Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:2240. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of making all public transport services fully wheelchair accessible. [34097/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic Transport Data
Ceisteanna (2240)
Freagraí scríofa
I refer the Deputy to the Questions (Dáil reference numbers 478, 479, 480, 481 and 482) which I took together and answered on 19 June 2018, in relation to the matter raised.
The position remains unchanged.
Departmental Agencies Data
Ceisteanna (2241)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:2241. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the administrative cost of running the National Transport Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland for 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34178/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have referred the Deputy's question to the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for direct reply in relation to the total administrative costs of both organisations. Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.
The Exchequer funding provided for the running of the NTA and TII for 2017 and the allocation to each agency for 2018 as provided for in Budget 2018 is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
NTA € |
TII € |
|
2017 |
5,172,000 |
26,170,000 |
|
2018 |
5,166,000 |
26,356,000 |
The referred replies were forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Driver Test Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (2242)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:2242. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expected waiting times and the number of persons waiting for a practical driver test by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34189/18]
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.
Motor Tax Collection
Ceisteanna (2243)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:2243. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of commercial vehicle motor tax collected in each of the years 2015 to 2017; the amount paid online; the amount paid in a local authority office, by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34190/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested in respect of commercial vehicle motor tax is set out in the following tables.
2017
|
Licensing Authority |
Motor tax office receipts (€) |
Online receipts (€) |
Total (€) |
|
Carlow |
1,332,807 |
1,171,981 |
2,504,788 |
|
Cavan |
1,567,412 |
1,716,328 |
3,283,740 |
|
Clare |
1,901,364 |
1,825,882 |
3,727,246 |
|
Cork |
7,185,270 |
9,584,230 |
16,769,500 |
|
Donegal |
3,452,768 |
2,341,978 |
5,794,746 |
|
Dublin City |
12,225,400 |
15,514,045 |
27,739,445 |
|
Galway |
4,123,516 |
4,218,428 |
8,341,944 |
|
Kerry |
1,880,986 |
2,821,789 |
4,702,775 |
|
Kildare |
2,784,603 |
3,829,424 |
6,614,027 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,618,894 |
1,761,659 |
3,380,553 |
|
Laois |
1,256,052 |
1,288,728 |
2,544,780 |
|
Leitrim |
628,348 |
685,435 |
1,313,783 |
|
Limerick City and County |
2,854,933 |
2,975,934 |
5,830,867 |
|
Longford |
816,751 |
812,483 |
1,629,234 |
|
Louth |
1,706,780 |
1,691,913 |
3,398,693 |
|
Mayo |
2,507,769 |
2,731,204 |
5,238,973 |
|
Meath |
2,566,608 |
3,746,975 |
6,313,583 |
|
Monaghan |
2,009,331 |
1,481,280 |
3,490,611 |
|
Offaly |
1,123,349 |
1,470,082 |
2,593,431 |
|
Roscommon |
1,398,941 |
1,176,925 |
2,575,866 |
|
Sligo |
1,358,696 |
971,946 |
2,330,642 |
|
Tipperary |
2,456,202 |
3,276,289 |
5,732,491 |
|
Waterford City and County |
1,604,589 |
1,531,576 |
3,136,165 |
|
Westmeath |
1,765,198 |
