of the normal design. In addition, there will be continued investment in the retro-fit programme under the NDP.
Since becoming a Minister, I have been particularly struck by the personal experiences related to me in my meetings with people with disabilities who use public transport. As a result of wide consultation with members of the disability community and with disability bodies striving to make an impact, I decided that the public transport companies under my aegis should each have at least one board member who has personal knowledge and experience of the needs and difficulties of people with disabilities using public transport.
The competition for the appointments to the Boards of the NTA, Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Irish Rail, is being run by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) and the closing date for applications was 27 April last. I expect to be in a position to appoint persons to the Boards in the coming weeks.
It is also my intention that a similar appointment should be made to the Board of CIÉ. As well as the public transport companies, I will be appointing a disability advocate to the Board of Sport Ireland and this process is also underway by PAS.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 the NTA has functional responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network, as well as having responsibility for the management of the accessibility retro-fit programme.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have forwarded your question to the NTA for further response to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
1099. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he envisages the introduction of 24-hour services by Dublin Bus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25339/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Dublin Bus 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.
1100. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he plans to announce details of the next sports capital programme scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25345/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 that time.
1101. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the development of Dalymount Park as part of the Euro 2020 legacy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25370/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe proposed redevelopment of Dalymount Park is a matter, in the first instance, for Dublin City Council. A grant of €65,000 was allocated to the Council for the project under the 2017 Sports Capital Programme. In terms of future Government funding for the development, the recently published National Development Plan (NDP) contains a commitment to establish a new “Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund” (LSSIF) with at least €100m available over the coming years. It is intended that the Fund will be for larger projects where the proposed Government contribution exceeds the amount currently available for individual projects under the Sports Capital Programme and all projects will need to be fully compliant with the Public Spending Code and EU State Aid regulations. My officials hope to have the draft terms and conditions of the new scheme finalised shortly and an announcement in relation to when applications will be accepted will be made once this work is complete. At this stage, it is envisaged that the fund will be initially focused on the National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Authorities. Accordingly, it will be open to Dublin City Council to apply for funding under the programme once applications are invited later this year.
1102. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of Dublin hosting a round of the FIA Formula E championship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25371/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe hosting of major sports events, both participative and spectator sports, can provide a great showcase for Ireland and drive international visitor numbers. In addition, the media coverage of sports events helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination.
I am very supportive of the ongoing efforts of the tourism agencies and the national governing bodies of sport to attract international events. Any proposal to support the hosting of an event must be subject to an assessment of the costs/benefits involved in any State financial support, in particular the number of overseas visitors. In regard to the event mentioned by the Deputy, I am not aware of any contact between the event promoter and Fáilte Ireland or any assessment having been made, but I have asked Fáilte Ireland to reply directly to the Deputy in this regard. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
1103. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to consider hosting the ConIFA World Football Cup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25372/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe hosting of major sports events, both participative and spectator sports, can provide a great showcase for Ireland and drive international visitor numbers. In addition, the media coverage of sports events helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination.
I am very supportive of the ongoing efforts of the tourism agencies and the national governing bodies of sport to attract international events. Any proposal to host an event must be subject to an assessment of the costs/benefits involved in any State financial support, in particular the number of overseas visitors. In regard to the event mentioned by the Deputy, I am not aware of any contact between the event promoter and Fáilte Ireland or any assessment having being made, but I have asked Fáilte Ireland to reply directly to the Deputy in this regard. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
1104. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures in place to develop female participation in sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25373/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the promotion, development and co-ordination of sport. This includes responsibility for the development of strategies for increasing participation in sport.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
My Department's new National Sports Policy, which will be published shortly, aims at increasing the levels of participation in sport and physical activity across the population over the next ten years, with a specific focus on less active groups including women and girls.
1105. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures in place to support the development of grassroots football across the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25374/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards. This includes responsibility for the allocation of funding across its various programmes, such as the Field Sports scheme of grant funding to the three major field sports (FAI, GAA, IRFU) in respect of their work to encourage greater underage participation.
I have referred the Deputy's Question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to the development of grassroots football across the State. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
1106. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the necessary upgrading of an arterial route (details supplied) will be prioritised for funding in the 2019 road works programme in view of the importance of this route for a large part of the Border region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25376/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraProposals 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. As regards the regional road aspect of the proposal, 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 provided funding to Cavan County Council (acting as lead authority with Monaghan and Louth County Councils) with over €2m in the period 2007-2014 to progress the regional road element of the project to preliminary design.
This year I have given an allocation of €25,000 to Cavan County Council to enable the Council to undertake a preliminary appraisal, in line with the current requirements in the Public Spending Code and the Capital Investment Framework, of the Cavan to Dundalk section of the route. The aim of this appraisal would be to assess the extent to which the scheme or elements of it can be justified in terms of appraisal and advanced for further consideration in relation to schemes for development post 2021.
1107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he anticipates bodies under the aegis of his Department to be affected by Brexit with particular reference to inward investments and future expansion affecting the tourism and transport sectors; the extent to which he continues to liaise with European institutions in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24599/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main impact of Brexit on the tourism and transport sectors is expected to be potential disruption to connectivity to our markets rather than on inward investment to these sectors. Ireland’s maritime and aviation sectors are critical to trade and tourism and it is essential that any impacts on these sectors are minimised.
In relation to transport, the National Development Plan outlines a range of projects for investment in our roads network and sets out ambitious investment programmes in our main ports and airports that will enhance capacity and facilitate smoother connectivity to international markets.
In relation to tourism, Tourism Ireland has a programme of marketing activity in place for 2018 to keep Ireland front of mind for British visitors. That marketing effort will continue throughout the year. In addition, Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland launched an initiative specially designed to boost tourist numbers from Britain to the Wild Atlantic Way. A €1.35 million marketing campaign in Britain will be complemented by a Fáilte Ireland €500,000 programme to support businesses along the Wild Atlantic Way to position themselves to benefit from the campaign, as well as to boost its own marketing campaigns in Northern Ireland.
Trips to Ireland for the first four months of 2018 were up 7.3 % compared to the corresponding period of 2017, including an increase of 1.1% from residents of Great Britain.
In Budget 2018, with Brexit in mind, €2m in capital funding was specifically secured for Tourism Ireland to invest in strengthening its digital infrastructure, deepening its understanding of the all-important overseas consumer and developing new creative content, for roll out from 2019.
Brexit and its potential implications for Ireland continue to be managed on a whole-of-government basis. This includes the transport and tourism sectors, and my Department is continuing to work to address the potential impacts of Brexit on these sectors, including in relation to bodies under the aegis of the Department.
