Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:476. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when legislation on drones (details supplied) will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3798/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraLegislative Measures
Ceisteanna (476)
Freagraí scríofa
Ireland already has a regulatory framework in place for drones - as set out under S.I. 563 of 2015 - which is now being enhanced by a new and very comprehensive EU Regulation - 2018/1139 (EU) - which sets out comprehensive rules relating to aviation safety and provides for new rules for drones.
Ireland has been at the forefront of drone regulation within the EU, and currently under our national rules all drones operating in the State with a mass of 1 kg or greater are required to be registered with the IAA. 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 not more than 120 metres above the ground (or water), unless specifically permitted by the IAA. There are also restrictions on flying drones near people, buildings and vehicles. To date, over 10,000 drones have been registered with the IAA.
The national rules also set 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 - drones are prohibited entirely, except as permitted by the IAA. For aerodromes in uncontrolled airspace, a drone may not be operated within 5 km during periods of aircraft operations, again unless the aerodrome operator or the IAA has given permission.
With regard to the new EU Regulation, I can advise the Deputy that the first set of detailed implementing rules for the operation of drones are currently being developed by the European Commission. Until these new pan-European rules are released, the Irish Aviation Authority will continue to apply the existing national regulatory requirements in accordance with S.I. 563 of 2015 for the registration and operation of drones.
Brexit Issues
Ceisteanna (477)
Lisa Chambers
Ceist:477. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the preparations made at the Port of Cork in the event of a no-deal Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3813/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An interdepartmental committee established in 2018, which includes the Revenue Commissioners, my own Department, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, DAFM, the Health Service Executive’s Environmental Health Service and the OPW, has been meeting regularly to assess and coordinate the additional infrastructure requirements of our Ports and Airports in preparation for Brexit.
The two ports which will be mainly affected by Brexit when the UK becomes a Third County are Dublin and Rosslare. The OPW is engaging with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the additional infrastructure to carry out any necessary import controls becomes operational in a timely manner.
There are no sanitary and phytosanitary checks carried out in the Port of Cork. The port is, however, approved to handle bulk shipments of wood and plant-based derivatives at the current container terminal in Tivoli and has been engaging with DAFM in respect of its existing third country trade (bulk wood products).
Port of Cork has identified the need for a BIP, Border Inspection Post, in its plans as part of a new €86 million container terminal in Ringaskiddy, and the Port has engaged with both Customs and the DAFM on this matter. Should there be modal shift from RORO to LOLO the Port of Cork has spare capacity to cater for additional LOLO.
My Department has also sought to assess the existing maritime capacity for direct sailings between Ireland and continental EU ports as a potential alternative route for trade currently using the Landbridge. Brittany Ferries has already recently established a new direct route from Cork to Santander in Spain, creating capacity for 35,000 additional freight units annually.
Taxi Data
Ceisteanna (478)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:478. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of registered taxis and hackneys by area in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3707/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The regulation of the small public service vehicle, SPSV, industry, including the licensing of vehicles within this sector, is a matter for the National Transport Authority, NTA, under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply to him. I ask him to advise my private office if he does not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (479)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:479. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the subsidies available to shipping companies registered here; their purpose; and their cost. [3708/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department does not subsidise any shipping companies. All shipping companies operating services in and out of the country are private commercial companies and receive no State funding.
The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has responsibility for the subsidised ferry services to offshore islands and can supply details in that regard.
Airport Security
Ceisteanna (480, 481, 482, 483, 484)
Clare Daly
Ceist:480. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 227 of 16 January 2019, the reason a recommendation from a contracted auditor for the removal of exemption for law enforcement officers is being implemented (details supplied). [3750/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraClare Daly
Ceist:481. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 227 of 16 January 2019, the reason a recommendation is being implemented by a contracted auditor for the removal of the authorised officers of the Airport Police Service from the security compliance exemption list (details supplied). [3751/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraClare Daly
Ceist:482. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a member of An Garda Síochána and-or a member of the Defence Forces who has undergone a once-off background check on entering the service will continue to be exempt from searches in cases in which they enter and exit airport facilities and different areas within an airport campus in view of a proposal that airport police who undergo three-yearly Garda vetting will not be exempt from such searches. [3752/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraClare Daly
Ceist:483. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the initial proposal to remove authorised officers of the Airport Police Service from the airport security compliance exemption list was put forward; the person or body that originally suggested same; the reasoning for the proposal; and the objective that will be achieved by the removal of the exemption. [3753/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraClare Daly
Ceist:484. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if possession of a full background check such as is held by gardaí and members of the Defence Forces is an acceptable level of security compliance to maintain the position of a person on the airport security compliance exemption list. [3754/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 480 to 484, inclusive, together.
Airport security arrangements continue to be developed in accordance with commitments made in the 2015 National Aviation Policy, NAP, which was developed by the Department following extensive industry and stakeholder consultation. The NAP committed to introduce a risk-based approach to ensure Ireland has a robust and efficient aviation security system.
