Transport, Tourism and Sport

Questions on Transport, Tourism and Sport

Posted November 1st, 2012

The Harmonisation of the Penalty Points Regime on an All-Island basis – 15th May 2013

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on measures to harmonise the penalty points regime on an all-island basis.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

The work on the mutual recognition of penalty points is focused on the four road traffic offences of speeding, drink/drug driving, non – wearing of seatbelts and using a mobile phone while driving. A detailed timetable for the process was agreed last October at a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council. It includes the key milestones for the drafting, passage and enactment of the required parallel primary legislation in both jurisdictions by the 31 December 2014 to allow for the introduction of the process across the island of Ireland. Although widely accepted as challenging, officials on both sides are committed to the agreed timetable.

Steering and working groups comprising representatives of the relevant stakeholders in both jurisdictions are continuing to meet to bring the required work forward and decide on how the necessary key deliverables will be achieved legislatively and operationally.

Both groups are confident that, despite the fact that disqualifications arising from the accumulation of penalty points are dealt with differently in both jurisdictions, provision can be made in the required primary legislation to deal with such disqualifications.

To achieve the December 2014 deadline, a significant volume of work is required, including putting in place the necessary administrative arrangements and IT systems and agreement on data sharing protocols and procedures. Complex issues will also have to be addressed in both jurisdictions with a view to establishing a workable system which is perceived as proportionate and equitable and which attracts widespread public support throughout Ireland

Ireland’s bid to host the Rugby World Cup - 15th May 2013

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update in relation to the possibility of Ireland bidding to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023 or 2027.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

I am fully supportive of the bid to host the Rugby World Cup in Ireland. It is a matter for the IRFU to prepare and submit a bid. A feasibility study commissioned by the IRFU on the potential for hosting the tournament was recently presented to me by them and the findings of the report are being considered.

I am pleased to note that the GAA has given its support for the bid by allowing the inclusion of Croke Park and other GAA grounds in the list of venues that would be used for matches if Ireland was selected as the host country for the tournament.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment that event tourism will be prioritised in order to continue to bring major events to Ireland. As well as bringing spectators to our shores, the hosting of sports events can provide a great showcase for Ireland. Fáilte Ireland continues to support the holding of sports and other events that can boost tourism and, where appropriate, will provide advice and assistance to the sporting body which is seeking to secure an international event. I understand that Fáilte Ireland has engaged with the IRFU in this regard.

The bid has also been discussed with the Northern Ireland Minister for Tourism, Arlene Foster MLA, and Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Carál Ní Chuilín MLA. They have met with the IRFU and have also indicated their support for a bid.

Tourism and Dublin – 13 March 2013

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason Dublin is not more prominent in tourist advertising information, with Dublin not even featuring in the official website of Tourism Ireland website (www.ireland.com) in the first 13 Places to go and if he plans to rectify this.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

The matter raised is an operational one for Tourism Ireland Limited as the body responsible for promoting the island of Ireland as a visitor destination overseas. I have referred the Deputy’s Question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

To view Tourism Ireland’s response please click here.

Spending by Tourism Ireland in Dublin - 13th March 2013

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason there is a disparity in the spending of Tourism Ireland in Dublin with only 6% of all advertising spend in 2009 spent in Dublin, compared to the 32% of national tourism revenues that are generated in Dublin and the future potential in Dublin to expand the tourism market.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

Clamping companies - 7th March 2013

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to examine the operation of clamping companies and the practice of clamping by local authorities.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

Section 101B of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, (inserted by Section 9 of the Dublin Transport Authority (Dissolution) Act, 1987) provides for the clamping and/or towing of vehicles illegally parked on a public road or in local authority car parks by either a member of the Gárda Siochána, a person appointed in writing by a local authority for said purposes, or a traffic warden. There is currently no regulation of clamping companies nor of the activity of clamping on private land.

In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to regulate the vehicle clamping industry, I presented a discussion document to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht in which I outlined the principal issues to be addressed in regulating the industry, my proposals on the shape of appropriate legislation and invited their views. The Committee responded to me in a comprehensive report which contained a number of recommendations, many of which I hope to include in the resulting legislation.

