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Tuesday, 22 Jan 2019

Written Answers Nos. 549-568

Free Travel Scheme Eligibility

Ceisteanna (549)

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

549. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to allowing persons under 12 years of age to travel free on public transport as is common in other jurisdictions; and the estimated cost of providing same for one calendar year. [2576/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for public transport fares and I have therefore 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.

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

Trans European Transport Network Programme

Ceisteanna (550)

James Browne

Ceist:

550. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has applied to the European Union to designate the Dublin to Rosslare railway line with Trans European Transport Network, TEN–T, core status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2591/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The TEN-T Core Network is a subset of the Comprehensive Network, representing the strategically most important nodes and links of the trans-European transport networks. The Dublin - Rosslare Europort rail line is on the TEN-T comprehensive network and does not form part of the TEN-T Core Network.

The EU TEN-T Regulations when adopted in 2013 identified, by way of maps, the routes included in Europe’s comprehensive and core transport networks. As I have outlined in responses to previous parliamentary questions, the EU’s planning methodology explicitly set out the criteria that was used in the identification of the comprehensive network, as well as those parts of the network that are identified as the core network.

My Department will soon make a submission to the European Commission in respect of the TEN-T network, taking account of the implications of Brexit, the current National Development Plan and National Planning Framework. As stipulated in the 2013 TEN-T Regulation, there is to be a review of the implementation of the core network by the end 2023. The submission by my Department will call for an early review of the TEN-T Core Network.

A proposal for a new Regulation for the Connecting Europe Facility - the funding mechanism for TEN-T from 2021 - is currently under consideration.  In the latest draft, the Commission has accepted Ireland's proposal, made jointly with Malta and Cyprus, that funding be provided for infrastructure on the Comprehensive Network in Member States where there is no land border with another EU Member State. If this is maintained as part of the final agreed Regulation, it will mean that the railway line to Rosslare and indeed Rosslare Port itself will continue to  be eligible to apply for funding for projects coming within the application criteria.

Brexit Issues

Ceisteanna (551, 552, 554)

James Browne

Ceist:

551. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide funding to extend the M11 motorway to Rosslare Europort in view of the threats of Brexit and the need to develop ports here to ensure access to the Continent. [2592/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

James Browne

Ceist:

552. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide funding to develop the access roads in the Rosslare Europort area in view of the threats of Brexit and the need to develop ports here to ensure access to the Continent. [2593/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

James Browne

Ceist:

554. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take to examine road connectivity between Rosslare Europort and the west of the country in view of the importance of increasing direct accessibility between the west and continental Europe in order to avoid a likely UK customs delays post Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2595/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 551, 552 and 554 together.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  Once funding arrangements have been put in place, 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. 

However, with regard to the N11 project, I have been advised by TII that the N11 Gorey to Enniscorthy project is progressing well and is on target for completion in 2019.  The connection from Oilgate to Roslare project is identified as a pre-appraisal/early planning project in the National Development plan.  Wexford County Council is the Contracting Authority and TII are working with the local authority in term of appraising and delivering this project.

On the issue of Ports development, I can advise that strengthening access routes to Ireland’s ports through investment to upgrade and enhance the road transport network is, and remains, a Government priority.   My Department is in consultation with TII regarding the relationship between ports development and road infrastructure development in order to ensure that the best options for accessibility and connectivity are achieved.

The UK’s exit from the EU highlights the importance of high quality international maritime connectivity and the importance of continuing investment to further improve the quality of port facilities. This is relevant to all our Ports of National Significance, both Tier 1 and Tier 2 (Ports of Waterford and Rosslare), given their potential role in maintaining transportation linkages with crucial EU markets.

In terms of Brexit,  a whole-of Government approach has been adopted in relation to our key ports  through the establishment of an Inter-Departmental Committee to ensure that ports have the necessary infrastructure in place for Brexit.

All three Ports of National Significance (Tier 1) – Dublin, Cork and Shannon Foynes – are currently undertaking major capital infrastructure programmes. These programmes will enhance national and international connectivity, and provide for future increases in trade and national port capacity requirements by facilitating more vessels, larger sized vessels and increased tonnage and throughput. All of these developments must be financed by the companies themselves without recourse to the Exchequer.

Irish Rail has recently  completed a detailed report on Rosslare and a €15 million plan to  transform Rosslare Europort has been approved by the board. Irish Rail and Rosslare Europort are committed to an investment plan for the year.

In the context of connectivity from East to West of the country, the National Development Plan (NDP) specifies that there will be significant investment in connectivity through improved roads and international access and supply chains through our Ports. 

Noting the above position, I have referred the questions  to TII for a more detailed and direct reply on the issues raised concerning national road infrastructure projects.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Question No. 553 answered with Question No. 526.
Question No. 554 answered with Question No. 551.

Ports Policy

Ceisteanna (555)

James Browne

Ceist:

555. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to upgrade Rosslare Europort to tier 1 status in view of the threats of Brexit and the need to develop ports here. [2596/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The 2013 National Ports Policy designated Rosslare Europort as a Port of National Significance (Tier 2).

Ports of National Significance (Tier 2) ports are responsible for at  least 2.5% of overall tonnage through Irish ports, have the potential to handle higher volumes of unitised traffic and have existing transport links to serve a wider, national marketplace beyond their immediate region. 

Ports of National Significance (Tier 1) are ports that are responsible for 15% to 20% of overall tonnage through Irish ports and have clear potential to lead the development of future port capacity in the medium and long term, when and as required. 

The tonnage of goods handled at all Irish ports are published annually by the Central Statistics Office. The following is a link to the latest published CSO figures showing tonnage over the last 12 years:

https://www.cso.ie/multiquicktables/quickTables.aspx?id=tba07.

