Written Answers Nos. 218-242
218. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of financial settlements reached by his Department and statutory bodies within his remit nationally; and the number which included confidentiality clauses in each of the past five years by organisation. [44057/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere were 4 financial settlements and 11 legal cost settlements by my Department in the five-year period to 23 October 2019. Four of these cases included confidentiality clauses. The information requested in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. The Department will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisations in relation to this request.
219. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the projects and timeframes covered by the expenditure of €9 million on greenways and €146 million on other cycling infrastructure which was mentioned recently. [43928/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra224. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated by his Department towards cycling infrastructure and cycling projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43923/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra246. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding that will be made available to the cycling and walking programme and sustainable urban transport programme in 2020. [43975/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 219, 224 and 246 together.
I am aware there has been some confusion in recent weeks as regards Budget 2020's allocations to support active travel and greenways
I can confirm that Budget 2020 has allocated €91 million to the two principal active travel funding programmes which are mainly administered through the National Transport Authority. This is a significant increase on Budget 2019's allocation of €48 million toward the same two programmes.
Separately there is also a €23 million allocation for the Greenways programme, which supports leisure-orientated walking and cycling. This is a significant increase on Budget 2019's allocation of €13million toward the same programme.
Together these three funding programmes total €114 million next year and that includes the €9 million additional allocation, split evenly across active travel and greenways programmes, which arises from the introduction of carbon tax measures.
The Deputy will be aware that allocations made available under these funding programmes do not capture all public expenditure dedicated to active travel (or leisure-orientated walking and cycling); it also benefits from funding provided under BusConnects, the roads programmes, the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and from the tax incentive available under the Cycle-to-Work Scheme.
I have no doubt the Deputy welcomes these increased allocations and looks forward, as I do, to the delivery of a number of important projects across the country in 2020.
220. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he can assist rural communities dealing with transport in areas not served by public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44131/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services nationally. It also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme, which now operates under the 'Local Link' brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
221. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if officials from his Department will examine the bridge that was built in Athy, County Kildare, on the Barrow that is impossible to cross in a wheelchair (details supplied); and if he will examine fixing the issue. [43876/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, including bridges, is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993.
In cases where a piece of bridge infrastructure is owned by a party other than the Road Authority (for example by Irish Rail or Waterways Ireland) then it is a matter for the Road Authority to liaise with the appropriate party regarding maintenance responsibilities.
The issue raised by the Deputy is, therefore, a matter for the local authority.
222. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 163 of 26 September 2019, if there has been further progress on the approval of the capital expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43893/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that, in line with the requirements of the Public Spending Code, my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have completed their review of the business case relating to this significant expenditure of taxpayers' money.
I will now bring a Memorandum to Government on the matter at the very earliest opportunity.
223. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the failure rates in Dublin for the driver theory test and outside of Dublin, respectively, (details supplied). [43916/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the information requested by the Deputy is held by the Road Safety Authority, I have forwarded this question to the Authority for direct response. Please contact my office if no reply is received within 10 working days.
225. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding available to connect greenways to local towns they pass close to along their routes. [43929/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding was awarded to 10 Greenways in 9 counties in June of this year. Many of these Greenways have plans to include links to towns along their routes. In fact, as part of the Terms and Conditions that issued following the funding announcement, some projects were specifically asked to ensure certain towns were connected directly to the Greenway.
A big part of why I want to develop Greenways around the country is so that these local towns can benefit from the increased tourism in the area. We have seen the impact a Greenway can have on towns such as Kilmacthomas on the Waterford Greenway, and it is my hope that towns along these new routes will see similar benefits.
226. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the consideration national policy has given to the differential impacts of aviation emissions on the climate depending on the time of day and year when they are omitted; and the actions taken or under consideration by his Department or agencies under his aegis to reduce the climate impacts of aviation emissions by taking the time of day and year and weather conditions into account in the timing and routing of flights. [43930/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s policy to reduce the climate impact of aviation emissions is aligned with the strategies being pursued at EU level and globally by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. These strategies do not address the differential impacts of emissions depending on the time of day and year – further scientific work on the climate impact of non-CO2 emissions is needed in this regard and this is being advanced via ICAO’s Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection.
