Written Answers Nos. 71-91
71. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if he will address a matter regarding the credit guarantee scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17734/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new €2 billion COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme announced by Government forms a major component of the Government’s strategy to aid SMEs in these difficult times by providing critical support to ensure businesses are facilitated in having access to credit facilities to assist a return to a more regular trading environment.
It is a further development of the existing Credit Guarantee Scheme and will initially be available through the current finance providers Allied Irish Banks, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank Ireland.
The Scheme will provide an 80% guarantee on lending until the end of this year, for terms of up to 6 years and will offer a range of lending products between €10,000 and €1 million including overdrafts, working capital and term loan facilities.
I can assure the Deputy that the Scheme will permit lenders to refinance and roll-over credit facilities. However, lenders will not be permitted to end existing credit facilities early or prematurely in order to artificially engineer access to the COVID-19 CGS. This will ensure that refinancing can be used by those businesses that need to do so.
The key feature of the Scheme is that it will ensure the provision of liquidity to businesses by leveraging the strong relationship between banks and their customers all over the country.
A distinction must be made between the current Credit Guarantee Scheme whereby banks offer loans at their normal market rates and the new COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme which, due to the increased size of the guarantee as a result of the removal of the portfolio cap, is expected to provide interest rates at below market rates.
Officials from my Department and from the Department of Finance and Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine along with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland continue to engage with finance providers in relation to the specific terms and conditions of the Scheme.
The legislation in relation to the Scheme is going through the Oireachtas this week, allowing for its swift enactment.
72. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if he will amend the business restart scheme managed by local authorities to allow sports clubs with bars that paid commercial rates in 2019 to qualify. [17730/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's July Jobs Stimulus, to be announced this week, will extend, enhance and add to the existing measures for COVID19 impacted businesses already announced.
The July Stimulus will help all firms meet the costs incurred during lockdown and in re-opening, in addition to the range of measures already in place. In that regard, I am considering how the effectiveness of the Restart Grant which was launched on 22 May 2020 and has proven to be a critically important tool to support small businesses to reopen their doors and get back on their feet can be enhanced. Indeed, all supports are currently being reviewed and assistance in the form of grants, including in preparation for Brexit, are being considered.
I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to work with my colleagues across Government and all stakeholders to examine how best to further assist businesses impacted by COVID-19.
73. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if consideration will be given to the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the need for assistance without delay for a sector which is very adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. [17948/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has introduced a range of measures for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, the pandemic unemployment payment for the self-employed, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs. Full details on all COVID19 supports for business are available at:
https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
Any eligible business, including the self-employed, can apply for the following supports. The most appropriate support will depend on the characteristics of the business.
MicroFinance Ireland can provide loans of up to €50,000 as an immediate measure to specifically deal with exceptional circumstances that micro-enterprises – (any business -Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Company with less than 10 full time employees and annual turnover of up to €2m)- are facing.
Local Enterprise Offices have moved training programmes, workshops and networking meet-ups online, covering areas such as cash management in a crisis, leading your business through COVID-19 and advice for employers impacted by the crisis. Training programmes are free of charge and places can be booked online, through your Local Enterprise Office.
My former colleague, the then Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty announced on 25 June that the Department’s Enterprise Support Grant will be made available to assist self-employed recipients who are exiting the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) scheme with a once-off grant of up to €1,000 to re-start their business. The grant will be payable to self-employed micro enterprises which employ fewer than 10 people, have an annual turnover of less than €1 million and are not eligible for support from the COVID19 Business Restart Grant or other similar business reopening grants.
I am currently reviewing the full range of supports in place to help businesses, together with my Ministerial colleagues, as we prepare the forthcoming Jobs Recovery Plan and I expect an ambitious stimulus package will be announced this week.
I can assure the Deputy that the Government will not be found wanting. Not only must we address the current challenges, but we must also look ahead.
My colleague, Minister Eamon Ryan T.D., Minister for Transport may be able to provide more specific guidance on supports suitable for the transport sector, including the consumer related measure in the COVID-19 Refund Credit Note which was introduced under consumer related legislation, the package travel and travel trade licensing legislation, for which he has lead responsibility.
74. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to increase funding for the trading online voucher to help sole traders upgrade their online presence through their local enterprise office in view of the fact Dublin City Council has reached capacity. [17748/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Trading Online Voucher Scheme is managed by my Department and delivered nationwide in partnership with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, Enterprise Ireland, the 31 Local Enterprise Offices and Údarás na Gaeltachta. The Scheme offers advice and peer-to-peer support and a grant of up to €2,500 to help small and micro-businesses to develop their ecommerce capability. The Scheme was launched nationally in mid-2014. By end 2019, some 6,400 small and micro businesses had completed, or were in the process of completing their trading online projects. In addition, 19,000 or so business owners-managers had benefitted from advice and peer-to-peer support through their participation in the information seminars delivered by the Local Enterprise Offices under the Scheme.
In response to Covid-19, funding for the Scheme in 2020 was increased from €2.3m to €19.8m, and new flexibilities were introduced including reducing the requirement for co-funding from 50% to 10% and allowing businesses to apply for a second voucher of up to €2,500 where they have successfully utilised their first one.
There has been high demand for the Scheme and my Department in liaison with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Enterprise Ireland is working with the LEO network to address that demand. The Scheme remains open for applications. Funding for the Scheme is kept under review.
75. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a scheme will be devised for the production of electricity using solar energy. [17704/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSolar energy installations are eligible to compete in the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which is a competitive auction-based scheme designed to support achievement of the renewable electricity (RES-E) ambition of 70% by 2030. The Climate Action Plan targets the delivery of indicative volumes of up to 1.5 GW of grid scale solar by 2030. Utility scale solar energy farms will be critical to diversifying the renewable technology mix and to deliver gains through connecting hybrid renewable technologies. The volume of connected solar in 2030 may well exceed this target if prices continue to fall and solar projects are successful in the RESS auctions.
The first RESS auction is currently underway with final results expected in September. This auction includes a preference category for solar energy projects. This preference category will ensure that a minimum quantity of solar is procured, which is expected to be approximately 10% of the overall auction amount subject to a competitive number of solar energy applications entering the RESS auction.
In July 2018, my Department also launched a new micro-generation scheme to support domestic customers who install solar photovoltaic panels in their homes. The Solar PV scheme, which is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, is available to homes built and occupied before 2011 and details of eligibility criteria and how to apply are set out on the SEAI website. Potential future phases of support for micro-generation in Ireland may include a tariff, as we align with the ambition of the recast Renewable Energy Directive which recognises the rights, entitlements and obligations of renewable self-consumers.
76. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the €5 million contribution for the Just Transition Fund from the ESB is exclusively for the south County Longford and west County Offaly regions as the two communities most affected (details supplied). [17829/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Just Transition Fund is a key pillar of the Government's just transition plan for the midlands. Up to €11 million will be available for projects focusing on retraining workers and proposals to generate sustainable employment in green enterprise in the region, and supporting communities to transition to a low carbon economy. This is financed through an Exchequer allocation of €6m from carbon tax revenues and an additional €5 million which the ESB has agreed to commit to the Fund. The 2020 call for proposals from my Department’s Just Transition Fund will operate on a competitive basis and is open to suitable projects from East Galway, Kildare, Laois, Longford, North Tipperary, Offaly, Roscommon and Westmeath. This is in line with the approach set out in the first progress report of the Just Transition Commissioner, Mr Kieran Mulvey.
Eligible projects, which had already registered with the Midlands Regional Transition Team, had until Friday, 17 July to submit an application for funding to my Department. The submitted applications are undergoing initial assessment to confirm their eligibility for funding. Evaluation of eligible proposals will commence shortly and I intend to announce the successful projects at the conclusion of this process.
77. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will request the ESB to cease planning for the demolition of the power station at Lough Ree Power, Lanesboro, County Longford as per the recommendation contained in the Just Transition Commissioner report. [17830/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe first progress report of the Just Transition Commissioner, Mr Kieran Mulvey, was published on 22 May. The report reflects a comprehensive engagement with relevant stakeholders in the region, setting out the analysis of the challenges facing the Midlands region, and for Bord na Móna workers and their families and communities, arising from an accelerated exit from peat harvesting. The report contains important recommendations, including examining the renewable energy potential for the two power stations. As stated in the Government response to the Commissioner's report, the Department and ESB will commission a study to examine the potential for using the existing infrastructure in the West Offaly and Lough Ree power plans as an energy hub in the Midlands.
