Written Answers Nos. 154-173
154. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if copies of all correspondence to or from him, his advisers or his Department relating to the filling of the Supreme Court vacancy occasioned by the retirement of a person (details supplied) will be provided. [39261/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no such correspondence.
155. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will address a matter regarding holiday pay in a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39329/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 sets out the key parameters around the taking of annual leave and payment of same. The terms and conditions of individual employment contracts may provide additional specifics within those parameters such as stipulations in relation to the entitlement to extra days' leave above what is statutorily required by the Act.
Section 19 of the Act provides that an employee shall be entitled to paid annual leave equal to:
(a) 4 working weeks in a leave year in which he or she works at least 1,365 hours (unless it is a leave year in which he or she changes employment),
(b) One third of a working week for each month in the leave year in which he or she works at least 177 hours, or
(c) 8 per cent of the hours he or she works in a leave year (but subject to a maximum of 4 weeks).
With regard to the provision of illness supports associated with the pandemic, the Department of Social Protection has a special Covid-19 Illness Benefit package for those that find themselves ill as a result of the virus. The rate of payment is higher than the normal maximum personal rate at €350 per week, with additional payments possible in respect of a qualified adult and qualified child.
When a worker is told to self-isolate or to restrict their movements by a doctor or the HSE due to being a probable source of infection or has been diagnosed with COVID-19, they can apply for the enhanced Illness Benefit payment. There are no waiting days and payment is made from the first day of illness. This allows workers to comply with medical advice to self-isolate to mitigate the spread of the virus, while having their income protected.
Supplementary Welfare Allowance is a weekly allowance paid to people who do not have enough income to meet their needs and those of their families. This scheme comes under the remit of the Minister for Social Protection.
156. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to businesses encountering difficulties contacting State agencies when seeking support information due to Covid-19 business closures; if he is satisfied sufficient staffing levels are in place to process such queries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39408/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the start of the pandemic, my Department and agencies have swiftly put in place measures to keep businesses informed of supports available to them through call centres and complemented by comprehensive up-to-date information on dedicated web-pages provided on the websites.
As a direct response my Department established the COVID-19 Business Supports Call Centre in March. Through a dedicated phoneline and email address the Unit provides businesses with information on the various schemes and initiatives available to help business deal with COVID-19. In recognition of the success of this vital resource for businesses, the role of the call centre has been expanded and the renamed Enterprise Information Centre provides information and signposts to the range of supports and services available from the Department, its Offices and Agencies and indeed across Government.
The Agencies under the remit of my Department have also put a range of measures in place to deal with COVID-19 related queries from businesses.
Enterprise Ireland set up the COVID-19 Business Response Hub in March to help businesses across Ireland understand what COVID-19 supports were available across a range of Government Departments and Agencies. A dedicated phone line and email address is open to both Enterprise Ireland client companies and non-Enterprise Ireland client companies.
The Local Enterprise Office network has experienced a significant increase in activity as a result of the pandemic and the network continues to deliver its services in a professional manner. In recognition of the significant volume of additional workload, 62 additional temporary staff have been sanctioned of which 48 are filled.
At the beginning of the pandemic, additional internal resources were temporarily re-assigned within IDA Ireland, to form the COVID-19 Policy Response Unit, to assist with client queries and additional internal supports were re-assigned to their Strategic Planning Department during this period.
The Health and Safety Authority’s (HSA's) Workplace Contact Unit (WCU) is a helpdesk resource for employers, employees and members of the public, dealing with queries and complaints in relation to occupational health and safety as well as chemicals and market surveillance. Since the beginning of March 2020, the WCU has dealt with a wide variety of queries and complaints pertaining to the application of public health measures in specific workplaces due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of staff assigned to the WCU has been increased to match demand with additional posts sanctioned and the secondment of staff from my Department to work in the HSA’s WCU. The HSA has informed me that at times there may be a delay in answering individual calls due to high call volumes, However, I'm informed that in general the service is operating effectively without undue delay. Correspondence is also replied to electronically.
The Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority has business continuity plans in place and continues to exercise its functions without interruption and within public health guidelines.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has developed a dedicated COVID-19 Information Hub on its website which went live in March containing all relevant information on consumer rights and current issues such as: package holidays and travel, insurance, online shopping and cancelled contracts. It also provides information to businesses particularly in relation to their obligations under consumer protection law. A large number of CCPC employees have office phones and where possible office landlines have been diverted to mobiles.
