Written Answers Nos. 2181-2199
2181. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the procedure in relation to the provision of road signage and markings in residential areas; the steps open to residents in cases in which they are of the view that markings are in breach of road traffic regulations; the way in which they can have the situation rectified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33087/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhere roads, including those in residential areas, have been taken in charge by local authorities, the provision of road signs and markings by each authority must be in accordance with Roads and Road Traffic legislation. In providing such signs and markings, detailed guidance is set out in my Department's Traffic Signs Manual, which is available to all local authorities and which must be adhered to.
Where roads have not been taken in charge by local authorities, they remain as private property and any signs or road makings put in place have no legal standing and are the responsibility of the owners/management of the property.
Any sign or marking provided on a public road that is in breach of Road Traffic legislation should be reported to the relevant local authority in the first instance.
2182. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to the procurement process for contracts for the operation of local transport co-ordination units of the Local Link Rural Transport Programme being restricted to non-profit entities. [33105/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have previously advised the House, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including, since 2012, management of the Rural Transport Programme which now operates under the "Local Link" brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities regarding Local Link services, including the procurement of Transport Co-ordination Units, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
2183. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to create a park and ride and share facility at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33248/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the Deputy is referring to illegal parking by private car users at the location in question.
In this particular context, the provision of car parking facilities and the enforcement of parking laws are matters for the relevant local authority and An Garda Síochána respectively, and not matters in which I have a function. In this regard I would advise the Deputy raise the issue with Louth County Council.
2184. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions which have been held with an organisation (details supplied) on its funding requirements ahead of an event. [33295/18]
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, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes. This includes responsibility for the allocation of funding for the National Governing Bodies of Sport and sporting organisations, including Paralympics Ireland.
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.
2185. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the role he has taken to ensure parity of male and female participation in publicly funded stadia in different codes operating here. [33296/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2186. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the funding for a programme (details supplied) over the past two years. [33297/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2185 and 2186 together.
Sport 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 and the funding of related programmes.
The Women in Sport programme was established in 2005 with the aim of increasing women's participation in sport, including non-participatory opportunities through volunteering and coaching. Since 2005, Sport Ireland has provided €19.5 million to National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Sports Partnerships under the Women in Sport Programme to increase participation in sport among women and girls. In 2018 Sport Ireland will invest approximately €1million specifically to support Women in Sport initiatives. €1 million was also invested in 2017.
Just over a decade ago, in 2007, there was a gap of almost 16% in active participation levels between genders. In the intervening decade, this gap has narrowed to just 4.5% in 2017 according to the recently published Irish Sports Monitor Annual Report. The 2017 Report also shows that 40.8% of females regularly participate in sport compared to 39.3% in 2015.
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.
In relation to Government support for capital projects, the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) as operated by my Department provides grants to assist in the development or refurbishment of sports facilities and the provision of sports equipment. The full terms and conditions of the SCP are available on my Department's website. SCP applicants must sign a declaration guaranteeing that they will not deny anybody access to any facility for which they have received a grant on the grounds of gender, civil status, family status, age, disability, race, sexual orientation, religious belief, or membership of the Traveller Community without just, reasonable and proper cause. Amongst the considerations for deciding allocations under the SCP are the likelihood of increasing participation and whether the proposed facility will be shared with other sports clubs. An announcement in relation to the timing of the next round of the SCP will be made shortly.
In terms of future investment, aside from the SCP, the National Development Plan also contains a commitment to establish a new “Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund” with at least €100m available over the coming years. In relation to the design of the scheme, my officials have been engaging with relevant stakeholders on the proposed terms and conditions of the new scheme. While these conditions are not yet finalised, I envisage that factors such as the likelihood of increasing participation and the availability of the proposed facilities to as broad a range of users as possible will be significant in terms of deciding which projects to fund.
Finally if the deputy is aware of any instances of the breach of the terms and conditions of the Sports Capital Programme he can make my officials aware through my office.
2187. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the delay in processing a PSV licence for a person (details supplied) will be investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33312/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the issuing of SPSV licences, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
2188. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of vehicles in the bus fleet of Dublin Bus since 2007 annually in tabular form. [33320/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter for Dublin Bus 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.
2189. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of vehicles in the bus fleet of Bus Éireann since 2007 annually in tabular form. [33321/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter for Bus 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.
2190. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of vehicles in the bus fleet of Dublin Bus and a company (details supplied) that the NTA envisions under the operation of the new BusConnects plans in tabular form. [33322/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2191. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the proposed number of buses that will operate in the Dublin Bus fleet between July 2018 and 2020, in tabular form. [33323/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2190 and 2191 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, recent studies confirm that approximately 70% of people travelling into the city each morning do so by sustainable transport- walking, cycling, bus, rail or Luas. Cars only account for 30% of travel.