Rosslare Europort continues to fulfil the criteria of a Port of National Significance (Tier 2).

Irish Rail has recently  completed a detailed report on Rosslare and a €15 million plan to  transform Rosslare Europort has been approved by the board. Irish Rail and Rosslare Europort are committed to an investment plan for the year and will be proactive in attracting new business. 

In terms of Brexit,  a whole-of Government approach has been adopted in relation to our key ports and airports through the establishment of an Inter-Departmental Committee to ensure that ports have the necessary infrastructure in place for Brexit.

Ports Facilities

Ceisteanna (556)

James Browne

Ceist:

556. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to improve multimodal connectivity at Rosslare Europort specifically between rail and ferry services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2597/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Question No. 557 answered with Question No. 526.

International Driving Permits

Ceisteanna (558)

James Browne

Ceist:

558. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if UN driver licence certificates are recognised here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2601/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I believe the Deputy is referring to the International Driving Permit. The permit is a translation of a person's driving licence, and the permit and licence must be carried together. The Permit is recognised in Ireland.

Pension Provisions

Ceisteanna (559, 560, 561)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

559. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide copies of records relating to a pension fund (details supplied) between 2008 and 2015; the solvency of the fund; the impact of same on the valuation of Aer Lingus and the shares of the company; and his plans and strategies to address the structure, management, solvency or deficit relating to same. [2609/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Clare Daly

Ceist:

560. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if copies will be provided of records relating to the legislative proposals and changes concerning a pension scheme (details supplied) in the State Airports (Shannon Group) Act 2014. [2610/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Clare Daly

Ceist:

561. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if copies of records will be provided regarding the proposal for change of rules introduced by trustees of a pension fund (details supplied) following the passage of the State Airports (Shannon Group) Act 2014. [2611/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 559 to 561, inclusive, together.

The Deputy will be aware that the Irish Airlines (General Employees) Superannuation Scheme (IASS) is currently the subject of on-going legal proceedings and I am therefore restricted as to what I can say and the documentation that I can make public in relation to the scheme.

The information sought by the Deputy covers a number of issues relating to the scheme, some of which would be available in my Department, particularly those records relating to the superannuation scheme provisions included in the State Airports (Shannon Group) Act 2014.  However, those particular records could amount to thousands or tens of thousands of documents, depending on the timeline.  If the Deputy would like to contact my Department to discuss how such documentation may be made available to her, whether by means of a Freedom of Information request or otherwise, my officials will assist as best they can, having regard to Discovery as well as Freedom of Information procedures.

Sports Facilities Provision

Ceisteanna (562)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

562. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when phase two of the National Indoor Arena will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2618/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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 development of the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus at Abbotstown.

Work commenced in July 2017 on the development of Phase 2 of the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena.  The project was due for completion in mid-2019 but it is currently progressing ahead of schedule and is now expected to be completed in March 2019. Phase 2 will see the construction of full-sized and half-sized covered synthetic pitches, primarily for soccer and rugby but capable of accommodating all field-sports, together with changing facilities, strength and conditioning facilities, offices and meeting rooms.

When it is completed, this covered facility will provide our elite athletes and competitors in the relevant codes with year-round, always open, training facilities regardless of weather conditions, in preparation for competitive fixtures and international tournaments. 

Energy Usage

Ceisteanna (563)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

563. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the dates over the past 18 months that lights at junctions on the M6 motorway from Athlone to Dublin were turned off for energy saving measures; if the lights at junctions were turned off as part of an energy saving measure was in conjunction with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland; if credits will attach to Westmeath County Council for the energy saved in its area; and if so, the items for which these credits are being offset against. [2623/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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 planning, design 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 the question to TII for a direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

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

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (564)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

564. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will publish the airline costs for his Department for 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2700/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department spent €187,195.00 on Air Travel in 2018.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (565)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

565. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will publish the cost of newspapers in his Department in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2717/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The total expenditure by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport on newspapers in 2018 is €14,022.

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (566)

Pat Buckley

Ceist:

566. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reopen the Midleton to Youghal railway line for public transport purposes; the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2747/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The National Development Plan (NDP) states that the priority funding objective in relation to the mainline rail network is the maintenance and renewal of the existing network.  In line with that funding objective, the funding allocations committed under the NDP provide for a fully-funded, or steady state, level of maintenance and renewal across the Iarnród Éireann network.  This represents a significant and recurring annual contribution from the taxpayer towards our heavy rail network.

As noted in the NDP, Cork City Council and Cork County Council, in partnership with the National Transport Authority, are currently finalising the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) which will consider issues relating to congestion and transport needs in and around Cork City and surrounding areas, including Midleton. This strategy will provide a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services across the Cork Metropolitan Area, for the period up to 2040. 

I understand that the strategy will be published for public consultation in the near future.

Finalisation of the strategy will, together with the funding provided under the National Development Plan, provide the policy backdrop to consideration of future transport development in the Cork region.  

Ports Facilities

Ceisteanna (567)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

567. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has received funding to hire additional staff to carry out sanitary and phytosanitary checks and controls at ports and airports; the number of full-time equivalent posts that funding will support; and the date by which these staff will be hired. [2750/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The responsibility for carrying out sanitary and phytosanitary checks and controls at ports and airports is a matter for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will be able to assist the Deputy in any query he has on the above matter.

Ports Facilities

Ceisteanna (568)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

568. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has received funding to hire additional staff to prepare export certificates at ports and airports; the number of full-time equivalent posts that funding will support; and the date by which these staff will be hired. [2751/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The responsibility for preparing export certificates at ports and airports is a matter for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will be able to assist the Deputy in any query he has on the above matter.

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