Thursday, 30 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 188-212

Airport Development Projects

Ceisteanna (188)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

188. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for expansion and repair works at Cork Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19574/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As the Deputy may be aware, daa has statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin and Cork Airports.  In these circumstances, any plans for expansion and repair work at Cork Airport are a matter for the daa.  I have therefore forwarded your request to the daa for a direct response.  If a response is not received within 10 days, please contact my private office.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Airport Development Projects

Ceisteanna (189)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

189. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for expansion and repair works at Farranfore Airport, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19575/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As the Deputy may be aware, Kerry airport is not a State owned airport and I have no role in planning for its expansion or repair works.  

However, my Department does provide funding support to Kerry Airport through the Government's Regional Airports Programme.  Each year, airports are invited to submit proposals for capital funding in the areas of safety and security, which are then assessed by my Department.  This process has just concluded for 2020 and last week, Minister of State Naughton announced Exchequer funding of €1.2m for Kerry Airport towards capital investment in these areas for 2020.

As the Deputy may be aware, €72 million in capital funding is being provided under the Regional Airports Programme over the lifetime of the NDP as part of Project 2040.

Airport Development Projects

Ceisteanna (190)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

190. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for expansion and repair works at Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19576/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As the Deputy may be aware, Shannon Airport Authority, a subsidiary of Shannon Group, has statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Shannon Airport.  In these circumstances, any plans for expansion and repair work at Shannon Airport are matters for Shannon Airport Authority.  I have therefore forwarded your request to Shannon Group for a direct response.  If a reply is not received within 10 days, please contact my private office.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Airport Development Projects

Ceisteanna (191)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

191. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for expansion and repair works at Ireland West Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19577/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As the Deputy may be aware, Ireland West Airport is not a State owned airport and I have no role in planning for its expansion or repair works.  

However, my Department does provide funding support to Ireland West Airport through the Government's Regional Airports Programme.  Each year, airports are invited to submit proposals for capital funding in the areas of safety and security, which are then assessed by my Department.  This process has just concluded for 2020 and last week, Minister of State Naughton announced Exchequer funding of €1m for Ireland West Airport towards capital investment in these areas for 2020.

As the Deputy may be aware, €72 million in capital funding is being provided under the Regional Airports Programme over the lifetime of the NDP as part of Project 2040.  Last year, Ireland West Airport completed an €11m runway overlay project and 75% of the project cost was met from that funding.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (192, 193)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

192. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the correspondence he and his officials had with their counterparts in the Northern Ireland Executive regarding an all-Ireland approach to Covid-19 at all rail transport hubs on the island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19580/20]

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

193. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the correspondence he and his officials had with their counterparts in the Northern Ireland Executive regarding an all-Ireland approach to Covid-19 at all bus and coach transport hubs on the island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19581/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 193 together.

Over the course of the COVID-19 crisis, my Department has been working closely with the National Transport Authority (NTA) to ensure public transport services continue safely and to plan for capacity as demand for public transport services changes along the course of the Government's Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. 

I can confirm that there has been regular contact, both at Ministerial and Official level, with our Northern Ireland counterparts throughout the Covid-19 crisis on issues related to public transport.

The Deputy will be aware that Department of Health Regulations on the mandatory wearing of face coverings by persons on public transport (with the exception of those who cannot do so for health reasons or due to age (under 13)) came into effect on Monday, 13th July. This will help to underpin public transport services provided by both public and commercial licensed operators during these unprecedented times, with a view to safeguarding public transport capacity in Phases 3 and 4 of the Roadmap and beyond. The NTA has reported high levels of compliance across the public transport network, with Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann reporting 95pc and 90pc compliance respectively on July 13.

The Northern Ireland Executive also introduced similar measures on their public transport services, with face coverings being made mandatory on public transport there from 10th of  July, with similar exemptions for people with relevant medical conditions and children under 13. Therefore there are no significant policy differences with regard to Covid-19 related measures on public transport.

I and my Department will continue to engage with our Northern Ireland counterparts with regard to these issues as we continue to progress through the Covid-19 health emergency.

Greenways Provision

Ceisteanna (194, 195)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

194. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the progress of the proposed Sutton to Skerries greenway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19582/20]

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

195. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the progress of the proposed Donabate to Malahide greenway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19583/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 195 together.

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 responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including cycling infrastructure.

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (196)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

196. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the Ballybrophy to Limerick rail line will reopen having been closed due to the Covid-19 lockdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19584/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Road Network

Ceisteanna (197, 198)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

197. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the urgent need to upgrade the Hearse Road, Donabate to include road widening, cycle and pedestrian paths from the Lissenhall interchange to the start of the Donabate distributor road in view of the increase in vehicular traffic particularly in the mornings and evenings, which is also an objective of the Fingal development plan; if this much needed project will be funded in view of the fact Fingal County Council has stated it is not in a position to fund it, in further view of the fact this project will provide much needed employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19585/20]

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

198. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding for the upgrading of roads in Donabate, Portrane, Rush, Lusk, Ballyboughal will be provided in view of the population growth and little infrastructure to support same; if the funding will include provision for foot and cycle paths connecting the towns with the main roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19586/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 198 together.

