Written Answers Nos. 905-927
905. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the availability in the future for ordinary taxi licences (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45314/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. Furthermore, under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 (Local Area Hackney) Regulations 2013, the NTA is responsible for the granting and renewing of local area hackney licences.
In order to support an increase in the number of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs), licences for new taxis or hackneys have only been granted in respect of WAVs since 2010.
To supplement this measure, the NTA administers a WAV Grant Scheme, which offers grants on a sliding scale from €2,500 to €7,500. The scheme aims to assist with the cost difference in purchasing a WAV or converting a vehicle to fulfil the WAV requirements. It is open to all SPSV drivers, with grants offered on a first-come-first-served basis.
My Department set a goal of reaching a 10% market share for accessible SPSV's by 2020. As of October this year we have met this goal.
I remain committed to increasing the number of WAVs within our SPSV fleet and supporting the NTA in the administration of the WAV Grant Scheme.
The NTA are currently conducting a review of the SPSV industry. It is expected that this will be completed by end 2018. Where any NTA recommendation in the review were to relate to matters of policy or potential legislative change, these would require further consideration before final decision.
907. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he is making provision for the eventuality of Brexit with particular reference to its implications for air and sea travel in view of the necessity to ensure easy travel access to continental Europe for Irish customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45346/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrexit and its potential implications for Ireland are being managed on a whole-of-government basis. My Department is represented on all relevant cross-Departmental coordination structures, and an internal Departmental Committee on Brexit meets on a monthly basis to oversee the Department's analyses and planning as the negotiations progress.
Contingency planning in relation to Brexit at both a national and an EU level is focused on preparing for a no-deal scenario or so-called “disorderly Brexit” and on a central case scenario involving a transition period based on the “status quo” and agreement on the future relationship.
The Department has continually stressed the importance that stakeholders, including in the aviation and maritime sectors, take all necessary steps within their control 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 transport.
Officials from my department continue to consult and engage with key Aviation stakeholders via the National Civil Aviation Development Forum, and other fora, on all matters relating to Brexit planning in the aviation sector.
The implications of Brexit for air and sea transport will only become clear once the negotiations have been completed and the future relationship between the EU and the UK have been decided. However, we do not anticipate that direct aviation services from Ireland to continental Europe by community carriers will be affected post-Brexit, even in a no-deal scenario. In terms of sea-travel, my Department and other relevant Government Departments are working with the key affected ports impacted by Brexit in making arrangements and planning to have the necessary facilities in place to deal with anticipated additional controls and checks. Planning in relation to the implications for a no-deal scenario is also underway. Similar preparations are underway in our airports.
908. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has continued to evaluate rural transport requirements with a view to bringing transport to persons rather than forcing persons to converge on towns and villages as the population increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45347/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 passenger transport services nationally. It also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) which now operates under the Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
909. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to be in a position to accommodate the various community sporting organisations here with particular reference to the need to cater specifically for active and passive sports and the young and mature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45348/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to assistance for capital projects, the Sports Capital Programme 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 that programme €62m was allocated to 1,837 sporting projects and my officials are assisting these grantees in completing their projects and drawing down their grants on an ongoing basis.
The 2018 round of the programme closed for applications on 19 October and 2,337 applications were received seeking €162m. The assessment of these applications will take a number of months to complete with allocations in 2019.
With regard to current expenditure, Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes. This includes responsibility for the development of strategies for increasing participation in recreational sport for all age groups, and to co-ordinate the implementation of those strategies.
Sport Ireland channels funding through the relevant recognised National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Sports Partnerships. Accordingly, I have also referred the question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
910. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to be in a position to approve the necessary expenditure to increase the number of rail carriages serving north County Kildare commuter routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45349/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra916. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which the increased requirement of the County Kildare commuter rail sector continue to be monitored in order to ensure the availability of the highest possible quality of service to meet the needs of commuters on an ongoing basis; if extra rail carriages need to be provided to alleviate potential overcrowding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45355/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 910 and 916 together.
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 ensuring the development and delivery of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the provision of rail fleet.
In light of the NTA's responsibility on this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
911. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he can accelerate the programme to replace, improve or upgrade motorways, roads and bridges deemed to be in need of improvement or replacement having regard in particular to current traffic volumes, the need to encourage development evenly throughout the country and to replace any infrastructure now incapable of meeting its original requirements in already highly developed areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45350/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra915. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which the upgrading of over trafficked sections of motorway such as the M50 continue to be a priority both from a health and safety point of view and meeting the needs of the travelling public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45354/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra917. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which plans are in hand to extend motorway services to other regions throughout the country with a view to ensuring that the availability of such transport is seen as an incentive for foreign direct investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45356/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 911, 915 and 917 together.
The maintenance and improvement of regional/local roads and bridges are the statutory responsibility of local authorities, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants.
The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority. It is a matter for each Council to determine its priorities and decide its work programme taking available grant funding and its own resources into account. I always stress to Councils the importance of prioritising roads when allocating their own resources.
