Written Answers Nos. 71-90
71. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to alleviate the pressure in view of severe overcrowding on public transport in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45655/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra73. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the significant overcrowding on the DART network; and the steps he is taking to alleviate this issue. [45631/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 73 together.
Public transport passenger numbers have increased in recent years reflecting broader economic and employment growth. The NTA’s recent Bus & Rail Statistics bulletin shows over 250 million passenger journeys were provided nationally last year on public obligation services provided by the transport operators.
I welcome these increases, and I have no doubt the Deputy does too, as we all want more people to use public transport and/or active travel in terms of how they make journeys to work, school or leisure.
But obviously increased passenger numbers presents challenges in terms of ensuring appropriate levels of service and infrastructure to deal with the increases.
And we are working to ensure those appropriate levels of service and infrastructure and I am supporting those efforts through the increases in funding I have secured in successive Budgets.
There have been some notable additions to the public transport landscape in Dublin in recent years –
- We’ve increased rail capacity and services by re-opening the Phoenix Park Tunnel to commuter services;
- We’ve opened the new Luas CrossCity last December which has added around 10 million passenger journeys to the network;
- We’ve expanded the PSO bus fleet by around 17% in recent years which means more capacity and more services for passengers;
- We’ve introduced 10-minute DART services which has again increased services across the network.
In the coming months we will see further improvements to DART services through some service adjustments and the elimination of 4-car train sets during peak time, while we’ll also see enhanced off-peak services on the Kildare, Northern and Maynooth lines.
So there have been improvements and those improvements have been welcomed by the travelling public as evidenced by the numbers using them.
But I know we need to continue to improve so that’s why the increased funding I have secured for the period 2018 to 2021 will see further improvements as outlined in the NDP.
Those improvements include –
- The procurement of additional rail fleet in the short term, with the potential for acquiring second-hand rail fleet either through lease or purchase currently being explored;
- The provision of both extended and new trams on the Luas network;
- The continued renewal and expansion of the bus fleet under BusConnects;
- The provision of next generation bus corridors under BusConnects;
- The significant expansion of the rail fleet in the medium term as part of the DART Expansion programme, with a procurement notice to issue by year end; and
- The continued development of MetroLink, with construction expected to start in 2021.
In addition there have been increases already announced to services across the Dublin Bus network with more expected in the coming months which will result in significantly improved frequencies across 25 routes on the Company’s network.
As the Deputy can see, there are a number of immediate, short, medium and longer-term measures underway which are designed to design with the increased numbers of passengers availing of our public transport network.
These measures are underpinned by the significantly improved funding I have secured in recent Budgets as reflected in the €8.6billion allocated to public transport under the National Development Plan.
72. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason, consistent with the policy of neutrality, there would be that so many US aircraft seeking exemptions under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989 to land at Shannon Airport. [45613/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe transit of foreign military forces through Irish airspace and airports is a longstanding practice, which began shortly after the Second World War. The vast majority of these movements of military forces have been to and from the United States.
Successive Irish Governments have maintained this practice and these facilities have never been withdrawn or suspended during many different periods of international conflict. Similarly, successive Governments have deemed this to be compatible with Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality, which is defined as non-participation in military alliances.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport my functions in relation to the use of Shannon Airport and Irish airspace by the US military are limited.
Questions relating to Irish foreign policy, Ireland’s neutrality, the role of An Garda Síochána etc. are not matters which I can comment on in detail. Similarly I have no role in relation to flights by military or state aircraft through Irish airspace or landing at Irish airports. Such flights require the permission of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade under the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952.
A clear distinction is made in international and national law between military aviation and civil aviation. I am responsible for matters relating to Irish civil aviation legislation and policy.