In order to clarify the position, I can inform the Deputy that the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (RLR) is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993.  Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants.  The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.

It is also a matter for the relevant local authority in its capacity as the planning authority for its area to consider and adopt a Development Plan; I have no role in that process.  In these cases I understand the responsible local authority is Fingal County Council.  Arising from the introduction of the local property tax and the retention of same, Fingal County Council has become self-funding for roads.

In relation to active travel infrastructure, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).  It funds local authorities on an ongoing basis in relation to active travel infrastructure and Fingal County Council has been the recipient of such funding in the past and I understand is also being funded this year for certain eligible projects as normal.

Separately, and in response to the COVID-19 Emergency, in late May the NTA wrote to all 31 local authorities to offer its financial and technical support and this support is being funded through my Department's sustainable mobility investment programme.  The approach taken was to engage with all local authorities to see what their requirements were and to grant aid in full various temporary intervention proposals, subject to those proposals being agreed with the NTA in advance of implementation.

Finally, under the July Stimulus, an additional €82 million has been announced to support pedestrians and cyclists in urban and rural Ireland in the coming months. The Stimulus programme will further support local authorities across the country as they respond to the needs of local communities and businesses in the months ahead. Funding under the Stimulus programme must be expended by year end.

It is open to the local authority to apply to the NTA under the above programmes in relation to improving eligible active travel infrastructure.

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (199)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

199. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the additional 49 rail carriages ordered in October 2019 to service numerous commuter routes including the northern commuter line will be delivered and in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19587/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development and delivery of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, development of the railway network including the purchase of rolling stock.

As the Deputy is aware last year Government approved the purchase of 41 additional InterCity Rail Cars (ICRs) and I understand that the first units are expected to arrive by the end of 2021 with all units expected to be delivered over a 9 to 12 month period.

These additional ICRs will add significant capacity to the overall network and will add approximately 20% additional peak-time capacity on the Northern Line as compared to previously. As well as lengthening existing train sets the new ICRs will also potentially allow for a reconfiguration of services such that up to two new morning peak services could be introduced on the Northern Line.

I look forward to the arrival of these new carriages and the extra capacity they will add to the public transport network.

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (200)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

200. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address the requirement for the DART upgrade on the northern commuter line in view of the congestion on the line with the population continuing to grow along this line with Fingal the fastest growing area in the country (details supplied); the timeline for delivery of the upgrade; the details on ring-fencing the funding required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19588/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. 

In that regard I very much welcome the recent confirmation by the European Commission that it has awarded €8.8m toward the Kildare Line study part of the overall DART+ programme. I am particularly pleased that this is the first such grant we have received in a number of years in the sustainable mobility investment programme and reflects the increased level of activity in the area and an increased focus by my Department on availing of such opportunities in the coming years.

The Programme for Government – Our Shared Future prioritises delivery of the DART+ programme and, as required by the Public Spending Code, preparation of a preliminary business case is well underway. In line with the Public Spending Code for all major projects Government approval will be required to allow the programme progress to planning. Indicative allocations are already provided for within the current National Development Plan and will be considered further as part of any review of the National Development Plan.

I look forward to seeing the programme progress during the lifetime of the Government.

In terms of expected timelines for delivery, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area including implementation of the DART+ Programme.

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

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Regional Airports

Ceisteanna (201)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

201. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans on the future viability of the regional airports in particular Shannon airport which has seen a huge reduction in services as a result of the current crisis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19589/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

My Department has been engaging with our regional airports including Shannon Airport on an ongoing basis since the advent of Covid-19. 

As the Deputy is aware, Shannon Airport is part of Shannon Group which operates in both the aviation and tourism sectors and in addition to the dramatic fall off in passengers at the airport, the closure and restricted re-opening of some Shannon Heritage sites means the impacts of Covid19 on the Group have been particularly severe.  For this reason I have committed to undertake an examination of the future viability and sustainability of the Group, and I will consider restructuring measures, financial supports and any other measures that may be necessary and appropriate as part of a wider review of Shannon Group.  I will bring recommendations to Government in this regard in due course. 

It is my intention that the Company, including Shannon Airport, 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 region and indeed nationally.

In the interim it should be noted that there are currently no flight restrictions in place in Ireland and the operation of any route from Shannon is a commercial decision for airlines, in consultation with the airport and other stakeholders.