The new enhanced staff screening procedures that the Deputy raises were decided by my Department and adopted by the National Civil Aviation Security Committee, NCASC, on the basis of a risk assessment by the Irish Aviation Authority, IAA, which has responsibility for overseeing compliance with aviation security requirements in Ireland. The NCASC has members taken from key Government Departments, the Revenue Commissioners, An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, and industry (both airports and airlines). A number of reviews/audits of security practices and procedures at the State airports pointed to the need to introduce improvements in staff screening arrangements. In particular, in 2017 the Department invited the Paris-based, intergovernmental European Civil Aviation Conference, ECAC, to review security at Dublin Airport. A number of recommendations were made, including relating to improving security screening and checks for insider threats. The Department and the IAA have set about implementing these nationally as part of the National Civil Aviation Security Programme.
On 1 June 2018, my Department issued notice of the new screening procedures, and work has been ongoing at the airports in preparation for the introduction of the new procedures, which take effect from 30 January 2019. What this means in practice is that affected staff will no longer have unchecked access to the designated secure areas of the airport; rather they will have to undergo security checks. It will be a quick and streamlined process, with special facilities provided. I wish to assure the Deputy that it has been made quite clear to all of those involved that personnel will continue to be exempt from security screening if they are responding to any emergency situation. The Department has been in regular communications with the Revenue Commissioners' management, airport management and the Airport Police, and a lot of work has been undertaken at all of the airports to develop and communicate the procedures and protocols that will now be put into effect. The introduction of these new measures will improve security practices and security culture at our airports, which is in everyone’s best interests.
The audit in January 2019 to which the Deputy refers was an inspection of the IAA by the European Commission, and part of this inspection was conducted at Dublin Airport. The results of this inspection have not yet been released.
Road Network
Ceisteanna (485)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:485. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a crash barrier will be erected outside a property (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3762/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 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. I ask the Deputy to advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Road Projects Status
Ceisteanna (486)
Tom Neville
Ceist:486. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position in which the Cork and Limerick motorway is tiered on a priority list with the Macroom bypass and the Dunkettle interchange. [3787/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 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. I ask the Deputy to advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (487)
Eamon Scanlon
Ceist:487. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a bus shelter will be installed at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3811/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 the development and implementation of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus shelters. I am advised that the NTA has developed a strategy for determination of investment in the installation of bus shelters around the country.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. I ask him to advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Public Transport Initiatives
Ceisteanna (488)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:488. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated amount it would cost to adopt free public transport on Cork city orbital routes on the bus network for holders of Leap cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3837/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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. I ask him to advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Transport Policy
Ceisteanna (489, 490, 491)
Robert Troy
Ceist:489. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided for independent expert assistance to resident groups seeking to understand or amend the BusConnects proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3840/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraRobert Troy
Ceist:490. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided for independent expert assistance to resident groups seeking to understand or amend MetroLink proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3841/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraRobert Troy
Ceist:491. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that residents living on and around Mobhi Road are experiencing difficulty assessing the way in which the BusConnects and MetroLink proposals will affect their community; and if he will consider furnishing independent expert assistance to them in this regard. [3842/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 489 to 491, inclusive, 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 statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the development of BusConnects and MetroLink.
As the Deputy is aware, extensive public consultations are taking place with regard to both projects.
In relation to proposals to develop new bus lanes as part of the BusConnects programme, any property owner whose property is impacted by the development of the new bus lanes is offered a one-to-one meeting by the NTA, and I would encourage any such property owner to meet with the NTA to discuss the proposals and their implications. In addition to that personalised consultation with individual property owners, the NTA publishes detailed booklets in relation to each proposed, "corridor", establishes a community forum for each corridor and holds public information events in relation to the various corridors. The Deputy will, I am sure, acknowledge the extensive scope of this non-statutory consultation process.
In relation to MetroLink, I understand the NTA is finalising its review of the thousands of submissions received as part of last year's extensive public consultation process and will in the coming months re-engage with the public on a fresh round of public consultation on what will be referred to as the, "Preferred Route". That will be a further opportunity for people to review and consider proposals and engage with the NTA and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, during that public consultation process.
I note the Deputy's comments with regard to Mobhi Road and would refer to my comments above in relation to MetroLink and its impending consultation period and note that consultations on BusConnects proposals which may impact that area will commence in mid-February.
I am satisfied that the processes I have referred to above provide ample opportunity for people to understand the impications of any proposals and I would encourage as many people as possible to engage with these extensive consultation procesess on these two potentially transformative public transport initiatives.
Greenways Development
Ceisteanna (492)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:492. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the projected expenditure of €53 million on the development of new rural greenways in each of the years 2019, 2020 and 2021; the major developments and the projected expenditure for each during the three-year period; his plans and the projected costs for the construction of the next phase of the Boyne greenway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3863/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department officials are currently assessing the detailed Greenways applications submitted following the recent funding call which closed on 30 November 2018. It is my intention to announce the allocations from this round in Q2 of this year. An amount of €13.3 million has been allocated in the 2019 Revised Estimates for Greenways development in 2019, and there are indicative allocations of €19 million in 2020 and €20 million in 2021.
In regard to the proposed Boyne Greenway, among the applications received was one from Fingal County Council, in conjunction with Meath County Council, for planning and design funding for the, "Newbridge to Newgrange" Greenway, which will incorporate the Boyne Valley Greenway. An estimate of construction costs was included in their application of €20-25 million for the entire route.