1,313,739 |
3,078,937 |
|
Wexford |
2,621,767 |
3,207,519 |
5,829,286 |
|
Wicklow |
1,756,175 |
2,096,404 |
3,852,579 |
|
Total |
66,504,509 |
75,244,176 |
141,748,685 |
2016
|
Licensing Authority |
Motor tax office receipts (€) |
Online receipts (€) |
Total (€) |
|
Carlow |
1,490,653 |
1,008,192 |
2,498,845 |
|
Cavan |
1,586,889 |
1,485,675 |
3,072,564 |
|
Clare |
2,070,077 |
1,676,847 |
3,746,924 |
|
Cork |
7,806,141 |
8,565,079 |
16,371,220 |
|
Donegal |
3,694,039 |
2,004,641 |
5,698,680 |
|
Dublin City |
12,711,513 |
13,737,433 |
26,448,946 |
|
Galway |
4,604,591 |
3,728,691 |
8,333,282 |
|
Kerry |
2,092,798 |
2,664,345 |
4,757,143 |
|
Kildare |
2,975,450 |
3,278,336 |
6,253,786 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,787,178 |
1,571,459 |
3,358,637 |
|
Laois |
1,344,376 |
1,117,437 |
2,461,813 |
|
Leitrim |
733,643 |
578,898 |
1,312,541 |
|
Limerick City and County |
2,963,336 |
2,674,170 |
5,637,506 |
|
Longford |
902,723 |
664,461 |
1,567,184 |
|
Louth |
1,937,804 |
1,434,100 |
3,371,904 |
|
Mayo |
2,733,740 |
2,435,913 |
5,169,653 |
|
Meath |
2,900,454 |
3,337,272 |
6,237,726 |
|
Monaghan |
1,993,291 |
1,199,390 |
3,192,681 |
|
Offaly |
1,279,905 |
1,274,147 |
2,554,052 |
|
Roscommon |
1,458,999 |
1,024,356 |
2,483,355 |
|
Sligo |
1,406,037 |
858,660 |
2,264,697 |
|
Tipperary |
2,645,528 |
2,931,706 |
5,577,234 |
|
Waterford City and County |
1,664,230 |
1,367,530 |
3,031,760 |
|
Westmeath |
2,049,034 |
1,112,761 |
3,161,795 |
|
Wexford |
2,887,094 |
2,720,030 |
5,607,124 |
|
Wicklow |
1,886,805 |
1,825,594 |
3,712,399 |
|
Total |
71,606,328 |
66,277,123 |
137,883,451 |
2015
|
Licensing Authority |
Motor tax office receipts (€) |
Online receipts (€) |
Total (€) |
|
Carlow |
2,115,912 |
1,092,552 |
3,208,464 |
|
Cavan |
2,136,104 |
1,687,878 |
3,823,982 |
|
Clare |
2,743,484 |
1,698,019 |
4,441,503 |
|
Cork |
11,413,276 |
9,885,807 |
21,299,083 |
|
Donegal |
4,625,501 |
2,033,657 |
6,659,158 |
|
Dublin City |
17,756,212 |
14,508,047 |
32,264,259 |
|
Galway |
6,728,246 |
3,676,353 |
10,404,599 |
|
Kerry |
2,804,542 |
2,954,052 |
5,758,594 |
|
Kildare |
4,299,501 |
3,565,254 |
7,864,755 |
|
Kilkenny |
2,719,691 |
1,684,627 |
4,404,318 |
|
Laois |
2,100,607 |
1,186,296 |
3,286,903 |
|
Leitrim |
841,406 |
624,585 |
1,465,991 |
|
Limerick City and County |
4,795,781 |
2,830,344 |
7,626,125 |
|
Longford |
1,309,530 |
678,282 |
1,987,812 |
|
Louth |
2,768,847 |
1,684,115 |
4,452,962 |
|
Mayo |
3,578,423 |
2,588,738 |
6,167,161 |
|
Meath |
4,694,419 |
3,678,802 |
8,373,221 |
|
Monaghan |
3,384,845 |
1,423,591 |
4,808,436 |
|
Offaly |
2,002,772 |
1,144,617 |
3,147,389 |
|
Roscommon |
1,853,228 |
1,063,656 |
2,916,884 |
|
Sligo |
1,809,222 |
886,465 |
2,695,687 |
|
Tipperary |
3,973,001 |
3,448,515 |
7,421,516 |
|
Waterford City and County |
2,210,044 |
1,417,824 |
3,627,868 |
|
Westmeath |
2,116,542 |
1,182,883 |
3,299,425 |
|
Wexford |
4,761,540 |
2,896,220 |
7,657,760 |
|
Wicklow |
2,302,869 |
1,835,074 |
4,137,943 |
|
Total |
101,845,545 |
71,356,253 |
173,201,798 |
Hotel Accommodation
Ceisteanna (2244)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:2244. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of hotel and guesthouse bedrooms available in each county; and the projected demand for hotel and guesthouse bed nights in each county over the next number of years. [34191/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Accommodation Statistics are available on the Fáilte website at
http://www.failteireland.ie/FailteIreland/media/WebsiteStructure/Documents/3_Research_Insights/3_General_SurveysReports/Accommodation-Capacity-in-Ireland-2018.pdf?ext=.pdf.