The 1944 Chicago Convention is the main international treaty governing the operation of civil aviation. Article 35 of the Convention states that no civil aircraft may carry munitions of war over a state without that state’s permission. This requirement is ratified in Irish law in the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, 1973, as amended. Under the 1973 Order the carriage of weapons and munitions of war is prohibited in any civil aircraft in Irish airspace and on board any Irish registered aircraft, unless an exemption is granted by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. The Chicago Convention and the 1973 Order apply to munitions of war only, not to military personnel that may be on board civil aircraft.
In accordance with the provisions of the 1973 Order, my Department operates a procedure under which airlines wishing to carry weapons or munitions through Irish airspace or airports must apply for each individual flight at least 48 hours in advance. My Department seeks the views of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in relation to foreign policy issues and the Department of Justice and Equality in relation to security issues.
An internal review of these procedures is nearing completion.
However, it is worth noting, that as Minister, in 2016, I used my discretion to refuse several applications. The department’s recommendation was to grant the permits, having received no objections to the application during the consultation process. In these cases I used my discretionary powers to refuse these applications. Previous Ministers have rarely, if ever, used their discretion to refuse applications in circumstances where the relevant Departments and the IAA were recommending that an exemption be granted. These applications related to the transport of munitions of war, categorised as dangerous goods i.e. munitions of war that contain material that is explosive, corrosive, flammable, toxic etc. Since I used my discretionary powers in 2016 to refuse these cases, very few (if any) applications have subsequently been received by the air operator concerned in respect of this category of munitions.
74. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the minimum passing distance legislation; and if there will be other cycling initiatives delivered in advance of a conference (details supplied). [45628/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have indicated before, the Attorney General has raised issues in relation to the proposed legislation on a minimum passing distance. Currently, my Department is engaging with the Attorney General's Office with a view to implementing alternative solutions which are legally robust. I expect this legislation to be in place before the end of the year.
As to other initiatives, I am happy to have the chance to remind the Deputy that we are investing a great deal in cycling infrastructure and in cycling safety. This covers a wide range of projects including new segregated cycle lanes under the BusConnects programme, further separate funding for cycling as well as walking facilities, and additional funding for Greenways projects. Furthermore, we are investing in safety infrastructure at 40 key junctions in Dublin.
We will continue to expand our 'Cycle Right' schools cycle safety programme, with 5,000 additional children expected to take part in 2019, while also undertaking further programmes to promote cycling activity and cycling safety.
As the Deputy has mentioned the forthcoming Velo-City conference in Dublin in June next year, I am pleased to note that Mario Deslandes, organiser of the Velo-City series on behalf of the European Cyclists' Federation, said of the choice of Dublin as a venue that "Dublin is a great example of a city moving towards a more liveable, safe, and active environment for its citizens."
I hope that the Deputy will join me in welcoming this positive affirmation of the great work which has been done by all stakeholders in promoting cycling and cycling safety in Ireland, contrary to the sometimes alarmist claims made in public about cycle safety in Ireland.
75. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the delay in publishing the report by the Maritime Development Office and his Department into the use of the UK landbridge by importers and exporters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45627/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn my reply to a similar question by the Deputy in September, I informed the Deputy that the study had taken longer than originally anticipated, as it has proven more complex than initially envisaged, and that it was being finalised with the intention of publishing in the coming weeks. I am informed that the study is now finalised, is at the printers and will be published by the IMDO before the end of this week.
This is a very important study as the landbridge is our fastest shipping route to continental Europe and as such is heavily relied upon for the transport of time-sensitive products, such as those in the agrifood and perishable goods sector, as well as for just-in-time and high value goods. Any delays or barriers to this route to European and other markets could potentially be detrimental for certain sectors. This is a significant area of uncertainty for Ireland that could have a major impact on the capacity and efficiency of trade routes to the continent.
Shipping companies are already making provision for larger vessels with extra capacity on direct routes to continental Europe and we have seen new routes emerging, such as Cork - Santander. However, the UK is and will continue to be a key trading partner for us and we need to minimise any potential disruption to UK trade at our ports and we need to ensure that we can continue to use the landbridge as a route to other markets.