Preparation of the General Scheme of the Bill is at an advanced stage in my Department and I hope to be in a position to bring legislation before the Oireachtas in 2013.

Taxi regulation – 19th February 2013

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is any inequality in the application procedures applied to persons applying for a taxi PSV licence based on whether or not they were born in this country.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

The regulation of the taxi industry is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009. The skills development programme, including the area knowledge test, for the purposes of SPSV driver licensing is administered by the NTA. The NTA also administers the SPSV vehicle licensing application process with regard to SPSVs including taxis, wheelchair accessible taxis, hackneys, wheelchair accessible hackneys and limousines.

An Garda Síochána is currently the authority responsible for the licensing of drivers of Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSVs) in accordance with Regulations prescribed by the NTA. In order to maintain high standards in the industry and encourage the general public to use SPSV services, the SPSV driver licence is granted only to people who meet set criteria. All applicants for the SPSV driver licence are vetted by the Gardai to ensure that they are a fit and proper person to hold an SPSV driver licence. In order to qualify for an SPSV driver licence, a person must hold an Irish driving licence or a driving licence from another EU, EEA or other recognised State, and the person must hold a current tax clearance certificate.

The regulatory framework is in accordance with EU internal market requirements relating to the provison of services and mutual recognitionarrangements are long established in relation to driving licences.

I am not aware of any conditions under the current SPSV licensing system that would give rise to inequality purely by virtue of a person’s place of birth.

Update on the Smarter Transport Bill 2011 – 19th February 2013

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide information on the status of the Smarter Transport Bill 2011 and any forthcoming legislation from his Department that might include elements of it.

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to further encourage the use of more sustainable transport solutions by allowing local authorities to create bye-laws to regulate the use of electric vehicles, car clubs and so on.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

I propose to answer questions 139 and 165 together.

I strongly support measures to promote sustainable travel. In this context I am keen to facilitate both growth in the use of electric cars and the development of car clubs.

As the law currently stands, there is no provision for on-street charging points for electric cars, and no provision for car clubs. Last December the Government approved my proposals for a new Road Traffic Bill, which is now being drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. Among other measures, I have included in this Bill a provision to allow for the making of regulations in relation to electric parking bays and car clubs. This will be in the form of an amendment to the existing powers under which I, as Minister, am enabled to make regulations in relation to parking in public places.

The effect of this amendment will be that regulations can be made regarding the allocation of on-street parking spaces as recharging spaces for electric vehicles and as spaces for car clubs. Local authorities will then be able to make resolutions providing for such spaces in conformity with the regulations. It is proposed that the making of resolutions by local authorities pursuant to these regulations will be a reserved function.

Public Service Obligations - 19th February 2013

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way costs are apportioned by the National Transport Authority to companies operating Public Service Obligation routes such as Dublin Bus and CIE, and the process used to decide the amount of money that goes to each company.

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way financial performance of the CIE companies are monitored to ensure that they are able to deliver on their Public Service Obligation requirements for the duration of their contracts.

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a private operator were to propose to operate a fully commercial service where an existing Public Sector Obligation subvention service is operated, if the National Transport Authority will consider withdrawing the PSO support for the existing service.

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a breakdown of the amount of the subvention paid to each of the publicly financed transport companies by the service they offer for example how much of the Public Service Obligation goes to each of the routes in each company and the way this is determined.

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of times CIE companies have not met the quality benchmarks in their Public Service Obligation contracts.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

I propose to answer Question Nos. 759, 8229, 8230, 8231 and 8232 together.

The issues raised are matters for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy’s questions to NTA for direct reply:

Authority responsible for N11 in Donnybrook Village - 7th February 2013

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will confirm which authority is responsible for the maintenance of the N11 as it passes through Donnybrook Village, including traffic sequencing of lights on the road at this section and speed levels.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

The road mentioned by the Deputy no longer forms part of the N11 but was redesignated as a regional road. The maintenance of regional and local roads, in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. In this case the responsible road authority is Dublin City Council.

