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Tuesday, 21 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 210-229

Value Added Tax

Ceisteanna (210)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

210. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if he is considering a campaign by alcohol producers to reduce the VAT rate for on-trade alcohol products in view of the serious health risks associated with increased alcohol consumption, alcohol-related harm and the debilitating impact of alcohol in society here. [17082/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware, a wide range of submissions are received by Government Departments and all submissions received by the Department of Finance are considered by the relevant officials. Submissions related to tax may also be reviewed by officials in the Revenue Commissioners.

The VAT Directive (2006/112/EC) was amended by Council Directive 2009/47/EC of 5 May 2009, allowing for Member States to provide for a reduced rate of VAT to alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks when supplied as part of a restaurant or catering service.

The supply of alcohol and other drinks in a premise with an ‘on’ licence could be defined as constituting the supply of a restaurant or catering service where served in conjunction with a meal, in which case some supplies would attract the reduced rate, while others were liable at the standard rate. Defining and enforcing a workable distinction would be extremely difficult and there would be considerable risk of abuse and unfair competition.

If the supply of all drinks in an ‘on’ premises was defined as the supply of a restaurant or catering service this would bring sales of alcohol in nightclubs and the like within the scope of the reduced rate, which would be contrary to our general public health policy on alcohol pricing and consumption and contrary to current public policy objectives on social distancing during the pandemic. If such a measure were implemented it would also give rise to different rates being applied to ‘on licence’ and ‘off licence’ sales by traders engaged in both; this would give rise to considerable scope for abuse and unfair competition on the part of non-compliant traders.

Question No. 211 answered with Question No. 185.

Property Tax

Ceisteanna (212, 213, 214, 215)

John Brady

Ceist:

212. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Finance the amount of local property tax collected in County Wicklow in each of the years 2015 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [17361/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Brady

Ceist:

213. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Finance the number of properties in County Wicklow that are exempt from payment of the local property tax in each of the years 2015 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [17363/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Brady

Ceist:

214. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Finance the number of households in County Wicklow that have deferred paying the local property tax in the county in each of the years 2015 to 2019 and to date in 2020. [17364/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Brady

Ceist:

215. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Finance the number of properties in County Wicklow that pay local property tax in each of the valuation bands in each of the years 2015 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [17365/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 212 to 215, inclusive, together.

Revenue publishes regular detailed statistical information in relation to Local Property Tax (LPT). This data is available at https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/local-property-tax/index.aspx.

Regarding the Deputy’s specific questions, the ‘end of year report’ headings of the published statistics include, on a local authority basis, the LPT receipts collected, the number of properties registered, the numbers of deferrals and exemptions from LPT granted, and the distribution of properties by valuation band, for each year of operation of LPT.

The ‘quarterly reports 2020’ heading at the above link shows the available information for 2020 to date, recently updated to include second quarter data. Complete data for 2020 will be published after year end.

Property Tax

Ceisteanna (216)

John Brady

Ceist:

216. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Finance his plans to review the local property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17366/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A review of the Local Property Tax was completed by my Department in conjunction with the Departments of the Taoiseach, Public Expenditure & Reform and Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Revenue Commissioners and the report was published in April 2019 (available at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/1e5c76-review-of-local-property-tax/). In accordance with its terms of reference, the review focused on the impact of house price movements on LPT liabilities under a series of scenarios involving different rate and tax band structures. The review also included an examination of the outstanding recommendations of the 2015 Thornhill review of the Local Property Tax. It included a consultation process to enable all interested parties and individuals to submit their views on the future of the LPT.

The Programme for Government "Our Shared Future" adopted by the Government on 27 June 2020 includes a commitment to bring forward legislation in relation to the Local Property Tax (LPT) on the basis of fairness and that most homeowners will face no increase in their LPT liability. In addition there is a commitment to bring new homes, which are currently exempt from the LPT, into the taxation system. Further, all LPT funds collected locally will be retained within the local authority concerned. This is to be done on the basis that those counties with a lower LPT base are adjusted via an annual national equalisation fund paid from the Exchequer.

My Department is examining options for the implementation of these commitments in conjunction with the Revenue Commissioners and relevant Departments. I hope to be able to bring proposals to Government soon.

