Tuesday, 24 Jul 2018

Written Answers Nos. 2260-2281

Brexit Issues

Ceisteanna (2260, 2261, 2289, 2292)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

2260. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he last met his UK counterpart to discuss the challenges of a no-deal Brexit. [34554/18]

Robert Troy

Ceist:

2261. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has examined capacity issues at all airports and sea ports; his views on whether, following Brexit, there may be longer queues; the actions he has taken to address this; if there will be a need to redirect sailings from ports with capacity issues to ports with spare capacity; and if legislative changes are required. [34555/18]

Robert Troy

Ceist:

2289. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his engagement with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on the challenges that a hard Brexit would present to Ireland's agricultural exporters and on the need to increase cold-storage and other customs facilities in this event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35154/18]

Robert Troy

Ceist:

2292. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his engagement with the Department of Justice and Equality on the challenges that a hard Brexit would present to Ireland's exporters and on the need to increase the number of customs officials present at Ireland's ports and airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35157/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2260, 2261, 2289 and 2292 together.

The co-ordination of the whole-of-Government response to Brexit is being taken forward through a number of cross-Departmental coordination structures. To this end, my Department is engaged with all relevant Departments and state agencies in working towards ensuring that we are prepared for the challenges that a hard or no-deal Brexit may present for our exporters, traders and businesses.

As an island nation, Ireland is entirely dependent on maritime and aviation networks for trade, tourism and the movement of people. We are also dependent to a high degree on our international road hauliers in getting goods to and from the UK and to our other European and wider markets. Any additional regulatory or other barriers to the current access arrangements between the UK and Ireland, including Northern Ireland and Ireland, will be severely detrimental to the efficiency of our transport services and operators and to the overall economy. Certain sectors, including the agrifood and fish sectors, would be particularly affected by any delays or additional costs experienced at ports or airports.

The EU’s single market has facilitated the efficiency of our logistics sector by removing many of the barriers of trading within the EU. While Brexit has the potential to impose disruption to this sector, our State bodies and key Government Departments are working together with our ports and airports to plan for and to manage and minimise any potential impacts that may arise within those ports and airports.

As part of our work on contingency planning, Departments, including my own, have now been tasked by the Government to prepare detailed Action Plans with a view to advancing, as appropriate, the mitigating measures which have been identified from the planning to the implementation phase. This work will involve my Department working closely with all relevant Departments and bodies, particularly the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, and the Office of Public Work in preparing our ports and airports for Brexit.

The Government has already approved a number of key Brexit preparedness measures focused on East-West trade and by the end of September, detailed and costed plans will be presented to Government on the following: in the region of 200 extra full time staff to carry out Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks and controls at ports and airports; in the region of 120 extra full time staff to prepare export certificates at ports and airports; in the region of 600-700 full time staff to carry out relevant controls at ports and airports; and upgrading of infrastructure at ports and airports, in particular Dublin and Rosslare Ports, to facilitate increased customs and SPS controls.

Brexit also highlights the importance of our international maritime connectivity and the importance of continuing investment to further improve the quality of port facilities. In the past shipping operators, which are market driven, have responded to economic developments and have increased or reduced capacity in response to market demands. I am confident that shipping services can be expected to adapt to any changing market demands and we have seen the evidence of this over recent months with the actual and planned increase in shipping capacity on direct routes to continental ports. The ports of Dublin, Cork and Shannon Foynes are all also currently undertaking major capital infrastructure programmes, which will enhance national and international connectivity. I do not envisage a need for any legislative changes at this time.

I last met my UK counterpart, Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling MP, in 2017 and have not had the opportunity to meet him this year. It is important to remember that the Brexit negotiations are being led by the European Commission’s Article 50 Task Force and the Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier, who is keenly aware of Ireland’s concerns.

Public Transport Fares

Ceisteanna (2262, 2278)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

2262. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the exploratory work carried out regarding the reintroduction of free travel for students; and if he will provide a costing for the proposal. [34557/18]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

2278. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the full-year cost of abolishing public transport fees for all those in full-time education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35011/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2262 and 2278 together.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for public transport fares and I have therefore forwarded the Deputies questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive responses within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputies under Standing Order 42A.

Mountain Rescue Service

Ceisteanna (2263)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

2263. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress he is making with regard to a review of the mountain rescue team maintenance grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34560/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

My Department will conclude its review of the maintenance grant paid to Mountain Rescue teams over the Summer. The results of this exercise will be communicated to the relevant structures involved in determining policy in this regard. I will of course communicate the outcome to the Deputy.