Employment practices in the civil service - 6th February 2013

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are any retired public sector workers from his Department, or any other part of the public sector, currently on his Department’s payroll, for example, for sitting on a committee or preparing a report, but not exclusively these two areas; the number on the payroll; the cost to his Department; the services being delivered for this money; and the way that the positions were originally advertised.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

There is one retired civil servant on the payroll of my Department. The Department has reengaged a former Principal Officer of this Department in connection with the preparation and attendance at the State’s defence of High Court proceedings that are due to come to court hearing in 2013. The individual is being paid a ‘per diem’ rate of €260 under the pension abatement principle. The position was not advertised as the officer was appointed specifically for his extensive knowledge and involvement in the development of the legislative regime relating to the regulation of the area subject to challenge in the case.

Advertising promoting safe cycling – 5th December 2012,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Road Safety Authority will consider using some of its safety advertising budget on a campaign that encouraged cyclists to follow the rules of the road and to cycle safely.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

The subject matter of this particular question, i.e. how the Road Safety Authority spends its budget, is a matter for that Authority and I have referred the question to them for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten days.

Events confirmed for the Gathering – 27th November 2012,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an outline of the events confirmed for the Gathering in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

The full list of committed or pledged events for the Gathering Ireland 2013 is on the www.gatheringireland.com website and has already exceeded 1,300 events and activities. An announcement of the key headline events will be made in the coming week.

On the Gathering Ireland 2013 generally, there has been a fantastic response to the initiative across the board, from local communities, voluntary bodies, public bodies, businesses and Government. For example, a special fund of €2million has been made available to support local Gathering events by IPB Insurance Ltd matching a contribution from my Department via the Gathering team. The funds will be distributed via the 34 city and county councils and the applications process is open until 30 November. The key qualifying criterion is the ability of the event to attract overseas visitors.

Meanwhile, Tourism Ireland has commenced a major promotional drive for the Gathering in markets across the world and has worked with business networks, clans, cultural and sporting associations, Irish Clubs and societies, encouraging them to promote The Gathering to their networks and to mobilize members to organise events in Ireland during 2013. The second stage of Tourism Ireland’s strategy commenced in autumn and will continue into 2013 with a major consumer campaign to promote The Gathering Ireland 2013 in key markets including Britain, the US, Canada and Australia. Minister Ring, the Tánaiste, the Taoiseach and I have attended events during the year to promote the initiative overseas. I saw myself in Australia last week the tremendous response to the call to come and join in the celebrations, from those with Irish roots and those with none.

Tourism is a valuable service export. Encouraging those from overseas, whether Irish or not, to sample our tourism offering is not a shakedown – any more than exporting other goods and services. With the hotel and accommodation sector already generating additional employment since this Government came into office, tourism can offer jobs to those who might otherwise face a choice between emigration and unemployment and I apologise to nobody for seeking to increase that employment still further by investing in the Gathering . There is also a parallel aim to further strengthen our connections to all of those overseas who have a kinship with Ireland and I saw myself in Australia how much our diaspora values that objective.

Finally, as well as regular briefings from the project team, the Gathering is on the agenda in many, indeed most, of my meetings, with the tourism industry, transport operators, sporting bodies, other Ministers and indeed overseas representatives. Even if some are carping, I am determined to continue to promote this unique opportunity for us to show the world all that is best about Ireland and I know the vast majority of Irish people, at home and abroad, will do so.

A museum for Irish sport? – 27th November 2012,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the establishment of a museum for Irish sport; the efforts he is taking to establish such a body; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I believe that a sports museum would be an excellent addition to Ireland’s sporting and cultural experience and has the potential to attract widespread public interest.

A committee, which is being chaired by Minister of State Michael Ring, has been established to examine the feasibility of developing a Museum of Irish Sport. The first meeting of the committee took place on 24th October.

Who is responsible for clean up if there is an oil spill - 22nd November 2012,

To ask the Minister for the Transport , Tourism and Sport the agency that would be responsible for the management and clean-up of any oil spill in Dublin Bay that resulted from drilling by a company or any other such entity; the persons who would pay for this and the way it would be done.

