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Tuesday, 12 Feb 2019

Written Answers Nos. 613-634

Road Safety Authority Reports

Ceisteanna (613)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

613. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the RSA as a regulatory agency to determine if it is performing its statutory functions in an effective manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6734/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Road Safety Authority's statutory functions are set out in the Road Safety Authority Act 2006. My Department has a thorough oversight framework in place to ensure the effective delivery of these functions and to monitor the agency's performance on a consistent and ongoing basis.

This framework was drawn up in line with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (available to read at www.per.gov.ie/en/revised-code-of-practice-for-the-governance-of-state-bodies/). Provisions include the drawing up and regular reviewing of Performance Delivery Agreements, the implementation of Oversight Agreements, and monthly meetings between the Road Safety Authority and officials from my Department.

State Properties

Ceisteanna (614)

James Browne

Ceist:

614. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a location (details supplied) rests within the ownership of the State or its part-owned company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6764/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

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

Transport Infrastructure Provision

Ceisteanna (615)

Tony McLoughlin

Ceist:

615. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if contact will be made with the NTA to seek funding in order to provide new bus shelters at the stop serving a location (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6807/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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 statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the installation of bus shelters.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

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

Transport Infrastructure Provision

Ceisteanna (616, 617, 619, 620, 621, 623, 635)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

616. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the allocation in 2019 for the investment in the inter-urban rail network; the dates in 2019 28 rail carriages will re-enter service; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6878/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

617. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the allocation in 2019 for the LocalLink programme; the date in 2019 the suspension on the purchase of diesel-only buses will be enacted; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6879/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

619. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €2 billion allocation for 2019 for the DART expansion programme; the date in 2019 a new contract will be awarded; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6881/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

620. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €75 million allocation for 2019 for the heavy rail enhancement programme; the date in 2019 the city centre resignaling project is expected to be completed; the date in 2019 the Pearse Street re-roofing will commence; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6882/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

621. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €2 billion allocation for 2019 for BusConnects; the date in 2019 the planning process will begin; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6883/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

623. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €150 million allocation for 2019 for the national train control centre; the date in 2019 the project will commence; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6885/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

635. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €150 million allocation for 2019 for the systems integration and support programme; the date in 2019 the existing Leap ticketing system will be extended to debit and credit cards and e-ticketing deployment; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6897/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 616, 617, 619 to 621, inclusive, 623 and 635 together.

The Government is committed to delivering Project Ireland 2040 within the overall multi-year resource envelope that has been set out. For 2019, the capital allocation has increased by €1,325 million or just over 22% above the 2018 allocation as stated in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2019.

With regard to implications arising from the National Children’s Hospital project, the Government is currently considering how the additional cost pressures will be accommodated within the multi-year envelope, with a minimum of disruption to the planned rollout and delivery of important infrastructure projects under Project Ireland 2040, which I am pleased to report are proceeding at a strong rate. At this time, there are no implications for the allocations for the public transport-related projects referred to by the Deputy from the financing of the National Children's Hospital.

In terms of investment in the inter-urban heavy rail network, funding to be provided in 2019 to Iarnród Éireann is in line with the allocations provided by Project Ireland 2040 which importantly means that the 'steady state' level of investment is met, as measured on an annualised basis.

In relation to the other projects and programmes referred to, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities in the programmes and projects referred to by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed 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

Greenways Funding

Ceisteanna (618)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

618. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €56 million allocation for 2019 for the greenways strategy; the projects to be delivered in 2019; the dates in 2019 these projects will be completed; if they will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6880/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The allocation for Greenways for the years 2019 to 2021 is €52.3m. €13.3m has been allocated for 2019.

A funding call for Greenways under the recently published Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways closed on November 30th 2018 and my officials are currently examining the applications. I expect to be in a position to allocate funding to the selected projects under this call in Quarter 2. However, as they have not been chosen yet, I have no further details as to their likely commencement and completion dates.

At present funding is in place for a number of previously funded Greenways and it is expected that the Maynooth to Athlone section of the Galway to Dublin Greenway will be completed in 2019.

The Government is committed to delivering Project Ireland 2040 within the overall multi-year resource envelope that has been set out. For 2019, the capital allocation has increased by €1,325 million or just over 22% above the 2018 allocation as stated in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2019.

At this time, there are no implications for the allocation for this programme from the financing of the National Children's Hospital.

Questions Nos. 619 to 621, inclusive, answered with Question No. 616.

Road Projects Expenditure

Ceisteanna (622, 624, 625, 627, 629, 636, 637)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

622. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €200 million allocation in 2019 for the N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom route; the date in 2019 building will commence; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6884/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

624. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €115 million allocation in 2019 for the Dunkettle interchange; the date in 2019 construction will commence; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6886/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

625. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €100 million allocation in 2019 for the N25 Dungloe to Glenties road; the date in 2019 the project will be completed; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6887/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

627. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €39 million allocation in 2019 for the N56 Mountcharles to Inver Road route; the date in 2019 the project will be completed; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6889/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

629. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €42 million allocation in 2019 for the Listowel bypass; the date in 2019 it will be completed; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6891/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

636. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €592 million allocation in 2019 for the M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy motorway; the date in 2019 the project will be completed; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6898/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

637. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €385 million allocation in 2019 for the N25 New Ross bypass; the date in 2019 the project will be completed; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6899/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 622, 624, 625, 627, 629, 636 and 637 together.