In regard to the projected demand, I have asked Failte to reply directly in regard to the information they hold on this topic. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (2245)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:2245. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the new town and rural bus services that will be provided under the National Development Plan 2018-2027, by county in tabular form. [34192/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As I advised the House previously in reply to a similar Question, the National Development Plan 2018-27 (NDP) is a Capital Plan so its focus is on Capital expenditure for investment in infrastructure; the NDP does not relate to Current expenditure, such as funding for PSO subvention for public transport service operation which is the main type of funding relevant to the introduction of additional new services.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport passenger services nationally, including the provision of PSO bus services. The NTA also has responsibility for managing the Rural Transport Programme, which now operates under the Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (2246)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:2246. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his Department's spending on travel and subsistence expenses in 2017 and to date in 2018. [34222/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department undertakes an expansive portfolio of programmes and policies. In order to achieve our goals in these areas we are sometimes required to travel to meetings and conferences.
In 2017, we spent €1,271,056 and €768,107 has been spent to date in 2018 on travel and subsistence expenses.
Consultancy Contracts Expenditure
Ceisteanna (2247)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:2247. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his Department's expenditure on photography and other promotional services including the creation of social media content in 2017 and to date in 2018. [34239/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is available on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.dttas.ie/corporate/english/expenditure-external-services.
The information is updated twice yearly. Expenditure from January to June 2018 will be published later in the year.
Information regarding photography costs is available on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.dttas.ie/corporate/publications/english/photography-costs-january-2017-december-2017
Expenditure to date for 2018 will be updated shortly.
Consultancy Contracts Expenditure
Ceisteanna (2248)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:2248. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his Department's expenditure on public relations in 2017 and to date in 2018. [34256/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is available on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.dttas.ie/corporate/english/expenditure-external-services.
The information is updated twice yearly.
Expenditure from January to June 2018 will be published later in the year.
Consultancy Contracts Expenditure
Ceisteanna (2249)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:2249. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his Department's expenditure on external consultancy in 2017 and to date in 2018. [34273/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is available on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.dttas.ie/corporate/english/expenditure-external-services.
The information is updated twice yearly.
Expenditure from January to June 2018 will be published later in the year.
Departmental Staff Data
Ceisteanna (2250)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:2250. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the detail of each non-Civil Service appointment that has been made in his Department; the pay grade of each appointment; and the relevant qualifications that each appointee has for their position. [34290/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that, following the clarification he has provided, the information is currently being collated and a response will issue later this week.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer further to PQ 34290/18 "To ask the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport the detail of each non-civil service appointment that has been made in his Department; the pay grade of each appointment; and the relevant qualifications that each appointee has for their position.
I wish to inform the Deputy that non-civil service appointments in the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport are made in line with "Instructions to Personnel Officers - Ministerial Appointments for the 32nd Dial", which include "Guidelines on staffing of Ministerial offices" issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Each person appointed is suitably qualified and experienced.
Role Salary
Special Adviser to Minister Ross - 3rd point Principal Officer {Standard) PPC scale
Special Adviser to Minister Ross - 2nd point Principal Officer {Standard) PPC scale
Civilian Driver to Minister Ross - €691.00 per week
Civilian Driver to Minister of State Griffin - €691.00 per week
Civilian Driver to Minister of State Griffin - €691.00 per week
Clerical Officer I Minister of State Griffin
{Work sharing) - 2nd point Clerical Officer {Standard) PPC scale
Clerical Officer/ Minister of State Griffin
(Work sharing) - 2nd point Clerical Officer {Standard) PPC scale
I trust this information is of assistance to the Deputy.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (2251)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:2251. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his Department's expenditure on the purchase of newspapers and other media content, such as print, digital and other forms in 2017 and to date in 2018. [34307/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is available on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.dttas.ie/corporate/english/expenditure-external-services.