Rail Network Expansion

Ceisteanna (2264, 2265)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

2264. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of installing a dual rail line between Dublin and Mullingar; and the estimated cost of installing passing bays to enable an increase in trains to serve commuters and introduce an express service in mornings and evenings. [34562/18]

Robert Troy

Ceist:

2265. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the exploratory work carried out with a view to reopening Killucan railway station. [34563/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2264 and 2265 together.

As the Deputy is aware the National Development Plan (NDP) notes the funding priority for the inter-urban rail network is to protect the investment already made in the national rail network, including the Mullingar line, by funding projects needed to maintain safety and service levels in railway operations. The NDP also confirms a number of key investment priorities to address transport demand and deliver a range of benefits over the next ten years.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport and the operation of the rail network and stations on the network is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance, including any relevant exploratory works or costings.

In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in these matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact 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.

Taxi Data

Ceisteanna (2266)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

2266. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the nationwide taxi statistics, by county, under headings (details supplied). [34628/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the licensing of these vehicles, 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.

Road Traffic Legislation

Ceisteanna (2267)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

2267. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the categories of road users permitted to use bus lanes. [34629/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The usage of bus lanes is provided for in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 182 of 1997), as amended. The lanes were introduced, at some expense to the public, in order to provide for on-street priority for bus-based public transport. As such, their use is strictly limited.

In addition to buses, taxis are allowed to use with-flow, but not contra-flow, bus lanes, on the basis that they are available for on-street hire. Cyclists are permitted to use bus lanes, as they are inherently vulnerable road users and are likely to be safer in bus lanes, where they are available, than in general traffic. The emergency services - Gardaí, ambulance and fire brigade - may also use the lanes.

In 2011, the then Government withdrew the provision of state car from most members of the Government, and decided that members of the Government who did not have state cars would be permitted to drive or be driven in bus lanes, in order to prevent delays in the performance of their functions. This did not add to the traffic in the lanes since the new arrangement replaced state cars, which are driven by members of An Garda Síochána and may use bus lanes.

Taxi Data

Ceisteanna (2268)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

2268. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of executive hire vehicles and limousines registered in County Dublin. [34630/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As at 30 June 2018, 478 limousines were licensed in Dublin (city and county). 65 hackneys and 10,954 taxis were licensed at that time also.

Brexit Staff

Ceisteanna (2269)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

2269. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of extra employees to be hired in his Department between now and March 2019 to prepare for a hard Brexit; the specific roles these new employees will take up; the estimated cost of hiring these new employees; the impacts on his Department's expenditure ceilings for 2018 and 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34672/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

My Department is preparing and planning for the implications of Brexit and participates in all relevant whole-of-Government, cross-Departmental coordination structures. My Department is now continuing its analysis of any mitigating measures which have been identified in areas under its responsibility and will prepare a detailed Action Plan to Government. As agreed by the Government last week, additional measures will be taken at our ports and airports to prepare for Brexit and this will include significant extra resources and staffing for SPS and customs-related controls.

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (2270)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

2270. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of unfilled vacancies in his Department; the time these vacancies have been open from when the roles were first advertised to date for each vacancy or group of vacancies; the number of unfilled vacancies in each agency under his remit; the time these vacancies have been open from when the roles were first advertised to date for each vacancy or group of vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34690/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

There are twenty nine vacancies at present in my Department. This is a dynamic figure and includes vacancies which have arisen very recently, additional posts created recently within the terms of my Department's delegated sanction arrangements and other vacancies. The majority are Dublin based administrative vacancies and have arisen in the current year for a number of reasons including, but not limited to, retirements, resignations and the creation of additional posts within the terms of our delegated sanction.

Recruitment for professional/technical grades within my Department is conducted by the Public Appointments Service. Three competitions are due to be advertised this week to recruit individuals to fill vacancies in a number of professional/technical grades. A further competition will be conducted by the Public Appointments Service later this year to fill other professional/technical vacancies. One professional/technical vacancy is unfilled since November 2017 but will be filled following the advertisement of the competitions this week.

The position regarding the agencies under the remit of my Department is a matter for their direct response. I have forwarded a copy of your question to them for direct reply. If you have not received a reply within ten working days, please contact my private office.

The referred replies were forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.

EU Directives

Ceisteanna (2271)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

2271. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the EU directives that fall under his remit that are not yet transposed into law; the deadline imposed by the EU for their transposition; and the estimated date for the transposition of those directives into law. [34718/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I have outlined the number of EU directives as per the Deputy's question in the table.