The the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

The oil exploration site off Dalkey is the subject of an exploration licence awarded by the Minister for Communications Energy and Natural Resources. The exploration company is required to comply with all the Rules and Procedures of the Petroleum Affairs Division of that Department prior to commencing operations at the site. These provide for the recovery of clean-up costs by individual or Unified Claims.

Part of the conditions on the development of the site is the requirement to have in place an Oil Spill Contingency Plan approved by the Irish Coast Guard which would include measures put in place by the Company to avert or deal with an Oil Spill incident. The Irish Coast Guard is reponsible for the “At Sea Response” while the Local Authority / Port Authority have responsibility for the clean up in their areas, the Coast Guard also have an oversight role in this regard.

The requirements of the Contingency Plan are outlined in Section 2.2 of the Sea Pollution Amendment Act 1999 and addresses issues such as the responsibilities of personnel reporting arrangements including on site operational control, time criteria for cessation of production and shut off of pressure, risk assessment and prediction of various pollution causes, consequences and areas under threat, taking into account the maximum volume of pollutant that could be released and the composition and properties of the pollutant, response to worst case and most credible likely emergency, clean-up facilities, for first strike response and back up equipment, disposal of recovered oil, training of personnel, surveillance of and reporting on oil slick extent and movement, contact lists and site data.

Subvention to Iarnrod Eireann for travel passes – 6th November 2012,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way subvention to Iarnrod Eireann for free travel passes is calculated and determined.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction, as appropriate, with the Department of Social Protection, who administer the free travel pass scheme. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Changes in train speeds over the last 30 years – 6th November 2012,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide information detailing changes in train speeds and times over the past 30 years, for example, the average journey time by train from Dublin to Cork; the average speed of trains on this line; and the power of engines used by trains on this line; his views on whether the current work practices are an impediment to achieving greater improvements in journey times on this or any other line.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction, as appropriate, with the National Transport Authority. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Retired buses – 6th November 2012,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the average age of a bus that is retired from the Dublin Bus fleet and if buses retired from the Dublin Bus fleet are made available for purchase by private operators in the Irish market.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

The issued raised is an operational matter for Dublin Bus and I have referred the Deputy’s question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Dublin Bus Reply:

Currently buses retired are 12 and 13 years old and yes they are offered for sale by open tender.

Public Sector Rostering - 6th November 2012,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the sectors of the public sector that are currently employed on a roster basis and if there are any plans to remove employees from the rostering system.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

There are two areas in my Department with rostered attendence patterns, the Irish Coast Guard and the Driver and Vehicle Computer Services Division, where staff work shift patterns. The rostered work patterns are necessary in the case of the Irish Coast Guard to provide a 24 hour/7 day rescue service for the State 365 days a year. The shift patterns in the Driver and Vehicle Computer Services Division are to provide technical support for the National Vehicle and Driver Computer system in particular outside of the normal 9 to 5 working hours. There have been no plans submitted to me to change this system.

Construction of the Luas BXD – 18th October 2012,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects construction on LUAS BXD to commence; when he expects the project to be concluded; the measures he will take to ensure that the impact on traders is minimised to the greatest extent possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Minister for Tranpsort, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

Luas BXD to Broombridge was designed to be a key element in an overall integrated transport network for Dublin. It will create a Luas network by joining the Luas Red and Green Lines and will also link with rail services from Maynooth and Dunboyne and with existing Quality Bus schemes which enter or cross Dublin City Centre. It will also, in time, interchange with future key projects such as Dart Underground and Metro North.

The project has been prioritised under the Governments’s 5-year capital plan – Infrastructure & Capital Investment Programme 2012-2016 – Medium Term Exchequer Framework – which was published in November 2011. Funding has been included in my Department’s capital allocation to 2016 to cover the cost of commencing the main construction works in 2015 and for pre-construction enabling works in 2013 and 2014. Construction is expected to take 4 years.

