Written Answers Nos. 1020-1039
1020. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if discussions have taken place within his Department on providing funding for a feasibility study of the railway line from Navan to Kingscourt; if not, if this will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2893/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFrom my replies to her previous questions on this matter, the Deputy will recall that the priority funding objective in relation to mainline rail is the maintenance and renewal of the existing operating network. This objective is supported by the significantly enhanced funding now available to support that network, as evidenced by the approximate 23% increase in Exchequer funding provided in 2019 and which has been further increased in 2020.
The Deputy will also recall from previous answers that no funding is provided within Project Ireland 2040 for the re-opening of the Kingscourt line nor are there any current plans to undertake a feasibility study on the line.
1021. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional funding will be provided to Cavan and Monaghan county councils for necessary road works due to bad weather and cuts in funding over previous years causing backlogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2910/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, 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.
I announced the 2020 Regional and Local Road (RLR) allocations earlier this year and all grant funding available to my Department has now been allocated.
In line with established practice, local authorities are advised by my Department that a contingency provision should be reserved from the overall resources available to each authority for regional and local roads so as to deal with damage caused by severe weather conditions.
In addition, local authorities may carry out repairs from the RLR grants available to them and from their own resources and in this context, it is open to each Council to determine and reprioritise its work programme following severe weather events.
Cavan County Council has received over €15m in regional and local roads allocations for 2020, an increase of 66% when compared with its 2017 allocations. Monaghan County Council has received over €14m in regional and local roads allocations for 2020, an increase of over 88% when compared with its 2017 allocations.
1022. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the availability of emergency funding for roads damaged by recent flooding due to heavy rainfall in Gort and Loughrea municipal areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2993/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1050. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the availability of emergency funding for roads damaged by recent flooding due to heavy rainfall in the Gort and Loughrea municipal areas, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2988/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1022 and 1050 together.
As the Deputy is aware, 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.
I announced the 2020 Regional and Local Road (RLR) allocations earlier this year and all grant funding available to my Department has now been allocated. 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 Oireachtas Library.
In line with established practice, local authorities are advised by my Department that a contingency provision should be reserved from the overall resources available to each authority for regional and local roads so as to deal with damage caused by severe weather conditions, including flooding.
In addition, local authorities may carry out repairs from the RLR grants available to them and from their own resources and in this context, it is open to each Council to determine and reprioritise its work programme following severe weather events.
1023. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will amend section 81 of the Local Government Act 2001 to allow for the use of local improvement scheme funding to carry out maintenance of drainage channels for minor flood alleviation, separate to the current provisions which only cater for such works associated with improvements to private roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3098/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 81 of the Local Government Act 2001 provides the statutory basis for the Local Improvements Scheme (LIS). Under the Scheme, funding can be provided by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to local authorities for the construction and improvement of non-public roads (that is roads not taken in charge by local authorities) which meet the criteria set out in the Act. A contribution from the beneficiaries is required in all cases.
Due to the major cutbacks in roads funding arising from the financial crisis, it was necessary for the Department to stop providing dedicated funding to local authorities in respect of LIS (2011 was the last year dedicated funding was provided by this Department). From 2013 to 2017 local authorities could use a proportion of this Department's Discretionary Grant funding for LIS should they wish to do so. The reason this approach was taken was that it was considered that Councils were best placed to decide whether to concentrate the limited grant funding available on public roads or to operate a local improvement scheme for non-public roads.
Section 81 of the 2001 Local Government Act also provides that another Minister may make a grant to a road authority in relation to non-public roads in accordance with a Scheme made by that other Minister. In September 2017 the Minister for Rural and Community Development reintroduced dedicated funding for LIS. In light of this and the pressing need to direct resources into maintaining and renewing public roads, it was decided that the option of allocating a proportion of the Discretionary Grant to LIS would no longer apply from 2018.
Currently my Department has no plans to make any amendments to Section 81 of the Local Government Act 2001. The Deputy should note that section 81 enables me to fund works related to non-public roads, from the funding I grant to road authorities for road works generally. In so far as the question concerns maintenance of drainage in other circumstances, this is the responsibility of the Office of Public Works and I, as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, have no function in the matter.
1024. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to address the barriers to the future growth of the aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul industry here as identified by the National Civil Aviation Development Forum in 2016; his further plans to support the industry to grow into the future (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3171/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the National Aviation Policy a new collaborative industry/Government forum known as The National Civil Aviation Development Forum (NCADF) was established. Under this structure an MRO and Related Enterprises sub-group was established and the group developed a series of recommended actions aimed at growing MRO capabilities and capacity in Ireland.
On foot of the recommendations of the NCADF my Department commissioned an independent economic evaluation of the aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul sector in Ireland, conducted by Indecon Consultants and published in May 2019 - see link to report: (https://assets.gov.ie/19143/0c86a298d6d74956a622146609a691d0.pdf).