The information is updated twice yearly.
Expenditure from January to June 2018 will be published later in the year.
Cycling Facilities Provision
Ceisteanna (2252)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:2252. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to fund dockless public bicycle schemes in county towns over a certain size. [34328/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, as the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public and sustainable transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day delivery of walking and cycling infrastructure, including the management of public bikes schemes.
Decisions regarding contracts, operation and expansion of existing and proposed bike schemes fall under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA). Meetings to discuss any of the above mentioned should therefore take place between the NTA and the relevant local authorities.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. 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.
Departmental Contracts Data
Ceisteanna (2253)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:2253. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the contracts awarded by his Department to a company (details supplied) in each of the past three years; the value of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34368/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are no records of payments to the company identified by the Deputy on our financial system for the period requested.
Taxi Regulations
Ceisteanna (2254)
Robert Troy
Ceist:2254. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider allowing a company (details supplied) or similar to operate in rural areas in which no taxi service exists. [34372/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the 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. The NTA also has been assigned responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including, since 2012, responsibility for the Rural Transport Programme which now operates under the "Local Link" brand.
Given the particular role of the Authority in these matters, 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (2255)
Robert Troy
Ceist:2255. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the provision of a bus shelter at Clarinbridge, County Galway, will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34373/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport infrastructure including the provision of bus shelters and I am advised that the NTA has developed a policy for determination of investment in installation of bus shelters around the country.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. 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
Sports Capital Programme Administration
Ceisteanna (2256)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:2256. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when clubs and community organisations can apply for the latest round of sports capital funding. [34387/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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. 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.
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.
Taxi Regulations
Ceisteanna (2257)
Robert Troy
Ceist:2257. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the way in which taxi licences are regulated will be reviewed in order to enable persons who wish to sell same (details supplied). [34487/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
At present, the transfer of SPSV licences is prohibited under section 14(1) of the 2013 Act which was commenced with effect from 6 April 2014. However, in the case of the death of a licence holder, section 15 of the same Act applies special provisions. In such circumstances, a SPSV licence may continue to be operated by a person who was nominated by the licence holder in advance of his or her death. I have no plans at present to adjust these provisions.
Given the particular role of the Authority in these matters, 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Aviation Industry Regulations
Ceisteanna (2258)
Robert Troy
Ceist:2258. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions he has taken to legislate for and regulate drones to date. [34529/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has statutory responsibility for aviation safety regulation in Ireland, including the regulation of remotely piloted aircraft systems (drones), as provided for under S.I. No. 563/2015 - Irish Aviation Authority (Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) and Rockets) Order, 2015. To date over 10,100 drones and model aircraft have been so registered.
The IAA seeks to ensure that drones are used properly and in safe locations. The IAA's safe use of drones’ guidance includes specific restrictions on their use, and the Authority responds to reports of misuse on a case-by-case basis when it is brought to their attention. In addition, any unauthorised use of an drone may be referred to An Garda Síochána for investigation.
There may be privacy or trespass laws or other legal issues, which need to be taken into consideration by a person operating a drone. These rules are not within the remit of the IAA. Ultimately, drone users must understand that they are legally responsible for the safe conduct of each drone flight, so the onus is on the drone user to inform themselves of the rules and regulations surrounding drone use before they take to the skies
The IAA promotes the safe use of drones and has participated in safety initiatives such as No-Drone-Zone campaigns. The IAA encourages people to take a drone user course, to ensure that drones are operated in a safe manner in compliance with the regulations.
Should the Deputy require further information about the implementation of S.I. No. 563 of 2015 the IAA is available to assist.
Public Service Obligation Levy Increase
Ceisteanna (2259)
Robert Troy
Ceist:2259. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of the increase in the public service obligation levy which is accounted for in existing services; and the amount for new services. [34531/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) 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