Department of Transport Tourism and Sport EU Directives not yet Transposed into Law

Name of EU Directive	EU Deadline for Transposition of Directive	Estimated date for Transposition of Directive
Directive 2014/94/EU	18th Nov 2016	Its key elements and strategic core were transposed by the publication of the National Policy Framework on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland on the 31st of May, 2017. The few outstanding issues requiring transposition by statutory instrument relate to setting and enforcing adherence to pricing and interoperability requirements for new electric vehicle recharging infrastructure and gas and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure technical standards. My Department is working with the Department for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to identify key implementing bodies for these outstanding elements. We are in correspondence with the Commission in relation to the outstanding issues and in January presented proposed methodology and timeframes for resolution to them.
Directive 2014/52/EU	16/5/2017	Transposition imminent. Regulations to transpose are currently being finalised by OPC.
Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements - (EU) 2015/2302	Required to be transposed into Irish law by 01 January 2018 and required to make it applicable as from 01 July 2018	30th Sept. 2018
Directive (EU) 2016/2370 of 14 December 2016 amending Directive 2012/34/EU as regards the opening of the market for domestic passenger transport services by rail and the governance of the railway infrastructure	National transposition legislation must be in place by 25 December 2018. Points 6 to 8 and 11 of Article 1 shall apply from 1 January 2019 in time for the working timetable starting on 14 December 2020.	It is estimated that we will meet these deadlines.
Directive(EU) 2017/2108 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 November 2017 amending Directive 2009/45/EC on safety rules and standards for passenger ships	21 December 2019	21 December 2019
Directive (EU) 2017/2109 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 November 2017 amending Council Directive 98/41/EC on the registration of persons sailing on board passenger ships operating to or from ports of the Member States of the Community and Directive 2010/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on reporting formalities for ships arriving in and/or departing from ports of the Member States	21 December 2019	21 December 2019
Directive (EU) 2017/2110 of The European Parliament and of the Council of 15 November 2017 on a system of inspections for the safe operation of ro-ro passenger ships and high-speed passenger craft in regular service and amending Directive 2009/16/EC and repealing Council Directive 1999/35/EC	21 December 2019	21 December 2019
Directive (EU) 2017/159 implementing the Agreement concerning the implementation of the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 of the ILO	15 November 2019	15 November 2019
Directive (EU) 2016/797 of 11 May 2016 on the interoperability of the rail system within the European Union (recast).	National transposition legislation must be in place by 16 June 2019. Transposition period may be extended for one year but EUAR and EU Commission must be notified by 16 December 2018 and reasons given for the delay.	It is estimated that we will meet these deadlines.
Directive (EU) 2016/798 of 11 May 2016 on railway safety (recast).	National transposition legislation must be in place by 16 June 2019. Transposition period may be extended for one year but EUAR and EU Commission must be notified by 16 December 2018 and reasons given for the delay.	It is estimated that we will meet these deadlines.
Directive (EU) 2018/131 implementing the Agreement concluded by ESCA and the ETF to amend Directive 2009/13/EC in accordance with the amendments of 2014 to the MLC as approved by the ILC on 11 June 2014	16 February 2020	16 February 2020
Directive (EU) 2017/2397 on the recognition of professional qualifications in inland navigation and repealing Council Directives 91/672/EEC and 96/50/EC	17 January 2022	17 January 2022

Road Projects Status

Ceisteanna (2272)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

2272. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the A5 dual carriageway project in Northern Ireland; the details of his recent engagements with officials from Northern Ireland on the project; the funding commitment to the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34727/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The planning and implementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities.

The current funding arrangements in relation to the A5 are governed by the Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start. This Agreement reaffirmed the Government's commitment to provide funding of £50 million for the A5 project and committed an additional £25 million towards the cost of Phase 1 of the project (Newbuildings to north of Strabane).

While the North-South Ministerial Council is not meeting at present, officials continue to liaise on the Stormont House Agreement.

The funding allocated to my Department as part of the Capital Plan Review last year includes financial provision for meeting the Government's commitment regarding the A5 in three £25 million (sterling) tranches over the period 2019 to 2021. The project is the subject of legal proceedings at present.

Tourism Project Funding

Ceisteanna (2273)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

2273. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress of the visitor experience plan for Inishowen, County Donegal; when the plan will be completed; the timelines involved; the amount of funding that will be made available for grants towards the development of new tourism projects once the plan is completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34735/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Brendan Griffin)

My Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy. It is not directly involved in the management or development of individual projects, such as the development and implementation of Visitor Experience Development Plans. These are operational matters for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland.

Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.

Greenways Funding

Ceisteanna (2274, 2286)

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

2274. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding for works to be carried out on the Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway greenway will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34911/18]

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

2286. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding for works to be carried out on the Cavan-Leitrim greenway will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35118/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2274 and 2286 together.

I was very pleased to launch the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways in Moate last Friday, July 20th with my colleague Minister of State, Deputy Brendan Griffin.

The Strategy provides a framework for the development of Ireland's greenways and will determine the type of project to be funded by my Department over the coming decade. This is a long term Strategy with the aim of increasing the number, length and regional spread of greenways across the country. It sets out guidance to project promoters on matters including strategic nature, length, design standards, accommodation works and early consultation with communities and land owners along proposed routes.

I was delighted to secure funding of €53m for Greenways projects to be constructed in 2019 to 2021 and given the increased interest in greenways I expect that there will be a strong response to this funding call. Last Friday, I also published the Funding Criteria document and this will be shortly followed by the application form. Applications will then be welcomed for Greenway projects that meet the criteria set out.

I would urge potential applicants for funding to progress their planning and design of greenways as far as possible in advance of any application for funding and to resolve any land ownership issues. I expect to be in a position to award funding in early 2019.

Road Projects Status

Ceisteanna (2275)

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

2275. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the Drogheda northern port access route will be completed; if an application has been made by Louth County Council for funding for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34917/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in Co. Louth is the statutory responsibility of Louth County Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' 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. My Department has no grant application on hand in relation to the proposed Drogheda Northern Cross Port Access road.

Given the cutbacks in State funding for regional and local roads since the financial crisis, it has been necessary to curtail the grant programme for major new regional and local road schemes and for major realignment schemes in order to protect the funding available for the maintenance of the existing network. The bulk of the funding allocated under the Capital Plan is, therefore, earmarked for the maintenance and renewal of the road network with some limited investment in the new projects.

The Drogheda Port Access Northern Cross Route is not provided for in the Capital Plan.

Road Network

Ceisteanna (2276)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

2276. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of official Border crossings with Northern Ireland; the location of such crossings; the classification of the roads leading to such crossing points; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34918/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

My Department together with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland recently published a report on the number of public road border crossings on the island of Ireland. This work commenced in autumn 2017 and the Report is now available on my Department’s website together with the associated 'crossings point data' set. The total agreed number of public road border crossings is 208.

The process in preparing the Report involved joint working prior to a final agreement on the number and type of public road border crossings. During this work, which among other things, involved consultation with the border county local authorities and the Road Management Office, four types of border crossings were identified:-

1. Locations where the borderline crosses a public road in both jurisdictions.

2. Locations where the borderline crosses a public road in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and a private road in Northern Ireland (NI).

3. Locations where the borderline crosses a private road in the Republic of Ireland and a public road in Northern Ireland.

4. Locations where the border runs along or near the centreline of a public road.

As the exercise was confined to public roads, the number of ROI private to NI private border crossings was outside the scope of the Report.

Dublin Bus Fleet

Ceisteanna (2277)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

2277. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of increasing the Dublin Bus fleet by 500 buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35010/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

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 the development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including bus fleet management.

In light of the NTA's responsibility in the matter I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please inform 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.

Question No. 2278 answered with Question No. 2262.

Public Service Obligation Services

Ceisteanna (2279, 2280, 2281)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

2279. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport full-year cost of reducing public transport costs by 50%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35012/18]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

2280. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount it would cost to restore the CIÉ subvention to 2008 levels. [35055/18]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

2281. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount it would cost to restore the CIÉ subvention to 2008 levels and add 33%. [35056/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2279 to 2281, inclusive, together.

As the Deputy is aware, in Budget 2018 I secured an 8% increase in the overall Exchequer funding available for Public Service Obligation and I can confirm that €284.9 million is available to the National Transport Authority (NTA) in 2018. The PSO allocation was €308.6 million in 2008.

Since 2010 my Department no longer pays subvention for public transport services paid directly to operators. The award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA). The allocations to the companies are decided by the NTA in exercise of its statutory mandate and in accordance with the various contract arrangements that it has in place with PSO service providers.

Regarding the cost of reducing public transport costs by 50%, the NTA has responsibility for regulating fares charged by public transport operators.

I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's questions 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.