The study was overseen by a steering group comprising officials of my Department, Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI), Department of Education and Skills (DES), Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the Irish Aviation Authority (representing the NCADF MRO working group).
The recommendations of the report relate to the enhancement of cost competitiveness, addressing skills shortages, marketing of Ireland as a location for MRO services, and infrastructure provision. It was also agreed that Enterprise Ireland and the IDA would jointly fund a report that would determine the need for additional hangarage in Ireland, indicative costs of hangarage and State aids in competing markets.
It is understood that work on this further study is underway and it is expected to be completed end of Q2 2020.
1025. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3241/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is the competent authority for aviation safety regulation in Ireland, including drones. The safe operation of drones in Ireland is currently regulated by the Irish Aviation Authority Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) and Rockets Order 2015, S.I. 563 of 2015. The 2015 Order prohibits operating of a drone in a negligent or reckless manner so as to endanger life or cause damage to the property of others. In addition the IAA has published guidance material to encourage safe and responsible drone operation.
In light of new EU drone Regulations, the IAA is currently reviewing S.I. 563 of 2015. Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 were published to ensure harmonised, safe and secure drone production and use across Europe. These Regulations cover essential requirements to mitigate risks pertaining to the safety of the flight, privacy, and protection of personal data, security or the environment, arising from the operation of drones.
1026. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional funding will be allocated to local authorities for the maintenance of roads affected by the recent flooding; if not, the other grants or schemes for roads that can be applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3306/20]
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.
I announced the 2020 Regional and Local Road (RLR) allocations earlier this year and all grant funding available to my Department has now been allocated. 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.
In line with established practice, local authorities are advised by my Department that a contingency provision should be reserved from the overall resources available to each authority for regional and local roads so as to deal with damage caused by severe weather conditions, including flooding.
In addition, local authorities may carry out repairs from the RLR grants available to them and from their own resources and in this context, it is open to each Council to determine and reprioritise its work programme following severe weather events.
1027. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the person or body responsible for the maintenance of a lighthouse (details supplied) in County Cork; if works are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3881/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to confirm that the Commissioners of Irish Lights are responsible for the operation and maintenance of aids to navigation and lighthouses in Irish coastal waters. This includes the lighthouse at Roche's Point, Co. Cork.
I have consulted with the Commissioners of Irish Lights and they have advised that there are no works planned for Roches Point Lighthouse other than normal aids to navigation system maintenance.
1028. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the need for a bus shelter in a village (details supplied) will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2598/20]
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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including provision of bus stops and bus shelters throughout the State.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, 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.
1029. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff employed at a location including in agencies under the aegis of his Department (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2634/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport has no staff employed in Portlaoise, Co. Laois.
In relation to the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department, I have asked the agencies to provide the Deputy with the information requested. If you do not have a reply from the agencies within ten working days please advise my private office.
1030. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided for a special sporting event (details supplied) in County Cork in June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2670/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe hosting of international sports events, both participative and spectator sports, can provide great opportunities to showcase Ireland and drive international visitor numbers and associated revenue. Furthermore, the media coverage of such events helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination.
Accordingly, I am very supportive of the work of the tourism agencies and the national governing bodies of sport to attract international events, subject, of course, to an assessment of the costs and benefits involved in any State financial support, in particular the number of overseas visitors.
In terms of tourism funding, with the exception of capital funding for Greenways projects, all monies voted to my Department for tourism are channelled through the two tourism agencies – Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. When it comes to providing State financial support for specific events, such decisions are a matter for agency decision, based on their assessment of a detailed business case and the costs and benefits accruing.
On the matter of the particular event referenced by the Deputy, which is due to take place in Cork later this year, I am happy to report that Fáilte Ireland’s Meet in Ireland team, together with colleagues in the Cork Convention Bureau, have been working with the event organisers, providing relevant advice and practical support. With specific regard to financial supports, I can also confirm that this event has been approved for Fáilte Ireland funding on the basis of its application.
1031. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional measures will be brought forward to prevent cyclists and users of electric scooters from using footpaths in view of the danger the activity poses for pedestrians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2678/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe offence of cycling on the footpath is not explicitly spelled out in law because it is important that members of An Garda Síochána be allowed a degree of discretion when it comes to allowing very young cyclists stay off the roads as a result of their age and heightened vulnerability. This discretion does not extend, however, to allowing all cyclists free rein to mount and dismount footpaths as they please. As the Deputy may recall, my predecessor as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe T.D., introduced fixed charge notices for a number of cycling offences, including that of cycling without reasonable consideration, in August 2015. The offence of cycling without reasonable consideration was in fact worded in such a way that it would include those caught cycling on a footpath and my Department does not consider any further legislative provision necessary at this time.