Aer Lingus entered into certain commitments at the time of its acquisition by IAG in 2015 in relation to the operation of its London Heathrow slots. These commitments are, however, subject to certain force majeure provisions, which are defined to include an "epidemic or pandemic". The reduction in Aer Lingus frequencies to London Heathrow is therefore in accordance with these provisions.

Aer Lingus has advised my Department that it will keep its schedule under review having regard to the changing circumstances.

Olympic Games

Ceisteanna (202)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

202. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures that are being undertaken to prepare Irish athletes for the 2021 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19698/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes.  

Due to the work of Sport Ireland and the NGBs our high performance athletes have already been back training since the 8th of June.  I have additionally referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply.  I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (203, 233)

Joe Flaherty

Ceist:

203. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to a refund scheme for families that have missed out on refunds arising from the booking of foreign holidays in summer 2020 and for which the airlines are still sending flights (details supplied). [19740/20]

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

233. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure that consumers are not out of pocket due to postponed or cancelled flights as a result of Covid-19 in cases in which travel insurance companies are refusing to reimburse them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19810/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 203 and 233 together.

As you are aware, current Government advice to people continues to be that non-essential travel overseas should be avoided, based on the advices of our public health experts. Under EU Regulation 261, air passengers are entitled to a full cash refund within 7 days in instances where a flight is cancelled by an airline.  However, if a flight goes ahead and a customer does not use their ticket, they are not entitled to a refund.

Evidently the existing consumer protections and legal obligations on airlines and the broader travel sector did not envisage the current circumstances of mass cancellations and stringent travel restrictions.  That has, not surprisingly, put the entire system under immense pressure and it is causing real difficulties for people and businesses.  I understand that the main Irish airlines have been offering the option to rebook in circumstances where a flight occurs but people are not able to present because of Government advice.  That said, I am mindful that the options put forward by airlines may not be fair or workable for customers in all instances. 

I know it is an issue that my colleague Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton has identified as requiring further engagement with the airlines and she intends to do so. In continuing to consider the measures around international travel at Government the matter of passenger rights will form a critical part of ongoing deliberations.

National Driver Licensing Service

Ceisteanna (204)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

204. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the National Driver Licence Service will only accept credit or debit card payment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19809/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

This 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (205)

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

205. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of plans to roll out the new D4 and D5 Bus Éireann services in Drogheda and the enhanced 189 service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19816/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Deputy will be aware that enhanced, improved and expanded public transport services across the country were announced last week as part of the Government's Jobs Stimulus Plan. Included in the Plan are new public transport services for Drogheda and enhancement of the existing 189 bus service. Planning for the roll out of the new services and enhancement of existing services will be undertaken by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with the various operators, including Bus Éireann.

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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Road Network

Ceisteanna (206)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

206. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full-year cost of increasing funding for local and rural roads by 10%. [20027/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As the Deputy is aware, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (RLR) is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants, where applicable. Arising from the arrangements in place in relation to Local Property Tax receipts, the four Dublin Councils are largely self-funding for works on regional and local roads since 2015 and my Department no longer provides grants to these Councils under the main regional and local road grant categories.

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.  Overall Department grant funding for regional and local roads in 2020 is €525 million and to increase this by 10% would require additional funding of €52.5 million.

For the Deputy's information, an explanation of the purpose of the main road Regional and Local Road Grant Programmes is set out below:

Restoration Maintenance (RM): The purpose of the RM grant is to protect the structural integrity of the road by way of surface dressing through the sealing of the road surface.  The purpose of restoration maintenance is to maintain the asset before it requires improvement.  

Restoration Improvement Grant (RI): The RI grant programme is the main road strengthening programme and caters for surface restoration, pavement overlay works, complete road rehabilitation works and for drainage works where required.

Discretionary Grant (DG): Councils have discretion in spending these grants for improvement and maintenance works subject to selecting from a list of eligible works. However Councils are requested to prioritise projects which involve strengthening works, remedying road defects, winter maintenance and drainage works.             

Bridge Rehabilitation (BR): This programme allows local authorities to apply for monies to undertake bridge rehabilitation works.

Safety Improvement Works (BS): This programme allows local authorities to apply for monies to undertake safety improvement works.

Community Involvement Scheme (CIS): The programme facilitates community involvement in repair and improvement of roads. 

Drainage Programme: The purpose of this grant is to promote network resilience.

A pilot scheme has been implemented to provide assistance to local authorities specifically for the maintenance of Former National (FN) roads.

Specific Grant and Strategic Grants: The Department no longer seeks annual applications from local authorities in respect of the Specific (road improvement schemes costing up to €5m.) and Strategic (improvement schemes costing over €5m.) grant programmes. Instead it considers projects on a case by case basis taking into account the availability of funding and the outcome of project appraisals.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (207)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

207. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full-year cost of expanding rural transport options by increasing funding to LocalLink by 50%. [20029/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The total allocation to Local Link in 2020 is €23.4 million, and percentage amounts can be calculated from this base.  Future funding levels for the Local Link will be subject to the annual Estimate and Budgetary processes.