An Bórd Pleanála gave approval to the project on 2nd August 2012 and, following the statutory 8-week appeal period, the railway order (RO) is now operational. I understand that the business case for the project is now being updated by the RPA having regard to conditions attached to the RO and other information updates.

There has been extensive engagement between the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) and both Dublin City Council (DCC) and Dublin Bus aimed at minimising the construction impacts of Luas BXD on all road users, including pedestrians, and on businesses in the city centre area. The ongoing engagement between the relevant agencies on these important issues, which now also includes the NTA, will intensify both prior to and during the construction of the project.

The harmonisation of penalty points – 18th October 2012,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeframe for the harmonisation of penalty points with Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

The mutual recognition of penalty points between Ireland and Northern Ireland is being dealt with under the auspices of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC). This work involves the mutual recognition, rather than harmonisation, of certain road traffic offences, along with the penalty points associated with those offences in each jurisdiction. Harmonisation would be a much more complex issue to address and is not envisaged at this time.

It was agreed at the NSMC Transport Sectoral meeting on 21 October 2011 that officials would work together to bring forward proposals for the introduction of the mutual recognition of penalty points for speeding, drink/drug driving, non-wearing of seatbelts and using a mobile phone while driving.

The detailed timetable agreed at the North South Ministerial Council Meeting held on 5 October 2012 includes the key milestones for the drafting, passage and enactment of parallel legislation, North and South, by 31 December 2014 to allow for the mutual recognition of penalty points across the island of Ireland.

Steering and working groups, comprising of representatives of the relevant stakeholders in both jurisdictions, have been established to bring the required work forward and decide on how the necessary key deliverables will be achieved legislatively and operationally. Both groups have met on a number of occasions to date.

To achieve the December 2014 deadline, a significant volume of work will be required, including putting in place the necessary administrative arrangements and IT systems and agreement on data sharing protocols and procedures. In taking the work forward, complex issues need to be addressed by the two jurisdictions with a view to establishing a workable system which is perceived as proportionate and equitable and which attracts widespread public support throughout the island.

Indenting footpaths for parking – 18th September 2012,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 33353/12, if he will consider the possibility of indenting footpaths where practicable to allow more space for cars to park, without disrupting the traffic flow on a road, and still allowing the use of footpaths.

Reply

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

Local authorities currently have the power to indent pavements to allow for parking. In correspondence I have had with local authorities, including Dublin City Council, in regard to the issue of partial parking on pavements, I have pointed out that this option exists.

Partial footpath parking -10th July 2012,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to make it possible for local authorities to introduce partial footpath parking in urban areas.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

I corresponded with Dublin City Council on this matter on a number of occasions in the past year. In essence, the argument for allowing partial parking is that it would alleviate certain parking difficulties in the city, while the arguments against relate to safety. I believe the arguments against a change substantially outweigh those in favour of change.

Footpaths are provided for the safety of pedestrians and to segregate vulnerable road users from passing or parking traffic on the roadway. Footpaths are not constructed to the same specifications as roads and are not built to bear the weight of vehicles. Local authorities could face problems such as potential damage to kerbs, paths and utility access covers. Finally, if pavement parking is allowed in some areas, it could become a matter of habit for many people and difficult to restrict to the areas where it is legally permitted.

In the absence of any new evidence or arguments for allowing partial parking on pavements, I have no plans to change the law in this regard.

The Smarter Transport Bill – 3rd July 2012,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider incorporating the Smarter Transport Bill 2011 into upcoming legislation.

Reply

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

This question relates to the Smarter Travel Bill which was introduced last year by Deputy Murphy as a Private Members Bill and the related matters of electric vehicles and car clubs.

The purpose of the Smarter Travel Bill is twofold. First, it aims to promote electric car use by allowing local authorities to make bye-laws for the provision and use of charging bays on public roads. Second, it aims to promote the development of car clubs by allowing road authorities make bye-laws for the control and regulation of parking by car club vehicles on public roads.

I support the promotion of electric and hybrid vehicles as one of the ways to reduce pollution and improve our environment. With the current state of technology – which is advancing all the time – there are limits on the distance electric cars can travel before recharging. The provision of recharging points is, therefore, an important component in encouraging the use of electric cars.