While I entirely agree with the Deputy's view that cycling on the footpath poses a threat to public safety, particularly when it comes to the very young, the elderly, and the disabled, I must stress that the enforcement of cycling regulations, as with all aspects of Road Traffic law, is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
I must further clarify that the use of electric scooters in public places is strictly prohibited in Ireland, irrespective of whether the vehicle is driven on a footpath, cycle track, bus lane or open road.
1032. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a sports capital application appeal by a club (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2697/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe most recent (2018) round of the Sports Capital Programme attracted a record 2,337 applications. Allocations were announced in January, May and November of last year with a total of over €56 million awarded to 1,648 different projects.
All unsuccessful applicants were given the opportunity to appeal the Department’s decision. In relation to the capital grants announced in November, a total of 122 appeals were submitted by the December deadline, including an appeal from the organisation referred to by the Deputy. Work on finalising the assessment of these appeals is nearing completion and I expect that all relevant clubs will be notified of the outcome in the coming weeks.
1033. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of bus stops that have bus shelters on the Dublin Bus network; the number of bus shelters removed from the network over the past ten years; his plans to reinstate bus shelters in view of the fact they provide older persons and persons with disabilities with a degree of comfort during inclement weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2704/20]
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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including provision of bus stops and bus shelters throughout the State.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, 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.
1034. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date on which the next Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme scheme will commence: if he has reviewed and amended the way in which the programme operates; if he has considered census data and projected urban expansion in his review; the amount funded in 2019 and to date in 2020 for swimming pools; if a schedule in which payments were granted to in 2019 and to date in 2020 will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2706/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP) provides grant aid to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. To date 52 pools have been completed and three swimming pool projects (Lucan, Buncrana and Edenderry) remain in the LASPP. €431,720 was drawn down under the LASPP subhead in 2019. This payment was to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council as the final payment for Loughlinstown Swimming Pool. The amount available in the Subhead in 2020 is €4.7m. There were no new allocations from the Programme in 2019.
The Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was launched in 2018. The aim of the fund is to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects including swimming pools. The Government has provided a capital allocation of at least €100m over the period 2018 to 2027 for the Fund. On the 10th January Minister Ross and I announced provisional allocations totalling €77.4m for 25 projects under Stream 2 (construction) of the LSSIF Fund (LSSIF). On 13th January we announced further provisional allocations of €5m for a further 7 projects under Stream 1 (design) of the LSSIF. A number of swimming pool projects have been awarded funding and full details of all allocations are available on the Department's website.
1035. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of contracts for service issued by Fáilte Ireland by way of tender competition that were awarded but subsequently withdrawn in each of the years 2015 to 2019 and to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2707/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1036. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if all contractors engaged by Fáilte Ireland in each of the years 2016 to 2019 and to date in 2020 were fully compliant with the Companies Act 2014 in respect of correctly filed annual financial accounts and tax compliant certificates; if Fáilte Ireland identified issues with contractors it engaged in those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2708/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1035 and 1036 together.
The matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have asked Fáilte Ireland to respond directly to the Deputy. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1037. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reintroduce artic testing (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2731/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe location of sites for the carrying out of driving tests for articulated trucks 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.
1038. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if progress has been made in respect of draft appraisal for the proposed Julianstown bypass submitted by Meath County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2762/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, 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.
As previously indicated the extent of the cutbacks in grant funding during the recession meant that grant funding for road improvement schemes had to be curtailed after 2013 because expenditure on maintenance/renewal was falling well short of what was required to adequately maintain the regional and local road network.
The National Development Plan (NDP) does provide for the gradual build up in funding for the road network but funding is not yet at the level needed for the adequate maintenance and renewal of regional and local roads. For this reason the primary focus for capital investment at present is the maintenance and renewal of the network and implementation of the 12 regional and local road projects identified for development, subject to necessary approvals, in the NDP.
Some limited provision is being made in the capital budget for the appraisal of a pipeline of upgrade projects. This is intended to cover the appraisal of projects for future development, if possible.
The Department is continuing to liaise with Meath County Council in relation to the further analysis required to underpin the assessment and costing of various options for managing traffic in the Julianstown area and in this context the Department met with the Council this week.
As also explained previously the project assessment process can be expected to take time and all proposed projects must now comply with the revised Public Spending Code published in December 2019.
Meath County Council has confirmed that it is committed to implementing traffic management measures in the vicinity of Julianstown in the shorter term.
1039. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the most recent cost to the State to buyout the operator of the M1 toll at Gormanstown; the number of years left to run in the contract and separately, to buyout the Drogheda interchange ramp tolls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2780/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads and the establishment of a system of tolls, are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended). Agreements between TII and Toll operators are contractual obligations between both parties.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a more detailed and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
