Written Answers Nos. 2200-2219
2200. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of consultation which took place between the National Transport Authority and Dublin Bus on the BusConnects proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33521/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDublin Bus have and will continue to play a key role in the roll-out of BusConnects for Dublin.
As the Deputy is aware, 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.) is a key investment priority outlined in the National Development Plan 2018-2027.
Commencing with roll-out in Dublin, it aims to transform the bus system through: a full redesign of the bus network in order to provide a better and more efficient network for passengers; an expanded and modern fleet of vehicles; new road infrastructure to facilitate bus priority and faster journeys for public transport users; improved passenger information and ticketing technology; and transition to a lower emission bus fleet.
As you are aware, the NTA have recently published an information report about the 16 pathways that are emerging as the likely core bus corridors in and out of Dublin city under the new investment Programme. The detail of these corridors is expected to form part of a public consultation process scheduled for later this year.
A second document “Dublin Area Bus Network Redesign Public Consultation Report” was published on 2 July. This report notes that the existing bus network in Dublin is very complex and is designed primarily around radial routes taking people into the city centre, but with very few orbital routes. The report, that is a detailed and comprehensive document, also sets out how it drew on the public and on the NTA, Dublin Bus and local authorities, as much as it drew on the international experience the consultants engaged by the NTA.
The public consultation process on the Network Redesign proposals has now commenced and, in conjunction with the NTA, Dublin Bus will play a key role in the planned face to face events as one of a number of measures to support this consultation process.
2201. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the impact of the privatisation of Dublin orbital routes on Dublin Bus and its workforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33522/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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 attended the opening of Go-Ahead's new bus depot on July 9th which is the first step in its delivery of the 10% of the existing PSO bus network, which they were awarded after a competitive tendering process, by the National Transport Authority.
It has been the experience internationally that introducing some level of competitive tendering into PSO operations like this, usually results in a much better deal for passengers and for the public in general. It also encourages innovation and improvements to service quality.
The Labour Relations Commission (LRC) recommendation of May 2015, accepted by all parties at that time, set out that in the event Dublin Bus was unsuccessful in the tendering competition that workers’ rights would be protected and that the NTA would ensure these were built into the contract with the winning bidder.
It was also made clear at the LRC discussions that over a 2 to 3 year period there would be sufficient growth within Dublin Bus to absorb any drivers affected by the loss of tendered routes if Dublin Bus was unsuccessful in the competition. Due to this anticipated growth there will be no compulsory transfer of staff.
However, under the EC (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations 2003 (known as "TUPE") Dublin Bus employees may choose to automatically become employees of any new operator on the same terms and conditions. Thus employees’ continuity of employment would be preserved, as would their terms and conditions of employment under their contracts of employment.
Existing PSO bus services have recently shown strong passenger growth for all operators, which has been accompanied by substantially improved Exchequer funding. I expect that further growth in PSO services will facilitate planned continued expansion and improvement of all PSO services.
2202. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the inability to pay player wages at clubs (details supplied) by the club owners and management; his plans to ensure player welfare and the integrity of the sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33546/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2206. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if League of Ireland football clubs that are encountering financial difficulties and have delayed payment of wages to professional footballers will be assisted to stay viable in view of the wide range of activities in the clubs, including underage, youth and women's soccer, that are at risk, particularly in Limerick and Bray; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33572/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2202 and 2206 together.
Matters regarding the payment of players are the responsibility of the relevant clubs and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), as the National Governing Body for football. The FAI is an independent, autonomous body and I have no role in its operational matters.
Funding provided by Sport Ireland to the FAI is for the non-professional elements of the game. In 2017, Sport Ireland invested €2,565,410 in the FAI through the Field Sports Grant, €142,500 through the Women in Sport grant and €38,119 through the Dormant Accounts Fund. The Field Sports grant is broadly aimed at encouraging and creating more opportunities for young people to participate in football across Ireland. The Women in Sport programme grant aims to raise the overall physical activity levels among women and to support women’s roles within sports organisations. Dormant Accounts funding was directed towards Kick-start to Recovery, a mental health programme delivered by the FAI, the HSE Mental Health Service and with Sports Inclusion Disability Officers.