Tobacco Smuggling

Ceisteanna (217)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

217. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if the issues raised by a group (details supplied) regarding the need to implement additional measures to counteract cross-Border smuggling and illicit trade in products such as tobacco, alcohol and fuel products will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17426/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The serious threat that illicit trade in tobacco, alcohol and fuel products poses to legitimate business, to consumers and the Exchequer is clear and I am assured that combatting such criminality continues to be a Revenue priority. Revenue and An Garda Síochána collaborate closely in acting against cross-Border fuel, alcohol and tobacco crime, and also cooperate with their counterparts in Northern Ireland under the framework of the North-South Joint Agency Task Force. This cooperation plays a key role in targeting the organised crime groups who operate across jurisdictions and are responsible for much of this criminality.

I am satisfied that Revenue’s work in this area has achieved a considerable level of success. For my part, I will fully consider any additional proposals for legislative change that may be brought forward by Revenue which would enhance its capacity to deal effectively with fraud and criminality in these areas. However, I would not support proposals such as those contained in the Sale of Illicit Goods Bill previously sponsored by the former Deputy Declan Breathnach. That Bill proposed to make it an offence to purchase illicit alcohol, tobacco and solid fuel, to make it an offence to purchase such goods from an unregistered or unlicensed retailer and to impose penalties and on-the-spot fines in respect of such offences. These proposals were not just unworkable but would undermine the good work that is ongoing in this area by diverting resources from where they are most required.

The Retailers Against Smuggling (RAS) group, which has written to the Deputy, has highlighted concerns about the impact of smuggled solid fuel on legitimate retailers in Ireland, particularly in the border regions. All solid fuel supplied in the State is liable to Solid Fuel Carbon Tax (SFCT). Currently, there is no carbon tax on solid fuel in Northern Ireland. This factor, combined with that jurisdiction's lower VAT rate on solid fuel, lower environmental standards and currency fluctuations, can give rise to significant price differentials which incentivises the sourcing of solid fuel from Northern Ireland.

EU Single Market constraints preclude the use of any cross-border movement controls in the administration of SFCT. This means that solid fuel coming into the State from Northern Ireland is not subject to cross-border movement controls typical of harmonised excises on mineral oils, tobacco and alcohol. Revenue has no authority to stop vehicles and physically inspect loads of solid fuel. Similarly, Revenue has no authority to challenge transportation or possession of solid fuel that originated in Northern Ireland as such transportation or possession are not, in themselves, Revenue offences. Even if controls were possible, a person transporting solid fuel from Northern Ireland could legitimately claim that SFCT will be accounted for on relevant supplies made in the State. An SFCT return does not have to be made until one month after the end of the two-month accounting period in which the supply is made. Neither the movement of solid fuel into the State nor the physical presence of solid fuel in the State generate a liability to SFCT. Therefore, there is no smuggling offence, in terms of evasion of SFCT, attaching to solid fuel coming into the State from Northern Ireland.

The collection of SFCT by Revenue is heavily reliant on the regulatory regime covering the marketing, sale, distribution and burning of solid fuels in the State. This regime is enforced by local authorities who have powers to inspect premises and vehicles being used for the sale and distribution of solid fuel, collect samples of coal to check for adherence to environmental standards and to prosecute traders involved in selling coal that does not meet these standards. It should be noted that SFCT legislation does not distinguish between “smokeless” and “smoky” coal and the same SFCT rate applies regardless of the fuel standard. Distinctions between smokeless and smoky coal are made in the regulatory regime for environmental standards of solid fuel. I understand that this regime includes a ban on the burning of smoky coal and other prohibited fuels in certain areas (Low Smoke Zones). This ban complements the ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of those fuels in those areas and means that even smoky fuels bought elsewhere cannot be burned in Low Smoke Zones.

In 2017 the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment contacted Revenue with a view to putting in place more formal and enhanced cooperation between local authorities and Revenue in carrying out their respective roles of enforcing solid fuel environmental regulations and administering SFCT. At the beginning of 2020 Revenue participated in a number of “joint operations” within Low Smoke Zones in conjunction with the Department of Communications Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) and local authority solid fuel inspection teams, with a view to checking for compliance across several tax headings, including SFCT. Revenue participated in these operations, based on the clear understanding of the statutory responsibilities of the agencies involved. In addition, a SFCT compliance module has been included in Revenue’s ongoing Mineral Oil Tax national compliance project. This project, along with many other field-based compliance activities, has been impacted by Covid-19 restrictions since mid-March.

Office of the Ombudsman

Ceisteanna (218)

Pa Daly

Ceist:

218. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated cost of the Ombudsman establishing an independent complaints process for the Prison Service. [16764/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Office of the Ombudsman is an independent Statutory Body under the aegis of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

I am advised by the Office that while it is difficult to accurately predict the number of complaints that may arise, the estimated cost of the Office of the Ombudsman establishing an independent complaints process for the Prison Service is approximately €660,000 per annum.