The National Standards Authority of Ireland have set up a dedicated helpline to support the publication of its COVID-19 guides.
The Workplace Relations Commission continues to provide a valuable information service through their dedicated Information and Customer Service Helpline, answering queries on redundancies, lay-offs and work permits.
The Company Registration Office Information Helpline continues to provide businesses with advice and information on matters such as registration of new companies and filing obligations, including extensions to filing deadlines.
While it is not an agency of my Department, several of the Department’s loan guarantee schemes are operated by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI). The SBCI has been active in responding to queries from businesses relating to the schemes that it operates.
157. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports in place for sole traders who are the only employees of their limited companies and have closed their business due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39409/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am keenly aware that businesses are making a massive sacrifice to protect their communities and I am committed to ensuring that the Government will offer as much assistance and support as possible. My Department and its agencies have been focused on coming up with solutions to help businesses overcome the difficulties caused by COVID-19. Details of the wide range of supports available are on my Department’s website at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
Budget 2021 provides a significant package of tax and expenditure measures to build the resilience of the economy and to help vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors. The measures in the Budget include the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme, cash for businesses, low cost loans, commercial rates waivers and deferred tax liabilities.
We have also announced a six-month reduction in the VAT, going down from 23% to 21%, a reduction in the 13.5% VAT rate to 9% which will benefit the hospitality sector.
The New Covid Restrictions Support Scheme, operated by Revenue offers a targeted, timely and temporary sector-specific support to businesses forced to close or trade at significantly reduced levels due to COVID.
As announced in the July Stimulus, the Enterprise Support Grant was extended to assist eligible self-employed, including sole traders, who exit the PUP or jobseekers schemes to re-start their business. A self-employed person who closes their PUP should send their grant application to their local Intreo Centre to be processed. Further information is available at www.gov.ie .
We are providing more and cheaper loan finance through MicroFinance Ireland, SBCI and the new €2bn Credit Guarantee Scheme. I announced the reopening of MFI lending on 31st August and I launched the €2bn Credit Guarantee Scheme on 7th September.
We have also announced a six-month reduction in the VAT, going down from 23% to 21%, a reduction in the 13.5% VAT rate to 9% which will benefit the hospitality sector, together with a range of additional public capital investment measures to support the domestic economy.
These measures are supplementary to the wide range of existing loan and voucher schemes available to assist businesses affected by COVID-19 provided through the July Jobs Stimulus and other Government initiatives.
158. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is considering reopening the restart grants to new applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39411/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Restart Grant was introduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions to provide a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers. It closed for applications on 31 October 2020.
Budget 2021 provides a significant package of tax and expenditure measures to build the resilience of the economy and to help vulnerable but viable businesses across all sectors. The measures in the Budget are in addition to those announced in the July Stimulus, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), cash for businesses, low cost loans, commercial rates waivers and deferred tax liabilities.
The new COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) introduced as part of Budget 2021 has effectively replaced the Restart Grant. The CRSS is operational through Revenue and offers a targeted, timely and temporary sector-specific support to businesses forced to close or trade at significantly reduced levels due to COVID of up to €5,000 per week.
Other measures include a six-month reduction in the VAT rate, going down from 23% to 21%, a reduction in the 13.5% VAT rate to 9% which will benefit the hospitality sector, and a range of additional public capital investment measures to support the domestic economy.
As a result of the fact that businesses have to close, Government made changes to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and the EWSS, including an increase in the top rate to €350 for those who were earning in excess of €400 per week, and increasing the top payment to €350 for those earning over €400 in the case of the EWSS.
Cheaper loan finance is now available through MicroFinance Ireland, SBCI and the new €2bn Credit Guarantee Scheme.
These measures are supplementary to the wide range of existing loan and voucher schemes available to assist businesses affected by COVID-19 provided through the July Jobs Stimulus and other Government initiatives.
159. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the remediation process that is currently in process for a company (details supplied); if there is an update on the matter; if he will provide indications as to the owner of the plant at this time and will he make a statement on the matter.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39545/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the IDA that Roche remains the owner of the site and buildings at Clarecastle. Following the decision to close the facility in 2015, the company is now focusing on remediation and decommissioning of the site. The company is awaiting a planning decision from Clare County Council which I understand is due in January 2021, after which an application will be made for an EPA licence. The target start date for remediation work is September 2021.
160. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration will be given to the suggestion by an organisation (details supplied) that small convenience stores and newsagents, due to not having click and collect facilities, be permitted to sell all goods they have stocked during the past 12 months through levels 4 and 5 restrictions once their turnover does not exceed an agreed amount and or the retail space of their store is not greater than an agreed size; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39451/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Level 5 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19, only essential retail outlets will remain open.
S.I. No. 448 of 2020 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 8) Regulations 2020 clearly sets out the temporary restrictions under Level 5 of the Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID. A list of essential services can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/ and the list of essential retail outlets at Level 5 can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/60ecc-essential-retail-outlets-for-level-5/
Level 5 restricts people from physically going into non-essential stores in order to stop people congregating and browsing for non-essential goods, to limit the spread of the virus. All retailers – essential and non-essential – can however continue to trade via ‘remote ordering’ and fulfil orders for all products including non-essential items, by online or by phone, for home delivery and for collection.
Retailers in Ireland are key partners in the effort to suppress the virus and are playing a critical role in the national response during level 5 trading restrictions. Government are fully engaged with the sector and aware of their efforts to serve their customers and adhere to public health guidelines. I and my colleague Minister of State Damien English TD met with the Retail Forum members on 21 October to remind those in the retail sector, of the need for strict adherence to the public health guidelines during Level 5. Minister English has convened regular retail meetings since entering Level 5.
Preparations across Government Departments, local authorities and agencies are firmly focused on ensuring a smooth, safe and enjoyable reopening of retail for all as soon as it is safe to do so. The current restrictions at Level 5 of the Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 are in place until midnight 1st December 2020. The Government will make a decision on the current restrictions shortly.
161. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans extending the closing date for making claims under the trading online voucher scheme in view of the fact that some suppliers of these services are under pressure to complete all the required work by this date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39443/20]
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 €39.8m, and new flexibilities were introduced including reducing the requirement for co-funding and allowing businesses to apply for a second voucher where they have successfully utilised their first one.
Successful applicants have four months to complete their projects from the date of approval. Local Enterprise Offices may offer an extension for drawdown where there is reasonable expectation that to do so would see the applicant complete their project and drawdown in full.
162. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if copies of all correspondence to or from him, his advisers or his Department relating to the filling of the Supreme Court vacancy occasioned by the retirement of a person (details supplied) will be provided. [39263/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department holds no correspondence relating to the vacancy referred to in the Question.
163. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will instruct Eircode to assign a number to a property (details supplied). [39324/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, was awarded a 10 year contract in December 2013 to develop, implement, maintain and promote the National Postcode System "Eircode".
Eircodes are assigned to new property addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. An Post collects information on new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory (APG), a subsidiary company of An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland, issue a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to Eircode in accordance with their licence agreement.
Each new postal address assigned an Eircode is published on the free to use Eircode Finder website, a notification letter is issued to the property occupant containing the Eircode of that address and an updated Eircode Database is provided to licensed businesses for their use. Eircode have informed my Department that over 119,600 property addresses have been assigned an Eircode since the launch in 2015.
Eircode has advised my Officials that they have raised a case with APG in relation to these addresses. My Department has requested Eircode to contact and liaise directly with the individual in question regarding the assignment of an Eircode for these two new property addresses.
164. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the national broadband plan in counties Sligo and Leitrim, including areas already covered and areas to be covered by the end of each of the years 2020, 2021 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39377/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract signed last November to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in the over 544,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools.
In County Sligo, there are 40,325 premises of which 14,845 (37%) are within the intervention area for the National Broadband Plan. In County Leitrim, there are 22,443 premises of which 11,595 (52 %) are within the intervention area. The deployment plan forecasts premises passed in all counties within the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State having access to high speed broadband within the next four years.