2203. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the legal requirements on the operators of hedge-cutting machinery working on or near public roads in respect of matters (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33562/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2204. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if specific guidelines have been produced on the legal requirements on the operators of hedge-cutting machinery working on or near public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33563/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2205. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the safe distance that should be kept between hedge-cutting machinery used on or near public roads and unprotected road users, such as pedestrians or cyclists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33565/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2203 to 2205, inclusive, together.
The Traffic Signs Manual constitutes a Ministerial Direction to road authorities under section 95(16) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, and is available from my Department's website.
The Traffic Signs Manual stipulates the traffic signs to be used on Irish roads, their layout and symbols, the circumstances in which each sign should be used and the rules for positioning them.
Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual details the requirements for Temporary Traffic Measures and Signs for Roadworks. These requirements vary depending on the category of road and speed limits in place.
In addition operators carrying out works of this nature are required to comply with relevant Health and Safety requirements. Where the public have concerns regarding safety or other matters they should bring them to the attention of the relevant Local Authority or the Gardaí as appropriate.
2207. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there have been increases in the CIÉ wage grade pension scheme for retirees since 2007; if the board in place has advised the trustees to make an increase in the pension payment since 2007; if the trustees have consulted the actuary on such an increase in that time; if such increases are expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33576/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIssues in relation to Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the pension schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
2208. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided for the repair of rural roads which have deteriorated due to weather occurrences and not been maintained because of stretched council resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33578/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of local authorities, 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 local authority.
I announced the 2018 regional and local road allocations in January and all grant funding available to my Department has now been allocated. The grants this year include provision for:
- An 18% increase in Restoration Improvement monies for road strengthening works;
- A 17% increase in Restoration Maintenance monies for surface dressing works;
- The introduction of a new grant for Drainage works (overall €10m);
- Ring fenced monies for Community Involvement Schemes (€10m allocated in early June).
It is a matter for each Council to determine its priorities and decide its work programme taking available grant funding and its own resources into account. In this context I continue to emphasise to local authorities the importance of prioritising roads when allocating their own resources.
I have to work within the resources available to me and at present there is no additional funding available to my Department. Should additional funding become available to my Department it will be allocated accordingly to help assist local authorities further. For now local authorities should progress their work programmes taking account of available grant funding and their own resources.
2209. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeframe for a safety review of a road project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33579/18]
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 ten working days.
2210. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding for the extension of roads (details supplied) will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33581/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2211. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the east-west link road; his views on the need for such a vital piece of infrastructure from east to west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33582/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2210 and 2211 together.
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.
2212. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding plans to increase investment to develop Rosslare Europort in light of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33614/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2215. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has contacted his British counterpart regarding the ownership of Rosslare Europort, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33623/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2216. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding recent reports examining Rosslare Europort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33624/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2212, 2215 and 2216 together.
The Deputy will be aware that Rosslare Europort is unique among the State-owned ports as it is not a commercial company operating under the Harbours Acts, but is instead operated as a division of Iarnród Éireann.
The status of the port, and whether its current status potentially inhibits its development, was most recently considered in a strategic review, commissioned by my Department, and carried out by Indecon Economic Consultants.
Their report concluded that the creation of an independent port authority would be extremely difficult, given the Port's complex legal structure. Instead, it was recommended that the Port remain in public ownership and that the possibilities for increased private sector involvement be investigated.
In order to assist Iarnród Éireann's overall consideration of how best to move forward, the company then engaged consultants to assess market interest.
The assessment was largely positive in terms of the potential for increased private sector investment in the port; however, it did identify possible implementation issues due to the complicated legislative basis of the port.
Following that assessment, my Department sought and received detailed advice from the Office of the Attorney General on the matter. That advice identified a number of legal issues with any such proposal and those issues remain under consideration by my Department. I have not raised the issue of Rosslare Europort specifically with the UK Government's Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling.
The Deputy may also be aware that the Irish Maritime Development Office in conjunction with my Department, has undertaken a study into the use of the UK landbridge to other European countries by the Irish road transport industry, importers and exporters. The purpose of this research is to establish the volume of traffic using the UK landbridge at present, the potential consequences that Brexit will have on landbridge usage and the various alternative options that may be viable. This study is expected to be finalised shortly and to be published thereafter.
The Deputy may wish to know that Iarnród Éireann has advised that it has completed a commercial review of Rosslare Europort and is currently in the process of preparing a detailed business plan for the port, to include consideration of the implications of Brexit. The question of investment in the port is a matter for the company which I would expect to be addressed in the context of the business plan.