Departmental Communications

Ceisteanna (219)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

219. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a single website with accompanying social media channels that highlights all open public consultations from Departments and semi-State bodies. [17115/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Details of public consultations by Government Departments and Local Authorities are available on the gov.ie website at www.gov.ie/consultations. Semi-state bodies are not required to provide details of their consultations on the site. The site allows details of each consultation to be shared easily on Facebook, Twitter and by email.

Public Procurement Contracts

Ceisteanna (220)

Matt Shanahan

Ceist:

220. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views as to whether the procurement process is fit for purpose for the battle against Covid-19, Brexit and other international economic challenges. [17333/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

We are faced with unprecedented economic, social and environmental challenges. However, we are fortunate not to have to face these issues alone. The recent pandemic has brought out the best aspects of international cooperation, particularly in relation to health and rebuilding for the future of Europe. In addition, the Programme for Government is focussed on rebuilding the economy in a fair and sustainable manner.

EU public procurement rules were developed and agreed by all Member States within the European Union. Similarly, national rules governing public procurement must comply with relevant EU, WTO and national legal requirements and obligations. Under EU law, public contracts above a certain value must be advertised EU-wide and awarded to the most competitive tender in an open and objective process. These rules aim to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers best value for money. These rules underpinning procurement have not changed due to Brexit or Covid-19, as the Procurement Directives provide for a range of options for procuring goods and services during a crisis and international procurement.

My Department has responsibility for developing and setting out the overarching policy framework for public procurement in Ireland and the Office of Government Procurement developed a comprehensive policy framework incorporating guidance and training. The purpose of this is to enable procurers to carry out procurement processes in a consistent manner. Suppliers benefit from this unified approach as it enables them to prepare for all procurement opportunities in a similar fashion. It also improves the probity around purchasing which protects the State by ensuring that it pays the appropriate amount for works, goods and services in a fair and open manner. I am satisfied that the rules governing public procurement do not inhibit the State in tackling the issues you have raised.

In relation to Covid-19, the OGP is supporting the national response through the governance structure established by Government ensuring a public health-led, whole-of-government approach, including the Special Cabinet Committee and Senior Officials Group. The OGP works closely with the HSE and the wider Government sector to assist them in identifying the most pressing needs including Personal Protective Equipment and other essential services in a challenging global market.

The OGP Information Note on Covid-19 (Coronavirus) and Public Procurement provides information on procurement options available to contracting authorities in cases of unforeseeable events. It identifies relevant legislation and payment procedures and gives advice on commencing new procurement procedures and managing current contracts. Guidance to contracting authorities managing public works projects was also published providing greater certainty in the context of the closure of many construction sites and managing the implications of the Return to Work Safely Protocol.

The OGP Information Note on Brexit and Public Procurement identifies potential risks faced by public bodies including disruption to supply, increased costs, extra administrative burdens and regulatory change. The OGP wrote to all Government Departments advising them to identify and manage potential risks to supply and to put in place the necessary contingency plans. Such contingencies may include, inter alia, bulk buying and holding stock, and sourcing substitutions and alternative suppliers.

The OGP has assessed its framework agreements and engaged with key suppliers in anticipation of Brexit. The key risks identified are potential increased costs, interruption to supply and a changed regulatory environment. Many of the issues that may emerge in procurement are likely to relate to trade issues such as tariffs, logistics, customs, and regulatory divergence. The procurement rules have been developed in tandem with the WTO rules on procurement and are therefore flexible in a global context.

Ministerial Advisers

Ceisteanna (221)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

221. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of advisers and special advisers appointed by him since becoming Minister; the starting annual salary of each person appointed by him; if an open interview process was conducted for each appointee; the duration and terms of each contract issued to each adviser and special adviser; and if an advisory role has been split to facilitate job-sharing in tabular form. [16568/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On the commencement of every Dáil, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform issues guidelines setting out the arrangements for the staffing of Ministerial Offices. The Guidelines for the 33rd Dáil are currently awaiting Government approval.

The appointment of individual Special Advisers is a matter for each Government Minister subject to the terms set out in the aforementioned guidelines, although the appointments are also subject to formal Government approval. At this stage, no Special Advisers have been formally appointed to my Department by the Government. However, the Deputy may wish to note that I have assigned one person to work with me as Special Adviser and that person will be formally appointed by the Government once the Guidelines have been approved.