I am advised by NBI that, as of 16 November, over 131,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed which is ahead of the full year survey target of 120,000 that had been projected by the company. Surveys have been completed in County Sligo in the areas of Ballintogher, Ballysadare, Calry, Carney, Collooney, Drumcliff, Kilmacowen, Rosses Point, Rahaberna, Lisduff, Clogherevagh, Tobercurry, Ballymote, the outskirts of Sligo Town, Enniscrone, Aghamore Near, Carrowcrin, Strandhill, Culshera and Kilmactranny. Further surveys are planned in the area of Castlegarron in 2021. NBI's indicative timeframe for fibre delivery in those areas where surveying has been completed is the second half of 2021. Surveys have been completed in County Leitrim around Carrick on Shannon and further surveys are scheduled for the area of Keshcarrigan in 2022. NBI are working on firming up the fibre delivery dates for the premises already surveyed around Carrick on Shannon.
Surveying is the first step towards delivering the new fibre network and involves physically walking the routes and documenting images, notes and measurements of the poles, cables and underground ducts in each area. This informs design solutions for provision of the fibre network to each and every premises in the surveyed area and leads to detailed designs. The detailed designs are then used to initiate the ‘make ready’ project with Open eir for the area, where Open eir ensure any poles and ducts being reused are fit for purpose and the make ready of other required infrastructure. This step also informs decisions on equipment ordering. Survey data is also needed to initiate pre-works which pave the way for the deploying of fibre. Pre-works involve construction of new duct routes, erection of poles, building chambers, and tree trimming. On completion of these pre-works, the main construction works can commence. This involves deploying fibre overhead on poles and in underground ducts, splicing of fibre, and unblocking of ducts. Once the main construction works are completed and the appropriate level of testing has been undertaken, the fibre network can be commissioned and end users can order their connection.
Further details are available on specific areas within Sligo and Leitrim through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie . Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises when works are due to commence. I am aware that concerns have been raised regarding the level of information available on the deployment of the NBI network and I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 13 November, 147 publicly accessible BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development. Castleconnor Community Centre, Highwood Community Centre and Cartron Community Centre BCPs have all been installed by NBI in County Sligo and will be connected in the coming months. In County Leitrim, Gortlettragh Community Centre, Donaghmore Workhouse and Famine Museum and Glencar Waterfall BCPs have now been installed by NBI and will be connected in the coming months, with Aghanlish Community Centre already installed and connected.
Some 48 schools throughout Ireland have now had infrastructure installed by NBI, with 22 schools already connected to high speed broadband. In Sligo, a number of schools including Calry National School, Saint Patrick’s National School, Achonry National School, Knockminna National School, and Scoil Asicus Naofa are now connected as part of this initiative. In Leitrim, Aughawillian National School Is now connected. My Department continues to work with Department of Education and Skills to prioritise the remaining schools to be connected over the term of the NBP. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
165. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn the delay with transferring new Eircode locations to an application (details supplied); the terms of the contracts in place to ensure the transfer happens in a timely manner; if he is satisfied that the terms of the contract are being met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39425/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, was awarded a 10 year contract in December 2013 to develop, implement, maintain and promote the National Postcode System "Eircode".
Eircodes are assigned to new property addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. An Post collects information on new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory, a subsidiary company of An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland, issue a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to Eircode in accordance with their licence agreement.
Each new postal address assigned an Eircode is published on the free to use Eircode Finder website, a notification letter is issued to the property occupant containing the Eircode of that address and an updated Eircode Database is provided to licensed businesses for their use. Eircode have informed my Department that over 119,600 property addresses have been assigned an Eircode since the launch in 2015.
Eircode have informed my Department that once the Eircode database is updated they provide updates to commercial operations each quarter in line with the terms of their licence agreements. The timely release of each quarterly update is consistent across all licensed businesses, including the application referred to by the Deputy.
Operational matters and commercial decisions of private commercial operators, including the updating of their applications, are a matter for these commercial operators and one in which I have no direct function.
166. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps being considered by his Department to protect the post office network; if he will introduce new services to the post office network to increase footfall; and if a sustainability plan will be forthcoming from his Department with regard to the post office network. [39439/20]
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.
While it is long-standing Government policy that postal services will not be directly subsidised by the Government, we remain fully committed to a sustainable post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure in both rural and urban areas.
The importance of the post office network has been clearly demonstrated throughout the pandemic where we have seen a range of initiatives through our post offices which have helped support local communities, the elderly and vulnerable.