The Government is committed to delivering Project Ireland 2040 within the overall multi-year resource envelope that has been set out. For 2019, the capital allocation has increased by €1,325 million or just over 22% above the 2018 allocation as stated in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2019.

With regard to implications arising from the National Children’s Hospital project, the Government is currently considering how the additional cost pressures will be accommodated within the multi-year envelope, with a minimum of disruption to the planned rollout and delivery of important infrastructure projects under Project Ireland 2040.

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 construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

At this time, there are no implications for the allocation for this project or programme from the financing of the National Children’s Hospital.

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
Question No. 623 answered with Question No. 616.
Questions Nos. 624 and 625 answered with Question No. 622.

Road Projects Expenditure

Ceisteanna (626, 630, 632, 633, 634)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

626. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €52 million allocation in 2019 for the Coonagh to Knockalisheen route; the date in 2019 the project will commence; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; and if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6888/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

630. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €18 million allocation in 2019 for a facility (details supplied); the date in 2019 it will be completed; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6892/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

632. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €7 million allocation in 2019 for the Portlaoise southern distributor road; the date in 2019 the project will be completed; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6894/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

633. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €5 million allocation in 2019 for the Laytown to Bettystown link road; the date in 2019 the project will be completed; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6895/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

634. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €4 million allocation in 2019 for the Dingle relief road; the date in 2019 the project will be completed; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6896/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 626, 630 and 632 to 634, inclusive, together.

The Government is committed to delivering Project Ireland 2040 within the overall multi-year resource envelope that has been set out. For 2019, the capital allocation has increased by €1,325 million or just over 22% above the 2018 allocation as stated in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2019. With regard to implications arising from the National Children’s Hospital project, the Government is currently considering how the additional cost pressures will be accommodated within the multi-year envelope, with a minimum of disruption to the planned rollout and delivery of important infrastructure projects under Project Ireland 2040.

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each 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 the regional and local road improvement projects included in Project Ireland 2040 and is responsible for the project schedule.

The figures mentioned in the Deputy's Parliamentary Questions are the total estimated cost of each project. As regards grant expenditure to date and 2019 allocations, the Regional and Local Road allocation and payment booklets available in the Oireachtas library provide details of grant payments and allocations. The Capital Tracker published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform provides information on the status of the projects. The relevant link is:

https://www.per.gov.ie/en/investment-projects-and-programmes-tracker/

At this time, there are no implications for the allocation for this project or programme from the financing of the National Children’s Hospital.

Question No. 627 answered with Question No. 622.

Sports Facilities Expenditure

Ceisteanna (628)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

628. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €26 million allocation in 2019 for the national indoor arena phase 2; the date in quarter 1 of 2019 it will be completed; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6890/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is committed to delivering Project Ireland 2040 within the overall multi-year resource envelope that has been set out. For 2019, the capital allocation has increased by €1,325 million or just over 22% above the 2018 allocation as stated in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2019. With regard to implications arising from the National Children’s Hospital project, the Government is currently considering how the additional cost pressures will be accommodated within the multi-year envelope, with a minimum of disruption to the planned rollout and delivery of important infrastructure projects under Project Ireland 2040, which I am pleased to report are proceeding at a strong rate.

Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus at Abbotstown.

Work on the development of Phase 2 of the National Indoor Arena commenced in July 2017. Phase 2 comprises 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. The cost of the project is €26m, €6m of which was allocated in 2017, with €18m allocated in 2018 and €2m allocated for completion of the project in 2019. The project was due for completion in mid-2019 but it is currently progressing ahead of schedule and is now expected to be ready for handover to Sport Ireland in March 2019.

At this time, there are no implications for the allocation for this project from the financing of the National Children’s Hospital.

Question No. 629 answered with Question No. 622.
Question No. 630 answered with Question No. 626.

Sports Facilities Expenditure

Ceisteanna (631)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

631. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €16 million allocation in 2019 for the velodrome and national badminton centre; the date in 2019 building will commence; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6893/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is committed to delivering Project Ireland 2040 within the overall multi-year resource envelope that has been set out. For 2019, the capital allocation has increased by €1,325 million or just over 22% above the 2018 allocation as stated in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2019. With regard to implications arising from the National Children’s Hospital project, the Government is currently considering how the additional cost pressures will be accommodated within the multi-year envelope, with a minimum of disruption to the planned rollout and delivery of important infrastructure projects under Project Ireland 2040, which I am pleased to report are proceeding at a strong rate.

Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus at Abbotstown.

Under the National Development Plan 2018-2027, €16m has been committed to develop a National Velodrome and Badminton Centre at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus in 2020 and 2021. The proposed facility will comprise a 250-metre cycling track, 12-16 Badminton Courts in the in-track area, spectator seating and ancillary facilities including office space. Sport Ireland has begun preparation on the tendering process and anticipates that a tender will be published in Q3/Q4 of 2019.

At this time, there are no implications for the allocation for this project from the financing of the National Children’s Hospital.

Questions No. 632 to 634, inclusive, answered with Question No. 626.
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