Flood Prevention Measures

Ceisteanna (222)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

222. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress on the Morell river drainage scheme at Straffan, Sallins, Naas, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16620/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Office of Public Works (OPW) and Kildare County Council (KCC) are working together in progressing the Lower Morell Flood Management Scheme with KCC acting as the Contracting Authority for the project with funding provided by the OPW.

The proposed Scheme along with an Environmental Impact Assessment Report was submitted to An Bord Pleanála (ABP) by the Council on 15th September, 2017. Approval was granted by An Bord Pleanála in April 2018 for the scheme to proceed subject to conditions.

A Judicial Review of An Bord Pleanala's decision to approve the scheme was submitted by a landowner in July 2018 which caused significant delays to the scheme. An agreement between KCC and the landowner in question has recently been settled which has allowed the scheme to move ahead.

All of the required baseline surveys will commence shortly. Works are expected to commence in the coming weeks following the completion of these surveys and it is anticipated that the scheme will be completed by 2022.

Traffic Management

Ceisteanna (223)

Chris Andrews

Ceist:

223. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason the consultation project completed in 2019 by the OPW was not referred to when it was decided to reopen the gates of the Phoenix Park; the reason there is another consultation project taking place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16695/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In 2018, the Office of Public Works commissioned a strategic review and draft plan for the future enhancement of the visitor experience at the Phoenix Park. The draft review document was on display at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre for ten weeks in 2019 and members of the public and stakeholders were invited to submit their observations on the document to OPW.

This draft document did not constitute a planning document nor was the consultation a statutory consultation process. While the document explored options for sustainable transport and long-term transport development ideas, it should be noted that it did not include specific actions or solutions to current traffic management, transport or mobility challenges in the Phoenix Park. Rather it included a key recommendation that OPW should commission a Transport and Mobility Study for the Park. In December 2019, OPW committed to undertake such a study. Work was due to commence on this study in April 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the OPW was unable to proceed as planned.

The decision to reopen the Phoenix Park peripheral gates on Friday 10th July was based on an increase in the volume of traffic in the neighbouring areas surrounding the Park to which the gate closures have in part contributed. A further increase in traffic volume in the coming weeks and months with the return of workers to the City and the reopening of schools might also be anticipated.

The OPW is committed to engaging in a consultation process around a new Transport and Mobility strategy for the Park. This consultation will involve all stakeholders to ensure we develop a balanced approach to access to the Park, for all users. This process is now expected to take place during August/September of this year and will ultimately inform the appropriate sustainable solutions to traffic management in the Phoenix Park in the short, medium and long term.

Office of Public Works

Ceisteanna (224)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

224. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the capital budget allocation to the OPW in each of the years 2018, 2019 and 2020, in tabular form. [16729/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

OPW Response:

Year

2018 €m

2019 €m

2020 €m

Capital Allocation

177,049

179,049

204,049

Flood Prevention Measures

Ceisteanna (225)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

225. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the action taken in the past seven days to reduce the current water levels on the River Shannon at Clonown South, Athlone, County Westmeath; if none, the action which will be taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16751/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The ESB manages the weirs, sluices and other works that are part of the Shannon Scheme, and the water levels on Lough Allen, Lough Ree and Lough Derg. The levels in between the lakes are managed by Waterways Ireland for navigation purposes.

The Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group was established in January, 2016 by the Government to enhance the ongoing co-operation across all of the State Agencies involved with the River Shannon. The ESB and Waterways Ireland are members of this Working Group and there is daily communication between both organisations to ensure a co-ordinated approach to managing water levels on the River Shannon.

As part of its role in providing Secretariat services to the Working Group, the OPW has co-ordinated the following information which was provided by the ESB and Waterways Ireland which reflects actions taken between 8th July, 2020 and 16th July, 2020.

‘ESB is continuously monitoring the water levels throughout the Shannon and continues to operate in accordance with its regulations and guidelines for control of the River Shannon.

Heavy Rainfall has been experienced throughout the catchment over the past number of weeks following a sustained dry period. This has resulted in increasing water levels in the River Shannon and its tributaries.

Rainfall during the week commencing 6th July, 2020 caused the tributaries in the vicinity of Lough Ree and the Athlone area to rise sharply. The River Suck, the largest tributary, which flows into the River Shannon downstream of Athlone also has an influence on water levels in the main River Shannon channel in the Athlone area and this rose significantly during the week commencing 6th July.

In order to mitigate flooding of the Shannon Callows, the ESB has progressively closed sluices at Athlone, in accordance with its regulations and guidelines, with the last 3 remaining open sluices being closed on Thursday, 9th July 2020.’

