Eamon Ryan
Ceist:785. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the timeline for the roll-out of the renewable energy support scheme. [31053/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRenewable Energy Incentives
Ceisteanna (785)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department is progressing the design of the proposed new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which is being developed to assist Ireland in meeting its renewable energy contributions out to 2030.
A final high-level design proposal on the RESS is being brought to Government shortly for approval, and subsequent to this a formal application for State Aid clearance with the European Commission will commence in line with EU State Aid Guidelines. The new scheme is expected to open in 2019.
Departmental Staff Recruitment
Ceisteanna (786)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:786. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of public sector jobs offered as internal competitions or restricted to existing Civil Service or public service staff in his Department in 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31542/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In July 2015, following negotiations between the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the relevant unions, agreement was reached in deciding the sequences of promotions for general service grades in the Civil Service outlining the number of positions that should filled through open recruitment, interdepartmental competitions and internal competitions. My Department fills vacancies according to the sequences set out in this agreement. My Department, as part of its workforce plan, offers promotional opportunities for staff through its internal competitions programme. The selection processes for all competitions run by my Department are in accordance with the "Code of Practice for the Appointment to Positions in the Civil Service and Public Service" published by the Commission for Public Service Appointments.
The information requested by the deputy is outlined in the table below:
|
Grade |
No. of Positions 2017 |
No. of Positions 2018 to date |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal |
0 |
9 (1 temporary post) |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
0 |
3 |
|
Executive Officer |
8 |
3 |
Question No. 787 withdrawn.
Legislative Programme
Ceisteanna (788, 819)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:788. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his priorities for traffic legislation, especially in the areas of excessive speed and dangerous driving, and in the co-ordination of key driver records between the Road Safety Authority, the courts system and An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30852/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThomas P. Broughan
Ceist:819. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his priorities for a road traffic Bill 2018, especially in the areas of excessive speed and dangerous driving and in the co-ordination of key driver records between the Road Safety Authority, the courts system and An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30851/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 788 and 819 together.
My Department is currently working on a general scheme for a Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2018.
Among my priorities are to look at the areas of graduated penalties for excessive speeding, whereby drivers who speed more receive higher penalties. Measures such as these are designed to be preventative in nature; ensuring that drivers are incentivised to obey the speed limit and thereby make our roads safer for all.
The Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill will also contain enabling legislation for the Master Licence Record (MLR) project, which will, for the first time, match driver and vehicle records. The MLR will facilitate the accurate endorsement of penalty points, including those imposed following conviction in court, on driver records.
Both these and other provisions in the upcoming Bill will be subject to legal advice and feasibility study, and my Department will be consulting will all major stakeholders including my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality, an Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority.
Public Service Vehicles
Ceisteanna (789)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:789. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the documentation being checked by the NTA from northern operators, particularly for occasional licences at concert venues and sporting events at which operators state they are being hired privately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30054/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The regulation of the large public service vehicle industry, including the licensing of bus passenger services, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Public Transport Act 2009. Information regarding convictions would be a matter however for my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality.
I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you regarding the licensing of bus passenger services. 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.
Road Safety Authority
Ceisteanna (790)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:790. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a matter (details supplied) regarding prosecutions in relation to tachograph regulations will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30055/18]
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
Public Transport Provision
Ceisteanna (791)
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:791. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to develop and enhance the provision of additional bus services throughout rural County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30070/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
However, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport passenger services nationally, including the provision of bus services in County Clare. The NTA also has responsibility, since 2012, for managing the Rural Transport Programme, which now operates under the Local Link brand.
The Deputy raised this issue with me by way of Topical Issue on 5 July last and I refer him to my response on that occasion. I undertook to revert to the Deputy on certain matters and I have referred those to the NTA for 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.
Electric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (792)
Clare Daly
Ceist:792. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the work under way on preparing for the expansion of the application of hydrogen for cars and other energy uses in view of the difficulties with the need to recharge batteries in electric cars prohibiting their use for long journeys. [30078/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Traditionally, most vehicles in use have been fuelled by either petrol or diesel. However, over the coming years, a transition to alternatively fuelled vehicles will be required in order to effect a substantial reduction in Ireland's overall transport emissions. My Department published the National Policy Framework on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland, in May of last year, which supports the deployment of alternative fuels in Ireland and assists in removing any infrastructural barriers that may prevent greater uptake of low emissions vehicles (LEVs).
While remaining technology-neutral in the context of promoting greater uptake of LEVs, the full electrification of the car fleet represents a feasible option in Ireland, where supporting grid infrastructure is developed. Advances in battery technology, increasing competition in the market and falling vehicle costs would suggest that electrification will be the predominant low emission choice for private car, taxis and commercial vans in the short to medium term. Biofuels will also continue to play a key role in decarbonisation while natural gas, along with some electrification, will provide an interim alternative solution for larger vehicles such as trucks and buses.
Transition to a hydrogen-based transport system is not expected over the short term as, for that fuel type, the costs of the refuelling infrastructure and associated vehicles are likely to remain prohibitive until the middle of the next decade; investing in costly infrastructure too far ahead of the market could lead to early infrastructure becoming obsolete as the technology advances. Nonetheless, fuel and vehicle technologies generally are evolving rapidly, so the feasibility and potential for supporting hydrogen infrastructure and incentivising fuel cell vehicles will be kept under review.