Finally, I would add that I recently visited Rosslare Europort at the invitation of my ministerial colleague Paul Kehoe and was briefed by the Europort’s management on the port’s commercial position.
This was a particularly valuable opportunity for me as Minister to witness the central role that Rosslare Europort plays within the economy of Wexford, and indeed the wider south-east, and to see at first hand its potential in terms of future development as a vital part of our country’s trading infrastructure.
2213. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has examined the potential impact of Brexit on road hauliers using Rosslare Europort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33617/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Maritime Development Office in conjunction with my Department has undertaken a study into the use of the UK landbridge by the Irish road transport industry, importers and exporters. The purpose of this research is to establish the volume of traffic using the UK as a landbridge to the rest of Europe at present, the potential consequences that Brexit will have on landbridge usage and the various alternative options that may be viable. This study is expected to be finalised shortly and to be published thereafter.
My Department is in regular dialogue with exporters and hauliers and their representative groups and will continue to work with our EU counterparts to safeguard the interests of the Irish haulage sector. Hauliers should be aware of the Preparedness Notice that the European Commission has issued for stakeholders in the area of road transport.
2214. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take to examine road connectivity between Rosslare Europort and the west of the country; his plans to link roads (details supplied) in light of the importance of increasing direct accessibility between the west and continental Europe and avoiding likely UK customs delays post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33621/18]
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.
2217. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of Irish Rail's engagement with Departments in regard to coastal erosion affecting the Dublin to Rosslare railway line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33626/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that Iarnród Éireann monitors the coast line erosion rates at key points along the railway on an on-going basis. In 2015 Iarnród Éireann, along with Wicklow County Council, co-funded a significant erosion mitigation emergency works at the Murrough near Wicklow railway station. These works were prompted by an erosion event that potentially could have resulted in the loss of a section of railway line.
This joint collaboration was very successful and prompted the need to undertake a much larger multiagency study of coastal erosion along this stretch of coastline. As part of the initial discussions, Wicklow County Council has approached the Office of Public Works (OPW), Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and local interested parties. Iarnród Éireann has had discussions with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Wexford County Council. It is noted that Wexford County Council have commissioned their own study which was on-going prior to Iarnród Éireann’s discussions with them. It should also be noted that a number of locations are designated with Special Area of Conservation and Natura 2000 conservation status.
A steering group is established with representatives from Iarnród Éireann and Wicklow County Council who have agreed to undertake a coastal erosion study in accordance with OPW requirements. The scope extends from Bray head to the southern Wicklow County boundary with Wexford and incorporating some areas between Bray and Booterstown for climate change affects. It was agreed that Iarnród Éireann will take the lead role for the tender process to procure a specialised consultant to undertake this study and contract award is imminent. Within the scope it is envisaged to generate a high level coastal erosion model for the scope area and to then assess the results. Each risk area will be then examined to establish the best solution to be installed (if any). First stage study reporting is due January/February 2019 with final stage due later in 2019. In the interim, remedial coastal defence works have been undertaken at Ballygannon Coastal defence maintenance works 1.5 miles. (Greystones to Ballygannon) and at the Murrough Works. Further Works are planned to include structures stabilisation, Cliff face stabilisation and a number of other locations at Bray Head.
In relation to Wexford, Wexford County council are currently carrying out a study to investigate the erosion at Rosslare Strand and Rosslare Harbour and to propose interventions in areas under their control. Iarnród Éireann are included in discussions related to this study. On completion of this study an action plan will be developed. Currently it is anticipated that remedial action will be required in 5 to 10 years, but possibly sooner depending on weather events.
2218. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the transport support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33635/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that matters relating to both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Grant schemes come under the remit of the Minister for Health.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 the National Transport Authority (NTA) has functional responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.
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 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.
2219. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reopen the tourism office in a village (details supplied) in County Cork; his view on whether this would be a good investment in view of the extra tourism attractions developed in the area in recent times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33645/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFáilte Ireland manage the Tourist Information Office (TIO's) network and decides on the resourcing and running of its permanent and seasonal TIO's throughout the country, including the months and hours of their opening, having regard to resources available and in line with strategic priorities. Neither I nor my Department has an direct role in this regard.
In regard to the specific office mentioned, I have asked Fáilte to provide the Deputy with a direct reply on this matter. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
