Written Answers Nos. 912-932
912. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the M20 motorway, Macroom bypass and Dunkettle interchange road projects; the stage at which these projects are; and the estimated completion date of each. [54531/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and 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 (i.e. local 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.
913. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 557, 559 and 560 of 23 October 2018, the basis upon which he provides figures of monthly or annual troop movements in view of the fact that his Department is not in a position to supply the number of troops carried as passengers per flight. [54558/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, my Department is responsible for processing applications for permits to allow for the carriage of munitions by civil aircraft through Irish sovereign airspace or Irish airports. The carriage or transit of military personnel does not fall within the scope or remit of the Order.
For statistics relating to passengers movements through Irish Airports, including military personnel, my Department would generally rely on statistics collated and provided by the airport concerned, in this case the Shannon Airport Authority.
914. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to address the pricing comparisons between companies (details supplied) and the times for the flights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1003/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the context of the common rules for the operation of air services in the EU, regulation 1008/2008 Article 22(1) provides that air carriers shall freely set air fares and air rates for intra-Community air services. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport has no function in respect to the setting of air fares or the schedules of air services which are wholly commercial matters for the airlines.
915. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will investigate with the rural link section of Transport Infrastructure Ireland whether there is a feasibility to develop a Sligo to Dromahair, County Leitrim link which would incorporate a stop for students attending a college (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1004/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
916. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a public transport system will be provided for persons at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1037/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
917. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the licensing and registration of all drones and drone owners; his plans to make a 10 sq. km exclusion zone for drones around airports in the interest of public safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1100/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new EU Regulation 2018/1139 on common rules in the field of civil aviation, provides for the regulation of drones and drone operators, including licensing and registration. This Regulation lays down detailed standards for all aspects of the design and operation of drones, and the first set of implementing rules for the operation of drones is currently being developed.
Until these new pan-European rules enter into force, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) will continue to apply the existing national regulatory requirements in accordance with S.I. 563 of 2015 for the registration and operation of drones.
Ireland is to the forefront in regulating drone use and was one of the first States globally to require the registration of drones in 2015. Ireland remains one of only a small number of EU States that currently has a drone registration system in place.
Currently, all drones operating in the State with a mass of 1 kg or greater are required to be registered via a portal on the IAA Website. Registration is also required for drones with a mass of less than 1 kg, where the operator wishes to fly at or above 15 metres above the ground (or water). When a drone is registered, there are restrictions where it may be flown and it is limited to an operating height of 120 metres above the ground (or water), unless specifically permitted by the IAA.
S.I. 563 of 2015 sets the requirements for drone operations in the vicinity of aerodromes. For aerodromes within controlled airspace, such as Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Ireland West at Knock, S.I. 563 of 2015 prohibits the operation of drones except as permitted by the IAA.
For aerodromes in uncontrolled airspace, such as Kilkenny, Abbeyshrule and Birr, a drone may not be operated within 5 km of an aerodrome during periods of aircraft operations, unless the aerodrome operator or the IAA has given permission.
Currently the IAA has prescribed two methods for permitting the operation of drones within controlled airspace.
- Aeronautical Notice U 02 – provides for a permission to be obtained from the IAA for drone operations within controlled airspace, under strict conditions. This specific operating permission can provide for managed drone operations in close proximity to an aerodrome, and will only be issued to IAA approved drone operator organisations.
- Aeronautical Notice U 04, which permits the operation of registered drones, from surface to 50 feet above ground level, without a specific operating permission in certain areas within controlled airspace. These areas are depicted in the Notice and are outside the vicinity of aerodromes by a minimum of 3000 metres. The no fly zones associated with these aerodromes vary in dimension. The extent of these dimensions have been derived using a risk based approach coupled with ICAO Annex 14 aeronautical surface penetration calculation criteria.
918. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he plans to take to improve the protection of cyclists on roads and streets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1101/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware I have secured significant improved funding allocations over the period 2018-2021 which will benefit and protect both cyclists and walkers.
These improved allocations over this period include:
- €110 million specifically dedicated to cycling and walking infrastructure in our major urban areas;
- €135 million for sustainable urban transport measures;
- €750 million towards the BusConnects programme in Dublin which will include the delivery of around 200 kilometres of segregated cycling lanes, where possible; and
- €53 million to support the development of new Greenways.