As the Tánaiste has highlighted previously, the Government’s contingency planning for Brexit has from the start included the use of the landbridge and how we can continue to use this after the UK has left the EU. In addition to the IMDO’s study, we are working on this matter with our colleagues across all relevant Government Departments, led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and including the Department of Finance, the Revenue Commissioners, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Marine, Department of Health, and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
Work on is being taken forward in two strands. The first is through the Article 50 negotiations. In the mandate provided to the European Commission by the EU27 in May 2017, it was agreed that the Withdrawal Agreement will take account of Ireland’s unique geographic situation, including the transit of goods (to and from Ireland via the UK). The need to address this issue as part of the distinct strand of the negotiations on Irish specific issues was agreed between the EU and the UK in the Joint Progress report of December 2017.
The second strand is Ireland’s work with the European Commission and other affected Member States (namely Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and Sweden) with a view to examining the potential of EU ports to facilitate the transit of EU products through the UK once it becomes a third country through the use of EU rules on internal transit set out under the Union’s Custom Code. This work is intensifying and good progress is being made.
As with all relevant Government Departments and agencies, my Department is continuing its contingency planning for Brexit, both for an orderly and a disorderly Brexit. In order to mitigate the risks arising for transport and tourism, we are working with our agencies, our colleagues across Government and with the European Commission.
Of course, our work on the landbridge also includes preparing for the possibility of a no-deal outcome. All relevant Departments are engaged in planning for a disorderly UK exit from the EU, and the Government has already approved a number of key Brexit preparedness measures focused on East-West trade which will also take account of the continued use of the landbridge. We are working closely with our main ports and airports and with the OPW, the Revenue Commissioners, the Departments of Agriculture and Health, and other agencies, in planning the necessary State facilities that will be required in our main ports and airports following Brexit.
76. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if work has taken place on a consolidation project of the Road Traffic Acts in view of the reassurances of his predecessors that such a project was under way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45394/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra102. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if progress has been made regarding the consolidation of road traffic legislation. [45630/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 102 together.
My priorities in respect of road traffic legislation have been focused on legislation which is immediately needed. In that context, my Department is currently working on a Road Traffic Bill to provide, in the main, for graduated penalties for speeding offences.
While not a priority at this time, the consolidation of the Road Traffic Acts must not simply be a matter of re-enacting all current road traffic legislation into one instrument. The benefits of consolidation are too often misunderstood and over-stated. If the project is to be of value, it will be necessary to examine each aspect of the legislation and see where it might be improved upon. Such a project, done properly, could take up to three years to complete.
There is no indication of any failure of prosecutions due to a lack of consolidation, never mind the significant problem which would need to exist to justify diverting resources from more urgent tasks to consolidation at this time. Any decision to undertake such a project in the future will have to be balanced against the value added and the risks associated with undermining the extensive legal precedents established to date. Indeed, I understand that recent significant precedents in court decisions would suggest that consolidation should not be undertaken at this time.
In the interim, the Law Reform Commission has a consolidated text of each of the Road Traffic Acts from 1961 to 2014 available on its website, which along at least one recent publication of a consolidated text of the Road Traffic Acts and related Acts, delivers on what many understand consolidation to mean.
77. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided in 2019 towards the advancement of planning and design of a road project (details supplied) in view of the importance of this route for the Border region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45649/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraProposals 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. As regards the regional road aspect of the proposal which are the subject of this PQ, 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 provided funding to Cavan County Council (acting as lead authority with Monaghan and Louth County Councils) with over €2m in the period 2007-2014 to progress the regional road element of the project to preliminary design.
This year I gave an allocation to Cavan County Council to enable the Council to undertake a preliminary appraisal, in line with the current requirements in the Public Spending Code and the Capital Investment Framework, of the Cavan to Dundalk section of the route. The aim of this appraisal would be to assess the extent to which the scheme or elements of it can be justified in terms of appraisal and advanced for further consideration in relation to schemes for development post 2021. Preparation of the appraisal is the responsibility of the Council.
78. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the internal review into SI No. 224 of 1973, the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, his Department initiated almost a year and a half ago has concluded; the stakeholders consulted; his plans to publish the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45626/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe internal review of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders, 1973 and 1989 is currently being finalised by my Department
The internal review is examining the Statutory Instrument primarily from an administrative and legal perspective. There is no proposal to change the long-standing Government policy of permitting aircraft used by the defence forces of various nations to transit through Irish airspace and airports, subject to appropriate terms and conditions.
The review is focussing on the administrative and legislative functioning of the procedures and systems currently in place.
In conducting the review my Department has consulted with the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Justice and Equality and Defence on munitions of war issues and with the Irish Aviation Authority, with regard to the carriage of dangerous goods.
The Chicago Convention, which is the main international treaty governing the operation of civil aviation, states that no civil aircraft may carry munitions of war over a state without that state’s permission. This requirement is ratified in Irish law by the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders, 1973 and 1989. Under the terms of these Orders the carriage of weapons and munitions of war is prohibited on any civil aircraft in Irish airspace and on board any Irish registered aircraft, unless an exemption is granted by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.
My Department operates a well-established procedure under which airlines wishing to carry munitions of war through Irish sovereign airspace, to Irish airports or on Irish registered aircraft must apply for each flight at least 48 hours in advance. My Department seeks the views of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in relation to foreign policy issues and the Department of Justice and Equality in relation to security issues. The IAA is consulted in relation to aviation safety issues for applications involving munitions of war that are also categorised as dangerous goods. If any of these bodies objects, an exemption will generally not be granted.
It is my intention to publish this review once finalised.
However, it is worth noting, that as Minister, in 2016, I used my discretion to refuse several applications. The department’s recommendation was to grant the permits, having received no objections to the application during the consultation process. In these cases I used my discretionary powers to refuse these applications. Previous Ministers have rarely, if ever, used their discretion to refuse applications in circumstances where the relevant Departments and the IAA were recommending that an exemption be granted. These applications related to the transport of munitions of war, categorised as dangerous goods i.e. munitions of war that contain material that is explosive, corrosive, flammable, toxic etc. Since I used my discretionary powers in 2016 to refuse these cases, very few (if any) applications have subsequently been received by the air operator concerned in respect of this category of munitions.
79. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the additional capacity that will be made to the Dublin Bus fleet in 2019 to deal with the continuing increase in bus passenger numbers in view of the difficulty on some routes for passengers at rush hour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45396/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra82. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline for the next steps in the roll-out of the BusConnects projects; the timelines for bus based park and ride facilities, new rapid transit corridors and interchange hubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45397/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 82 together.
As the Deputy is aware BusConnects is one of the flagship investments to be delivered under Project Ireland 2040 and the 10-year National Development Plan.
Public transport in the city is dominated by the bus, around two-thirds of all public transport trips in Dublin are taken by bus. It is clear therefore, that the bus is the main component of the planned approach to addressing our current congestion problem and to meeting our future transport needs.
BusConnects has been developed to do just that and will see
- The introduction of next-generation bus corridors and Bus Rapid Transit routes;
- A redesign of bus network across the city;
- A new state-of-the-art ticketing system with a cashless payments and a simpler fare structure;
- The roll-out of new bus-stops with better signage and information;
- The provision of new park and ride sites;
- Cleaner technology through ending the purchase of diesel only buses; and
- A new integrated bus livery across the network.
Each of these measures are important in their own right while collectively they have the potential to significantly improve people’s passenger experience.
In terms of the Bus Network Redesign, we are all aware of the significant public consultation that has taken place in recent months. There was a huge response to that consultation and the NTA are currently considering all submissions received with a view to issuing a revised network design for public consultation in 2019.