Tourism Industry

Ceisteanna (208)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

208. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of businesses accredited and registered with Fáilte Ireland under the Tourist Traffic Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20409/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Under the Tourist Traffic Acts 1939-2016, Fáilte Ireland has specific powers and functions regarding the registration and grading of tourist accommodation. In accordance with the legislation, certain categories of accommodation are statutorily obliged to register with Fáilte Ireland and comply with approved regulations. These categories are as follows:

- Caravan & Camping Parks;

- Guest Houses;

- Holiday Camps;

- Holiday Hostels;

- Hotels;

- Registered Self Catering Holiday Apartments;

- Registered Self Catering Holiday Cottages; and

- Youth Hostels.

Fáilte Ireland also maintain a number of voluntary listings outside of the mandatory registration categories. The management of both of these is a matter for Fáilte Ireland and I have referred the Deputy's question to them for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

National Driver Licensing Service

Ceisteanna (209)

John Brady

Ceist:

209. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons in County Wicklow whose driver licences have expired cannot make an appointment to renew their licence at the NDLS centre in Wicklow in view of the fact it is fully booked for appointments (details supplied); the measures that will be implemented to address the issue to ensure persons with expired licences will be accommodated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20838/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As you can appreciate, Covid 19 has had a profound effect of the delivery of services.  The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) has just resumed and is operating at around 60% of its pre Covid capacity to ensure that it complies with social distancing, occupational and public health requirements.

The NDLS offices are unable to facilitate any walk-ins due to the social distancing requirements and in the interest of protecting the staff and customers. Therefore, all appointments must be booked in advance. This, of course, has led to an increase in the demand for appointments.  The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is working with their providers to see how they can increase capacity while adhering to the return to work protocol. Options under consideration include extended opening hours, overtime and protective segregation barriers between booths.

Any queries in relation to driving licences or urgent cases can be addressed to the NDLS customer service at 0761087880 or by emailing [e-mail]

Legislative Measures

Ceisteanna (210)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

210. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce legislation to allow cameras in bus and cycle lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20911/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The success of bus and bicycle priority measures is an essential component in people moving from cars to more sustainable modes of transport, thereby reducing emissions and congestion.  It is therefore necessary to ensure that we have the best possible system for enforcement of the rules on both bus corridors and cycle tracks, particularly in the context of BusConnects. 

Officials in my Department are currently engaging with the National Transport Authority and other stakeholders to see how this can best be achieved.

Greenways Provision

Ceisteanna (211)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

211. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to extend or upgrade the Waterford greenway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19561/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Yesterday I announced funding of €4.5m to 26 Greenway Projects. The funding was allocated under the Carbon Tax Fund 2020 and provides support for feasibility, planning and design for Greenways around the country. I am pleased to confirm that funding of €80,000 has been allocated to Waterford City and County Council for the extension of the Greenway to Dungarvan.

Separately the National Transport Authority are providing funding to Waterford City and County Council to examine the potential to build a Greenway from Waterford to Tramore. The NTA are also providing funding to extend the Waterford Greenway from Bilberry to the City Centre. This work is ongoing.

Football Association of Ireland

Ceisteanna (212)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

212. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding that has been loaned to an organisation (details supplied) through Sport Ireland; the interest rate on this loan; the securities on the loan; his plans to make further funds available for financing the organisation through Sport Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19625/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Memorandum of Understanding signed on 30 January by the then Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross and the Chairperson of the organisation mentioned by the Deputy enables Sport Ireland to restore funding to the FAI of €2.9m per annum and to provide additional annual funding of €2.9m for football development up to 2023.  Sport Ireland is awaiting confirmation of the implementation of the various necessary reforms by the organisation before putting an agreement in place with the organisation in relation to the payment of this funding.

In recognition of the importance of the continued operation of the Aviva Stadium, the MOU also provides for a repayable grant to the organisation of €7.6338 million towards the licence fee payable by the organisation for the Aviva Stadium up to 2022.

In April, a Memorandum of Agreement was entered into between Sport Ireland, the organisation, and New Stadium DAC – the company which operates the Aviva Stadium - for the disbursement of the organisation’s licence fee to New Stadium DAC.  The Agreement outlines that a recoupable grant will be paid in instalments totalling €2,544,600 annually by Sport Ireland directly to New Stadium DAC on behalf of the FAI in each of the years 2020 to 2022. This grant will be recoupable from the FAI from 2024.  As this is a repayable grant, no interest will apply.

In April, Sport Ireland transferred €1,270,300 direct to New Stadium DAC, under the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement, representing 50% of the available grant in 2020.