Ireland is however taking action based on the ICAO ‘basket of measures’ approach to address aviation emissions generally as follows -
On aircraft technology, Irish airlines have invested heavily in more fuel efficient aircraft over recent years. Irish airlines also operate with relatively high passenger load factors meaning emissions, on a per passenger basis, compare favourably with other airlines in Europe.
Operational initiatives to improve air traffic flows can also reduce fuel burn and emissions. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and airlines actively engage in such initiatives e.g. the ENSURE and Dublin Point Merge projects. The future space-based navigation and positioning system Aireon, in which IAA is a partner, will feed into optimised flight operations across the globe also reducing emissions.
On market based measures, Irish airlines have participated in the EU-ETS scheme since 2012. The inclusion of intra-European flights in the EU ETS has delivered around 100 million tonnes of CO2 reductions/offsets between 2012 and 2018. Since 1 January 2019, Irish airlines are monitoring emissions via modified EU-ETS templates to prepare participation in ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme in International Aviation from the pilot phase in 2021. CORSIA aims at carbon neutral growth in aviation from 2020.
Finally, Ireland supports efforts towards the production and use of sustainable aviation fuels that produce less or no carbon. Work in this area needs to be prioritised, particularly at an EU level, to incentivise research, production and use of those fuels.
227. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans following the ruling by a High Court Judge that a section of road traffic law on the third payment option was unconstitutional (details supplied). [43938/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the judge in this case has indicated that she will give a ruling on 30 October. When the ruling is given I shall seek legal advice before considering what would be the most appropriate response.
228. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the reduction by €115 million between the capital expenditure ceiling for 2020 for the Vote group published in the mid-year expenditure report 2019 and that outlined in budget 2020 will be accounted for. [43957/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2020 capital ceiling for my Department, published in Appendix 7 of the Revised Estimates 2019, and P. 9 of the Mid Year Expenditure Report 2019, was €2.058bn. My Department secured €1.943bn in Budget 2020, an increase of €357m.
The nature of multiannual capital projects is that the actual pace of delivery does not always mirror that forecast at the outset of the project. The Department, through its agencies, is able to estimate with accuracy when funds will be drawn down from the capital investment programme. Taking the two years 2020 and 2021 together our analysis forecasts that some capital expenditure profiled for 2020 will now fall to be paid in 2021. This re-profiling does not impact on the pace of any major projects.
As a result, due to the large number of projects in the pipeline and the various stages of progression of those projects, my Department was able to re-profile €125m or 6.4% of capital, without delaying projects presently in the pipeline. As part of this, I have asked TII to draw on their cash reserves in 2020, which they had earmarked for major road projects in 2021. This will allow a release in the order of €50m in 2020. The estimated value of projects re-profiled in practice is, as a result, €75m, or 3.8%.
Working closely with Minister Donohoe, I have a commitment from my Cabinet colleague that this capital funding will be returned in 2021 (with the exception of some €33m which I have asked to be spread over the following two years at the request of TII to suit their projected spending).
Separately, my Department received €10.5m from funds ringfenced for carbon tax. The €10.5m will be invested in EV charging infrastructure (€1.5m), Urban Cycleways (€4.5m) and Greenways (€4.5m).
The following is a table of the subheads where funds have been re-profiled and a summary of the specific projects.
|
Subhead |
Description |
Amount Re-profiled (000s) |
|
A.3 |
Regional Airports |
2 |
|
B.3.1 |
TII Reserves |
50 |
|
B.3.6 |
A5 |
28 |
|
B.8.2 |
Heavy Rail programme IMMAC |
15 |
|
C.3.2 |
Coast Guard |
2 |
|
D.4 |
Local Authority Swimming Programme |
2 |
|
D.5 |
National Sports Campus |
6 |
|
D.7 |
Large Scale Infrastructure |
10 |
|
E.6 |
Tourism Product Development |
10 |
|
Total |
|
125 |
A.4 Regional Airports: Completion of Ireland West Airport Knock Runway Overlay Project ahead of schedule has created the opportunity to bring forward expenditure, facilitating the re-profiling of funds from 2020 to 2021.
B.3.1 Grants to Transport Infrastructure Ireland re Capital Renewal and Maintenance of National Roads: TII will draw on their cash reserves in 2020 and which they had earmarked for major road projects in 2021. This will allow a release in the order of €50m in 2020.
