Written Answers Nos. 490-506
490. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific projects which will receive the €316 million in extra capital expenditure in 2019 as outlined in annex 1 of the National Development Plan 2018-2027; the amount each project will receive of this €316 million in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31281/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapital Allocation
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
€million |
€million |
€million |
€million |
|
1,643 |
2,058 |
2,526 |
2,405 |
Deputy, in my Budget Speech 2018 I have listed the priorities within the Programmes within my Department and how the Capital allocations will be spent.
http://www.dttas.ie/speeches/2017/minister-ross-budget-2018-speech
Further details on my Department's Capital allocation can also be found in REV 2018 which was published in December 2017.
http://www.per.gov.ie/en/revised-estimates-for-public-services-2018-published/.
491. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific projects which will receive the €1.643 billion in capital funding allocated in 2019; the amount each project will receive of the €1.643 billion in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31298/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapital Allocation
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
€million |
€million |
€million |
€million |
|
1,643 |
2,058 |
2,526 |
2,405 |
Deputy, in my Budget Speech 2018 I have listed the priorities within the Programmes within my Department and how the Capital allocations will be spent.
http://www.dttas.ie/speeches/2017/minister-ross-budget-2018-speech
Further details on my Department's Capital allocation can also be found in REV 2018 which was published in December 2017.
http://www.per.gov.ie/en/revised-estimates-for-public-services-2018-published/.
492. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific reason for the underspend in gross voted expenditure of €17 million as outlined in appendix V of the June 2018 fiscal monitor; the specific projects that have an underspend; the value of the underspend on each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31313/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputy, I wish to refer to your question regarding the specific reason for the underspend in gross voted expenditure of €17 million as outlined in Appendix V of the June 2018 Fiscal Monitor. The figure the Deputy refers to is the variance in gross voted capital spend across my Vote.
My Department has a large number of capital projects. Some of these projects are spending ahead of target and others are slightly behind target at this time. All of the Department's expenditure is monitored on an ongoing basis. Due to various issues, mainly due to timing of drawdowns on the various projects, the net effect is that the Department as a whole shows a small capital underspend at present, of the order of 4% against profile.
Discussions with my officials who manage these projects lead me to believe that our spend will be fully utilised by year-end.
493. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the level of funding allocated through Fáilte Ireland to County Longford for the purpose of promoting tourism within the county will be examined (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31348/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy. Funding for tourism development is provided to Fáilte Ireland which has operational responsibility for regional tourism development and domestic tourism promotion.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's questions to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply to the Deputy. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
494. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to amend section 96 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 in order to allow local authorities to provide school traffic wardens over Luas lines and other rail lines, and over private roads that have not yet been taken in charge by the local authority; his further plans he has to tackle the issue of dangerous Luas and railway crossings near schools at which local authorities are unable to provide school traffic wardens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31376/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRoad Traffic legislation deals with what happens on the public road and in a public place. There is an important line in the law here – it cannot extend to address matters happening on private property or on railway lines.
However, my Department is in contact with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, which has safety functions in relation to Luas lines, on this matter as it relates to such lines. I am working hard to see what solution can be found to address specific safety concerns at a certain Luas station, which has been raised with me recently.
In relation to rail lines generally, pedestrians should never trespass on them and should only cross them where a level crossing is provided and it is safe to do so.
495. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reduce the cost of the national car test, NCT, for electric vehicles in view of the fact that they do not need to undertake an emissions test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31390/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Car Test (NCT) currently tests hybrid/electric vehicles. While these vehicles do not require an exhaust emissions test, the Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) of the vehicle is assessed during the test.
The NCT Service is delivered on a self-financing basis through the collection of a test fee with no additional cost to the taxpayer. NCT test fees are laid down in the Road Traffic National Car Test Regulations 2014 (S.I. No. 322 of 2014). The NCT fee applies to the test carried out on all vehicles including electric vehicles and provides a high quality diagnostic service using computerised testing equipment.
The fee for a full NCT is €55 and €28 for a retest requiring the use of test equipment. Retests which do not require the use of test equipment are free of charge. 30% of all retests are provided free to the customer. These fees have not increased since January 2012 and I will not be revisiting the fee structure at this time.
496. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the representations he has received from Independent Senators regarding sports capital applications and or grants in 2018; the detail of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31432/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the Sports Capital Programme, Minister of State Brendan Griffin and I receive numerous contacts from applicants, and Government and opposition elected representatives in relation to proposed projects. During the period referred to by the Deputy, I received one written representation from an independent senator. This was from Senator Billy Lawless and concerned a sports club in Galway. I understand that no written representations from Independent Senators were received by Minister Griffin in this period.
497. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the representations he has received from Independent Senators regarding roads funding in 2018; the detail of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31433/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne representation was received from Senator Victor Boyhan by email on 26 April 2018 in relation to roads in County Galway.
498. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the representations he has received regarding the Sports Council in 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31434/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince January 2017 and to date in 2018, I received 16 representations from members of the public in relation to matters directly related to Sport Ireland, the statutory body which replaced the Irish Sports Council in 2015. These representations include matters relating to the operation of the National Sports Campus and events hosted at the National Indoor Arena.
If the Deputy requires further information regarding representations on any specific matter relating to Sport Ireland, he might contact my office and I will provide the information direct to the Deputy.
499. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the national car test, NCT, will not accept a passport as proof of identification pursuant to SI 415 of 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31449/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 40 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 (as amended) requires a person to carry their driving license while driving a vehicle. Accordingly, the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) requests a driving license from a person as the form of identification required when they submit their vehicle for the National Car Test (NCT). If for any legitimate reason this is not possible, an alternative is provided which allows the presentation of a Public Service Card, which provides a similar level of assurance regarding identity to a driving licence, including residence.
500. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the changes he has made to allow access by persons to their own data held by his Department and bodies under its aegis following the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation, GDPR; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31479/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra501. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the staffing complement and resources of his Department's data protection officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31503/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra502. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the data protection impact assessments his Department has commenced since 15 May 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31520/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 500 to 502, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy is aware, right of access as a data protection concept is not new. My Department previously carried out this data subject right under the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003 and continues to do so under Article 15 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
In preparation for the GDPR, my Department has undertaken a comprehensive readiness project which included ensuring continued compliant mechanisms are in place to allow people access to their personal information.
Any member of the public can access their own personal information processed by my Department. This right can be exercised by contacting my Department’s Data Protection Officer (DPO). Contact details and guidance on how to make a subject access request are available on www.dttas.gov.ie/dataprotection.
With regard to data protection resources in my Department, the Data Protection Unit comprises three staff including the DPO. In addition to this, a Departmental Working Group has been established with representatives from Divisions across my Department. The role of the Working Group is to work with the DPO in continuing to embed GDPR compliant practices across my Department. The DPO also has access to training and continued professional development through the Learning and Development HR function in my Department. Through such provision of resources, my Department is adhering to the requirements of Article 38(1) of the GDPR.
As the Deputy is aware, a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) is required under the GDPR when the processing of personal data is “likely to result in a high risk to the rights and freedoms of natural persons” and is particularly relevant where the proposed processing involves a new technology. My Department will conduct DPIAs on projects identified as requiring such assessments. Since 15th May my Department has not carried out any DPIA's.
Agencies under my Department’s remit are responsible for ensuring compliance with data subject rights, including the right of access. I have therefore sent your question on access to personal information to them for direct reply. If you have not received a response within 10 days please contact my private office.
503. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to address the need to develop the N11, especially at points of congestion in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31535/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
504. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he sought legal, consultancy or specialised technical advice on the basis for the Road Safety Authority requiring a public services card for the driver licence test; if so, the date on which he sought the advice; the cost to date relating to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31555/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is Government policy to integrate the Public Services Card (PSC) into all public service provision. In line with this policy, I amended regulations earlier this year to allow the PSC to be used as an optional but not mandatory form of identity in applications for driving licences. The Road Safety Authority, which is responsible for the driver theory test, has required a PSC as a form of identity since June of 2017. However, I understand that the Authority is also going to accept passports as a form of ID, although changing procedures means that this cannot happen immediately.
My Department sought legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General at various stages of this process. There are no specific costs involved. As the Deputy will be aware, we do not comment on advice received from the Attorney General. No advice was sought from any other source.
505. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request the National Transport Authority to extend the public consultation period in respect of the first draft of the new Dublin city bus network BusConnects; if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concern relating the public consultation taking place during the months of July and August 2018 in which schools are closed and many regular bus commuters may be on holidays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31563/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra506. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding and engagement his Department has had with the NTA in respect of the proposed Dublin bus rapid transport service; and the timeframe for future development and work on the project. [31564/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 505 and 506 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the National Development Plan (NDP), published in February as part of Project Ireland 2040, identifies the delivery of the full BusConnects programme for Ireland’s cities (inclusive of ticketing systems, bus corridors, additional capacity, new bus stops and bus shelters etc.) as a key investment priority over the period of the plan. The plan provides an outline provision of €2.4 billion for the entire programme, €2 billion for Bus Connects in Dublin and €0.4 billion for Bus Connects programmes in our regional cities.
Budget 2018 provided for over €750 million over the next 4 years to progress the initial stages of BusConnects. The costs of the various elements of the overall BusConnects programme will be confirmed as part of the appropriate appraisal and procurement processes required under the Public Spending Code.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and implementation of public transport projects and programmes in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including the BusConnects programme.
The NTA recently published a discussion document focussed on the 16 core bus routes, pathways and cycle tracks/lanes that are emerging as the likely core bus corridors in and out of Dublin city. A second document “Dublin Area Bus Network Redesign Public Consultation Report” was published by NTA last week.
This report notes that the existing bus network in Dublin is very complex and is designed primarily around overlapping and long radial routes taking people into the city centre, but with very few orbital routes. Recent improvements to the rail and tram networks require changes to the bus services to exploit the full potential of these investments. Finally the city is growing and changing as are the bus journeys people are taking.
The report identifies 4 key strategies to address the issues with the current network: standardise service categories; simplify radial services; build frequent orbitals and grow suburban feeder networks. While there will be concerns with any change, these strategies will deliver the following benefits for the customer; much simpler city services; much simpler fare structure; provide more frequent all day services through new and frequent strong orbital services interchanging with local services and high frequency radial spines.
Full public consultation on the network redesign proposals, involving Dublin Bus, using local brochures, local face to face events, digital imaging of the network, on-line surveys and consultation with user groups will commence from the 16th July and will continue for 8 weeks. NTA will launch a full public consultation process on the proposed core bus corridors later this year.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