The decision of the ESB, in November 2019, to close West Offaly and Lough Ree Power stations followed an extensive review of all options and was based on the key planning, climate and commercial issues associated with generation at the sites. My Department has been informed by the company that the current planning permissions for the two sites include an obligation to decommission the power plant and to remediate the sites by the end of 2022 and that, prior to any development opportunity taking place, ESB must satisfy the legal obligation to remediate the existing sites.
As recommended in the Just Transition Commissioner's progress report, ESB engineering teams are considering alternative uses for which the existing site and facilities might be utilised. However, for clarity, the power plant equipment cannot be used for any purpose beyond December 2020 as neither the planning consents nor environmental licenses cover any such use.
The Government is acting on a number of the recommendations set out in the Commissioner's report, and is committed to preparing an implementation plan to address the remainder. A number of actions to implement the recommendations are already underway. This includes €20 million for a new energy efficiency retrofitting scheme in the Midlands, €5 million for peatland rehabilitation outside of the Bord na Móna estate, and €6 million for a dedicated new Just Transition Fund with ESB agreeing to contribute an additional €5 million to this Fund.
78. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps taken to date to provide new public services through the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17942/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government recognises that a modernised post office network will provide a better range of financial services and e-commerce services for citizens and enterprise, as part of our commitment to a sustainable nationwide post office network. The Digital Assist pilot initiative has seen 10 post offices kitted out to assist citizens with online Government interactions and has proven to be successful.
In November 2019 the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection announced retention by An Post of the contract for cash pay-out of social protection payments over the counter at Post Offices for the next two years at least and it also includes the option for renewal for a further four years, after the initial two-year period.
Government acknowledges that An Post has the potential for further development as a provider of other valuable community focused services and will work with the company to develop other services as required.
79. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an organisation (details supplied) has an obligation to make a planning application. [17705/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Individual transport companies are responsible for ensuring appropriate planning compliance for proposed developments on their lands.
The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann, in the first instance, and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
80. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to persons that do not have public services cards are having difficulty in renewing their driver licence; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons whose licence expired since 1 July are in a difficult situation as NDLS offices remain closed to the public; his plans to provide an extension in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17710/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo apply for, or renew, a driving licence you are required to present photographic ID, evidence of PPSN, evidence of address and evidence of residency entitlement. An applicant must present in person at a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) office where the required documentation can be examined.
The same information is required when accessing the online system, and the Public Services Card (PSC) satisfies this requirement as the information has already been provided and verified by another Government department.
Without a PSC, it is not possible to access the online system as the necessary validation of documentation has not been made.
The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) resumed services on Monday 8 June 2020. The service resumed on a gradual basis, and by Monday 29 June all NDLS centres, except Clifden and Belmullet, had reopened. The part time offices in Belmullet and Clifden are expected to re-open in the comingweeks. The extension of the validity of driver licences for a further period is under consideration.
81. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress in relation to the development of a driver test centre in Drogheda, County Louth; the location of the new facility; when it is planned to open the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17750/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis 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.
82. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a matter will be resolved regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17776/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe vehicle in question was taxed at Monaghan Motor Tax Office on 19 June 2020 for a 12-month period covering 1 June 2020 to 31 May 2021.
In relation to the National Car Test (NCT), under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No.477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation and oversight of periodic roadworthiness testing in the State. Accordingly, I have forwarded your query to the RSA as it relates to an operational matter.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if he has not received a response within 10 days.
83. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if travel agencies are obliged to provide cash refunds as opposed to credit notes under the refund credit note scheme in circumstances in which they are still solvent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17786/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is correct, under the EU Package Directive, travel agents and tour operators are required to provide a full cash refund to their customers if they cancel their booking in certain circumstances, and the travel restrictions imposed because of Covid-19 are such circumstances. Of course, the Deputy will understand that this obligation on travel agents and tour operators, at a time when there is very little incoming business, is causing severe cash flow difficulties for the sector, many of which are small, local high street businesses. For that reason, and without cutting across the consumer entitlements provided for in the Directive, the Government introduced a State guarantee for Refund Credit Notes issued for booking cancelled because of Covid-19. The customer is still entitled to cash, of course, but if they are willing to accept a Refund Credit Note, the State will guarantee its value if the issuer goes out of business, but otherwise the Note can be used against a new booking at another time or redeemed for cash from the issuer in 9 months. Each customer who chooses to accept the Refund Credit Note helps support a local business, without putting their consumer rights at risk. Of course, many people are in circumstances where they need their cash back immediately, and that remains their legal entitlement.
84. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his office received an application for emergency funding from a group (details supplied); if so, the details of the submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17797/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra87. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the review of the Shannon Group as confirmed in Dáil Éireann on 16 July 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17803/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra96. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an application for emergency funding by a group (details supplied) has been received; if so, the details of the submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17905/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 84, 87 and 96 together.
Shannon Group has been severely impacted by the economic impacts of COVID-19 and the Group has asked for a range of supports from Government to help mitigate the impact of the crisis on both Shannon Airport and Shannon Heritage. I have met with Shannon Group CEO recently and am fully aware of the challenges faced by Shannon Airport and Shannon Heritage. Minister Naughton also met with the CEO and Chairperson in recent days and assured them of her ongoing support for Shannon.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Government has put in place a broad range of supports to help mitigate the effects of the crisis, including the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme which many companies in the aviation sector including Shannon Group, are currently availing of. In relation to the provision of emergency funding, deputies may be aware that Government recently approved the provision of €6.1m in emergency grant funding to enable Shannon Airport complete its Hold Baggage Screening project. As Shannon Group is a commercial State Body, this funding was provided as an exceptional measure.
In relation to the examination of the future viability and sustainability of the Group, I can advise that work is underway in my Department in this regard and I will bring recommendations to Government in this regard in due course.
As I have recently stated, it is my intention that the Company will be well positioned operationally to contribute to the post pandemic recovery, particularly given the importance of Shannon Airport to the economy of the Midwest and Western regions and indeed nationally.
85. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of waiting times for driver theory tests by each centre in tabular form; and the age of those awaiting for a test by centre. [17800/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis 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.
86. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the recorded passenger numbers at Shannon, Dublin and Cork airports in each the years 2000 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17802/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraStatistics on passenger numbers at Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports are set out below. Statistics on passenger numbers are compiled and published by the Department on a quarterly basis, therefore the table below shows the total passenger numbers at the airports up to 30 June 2020 and includes arriving, departing and transfer passengers.
Passenger numbers at Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports
|
- |
Dublin |
Cork |
Shannon |
Total |
|
2020 (to end June) |
5,366,351 |
406,544 |
260,546 |
6,033,441 |
|
2019 |
32,911,227 |
2,590,262 |
1,717,575 |
37,219,064 |
|
2018 |
31,495,998 |
2,392,821 |
1,864,762 |
35,753,581 |
|
2017 |
29,582,308 |
2,308,506 |
1,751,500 |
33,642,314 |
|
2016 |
27,907,384 |
2,230,564 |
1,748,935 |
31,886,883 |
|
2015 |
25,049,779 |
2,071,210 |
1,714,872 |
28,835,861 |
|
2014 |
21,711,967 |
2,144,476 |
1,639,315 |
25,495,758 |
|
2013 |
20,167,783 |
2,258,005 |
1,400,032 |
23,825,820 |
|
2012 |
19,099,649 |
2,340,115 |
1,395,402 |
22,835,166 |
|
2011 |
18,740,593 |
2,361,947 |