In addition to the above, Government has also made additional money available for cycling projects through both the Urban and Rural Regeneration and Development Funds under the National Development Plan.
The impact of this improved funding is evidenced by the approximate 30% increase to be provided in 2019 under my Department's ‘cycling and walking’ and ‘sustainable urban transport’ programmes as compared to 2018's expenditure.
The Deputy will also be aware that I have requested the National Transport Authority establish a new Cycling Delivery Office this year in order to optimise delivery of new cycling infrastructure in line with the significantly increased funding that is being provided.
I am also delighted to say that a number of significant cycling projects will commence work across the Greater Dublin Area and beyond in 2019 which will be of great benefit, once completed, to the increasing numbers of people who choose cycling as their preferred mode of transport.
As well as these infrastructure improvements, the increased funding I am making available will also allow for the expansion of the Cycle Right training programme in primary schools with an additional 5,000 school children expected to take part as compared to 2018. While other behavioural change programmes, such as Green Schools and Workplace and Campus Smarter Travel, will continue to be funded in line with commitments.
Furthermore my Department is in constant communication with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) about matters of safety. The RSA’s ‘Cycle Smart, Cycle Safe’ campaign directly addressed safety issues for cyclists, while a recent TV led campaign calls on motorists to keep a safe distance when overtaking cyclists on urban and rural roads.
In the area of legislation, I have brought through a number of proposals such as the Road Safety Act 2016 which allows for 20 km/h speed limits to be set by local authorities in residential areas. My Department is proposing to build on the existing legislation in relation to dangerous overtaking which will, in particular, specifically target those drivers who put cyclists at risk.
I believe that the measures and the multi-annual capital expenditure programmes outlined above will positively assist with the better development and provision of cycling infrastructure across the State while improving the safety for all road users.
919. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding which has been allocated and the estimated cost of the southern distributor road; and if funding will be allocated for it in 2019. [1104/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority 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. Details of the regional and local road grant allocations and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road grant booklets which are available in the Dáil Library.
The current estimated cost of the Portlaoise Southern Circular Road, to which I assume the Deputy is referring, is €7 million.
In relation to 2019 expenditure, the allocations are expected to be announced shortly.
920. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if all relevant information and communications technology infrastructure will be in place at all ports and airports by 29 March 2019 in the event of a no-deal Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1131/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAdditional customs, agriculture and health controls will be required for trade with the UK once the UK leaves the EU.
The responsibility for information and communications technology infrastructure underpinning these controls in ports and airports lies with departments and agencies responsible for those controls.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine is responsible for regulation of the agriculture, fisheries, and food industries and monitoring and controlling aspects of food safety through national and EU legislation. I am advised that Department has established a project team to coordinate the identification and delivery of ICT Infrastructure and systems to support the additional requirements of staff engaged in control processes in Dublin Port and Dublin Airport, and other relevant locations in the event of an orderly, or disorderly Brexit. This team is in the process of sourcing and configuring additional ICT Equipment and enhancing existing software systems to support new requirements.
That Department is also working closely with OPW, Government Networks and a number of Telecom providers to ensure there is adequate network connectivity in place. Obviously the delivery timelines in the event of a disorderly Brexit are extremely challenging and I understand the officials in that Department are working with the greatest urgency to ensure the required ICT services are in place by 29th March.
As part of their preparations for Brexit, I am advised by Revenue that priority has been given to upgrading relevant IT systems to have the most advanced systems possible to support and facilitate smooth and efficient trade flows in a post-Brexit environment. Revenue has advised that performance testing is at an advanced stage and based on testing and the work completed to date, Revenue is confident that their various IT systems will support the expected additional workload arising from Brexit. In the event of a no-deal scenario and if required, the upgrades and enhancements to the systems will be ready for March 2019.
To facilitate import controls by the Environmental Health Service at Dublin Airport, Dublin Port and Rosslare Port, the HSE is currently making every effort to ensure that the necessary information and communications technology infrastructure will be in place by 29th March 2019.
921. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans or actions to mitigate against the delays to the land bridge that are anticipated in the event of a no-deal Brexit scenario; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1132/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraA substantial proportion of Ireland’s exports and imports are transported by truck on Roll-on/Roll-Off ferries to/from the UK for direct UK trade, and onwards via the road and ports network in the UK to EU ports - mainly the port of Calais. This trade is at present relatively frictionless as it is all within the Single Market. However, when the UK leaves the EU, there is concern that the additional customs, agriculture and health controls required for trade with a third country could significantly disrupt our transport connectivity to the UK, and via the UK, to our international markets.
The main pinch-points likely to affect Irish businesses are at Dublin and Rosslare ports, the Port of Holyhead, and the Dover-Calais link. This latter route is favoured by many importers and exporters seeking to transport goods that are perishable or time sensitive on the quickest and most reliable route available. Currently, OPW and other relevant Departments are working to establish the required controls at Dublin port, Rosslare port and Dublin Airport for both a central case and a no-deal scenario.
A major concern is also the impact on the Dover – Calais link. Congestion on this link could considerably disrupt the €21 billion of Irish trade that crosses the UK landbridge and could mean that certain of our goods simply can no longer realistically reach their markets in a timely manner.
The Government's contingency action plan published in 2019 sets out the actions being taken within our ports, with the European Commission and with other similarly affected Member States. In addition, I have today briefed the Government on the existing maritime capacity for direct sailings between Ireland and continental EU ports as a potential alternative route for trade currently using the landbridge.
922. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the projects and funding allocations granted to clubs and organisations across an area (details supplied) since the sports capital programme was re-established in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1146/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
While the Department does not collate information on the basis of local electoral areas, details of all allocations since 1998 on a county basis are published on my Department's website at www.dttas.ie/sport/english/sports-capital-programme-awards-new.
923. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects the NTA to publish a transport plan for Newbridge, County Kildare which was due to be published at the end of 2018; the timeline for the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1160/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have no statutory function in relation to the development of the transport plan in question.
I understand however that there has been engagement between the local authority and the National Transport Authority (NTA) in relation to the plan and I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for consideration and direct reply.
Please notify my office if you have not received a response within 10 working days.
924. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide a 50 m swimming pool in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1183/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 this year will be on advancing these four projects and sufficient resources are available to cover these commitments.
In relation to the future development of large sport infrastructure projects including swimming pools, the National Development Plan confirmed the establishment of a new Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) with at least €100m available over the coming years. The new scheme opened for applications on 19th November and the closing date for applications is the 17th April 2019. Full details of the scheme and application forms are available on my Department's website at http://www.dttas.ie/sport/english/large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif. Initially, the scheme has a particular focus on National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Authorities. New swimming pool projects will be considered under the scheme.
925. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when successful candidates of a programme (details supplied) will be notified; and the status of same. [1191/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2018 round of the Sports Capital Programme 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.
187 of these applications are for projects that were deemed invalid under the 2017 round of the programme that have now submitted corrected documents. These applications are being assessed first and it is planned to make allocations to this category early this year.
For the first time, applicants who have submitted incorrect documentation under this round will be given the opportunity to correct their application during the assessment period. While there will be no undue delay in completing the assessment process, in view of the opportunity to correct documentation, 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 this year before the full set of allocations under this current round of the programme are announced.
926. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a club (details supplied) is included as one of the 187 submissions to the sports capital programme deemed invalid under the 2017 round of the programme and that have now submitted a correct application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1194/19]
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.
Applicants that were deemed invalid under the 2017 round of the SCP were invited to correct their applications and have them considered as part of the 2018 round of the Programme. While the club referred to by the Deputy was one of the organisations given this opportunity, the club instead decided to submit a new application. The deadline for the 2018 round of the programme was the 19th October and by that date a record 2,337 applications were submitted seeking a total of €162m in funding.
For the first time, applicants who have submitted incorrect documentation under this round will be given the opportunity to correct their application during the assessment period. While there will be no undue delay in completing the assessment process, in view of the opportunity to correct documentation, 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 this year before the full set of allocations under this current round of the programme are announced.
927. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the waiting list times for the driver test centres in Limerick city; the number of persons on the list in each driving test centre in Limerick City; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1200/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
928. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of progress to date of road projects (details supplied); if each is at planning, design or construction phase; the phases expected to be completed in 2019; the 2018 and 2019 allocations to each project; the spend to date on each project; the estimated cost of completing each project; and the provisional timetable for completion of each project in tabular form. [1248/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and 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 construction of individual roads is a matter for the relevant road authority (i.e. local 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.
In the case of the Sallins Bypass the construction works are been undertaken by the same contractor who is responsible for the M7 Naas to Newbridge Bypass widening and the main works are under one contract.
929. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of progress to date of road projects (details supplied); if each is at planning, design or construction phase; the phases expected to be completed in 2019; the 2018 and 2019 allocations to each project; the spend to date on each project; the estimated cost of completing each project; and the provisional timetable for completion of each project in tabular form. [1249/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and 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 construction 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 the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Regarding the A5 the planning and implementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities. In this context it will be for the Northern Ireland authorities to consider how to proceed in light of the recent outcome of judicial review proceedings regarding the scheme.
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).
930. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of progress to date of road projects (details supplied); if each is at planning, design or construction phase; the phases expected to be completed in 2019; the 2018 and 2019 allocations to each project; the spend to date on each project; the estimated cost of completing each project; and the provisional timetable for completion of each project in tabular form. [1250/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and 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 construction 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 the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
931. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of progress to date of road projects (details supplied); if each is at planning, design or construction phase; the phases expected to be completed in 2019; the 2018 and 2019 allocations to each project; the spend to date on each project; the estimated cost of completing each project; and the provisional timetable for completion of each project in tabular form. [1251/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra932. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of progress to date of road projects (details supplied); if each is at planning, design or construction phase; the phases expected to be completed in 2019; the 2018 and 2019 allocations to each project; the spend to date on each project; the estimated cost of completing each project; and the provisional timetable for completion of each project in tabular form. [1252/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 931 and 932 together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority 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. Each local authority is the contracting authority for the purpose of implementation of regional and local road improvement projects.
Under the National Development Plan, my Department is committed at present to providing grant funding towards the cost of 12 significant capital road improvement schemes. The status and current estimated cost for each of these schemes is set out in the following table.
|
Name of Project |
Estimated Cost of Project €m |
Project Completion Date |
Stage of Project Lifecycle |
|
R407 Sallins By Pass |
57 |
2020 |
Implementation / Construction |
|
Coonagh to Knockalisheen |
52 |
2022 |
Planning/design |
|
Athy Southern Distributor Road |
34 |
2023 |
Planning/design |
|
Adamstown and Nangor Road Upgrade |
18 |
2019 |
Implementation / Construction |
|
Eastern Garavogue Bridge and Approach Road |
26 |
2022 |
Planning/Design |
|
Sligo Western Distributor Road |
20 |
2020 |
Procurement |
|
R498 Latteragh realignment |
15 |
2021 |
Planning/design |
|
Tralee Northern Relief Road |
11 |
2021 |
Detailed Appraisal Phase |
|
Portlaoise Southern Distributor Road |
7 |
2019 |
Implementation / Construction |
|
Laytown to Bettystown Link Road |
5 |
2020 |
Planning/design |
|
Dingle Relief Road |
4 |
2019 |
Implementation / Construction |
|
Shannon Crossing/Kilalloe Bypass/R494 Upgrade |
50 |
2023 |
Planning/design |
As regards the Carrigaline Western Distributor Road, while my Department is not in a position to commit to grant funding the construction of the scheme at this point, the Department has been liaising with Cork County Council with a view to finalising an updated project appraisal. Cork County Council’s application for funding for the scheme under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund was successful and €750,000 has been allocated to the scheme in 2019 under that Fund.
As regards the R157, the R162 Navan to Kingscourt the Carlow Southern Link Road and the Thurles Relief Road these projects were mentioned in the National Development Plan as examples of projects which would be the subject of appraisal. A safety scheme on the R157 Castlefarm/Grange, Maynooth road has been implemented in 2018 and my Department is continuing to liaise with the relevant local authorities in relation to appraisal requirements in relation to these and other schemes.