Car clubs have proven very successful in other jurisdictions, particularly in Germany and the UK. A particular benefit is that families often find that by joining a car club they can avoid the need for a second family car, especially in cases where they might need a second vehicle only occasionally. As with electric cars, I am also in favour of car clubs as a way of reducing the number of vehicles on our roads. I am, therefore, very happy to support appropriate measures to promote electric cars and car clubs.

I have met with the Deputy on the subject, and conveyed my support from the principle of promoting electric cars and car clubs set out in his Private Members Bill.

My Department is now engaged in work on the development of the next Road Traffic Bill, which I hope to publish at the end of 2012. This Bill will address a number of issues, and will provide an opportunity to consider proposals for facilitating electric cars and car clubs. As far as is possible, I intend to include the proposed measures from the Smarter Travel Bill in the Road Traffic Bill.

The Luas BXD project – 3rd July 2012,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the LUAS BXD project.

Reply

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) on 1st December 2009, the provision of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), such as LUAS BXD, now comes under the remit of the NTA. Luas BXD to Broombridge was designed to be a key element in an overall integrated transport network for Dublin. It will create a Luas network by joining the Luas Red and Green Lines and will also link with rail services from Maynooth and Dunboyne and with existing Quality Bus schemes which enter or cross Dublin City Centre. It will also in time interchange with future key projects such as Dart Underground and Metro North. The project has been prioritised under the Governments’s 5-year capital plan – Infrastructure & Capital Investment Programme 2012-2016 – Medium Term Exchequer Framework – which was published in November 2011. Funding has been included in my Department’s capital allocation to 2016 to cover the cost of commencing the main construction works in 2015 and for pre-construction enabling works in 2013 and 2014. Construction is expected to take 4 years. However, key decisions and actions which will determine the precise construction start date must await the outcome of the planning process which is currently ongoing. Pending the outcome of the planning process there has been extensive engagement with key stakeholders such as Dublin City Council , Dublin Bus, taxi representatives and the business community in relation to such issues as traffic management during construction. Subject to the grant of the railway order this engagement will intensify both prior to and during construction.

The advertising contract for Tourism Ireland - 12th June 2012,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the person that holds the marketing and or advertising contract for Tourism Ireland; the location of the office; the number of staff in the office; the amount of funding the agency receives from Tourism Ireland; and where the advertising or marketing production work is subsequently contracted out to and by whom.

Reply

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

Contract for Tourism Ireland – 12th June 2012,

Reply

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

The number of overseas visitors to Ireland – 12th June 2012,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the number of overseas visitors to Ireland in 2011; and his targets for 2012.

Reply

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

The target for overseas visits in 2012, set out in the Marketing Plan of Tourism Ireland, the agency with responsibility for marketing Ireland as a holiday destination overseas, is to increase visit numbers to Ireland by a further 4.5%. This will build on the growth in visits achieved in 2011, for the first time since 2007. While final statistics in relation to overseas visits to Ireland in 2011 are still being compiled by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), figures for the first 11 months of 2011 were published by the CSO on Monday 9 January.

These show that there were just over 6 million overseas visits to Ireland in that period, an increase of 6.8% compared to the corresponding period of 2010. Numbers of visits to Ireland grew from all our main market areas, including Great Britain, our largest and most important tourism market.

To help achieve the targeted growth, I have allocated over €39 million this year for overseas tourism marketing which allows Tourism Ireland to implement its Plan, as well as funding Fáilte Ireland’s enterprise supports and product development. Prioritising tourism marketing investment, along with continued implementation of other measures in the Programme for Government and the Jobs Initiative to support levels of access and enhance competitiveness, such as the Visa Waiver Scheme, the lower VAT rate for tourism services, and continued investment in tourism infrastructure and product, will provide the platform on which the tourism industry, working in partnership with the tourism agencies, can deliver this growth.

Our targets for 2012 will in turn be built on by The Gathering 2013, the largest ever tourism initiative for Ireland, which aims to deliver an additional 325,000 visitors to Ireland in 2013.