B.3.6 A5 Border to Derry Road: Ongoing planning delays within the jurisdiction of Northern Ireland are delaying the requirement for delivery of a funding commitment of €28m originally profiled for 2020.
B.8.2 Heavy Rail Safety and Development: €14m of small projects can be safely deferred until 2021. This is approximately 5.5% of the total annual value of the maintenance programme.
C.3.2 Coast Guard: The Office of Public Works planning and scheduling of two Coast Guard projects, Greystones Coast Guard Station and the development of the Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre at Malin Head, mean that €1m can be re-profiled from each of these projects to 2021.
D.4 Local Authority Swimming Programme: The profile of projects expected to proceed in 2020 means that €2m can be re-profiled without impacting on the current project schedules.
D.5 Sport Ireland (Velodrome and National Badminton Centre): The project has not yet gone to tender.
D.7 Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund: The fund is at project selection stage and it is anticipated that €10m can be re-profiled from 2020 without impacting on the development of projects by successful candidates, when selections are completed and announced.
E.6 Tourism Product Development: €10m can be re-profiled without impacting on planned projects for 2020.
229. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of conducting a feasibility study into the possibility of another Luas line in Dublin or another city. [43958/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra236. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of the proposed Luas green line extensions as specified on page 55 of the National Development Plan 2018-2027; the status of the project; the projected commencement date for construction; the projected completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43965/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra237. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of the proposed Luas red line extensions as specified on page 55 of the National Development Plan 2018-2027; the status of the project; the projected commencement date for construction; the projected completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43966/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra238. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of the proposed Luas line to Lucan as specified on page 55 of the National Development Plan 2018-2027; the status of the project; the projected commencement date for construction; the projected completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43967/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 229 and 236 to 238, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. As the Deputy is aware Project Ireland 2040 provides funding for appraisal, planning and design of LUAS network expansions to Bray, Finglas, Lucan, Poolbeg and a light rail corridor for Cork.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area and our regional cities, including light rail.
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.
230. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered measures to support carpooling such as introducing legislation to allow persons to reimburse each other for the cost of wear and tear and fuel without requiring a commercial licence or insurance. [43959/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy's suggestion is interesting and one which I believe could be usefully developed as part of a submission on the review of sustainable mobility policy which I will be launching very shortly.
This review will look at all aspects of current policy in relation to sustainable mobility. It will allow all stakeholders to reflect on what has been achieved, what remains to be done and how our policy frameworks can support the realisation of a more sustainable transport system.
As part of the public consultation, I will be publishing a comprehensive suite of documents looking at the most important areas of public transport and active travel policy and seeking the views of all stakeholders. I will also publish a report of last year's initial Round Table Discussion with stakeholders, an Ex Post Evaluation of the Smarter Travel Areas programme 2012-2016 and a high-level assessment of the actions under the existing policies, Smarter Travel: A Sustainable Transport Future and the National Cycle Policy Framework.
I look forward to the next phase of this work and engaging with the public and all stakeholders as we look to shape the future direction of public transport and active travel policy and would welcome further engagement with the Deputy on the matter raised.
231. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of the provision of free public transport to children under 12 and 18 years of age and third level students. [43960/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services. 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 response within ten working days.
232. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €3 billion allocation for the development and construction of MetroLink; the planning stage of the project; the estimated commencement date for construction; the estimated completion date of the entire project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43961/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra233. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of the light rail system from the city centre to Swords as part of the MetroLink project; the projected commencement date; the projected completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43962/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra234. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of the light rail system from the city centre to Sandyford as part of the MetroLink project; the projected commencement date; the projected completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43963/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 232 to 234, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) have completed non-statutory consultation periods over 2018 and 2019 in relation to MetroLink.
Consultations held this year related to MetroLink's "Preferred Route" which is now a 19 kilometre route from Charlemont to Estuary in North County Dublin. Submissions received during the most recent consultation period are still being considered and I understand a report on those submissions will be published in due course.
Work has commenced on developing a preliminary business case, and cost estimation will form a central part of that business case. The NTA and TII hope to submit a finalised business case to me and my Department early next year, which I will then bring to Government for its approval. This process is in line with the Public Spending Code.
As the Deputy may be aware, the formal planning permission for a proposed railway development is given by way of a Railway Order. I understand from the NTA and TII that they expect to lodge a Railway Order application with An Bord Pleanala next year and construction can begin once that procedure is complete. At this stage, the projected completion date for the MetroLink is 2027.
235. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of the proposed DART underground as specified on page 55 of the National Development Plan 2018-2027; the status of the project; the projected commencement date for construction; the projected completion date of the entire project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43964/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, as part of Project Ireland 2040 the funding priority in relation to the DART Expansion Programme is to ensure delivery of the non-tunnel elements of the programme over the next ten years.
The initial sequencing of investment will therefore focus on -
- electrification of the Northern Line to Drogheda,
- electrification of the Kildare Line to Hazelhatch,
- electrification of the Maynooth Line to Maynooth and M3 Parkway ,
- better utilisation of the Phoenix Park Tunnel,
- expansion of the rail fleet, and
- other measures such as re-signalling and junction/station changes.
The DART Expansion Programme's remaining element is the DART Underground Tunnel (also known as the DART Interconnector) as referred to by the Deputy. Project Ireland 2040 commits toward establishing the route of the DART Underground Tunnel and ensuring its protection to allow for its future delivery. The cost estimate for the delivery of such a project would only be developed following the completion of any design work on the project.
Noting the National Transport Authority's statutory responsibilities in relation to the delivery of public transport infrastructure including the DART Expansion Programme, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
239. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of each of the measures recommended by the motor insurance working group that fall within the remit of his Department. [43968/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for five recommendations of the Cost of Insurance Working Group, specifically recommendations 28 to 32.
Recommendation 28 is to establish a database to identify uninsured drivers. Legislation is in place to enable the creation of such a database, referred to as the Motor Third Party Liability (MTPL) database. My officials have been engaging with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland, Insurance Ireland and the Garda Síochána on this project, which has been long and complex. I would like here to acknowledge the contribution of all stakeholders. The first phase of the database is almost ready to go live, and I hope to sign the necessary commencement order for the legislation before the end of November. In order for the full benefit of this database to be achieved, some small amendments to the legislation will still be required, and these are included in the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which is currently being drafted.
Recommendation 29 calls for the development of a protocol to provide that the insurance industry use the driver number to check driver details on the national vehicle and driver file. This recommendation is dependent on prior completion of recommendation 28.
Recommendation 30 - Expedite development of the Master Licence Record. This is a highly complex project, and we will require further legislative amendment in order to achieve it. This legislation too will be addressed in the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.
Recommendation 31 calls for the establishment of a protocol in regard to insurance companies requiring proof of NCT or Certificate of Roadworthiness. This project is dependent on the prior completion of Recommendation 30.
Finally, Recommendation 32 is to ‘require the insurance industry to promote compliance with road safety legislation.’ My officials worked with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and Insurance Ireland to assist in the development of a protocol for the insurance industry to promote road safety in policy documents and through other mechanisms. While a protocol was agreed, final sign-off and implementation has yet to occur, and my officials are working with the RSA and Insurance Ireland to expedite this.
240. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department is considering measures to support e-bikes in particular, such as raising the allowable amount under the bike to work scheme in view of the higher cost of such vehicles. [43969/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware the Cycle-to-Work Scheme, which I am very supportive of, is a tax incentive aimed at encouraging employees to cycle to and from work by allowing for beneficial tax arrangements in respect of the purchase of a bicycle and certain related cycling equipment. The Scheme of course applies to e-bikes as it does to other bikes and provides a substantial benefit to those who avail of it and that benefit should not be overlooked.
Tax policy generally and tax incentives, such as this scheme, are matters for the Minister for Finance in the first instance.
I am about to launch a consultation on sustainable mobility policy and, as part of that, I would welcome engagement with the Deputy on any particular incentives he might have in mind. I think it important that any fiscal incentive is supported by appropriate analysis and fits with an overall policy framework, an approach I would hope he supports.
241. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has considered retrofitting public transport vehicles such as buses and trains with racks to carry bicycles; and the estimated cost associated with fitting a bicycle rack to a bus. [43970/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area including, in consultation with the public transport companies, the suitability and where required retrofitting, of public transport vehicles.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply regarding the specific issue raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
242. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of electrifying the rail network with reference to the cost of electrifying one kilometre of railway track; and the cost of purchasing one electric train. [43971/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, 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 DART Expansion Programme which provides for electrification of the network and expansion of the fleet.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities in the matter raised and their relevance to the Deputy's question generally, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