In relation to the Bus Corridors project, I am advised that the NTA will commence a public consultation process this month. It is proposed to that the consultation process in relation to these Bus Corridors will be conducted on a phased basis to allow for in-depth engagement with communities during each public consultation.
However, the improvement and enhancement of our PSO bus services continues in advance of those significant projects.
There are significant PSO bus fleet purchases planned for this year and next, with 165 buses to be delivered this year and 150 on order for next year. The bus purchase programme both renews the fleet through replacing older buses and improving passenger experience and also expands the fleet through the provision of additional buses. The level of expansion can be gauged by the fact that around 85 buses each year are required for renewal with deliveries above that effectively representing additional buses. The Deputy may wish to note that in recent years the PSO bus fleet in Dublin has expanded by approximately 17% and now stands at 1,125 buses.
80. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the interaction between his Department and Fingal County Council on his plans to establish it as the competent authority under EU 598/14. [45614/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware the General Scheme of the Airport Noise Regulation Bill 2018 was published on 28 September 2018 following a Government decision in July this year and was subsequently presented to and discussed in session with the Joint Oireachtas Committee early in October, in accordance with Pre-Legislative Scrutiny arrangements. The formal Bill is being finalised and I expect to be able to present it to this House this month. I look forward to the support of Deputies when it is presented.
As part of the drafting process my officials have been in close contact with officials from Fingal County Council. I understand that this interaction has been very valuable in shaping the final form of the Bill. The Government made a decision that Fingal County Council shall be the Competent Authority for the purpose of EU Regulation 598/2014. This Government decision was based on an assessment that Fingal County Council represented the best available option for the effective implementation of the Airport Noise Regulation, given that there is significant amount of focus on the interaction between EU Regulation 598/2014, the 2002 Environmental Noise Directive and the planning and development framework. It therefore continues to make sense for Fingal County Council to be appointed to undertake this role in order to ensure a fair and consistent approach to the assessment of development and the impact of aircraft noise at Dublin Airport.
I would like to emphasise that the EU Regulation requires full public consultation before the Competent Authority makes a final decision about noise-related operating measures or restrictions at the airport, and we are working to make sure that the Bill will afford all stakeholders the opportunity to express their views. The Bill will also provide for an independent appeals process, with An Bord Pleanála to be appointed as the Appeals Body.
81. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the Bonagee link road project in County Donegal; when the project will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45306/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to explain that, as Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. However, under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design, construction and development stages of individual road projects is a matter for
(a) the relevant road authority (i.e. local authorities in whose functional area a road development is situated) in relation to local and regional roads, or
(b) Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned, in relation to national roads.
Overview
Consequently, it is an operational matter for a road authority and TII to give an account of how a project is progressing within their functional areas of responsibility. However, having consulted with the relevant authorities, I can provide the following information and update to the Deputy on the Bonagee Link Road project, also referred to as the Letterkenny Inner Relief Road.
- In Co. Donegal the Trans European Network-Transport (TEN–T) Comprehensive road network runs from the Leitrim County Boundary in the South of the County (on the outskirts of Bundoran) to the Northern Ireland Border with Derry in the Northeast of the County at Bridgend (on the outskirts of Derry City) and involves Sections of the N13, N14 and N15.
- In 2016 Donegal County Council commissioned a Corridor Needs Study on the TEN-T Comprehensive network within Donegal. The study identified projects in Donegal necessary to improve the TEN-T Comprehensive network to the required standard in compliance with the TEN- T regulations. The outcome of the Study identified a priority list of schemes. It recommended three projects for immediate advancement through Phases 1 to 4 of the Project Management Guidelines.
- N15/N13 Ballybofey - Stranorlar Bypass
- N56/N13/N14 - Letterkenny Bypass and Letterkenny to Manorcunningham Dual Carriageway
- N14 Manorcunningham to Lifford Realignment Scheme including the N14/N15 link to the A5 Western Transport Corridor in Northern Ireland
The Bonagee Link Road, or the Letterkenny Inner Relief Road, forms part of the proposed N56/N13/N14 scheme.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has provided an allocation of €2.4m in 2018 to Donegal County Council to progress planning work on priority national road improvements projects that were identified in the 2016 needs study report on the TEN-T Comprehensive Network in County Donegal, as I have just mentioned.