Waterways Ireland has informed OPW that the weir boards at Meelick, required during periods of low flows, were removed on Wednesday, 8th July, 2020.

Departmental Contracts

Ceisteanna (226)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

226. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the value of contracts awarded to a company (details supplied) and its subsidiaries by his Department and each body and local authority under his remit from 1 January 2016 to 14 July 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16833/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The details of the contracts awarded by my Department to the company in question or its subsidiaries are outlined in the table below.

-

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020 (to date)

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Campbell Catering

€27,730.00

€7,700.00

€2,430.00

€14,525.00

€2,666.00

Office of Government Procurement

Campbell Catering

NIL

NIL

€342.00

NIL

NIL

The contracts awarded by the company in question or its subsidiaries by bodies under the aegis of my Department are detailed below. I have been advised that the Office of Public Works will respond directly to the Deputy.

-

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020 (to date)

Public Appointments Service

Campbell Catering

NIL

€1,835.00

NIL

NIL

NIL

Garda Stations

Ceisteanna (227)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

227. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the refurbishments planned to Garda stations in south County Kildare, including Portarlington; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16949/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I can confirm that the Office of Public Works (OPW) is currently undertaking or planning refurbishment works to Garda Stations in south Co Kildare and to Portarlington Garda Station in Co Laois as detailed in the table below.

In addition, to the works listed the OPW continues to provide ongoing maintenance to all the Garda Stations in Co Kildare as required.

Station

Refurbishment

Status

Kilcock GS

Resurfacing of carpark and remedial works to drainage

Planned to commence 2020

Kildare GS

Repairs to Carpark

On Site

Kilcullen GS

Refurbishment of Canteen

On Site

Naas GS

Construction of New Property Exhibits Management Store (PEMS)

Planned to commence 2020

Naas GS

Repairs to the Internal Flooring of the Station

On Site

Naas GS

Refurbishment of Canteen

Planned to commence 2020 (subject to AGS funding)

Portarlington GS

Refurbishment of the Public Counter area

On Site

Flood Relief Schemes

Ceisteanna (228)

James Browne

Ceist:

228. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the flood relief scheme for Enniscorthy, County Wexford. [16807/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Enniscorthy (River Slaney) flood defence scheme is being progressed by Wexford County Council on behalf of the Commissioners of Public Works as a scheme under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995. This is a significant scheme within the Office of Public Works €1 billion flood relief investment programme, and on completion will protect 236 properties in the town.

The Scheme requires formal Confirmation to proceed from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (MPER). This is a statutory requirement under the Arterial Drainage Acts, which now, under the recent European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations 2019, also requires the MPER to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the proposed Scheme. This will involve, inter alia, a formal review by MPER of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) prepared by the Commissioners and recently submitted (along with a Natura Impact Statement) to the MPER as part of the formal Confirmation process.

In order to assist the MPER in making an informed decision to consent to the scheme, the EIA will require appropriate assessment, as required under the 2019 regulations, public consultation for a period of 30 days and a detailed technical review of the scheme by environmental consultants appointed by the MPER. I am advised that the current position on the Confirmation process is that a request for tender of services for environmental consultants is currently being progressed by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER).

The public consultation phase is also due to be commenced by DPER shortly. DPER will progress the formal Confirmation process, having due regard to the detailed requirements of the 2019 regulations.

It is not possible at this point in the process to give specific dates for commencement of works given that there is always a possibility that further information and/or revision of the scheme’s design may be required, as provided for under the Confirmation process. It should be noted that DPER is also progressing Confirmation of two other significant flood defence schemes for the Glashaboy and Bride Rivers in Co. Cork, both of which were submitted prior to the Enniscorthy scheme.

Traffic Management

Ceisteanna (229)

Neasa Hourigan

Ceist:

229. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will publish a recent study on the effects of the closure of the peripheral gates of the Phoenix Park on traffic volumes in the surrounding areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17183/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Office of Public Works did not undertake or commission a study on the effects of the closure of the peripheral gates of the Phoenix Park on traffic volumes in the surrounding areas. Dublin City Council has administrative responsibility for these areas. OPW is committed to engaging in a consultation process on the Phoenix Park Traffic and Mobility Strategy, involving all stakeholders, to create a balanced approach to access to the Park, for all users. This process is expected to take place during August/September of this year and will ultimately inform the appropriate sustainable solutions to traffic and mobility in the Phoenix Park in the short, medium and long term. OPW is currently undertaking traffic counts throughout the Phoenix Park to gain an understanding of the current traffic patterns, which will inform the Phoenix Park Traffic and Mobility Strategy.

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