Grant allocations for 2019 will be decided once the 2019 Estimates process is concluded. Within the budget available to the Department, the approach taken is to allocate funding on as fair and equitable basis as possible. In this context, grants in the main grant categories are allocated based on the total length of the regional and local road network within the area of responsibility of the relevant local authority.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the improvement, maintenance and operation of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a more detailed and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
912. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has studied the weakest links in the transport system nationally; his plans to address these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45351/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have outlined in my Department's Statement of Strategy, my Department is committed to successfully managing the many day-to-day issues affecting our transport network while at the same time ensuring that we have a vision for the future. My Department's most up to date statement of strategy can be found at the following link http://www.dttas.ie/node/23853
Also as the Deputy is aware, the Government has committed toward delivering an ambitious National Development Plan (NDP) 2018 to 2027 which will drive Ireland’s long term economic, environmental and social progress across all parts of the country over the next decade.
My Department and its agencies have a key role in delivering that progress and the NDP contains commitments toward a wide range of projects and programmes across my Department's remit including all areas of the transport system, focussing on those areas that are priorities for investment in the coming decade. These projects and all areas of the national transport system are looked at on an ongoing basis with a view to delivering an effective and progressive national transport system.
The NDP itself outlines these projects and programmes and is available to view at http://www.gov.ie/en/project-ireland-2040
913. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to liaise with the various national and international sporting organisations with a view to hosting major events here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45352/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe hosting of major sports events, both participative and spectator sports, can provide great opportunities to showcase Ireland and drive international visitor numbers. In addition, the media coverage of sports events helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination.
Accordingly, I am very supportive of the work of the tourism agencies and the national governing bodies of sport to attract international events, subject, of course, to an assessment of the costs and benefits involved in any State financial support, in particular the number of overseas visitors.
Fáilte Ireland provides financial assistance, subject to eligibility criteria, to applicants who are proposing to bid to host international events (including sporting events) in Ireland that would attract significant numbers of international visitors. When an event with international tourism appeal is confirmed for Ireland, Tourism Ireland would then promote it in relevant markets overseas.
In terms of forthcoming sporting events, Ireland will host four games as part of the UEFA EURO 2020 football tournament in June 2020 - three group games and one round of 16 game. The bid to host was a collaborative effort between the Football Association of Ireland, Dublin City Council and my Department. Depending on qualification, up to 160,000 overseas visitors may attend Euro 2020 matches in Dublin. Ireland will also host the UEFA European Under 17 Championships in 2019.
Minister Ross and I also support efforts to explore possibilities for potentially hosting other major sporting events. With regard to soccer, we welcomed last week's announcement by the FAI and IFA of their intention to submit a joint bid to host the UEFA European Under 21 Championships in 2023. While it is very early days, we are also fully supportive of a potential joint British-Irish bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. In this regard, my Department will support the FAI and our partners in the UK and Northern Ireland for the feasibility study and we will fully examine the potential of being part of such a bid.
In the sport of golf, Minister Ross and Department officials from the Department met in September with representatives of the European Tour at the Ryder Cup in Paris to discuss the possible hosting of a future Ryder Cup in Ireland. My officials have since had further discussions with the European Tour in this regard and further meetings are planned.
As regards any further events being considered for possible agency support, I have asked Fáilte Ireland to reply directly to the Deputy in this regard. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
914. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated daily revenue arising from tolls on the M50 in comparison with other toll roads; the extent to which revenue has fluctuated in the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45353/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy in relation to roads. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects on national roads are a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the relevant local authority. For regional and local roads it is a matter for each respective local authority.
More specifically, the statutory powers to levy tolls on national roads as well as regional and local roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors are vested in TII (for national roads) and each local authority (for regional and local roads) under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007).
Noting the above, I am referring the question to TII for direct reply within 10 working days. Please inform my private office if you do not receive the information.
919. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has examined the potential of the Air Corps being redeployed to provide helicopter support services for the Irish Coast Guard; and if he will request a business case or cost benefit analysis to examine this potential. [45371/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Coast Guard (IRCG), a Division of my Department, discharges the State’s responsibility for Maritime Search & Rescue (SAR), counter pollution and salvage operations, maritime assistance and vessel traffic management information system (VTMIS) services and safety awareness. A Service Level Agreement between the Department of Defence and the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) for the provision of services by the Defence Forces to the IRCG lays out the scope and the provision of services and was signed in August 2013. The SLA is scheduled to be reviewed in the coming months. The Air Corps provides services to the Irish Coast Guard as set out in Annex II of this agreement. At the request of the IRCG, the Air Corps rotary wing, on an as available basis, may provide assistance as follows:-
- SAR search support;
- On-scene air Co-ordinator
- Island Medevacs and mountain rescues when the IRCG helicopters are unable to respond;
- Maritime surveillance;
- Partake in joint training exercises as required e.g. annual IRCG training exercises with Mountain Rescue Teams; and
- Technical advice as appropriate.