These projects are identified as Strategic Investment Priorities in the National Planning Framework (NPF) and National Development Plan (NDP)
Current Status
Feasibility Studies for the priority schemes commenced in 2017 and the route selection process is on-going. Public consultations of identified route options for all these priority schemes were held in April and May this year in Letterkenny, Lifford and Ballybofey. The short-listed route corridors are now being analysed and the emerging preferred routes will be identified towards the end of this year. Donegal County Council anticipates that the preferred route will be identified and presented to the public in early 2019.
Funding
The total cost of these schemes would be of the order of €400 million.
Timetable
The expected construction timetable for all three schemes, identified as priority in the TEN-T Study, would be approximately three years. However there is no timeframe for completing the schemes at present as they would need to obtain both Business Case approval and Planning Consent and will be subject to the availability of funding in the future.
83. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide dedicated transport police for DART and commuter train lines in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45650/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe safety and security of passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour, are matters first and foremost for the individual public transport companies in conjunction with, as appropriate, An Garda Síochána.
While the vast majority of public transport passenger journeys occur without incident, I am concerned to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff travelling and working on our rail network.
Therefore, following representations from the National Bus and Rail Union regarding the establishment of a dedicated police force for public transport, my Department wrote to Iarnród Éireann and the Railway Safety Advisory Council (RSAC) to seek their views on the issue of anti-social behaviour on the rail network.
In its response, Iarnród Éireann outlined a number of measures that the company has taken in an effort to safeguard the security of passengers and staff. These measures have included the allocation of additional security and supervisory operatives, particularly at night and in certain areas, as well as more resources for centralised CCTV monitoring stations. The company also emphasised that it works closely with An Garda Síochána on anti-social behaviour in general and receives the full support of the Gardaí.
More recently, Iarnród Éireann has advised that security and supervisory operatives have been allocated, particularly at night, in certain areas and at sensitive times, such as last week’s mid-term break, Halloween and the forthcoming late-night Christmas services.
In addition, I understand that Iarnród Éireann has now commenced the deployment of on-board customer-service officers on intercity trains. While the primary focus will be on customer service, their presence is intended to deter anti-social behaviour and will enable rapid contact with security and/or An Garda Síochána, should this be required.
The RSAC, in its response, recommended the establishment of a dedicated unit of An Garda Síochána to police our rail network on occasions when the possibility of anti-social behaviour is high.
Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus were also contacted for their views and both companies responded that the level of anti-social behaviour is relatively low and noted a declining trend which is very positive. Both companies also stressed the strong and close working relationships with An Garda Síochána.
Following engagement with the public transport companies and the RSAC, I wrote to the Minister for Justice and Equality to seek his views as to how we might best address the issue of anti-social behaviour on our transport system, in particular on the Irish Rail network.
I have asked that the Minister consider this issue in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, given that the allocation of all Garda resources, including the manner in which Garda personnel are deployed, is solely a decision for the Garda Commissioner and his management team. I will continue to work with the Minister for Justice on this important issue.
84. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for investment in vital recreational infrastructure for local communities such as swimming pools, community centres and other sporting facilities; the extent to which recent budgetary allocations to his Department are sufficient to meet demand in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45344/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Under the 2017 round of the programme €62m was allocated to 1,837 sporting projects and my officials continue to assist these grantees in completing their projects and draw down their grants.