The bus system is important because of these numbers entering Dublin City each day, the majority (57% of all public transport trips) use the bus for this journey. This is why investment in the Bus system has to be one of the main components of the overall solution to address our current congestion problem and to meet our future transport needs.
In 2017, a total of 102 buses were purchased for Dublin Bus both for their replacement programme and to cater for market growth. Similarly it is expected that 140 buses will be purchased in 2018 for the Dublin Region to replace older buses and cater for market growth and new routes. These buses were purchased through a bus supply framework agreement put in place by the NTA bringing the total fleet up to almost 1,100 buses, with a further expansion of the fleet expected in 2019 in advance of the roll-out of BusConnects.
The National Development Plan, 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, commencing roll-out in Dublin followed by Galway, Cork and remaining cities over the timeframe of the plan. Among other features, BusConnects will also see the transition to the use of lower emission vehicles.
The National Transport Authority, NTA, has responsibility for the planning and implementation of public transport projects and programmes in the Greater Dublin Area, including the BusConnects programme. It has recently published a discussion document on the proposed 16 core radial bus priority routes in and out of Dublin City and has commenced public consultation on the redesigned network of bus services for Dublin including proposals on a major redesign of routes, schedules and fare structures. These processes will also feed into the future fleet requirements.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the Authority for a more detailed reply on the specific issues raised. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
2192. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there will be a further appeal process period available to clubs which made applications for 2017 capital sports grants that were unsuccessful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33354/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2193. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date the further appeal process period will open to clubs which made applications for 2017 capital sports grants that were unsuccessful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33361/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2192 and 2193 together.
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 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. It is proposed that all applicants who were invalid, or partially invalid, under the 2017 round of the programme will be allowed to correct their applications for the 2018 round without the need to submit a completely new application.
Some of the other changes being introduced for the 2018 round require amendments to the Department's online application system and work in this regard has now commenced. Formal sanction has also been 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 shortly. All clubs and organisations registered on the Department's online application system will be notified at that time.
2194. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the proposed works will be carried out on a national route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33365/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and 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.
2195. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a driver test for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33421/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the driver testing service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority, and I have no power to intervene in individual cases. I have therefore referred the Question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
2196. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons on waiting lists for driver tests in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the length of time they have been waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33423/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the driver testing service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the Question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
2197. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of invalid applications under the 2018 Sports Capital Programme that are being reviewed by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33424/18]
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 allocations to a record 1,800 projects under the 2017 round. Details of all applications and allocations under the 2017 round are available on my Department's website. 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. It is proposed that all applicants who were invalid, or partially invalid, under the 2017 round of the programme will be allowed to correct their applications for the 2018 round without the need to submit a completely new application.
I have received sanction from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for a new round and I expect to make an announcement in relation to the timing of the next round and the amount available shortly. All clubs and organisations registered on the Department's online application system will be notified at that time.
2198. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of applications received for the purchase of wheelchair accessible vehicles; and the number of grants paid for same in each year since 2014, by county, in tabular form. [33425/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. It is the NTA which administers the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) grant scheme for the SPSV sector.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
2199. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the plans of Irish Rail to reopen and upgrade the Limerick to Foynes railway line which has not been in use for a number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33440/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware and as noted in Government’s recently published Project Ireland 2040 and the 10-year National Development Plan, Shannon Foynes Port Company’s Infrastructure Development Programme is well underway and will consist of a jetty expansion program, the joining of the East and West Jetties and the infill behind, land purchase and site development at Foynes in light of the land bank shortage at Foynes Port and the Foynes Rail Reinstatement. Phase 1 of part of this development has been completed and a planning application, under the strategic infrastructure process, for the next phases was lodged in April 2018 with An Bord Pleanála and is currently underway. The €27million investment programme will improve international connectivity and increase capacity through the construction of new quay walls and associated port infrastructure and external connectivity with the upgrade of the N69 and the reinstatement of the Limerick-Foynes rail line to follow.
In relation to progress underway in relation to Limerick to Foynes railway, scoping and feasibility studies on the reopening of the line, co-funded by Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC) and the EU were completed in 2014-2016. SFPC has since also commissioned Irish Rail to undertake a detailed design of the line, which is expected to be completed later this year. I understand that completion of this work can then inform future decisions regarding the reinstatement of this rail line in terms of hinterland connectivity necessary to accommodate the future expansion of the port and add efficiency to the national supply chain. It is noted that a key requirement for a core port under the Trans European Network (Ten-t) Regulations is that rail connection will be in place by 2030.