1,656,504 |
22,759,044 |
|
2010 |
18,431,064 |
2,425,131 |
1,755,885 |
22,612,080 |
|
2009 |
20,503,677 |
2,769,048 |
2,794,563 |
26,067,288 |
|
2008 |
23,466,711 |
3,258,639 |
3,169,529 |
29,894,879 |
|
2007 |
23,287,438 |
3,180,259 |
3,620,623 |
30,088,320 |
|
2006 |
21,196,382 |
3,010,575 |
3,639,046 |
27,846,003 |
|
2005 |
18,450,439 |
2,729,906 |
3,302,424 |
24,482,769 |
|
2004 |
17,138,373 |
2,254,251 |
2,395,116 |
21,787,740 |
|
2003 |
15,856,084 |
2,182,157 |
2,400,677 |
20,438,918 |
|
2002 |
15,085,000 |
1,874,000 |
2,354,000 |
19,313,000 |
|
2001 |
14,334,000 |
1,776,000 |
2,405,000 |
18,515,000 |
|
2000 |
13,844,000 |
1,680,000 |
2,408,000 |
17,932,000 |
88. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to review the National Aviation Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17804/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's National Aviation Policy was published in August 2015. It's principal goals are:
1) to enhance Ireland's connectivity responsive to the needs of business, tourism and consumers
2) to foster the growth of aviation enterprise to support job creation and position Ireland as a global leader
3) to maximise the contribution of aviation to Ireland's sustainable economic growth and development
Significant change has occured in the wider context for aviation since 2015 and of course in particular since the Covid 19 crisis.
Officials in my Department have commenced preparations for a review and update of the National Aviation Policy. I plan to review an outline of the approach to a new Policy during Q3 this year and to make decisions regarding a roadmap for its further development including through consultations with key stakeholders and the general public.
89. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the Taskforce for Aviation Recovery report; his plans to implement the recommendations of the report; when a stimulus package for Shannon Airport will be put in place to encourage the rebuilding of traffic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17806/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to acknowledge the work of the Taskforce for Aviation Recovery, whose members gave up their time and worked quickly over the course of a short number of weeks to highlight the challenges faced by the aviation industry in Ireland and to make recommendations aimed at meeting those challenges. We are all in agreement that the aviation industry is crucial to Ireland's long term economic wellbeing, and it will have a very important role to play in our economic recovery. As the Report confirms, aviation is a large employer in Ireland, is an key enabler of our tourism sector and the global connectivity it provides underpins our position as a small island economy trading successfully on the global stage.
The Report contains a number of recommendations aimed at job retention, route supports and supports for our airports, including Shannon Airport. All of these are being examined and will be considered in the context of the Government's plans to aid broader economic recovery. I am conscious of the importance of developing measures that get the sector back on its feet as soon as possible, in a safe and sustainable manner.
I know that Shannon Group has been severely impacted by the economic impacts of COVID-19, and the Group has asked for a range of supports from Government to help mitigate the impact of the crisis on both Shannon Airport and Shannon Heritage. The Deputy may be aware that Government only recently approved the provision of €6.1m in emergency grant funding to enable Shannon Airport complete its Hold Baggage Screening project.
I met with the Shannon Group CEO recently, and I am fully aware of the challenges faced by Shannon Airport and Shannon Heritage. Minister of State Naughton also met with the Chairperson and CEO in recent days and assured them of her ongoing support for Shannon. It is our intention that the Company will be well positioned operationally to contribute to the post-pandemic recovery, particularly given the importance of Shannon Airport to the economy of the Midwest and Western regions.
90. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the development of the Killaloe bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and the R494 improvement scheme which is of strategic importance to counties Clare and Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17809/20]
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.
Under Project Ireland 2040 my Department is committed, subject to necessary approvals, to providing grant funding towards the cost of 12 significant capital road improvement schemes on regional and local roads and the Shannon Crossing/Killaloe Bypass/R494 upgrade scheme is one of those projects.
Implementation of the Shannon Crossing/Killaloe Bypass/R494 upgrade scheme is the responsibility of Clare County Council. I understand that advance works related to the scheme are underway and that the prequalification process for potential tenderers has been initiated in parallel with the preparation of contract documentation for the main construction contract.
91. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter in relation to a road safety project (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17814/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Climate, Energy, Communications and Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the requirements of the Public Spending Code Guidelines and necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise on the current status and funding of this proposed project, pending also the Government's proposed review of the NDP.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