Sanction was received earlier this year from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to open a new round of the Programme with allocations of up to €40m. This new round opened for applications on Friday 7 September and the application period closed on Friday 19th October. By that deadline, a record 2,337 applications were submitted seeking a total of €162m in funding. While there will be no undue delay in completing the assessment process, in view of the record number of applications received and the detailed information contained in each application, it is likely to take a number of months to have all applications assessed. Accordingly, I expect that it will be at least the second quarter of next year before the full set of allocations under this current round of the programme are announced. Sufficient resources are available next year to cover all existing commitments under the programme in addition to the new allocations of €40m.
With regard to swimming pools, the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP), as operated by my Department, provides grant aid to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. To date 51 pools have been completed and four swimming pool projects remain in the current LASPP. The priority next year will be on advancing these four projects and sufficient resources are available to cover these commitments.
In relation to the future funding of swimming pools and other larger projects, the National Development Plan confirmed the establishment of a new Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). It is intended that the Fund will be for larger projects where the proposed Government contribution exceeds the amount currently available for individual projects under the SCP. The fund will initially focus on the National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Authorities. The detailed terms and conditions of the new scheme are currently being finalised in my Department and an announcement in relation to when applications will be accepted will be made shortly.
85. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the change in greenhouse gas emissions expected to result from each of the road projects included in the National Development Plan 2018-2027. [45641/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile I have no function or role in assessing the change in greenhouse gas emissions expected to result from specific road projects, I can advise that it is the responsibility of the sponsoring road authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to comply with relevant statutory requirements regarding the impact of road projects on the environment. In this context Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR) arising from Directive 2011/92/EU, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU, which are published as part of the statutory development consent process, include an assessment of the effects of the proposed development on air quality and climate.
86. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the College Green area, Dublin 2, particularly in view of An Bord Pleanála's decision to reject planning permission for a civic plaza on this site; and if he will take steps to alleviate the traffic congestion in this area. [45632/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is of course aware that the planning application was brought by Dublin City Council and the decision to refuse was made by An Bord Pleanála. The Council’s application was made in its role as the relevant local and roads authority for Dublin City and I am sure the Deputy respects the role of the City Council, and indeed all local authorities, in relation to their statutory roles and responsibilities.
The Deputy refers to the development of a plaza on College Green which of course forms a central element of Dublin City Council’s plans for the area and features in the Council’s Development Plan.
There is of course a transport element to the Council’s plans for College Green and that was founded on part of the 2015 “Dublin City Centre Transport Study”, which was developed by the Council in partnership with the National Transport Authority (NTA). That Transport Study sought to
- Address the transport issues facing the core city centre area;
- Facilitate the implementation of the Council’s Development Plan; and
- Safeguard the future development of the city.
The Study noted that the development of Luas CrossCity required a renewed focus on traffic and junction arrangements along its route, including the College Green area.
Complementing that focus, the Council sought to improve the public realm and create a new civic plaza. As I have already mentioned, I understand that the proposal to upgrade the public realm forms part of the Council’s current Development Plan.
As the Deputy can appreciate, therefore, the planning application for the College Green plaza proposal is a matter for the Council.
However, as I have said there is a transport context for this.
The issue of congestion is one which formed the backdrop to the 2015 Study and forms the backdrop to any discussion of transport within the core City Centre today also.
As we all know the College Green area is an important transport corridor for public transport and pedestrians and cyclists too.
The implications of the Board’s recent decision are being carefully considered by the Council in its role as relevant local and roads authority for the area, and the National Transport Authority, in its statutory role as transport authority.
That consideration reflects the statutory responsibilities of the various State authorities. It is not a matter for decision by a Government Minister as to what the traffic arrangements on a City Centre street might be or whether a public plaza should be created or indeed how it should be created.
What I am responsible for is the development of public transport policy and the overall funding to provide for the implementation of that policy.
And in that regard we have made progress in recent years since publication of the City Centre Transport Study in 2015
- We’ve increased rail services through the re-opening of the Phoenix Park Tunnel;
- We’ve continued to invest in the City Centre Re-signalling Project;
- We’ve introduced 10-minute DART services;
- We’ve invested in new bus services and fleet; and
- We’ve invested in improved cycle routes and expanded public bike sharing schemes.