An Post put in place a Strategic Plan, covering the period 2017 – 2021, in response to the structural challenges faced by the postal sector. In order to implement the Plan, the cost of which was estimated to be in the region of €150m, the Minister for Finance provided a loan of €30m to the company in December 2017 to support the renewal of the post office network (€15m) and the continued fulfilment of a 5 day per week mails delivery service (€15m).
As part of the delivery of the plan the company was split into two distinct business units, An Post Mails and Parcels and An Post Retail.
An Post is transforming its retail network by delivering new products and new formats. This includes, among other things, diversifying and growing the financial services products it provides for individuals and SMEs to include loans, credit cards and more foreign exchange products, local banking in association with the major banks and a full range of State Savings products. Two new dedicated sub-brands, An Post Money and a new business-to-business brand, An Post Commerce, were launched. Investment by An Post of €50 million in the network is designed to encourage communities to use the enhanced services in their local post office.
Government believes An Post has untapped potential to do more and make a further significant contribution across many areas of public, business and community life in Ireland. With an evolving mandate An Post can emerge as a central hub for a wide variety of valuable community focused services. We will work closely with An Post to see if there is scope to channel additional services through the network. All options will be considered fully and efforts will be redoubled to give effect to our commitment to ensuring a sustainable and viable post office network.
167. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the findings of the multi-agency group established to review the slide of Meenbog bog, County Donegal, as a result of the construction of wind turbines in the area will be made public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39456/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt my understanding that the multi-agency group referred to in the Question has been established and is being led by Donegal County Council. My Department has no role in the Group and is not a member of it. It is, therefore, a matter for Donegal County Council to decide if the review group findings will be published.
Further information is provided at the following link:
http://www.donegalcoco.ie/yourcouncil/communicationsoffice/pressreleasesfromjan2020/bogslidemeenbogballybofey/
168. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason procurement is proceeding by the ESB in relation to the proposed North-South interconnector before a project agreement is in place with EirGrid as specified in the European Union infrastructure agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39520/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraEirGrid is the designated Transmission System Operator and its role includes the operation, maintenance and development of the electricity transmission network in Ireland. The construction of the North South Interconnector, and all related procurement activities, is an operational matter for EirGrid and ESB Networks and one in which I have no function.
I assume that the Deputy is referring in his Question to the EirGrid/ESB Infrastructure Agreement.
All of the relevant parties sought the agreement of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which approved “expenditure efficiently incurred” on the advance procurement. Following this approval, in September 2017 ESB Networks commenced a number of procurement processes in relation to the project.
I am assured that ESB Networks do not intend placing orders for material supply until all legal and planning issues have been finalised.
I believe that this important new cross-Border infrastructure will significantly facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the power system in line with the Programme for Government, will improve the efficient operation of the all-island Single Electricity Market, increase the security of electricity supply in Ireland and Northern Ireland, will bring economic benefits to the region and can address our climate objectives on the island of Ireland.
169. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the status of the planned Burtonport to Letterkenny greenway project; if his Department has allocated funding to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39403/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that there is no funding currently allocated to the Burtonport to Letterkenny greenway project; however, I can also confirm my intention to hold further calls for greenway funding applications in 2021. I firmly believe that in the coming years we can support the delivery of a network of well-connected routes in Donegal, and beyond, which can act not just as visitor attractions but also facilitate a switch to active travel for local communities across the region.
The Deputy is likely aware that Donegal County Council did apply for funding of the Burtonport to Letterkenny greenway in 2018 when a funding call in relation to construction-ready projects was held. However, as the project did not have planning permission in place it was not considered for funding at that time.
More recently the Council again applied for funding under the Carbon Tax Fund but the application was unsuccessful due to both the fact the funding call itself was heavily oversubscribed and the fact that this particular project was unable to sufficiently demonstrate its strategic potential to link into other related infrastructure in region.
However, three other applications put forward by Donegal County Council were successful and were allocated funding -
|
Inishowen Greenway |
€45,000 |
Route Options selection on an 8 km section from Muff to Quigley’s Point. |
|
Inishowen Greenway |
€180,000 |
Route options selection on a 32 km section from Buncrana to Carndonagh. |
|
Foyle Valley Greenway |
€115,000 |
Route options for a 28.5 km section of the Foyle Valley Greenway from Carrigans to Castlefinn. |
My Department also contributes funding to the INTERREG Programme in Donegal that is funding cross-border Greenways from Derry to Buncrana, Derry to Muff and Lifford to Strabane. The intention is that we can build on those projects with our Carbon Tax Fund projects to create an Inishowen Peninsula loop and also extend the Derry to Carrigans Greenway.
170. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of US troops and military personnel that have passed through Shannon Airport in each of the years 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020. [39421/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no statutory function with regard to the transit of foreign military personnel through Irish sovereign territory or Irish airports.
Shannon Airport Authority has informed my Department that they collate such information at the end of each month, and that the numbers of US military personnel that transited through Shannon Airport during the requested periods were:
|
Year |
Number of US military personnel that transited Shannon Airport |
|
2018 |
93,852 |
|
2019 |
86,653 |
|
2020 (January to October) |
65,965 |
171. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the amount paid to Shannon Airport or to the Shannon Airport Authority in landing charges for US military aircraft or in landing charges for US-leased aircraft carrying non-civilian passengers or goods in each year from 1 January 2001 to date. [39422/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, Shannon Airport Authority has statutory responsibility to operate and manage Shannon Airport. Shannon Airport Authority is a subsidiary of Shannon Group which is a commercial State Body.
Accordingly, the matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for the Company. I have therefore forwarded your request to Shannon Group for a direct response. If a response is not received within 10 days, please contact my private office.
172. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding persons driving in Ireland with United Kingdom driving licences after 1 January 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39492/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish driving licences can only be issued to people resident in Ireland. Driving licences issued by the Member States of the European Union are mutually recognised. Therefore, a holder of an EU licence who moves to another Member State can drive on that licence until the licence expires. On expiry, the licence holder will then need to exchange their licence for the licence of the country they are now resident in.
After the transition period (transition period ends 31 December 2020), the UK will no longer be a Member State and so a UK driving licence will not be recognised here. Holders of UK licences resident in Ireland are therefore encouraged to exchange their UK licences for an Irish one before this date.
However, legislation exists to allow for the recognition of foreign driving licences for exchange purposes in the Road Traffic Acts. Following the transition period, the potential then exists for arrangements to be made under those Acts and Ireland will be pursuing this option. This may take a little time to complete as it involves a formal agreement and legislation here in Ireland, as well as corresponding steps by the UK.
There is a distinction between motorists with a UK driving licence visiting Ireland and those living in Ireland. Under the Convention on Road Traffic 1949 (Geneva Convention) drivers from Contracting States carrying a valid driver’s licence can drive on each other’s roads for up to a year. As Ireland and the UK are Contracting States to the Geneva Convention this position applies and will not change following the withdrawal date. This means that motorists who are not resident in Ireland but driving in Ireland with a UK driving licence while visiting are not affected by Brexit.
173. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport the waiting times for driving tests in Tullamore and Birr, County Offaly, and Portlaoise, County Laois, respectively; and the efforts being made to address the waiting times. [39314/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpecific details on waiting times for driver tests are held by the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred this part of the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
As you are aware, tests were temporarily suspended due to the Covid 19 emergency and since resuming operations, there has been an increased level of demand. Unfortunately, due to social distancing requirements, normal capacity has been considerably reduced and this means that customers will experience longer waiting times for a test than was the case before the service was suspended. The need to return to Level 5 restrictions from 22 October to 1 December 2020 for reasons of public health will inevitably impact further on delays to driver testing. During the Level 5 period, driving tests will be available only to those who are involved in essential services, including essential retail work.
While the service is limited during Level 5 restrictions, the Road Safety Authority is examining ways of increasing the number of tests within health constraints with an eye to resuming wider testing after Level 5, and is working in close consultation with my Department on this matter. This includes increasing the number of testing staff to help reduce and, over time, eliminate the backlog.
I am pleased to say, my Department has already given approval to the RSA to retain 18 driver testers on temporary contracts due to expire in October and November, and to rehire 18 testers whose contracts expired in May. This will help to increase testing capacity. However, I would like to stress, that many of the issues impacting on the delivery of service are concerned with the throughput of centres themselves in light of the restrictions, rather than on the availability of staff.
The RSA are also looking at a number of other measures, including whether the number of tests a driver tester can perform each day can be increased and scheduling additional overtime tests.
While I regret the inconvenience caused, public safety is of paramount importance. My officials and I are working hard to ensure the resumption of services as soon as Level 5 is lifted.