In 2018 so far the IRCG has received support in the form of 5 surveillance flights, 1 top cover flight and 1 SAR flight from Air Corps fixed wing assets. No rotary flights were required. The Defence Forces at all times retain overall responsibility for the tasking and deployment of their respective assets. Any future re-deployment of Air Corps assets will be a matter for the Minister of Defence to consider.
920. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which the proposed plans for a third terminal at Dublin Airport are consistent with Project Ireland 2040 plans to achieve 75% population growth outside of Dublin (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45415/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the deputy will be aware, consultants were appointed last year, in line with a commitment outlined in the National Aviation Policy, to conduct a high-level strategic capacity review of Ireland’s State airports. This Review was delivered to me at the end of August and provides a very helpful assessment which is both specific about short terms actions as well as identifying further work that needs to be undertaken to assist in decision-making for the longer term to 2050. To ensure that there is an open approach to the policy options for Dublin Airport, including any decision on a third terminal, I have just commenced a process of consultation on the Review in which all stakeholders will have an opportunity to set out their views. When I have all the views and information available to me, I will carefully consider the issues and make recommendations to Government in early 2019.
The Review took into account the policy objectives of supporting the roles of Cork and Shannon Airports as key tourism and business gateways for their regions, along with the development of Dublin as a secondary hub. This is in line with the National Aviation Policy which recognises the roles that both Cork and Shannon play in the regions. The smaller regional airports in Donegal, Knock, Kerry and Waterford are dealt with separately under the Regional Airports Programme 2015-2019. As part of the negotiations on the Budget, the deputy may be aware, that I secured an increase in the allocation for the Programme for 2019 – going from around €13m in 2018 to around €21m in 2019.
Project Ireland 2040 and the National Development Plan 2017-2027 support high quality International connectivity investments consistent with sectorial priorities already defined through the National Aviation Policy. Significant investment in Ireland’s airports, and in Dublin Airport, as Ireland’s main international gateway, will play a major role in safeguarding and enhancing Ireland’s international connectivity which is fundamental to our international competitiveness, trading performance and attractiveness to foreign direct investment. Our focus remains is on ensuring that we have the optimum network for Ireland given the importance of international connectivity for the well-being of the country. That involves having a strong national airport in our capital city, as well as strong regional airports in Cork and Shannon, complemented by the smaller regional airports. I do not accept the view that it is a question of developing either Dublin or the other airports around the country. They all have their roles to play for the Irish economy.
921. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the exact low emission technology for the future purchasing of Dublin buses has been determined; the work being prepared by his Department for the implementation of no longer purchasing diesel only buses from July 2019 onwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45433/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra922. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to the green public transport fund in Budget 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45434/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra923. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding drawn down in 2018 by the NTA to support the alternative urban fleet trials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45435/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra924. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the NTA's alternative urban fleet trials has taken place; if so, the findings of these trials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45436/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 921 to 924, inclusive, together.
In line with our commitment under the National Development Plan, work is currently underway in my Department and its agencies to prepare for the transition away from purchasing diesel-only buses for urban PSO services after July 2019. As I have previously indicated to the Deputy, comprehensive vehicle trials will commence before the end of this year to help further inform purchasing decisions for new buses over the coming years which will consider carbon emissions, air quality impacts, and potential contribution towards renewable energy targets as well as costs, vehicle availability, and operational and infrastructural requirements. No decision has yet been taken on the most appropriate low emission fuels or technologies for future urban bus procurement in Dublin or elsewhere; this will be informed by the findings of the trials, amongst other research, following their conclusion in early 2019.
Within my Department's overall funding allocation for 2018, €5.5m was assigned in 2018 specifically to provide for a Carbon Reduction Programme to fund measures which support decarbonising the transport sector. From within that allocation, funding was sourced for the Green Public Transport Fund, which was established to support the uptake of low carbon, energy efficient technologies within the public transport sector. In Budget 2019, €7m has been assigned for the Carbon Reduction Programme; from this allocation funding will be made available under the Green Public Transport Fund as required and in accordance with approved projects.
As the Deputy is aware, the Fund is intended to support piloting and uptake of energy-efficient and alternatively fuelled technologies for PSO operators within the bus fleet and small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, as well as bridging the price differential between such technologies and conventionally fuelled vehicles. No drawdown from the Fund has yet taken place to support the bus trials but to date three contracts have been successfully awarded. The Fund also supports the transition of the national SPSV fleet to alternative technologies through the establishment of the Electric Vehicle SPSV Grant Scheme. By the end of October 2018, €198,117 had been drawn down from the Fund to pay grants under this scheme.
925. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request the DAA to provide longitudinal data to north County Dublin residents who have requested and been promised the information in order to facilitate their input in the public consultation under way on noise action plans connected with Dublin Airport. [45447/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by the daa that the longitudinal data requested was given to local residents on 31 October.
926. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of engagements, meetings or correspondence that each Minister of State in his Department has had with a person (details supplied) in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45466/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm no such meetings took place and no correspondence was received from the person either.
927. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the planned upgrade works to the N4 route between Mullingar and Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45473/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and operation of individual roads is a matter for the relevant road authority in relation to local and regional roads, or for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned, in relation to national roads.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