In this regard, the Deputy may recall that, in 2016 a dedicated LEV Taskforce was established to consider the range of measures and options available to Government to accelerate the uptake of low emitting alternatives. Having initially focussed on electric vehicles, the Taskforce is now moving to broaden its scope for the second phase of its work, which will consider measures to promote fuels such as natural gas, liquid petroleum gas and hydrogen.
Legislative Measures
Ceisteanna (793)
Colm Brophy
Ceist:793. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has identified laws which are dependent on or in place as a consequence of Article 41.2 of the Constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30108/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has not identified any legislation that is dependent upon, or in place as a consequence of, Article 41.2 of the Constitution.
Greenways Development
Ceisteanna (794)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:794. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the greenway project between Castleknock, Dublin 15, and Maynooth, County Kildare, on a phased basis; the progress made to date on each phase; the estimated completion date for each phase; the amount of funding that was made available for each phase of the project in 2018; if further funding will issue in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30135/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
I am pleased however to inform the Deputy that over €110m 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. In addition to this, €55m will be spent in this same four year period on Greenways outside of the 5 cities.
However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, including the building and maintenance of cycling infrastructure. This falls to the NTA who is responsible for the development and implementation of public transport and sustainable transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the greenway between Castleknock and Maynooth. My Department allocates funding to the NTA who provide this funding onwards to the Local Authorities to implement cycling/walking infrastructure.
Noting that the allocation of funding and details of individual projects are managed by the NTA in conjunction with the relevant local authorities, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply with regard to this particular project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Greenways Development
Ceisteanna (795)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:795. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of plans for a Grand Canal greenway between Hazelhatch, County Kildare, and Grange Castle, Dublin 22, in view of the fact there is reference to the project as an objective in a number of local area plans (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30140/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, including the building and maintenance of cycling infrastructure. In relation to cycling infrastructure, my Department allocates funding to the NTA who provide onward funding to local authorities to progress the design and implementation of cycling schemes.
As outlined in my response to the Deputy under Dáil Question No. 254 in February, 2018, the National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the development and implementation of public transport and sustainable transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). The Grand Canal Greenway, including the section between Hazelhatch and Grange Castle, forms part of the Greenway Network of the GDA Cycle Network Plan. Accordingly, I understand that the NTA continue to work closely with the relevant authorities, including Kildare County Council and Waterways Ireland, to deliver improved cycling infrastructure including greenway schemes.
Noting the NTA's previous response to the Deputy on the 19th February and their responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply with regard to this particular project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Greenways Development
Ceisteanna (796)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:796. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a third part approval agreement has been secured with Irish Rail in respect of the Royal Canal greenway; if the Commission for Railway Regulation has completed a review of certain aspects of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30145/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with a number of other state bodies, 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
National Car Test Data
Ceisteanna (797)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:797. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of private vehicles that undertook the national car test in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the number of vehicles that required one or more full retests; the number that required a visual test; the number that were issued with a "do not drive away from test centre" order following a failed test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30267/18]
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
Road Projects Status
Ceisteanna (798)
James Browne
Ceist:798. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the construction and opening of the M11 service station at Ballyellin, Gorey, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30334/18]
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 national road projects (including service areas) is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Fáilte Ireland Expenditure
Ceisteanna (799)
Imelda Munster
Ceist:799. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the spend by Fáilte Ireland in each of the years 2015 to 2017; the breakdown of the spend; and the expected spend in 2018 for each county in tabular form. [30344/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Details (at subhead level) of the annual funding allocations provided by my Department to Fáilte Ireland are available in the annual Revised Estimates Volume published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The subheads of relevance to Fáilte Ireland are E3, E6 (capital) and E5 (shared with Tourism Ireland).
I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland to provide further details on expenditure in 2015-2017 and planned expenditure in 2018, including a regional breakdown where possible, for direct reply to the Deputy. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Road Projects
Ceisteanna (800)
John Brassil
Ceist:800. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide additional funding to Kerry County Council to carry out works on the Dale Road, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30414/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant County or City Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.
Prior to the financial crisis, applications for funding for projects such as Dale Road would have been considered as part of the Specific Improvement Grant Scheme for regional and local roads. However, the extent of the cutbacks in grant funding during the crisis meant this grant scheme had to be curtailed after 2013 because expenditure on maintenance/renewal was falling well short of what was required to adequately maintain the regional and local road network.
The NDP does provide for the gradual build up in funding for the road network but it will take some years yet to reach the level required for the adequate maintenance and renewal of the network. For this reason there is limited scope at present for funding projects under the Specific Grant Programme.
Any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under the Specific Grant Programme are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework and it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind. In this context Kerry County Council has been informed that it should submit a Preliminary Appraisal in relation to the upgrade of the road. Once this is received it will be assessed by the Department.
Tourism Funding
Ceisteanna (801)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:801. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of support given to a festival (details supplied) in each of the past five years. [30418/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy. While it provides funding to Fáilte Ireland to invest in festivals and participative events, my Department has no involvement in the management of the related funding programmes.
Accordingly, I have asked Fáilte Ireland to provide the Deputy with the requested information. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Road Projects Status
Ceisteanna (802)
Michael Moynihan
Ceist:802. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of plans to address a dangerous junction (details supplied) at Ballymaquirk, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30449/18]
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 under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.