And we’re planning for the future too, through the BusConnects, MetroLink and DART Expansion projects.
So there has been progress in public transport in recent years and that progress will continue and accelerate with the roll-out of those projects I’ve just referred to.
In relation to the specific issues in the College Green area, I expect the Council and the NTA will fully consider the Board’s recent decision in the context of the known issues which remain with regard to the movement of transport through the area.
87. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the proposed road traffic Bill with graduated penalties for speeding will be introduced; the concerns that remain for him regarding road safety; the legislation he will prioritise in this regard before the next election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45395/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are many factors involved in road safety, and of course we are concerned to address them all.
That said, we must identify priorities. Speeding is the single greatest risk factor on our roads, and I have already indicated that I am working towards legislation which will provide for graduated speeding penalties. The General Scheme of the Bill to address this matter, as well as other road safety issues, is now being finalised by my officials, and I expect to bring it to Government shortly for approval for formal drafting by the Attorney General's Office.
I shall also continue to address all road safety issues in the context of the implementation of the Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020, taking account of the focus on "killer behaviours" set out in the Mid-Term evaluation of the Strategy and of existing Government commitments.
88. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the recent contact he has had with Iarnród Éireann on the new timetable which has continued to provide a reduced service to Portmarnock residents despite some early alterations. [45610/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decisions on the scheduling and timetabling of services.
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, 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.
89. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of exemptions sought by the United States of America under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989 for landing at Shannon Airport in October 2018; and his views on the number of flights involved. [45612/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraExemption permits for the carriage of munitions on board civil aircraft in Irish airspace are granted by the Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport in accordance with the provisions of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders (1973, as amended). The Order applies to civil aviation only. My Department publishes statistics on its website summarising the number of applications processed on a monthly basis.
Matters concerning the operation of State or military aircraft in Irish airspace are a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
90. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the contingency plan being put in place by him regarding the matter of reports that one third of Irish planes could be grounded by a no-deal Brexit; the engagement he has had with the European Commission, the Irish Aviation Authority and other relevant authorities in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45647/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile neither I, nor my officials are aware of any official report containing the information that the Deputy refers to, however my Department is acutely aware that flights between Ireland and the UK could potentially be affected in a no deal scenario.
The Government’s contingency planning for Brexit was initiated well in advance of the UK referendum in June 2016 and there has been a sustained intensification of these efforts over the past year. While this planning is necessary, the Government remains focused on work in the negotiations to conclude a withdrawal agreement. Contingency planning for a no-deal outcome, bringing together the detailed work being undertaken by all Departments on issues within their policy remit, was identified as an early priority and is now well advanced.
My Department is engaged in extensive contingency planning in relation to Brexit. The European Commission is also engaged in preparing for the UK’s exit from the EU and Ireland is liaising closely with the Commission on such matters and strongly favours an EU level solution in the area of aviation. My Department is actively engaging with the European Commission Taskforce and the Brexit Preparedness Unit on these, and related issues.
In addition to this work on contingency planning, officials from my Department continue to consult and engage with other Government Departments, key Aviation stakeholders, including the Irish Aviation Authority, and other relevant authorities, via the National Civil Aviation Development Forum, and other fora, on all aviation matters relating to Brexit planning.
The Department has continually stressed the importance that aviation stakeholders take all necessary steps to prepare for Brexit, including the importance of undertaking contingency planning to minimise the impact of Brexit on their operations. We have also advised stakeholders to refer to the European Commission’s published Notices to Stakeholders in the field of air transport, aviation safety and aviation security.
The Government has been clear that its approach to preparing for Brexit is aimed at minimising the impact of Brexit on our trade and economy and an orderly withdrawal of the UK from the EU. This is certainly the case in aviation, given the importance of the sector for Ireland and the fact that the UK is by far the most important origin and destination for aviation traffic in and out of Ireland.