Essential driver training legislation - 31st January 2012,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on legislation regarding essential driver training introduced in April 2011; and if consultation was undertaken in advance of introducing this piece of legislation.

Reply

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

Essential Driver Training (EDT), which I introduced last April, requires learner car drivers to undertake a course of compulsory lessons before taking the driving test. EDT is one of nine components in the development of a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system for Ireland. Taken together, these components will contribute significantly to the quality of driving on our roads, and so to road safety.

The development of detailed proposals for the GDL was undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), and the process included extensive consultation during 2009. EDT was one of the specific proposals to be developed following this exercise.

I understand from the RSA that it engaged extensively with Approved Driving Instructors during the development process for the EDT programme itself.

Minister’s opinion on replace clamping with fines – 9th February 2012,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to investigate the possibility of replacing the local authority car clamping system that currently exists in Dublin with a fine and emergency clamping removal system as has recently happened in Cork City.

Reply

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

While current legislation permits local authorities such as Dublin City Council to clamp vehicles in public places, either directly or by contract with a clamping company, there is no legislation covering clamping on private property.

In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to regulate the vehicle clamping industry, I recently presented a discussion document to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht, outlining the issues involved in regulating the industry, my proposals on the shape of appropriate legislation and inviting their views.

When the Committee’s views have been received, I anticipate that appropriate legislation will be brought before the Oireachtas.

Standards in the tour guide sector - 7th February 2012,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Government body for educating tour guides is going to continue in this role and if not if it is proposed that some other body will take its place; and his views of the possibility of introducing a diploma for tour guides.

Reply

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

There are no legislative provisions governing operations and standards in the tour guiding sector in Ireland. Like the provision of any other service, the consumer is protected by consumer protection legislation.

Fáilte Ireland operates a number of Tour Guide Training Programmes – A National Tour Guide Training programme certified by HETAC at Level 7 and a Dublin and Environs Tour Guide Training Programme certified by FETAC at Level 6. Tour Guides who successfuly complete one of these programmes as well as completing a specified number of tours, which must be evaluated by a tour operator or employer, and who hold a current Occupational First Aid Certificate can become a Fáilte Ireland Approved Guide and apply for a Fáilte Ireland Tour Guide Badge.

I am satisfied that these programmes and the qualifications awarded are sufficient not only to provide participants with the communication and information skills necessary to offer a quality tourist guiding service, but also to reassure the tourist as to the quality of the service on offer.

The operation of these training programmes is a day-to-day matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have asked the agency to advise the Deputy of its future plans for these programmes. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Turning off public lighting at night as a cost saving measure – 14th February 2012,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered a proposal (details supplied) to request local authorities to turn off specific public lighting at night time in rural locations as a cost saving measure which he estimates could save the State somewhere in the region of €10 to 11 million annually, and as is the current practice in some European cities.

(Every night with most people in bed there are approximately 20,000 sets of individual stand alone pedestrian traffic lights consuming expensive electricity for no purpose. The majority of these are in rural locations, one or two sets per village. I estimate such lights(six bulbs and relays) use one unit of electricity per hour – about 20 cents + VAT. Say these lights were timed to turn off between 22.00 and 6.00 hours when not needed. Savings would be :- 20 cents by 8 hours by 365 days by 20,000 sets of lights which comes to 11,680,000 Euros in a full year. The actual figure would be a bit lower as local authorities probably get a good discount from ESB, Bord Gais, Airtricity etc. However it would not be far off 10 million. I would urge yourselves to look into modification to such sets of lights – inclusion of a mains timer in control box would cost about a tenner per installation at most. Such thinking could be applied to larger complex sets of lights during the dead of night(say 2.00 to 5.00 hours). While the time period here is much shorter the savings would also be considerable as power consumption on more elaborate sets is much higher than a stand alone pedestrian traffic light set.)

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

As Minister for Transport, I have responsiblity for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national roads projects are matters for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is a statutory function of each road authority within its area, in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads including the installation, maintenance and operation of traffic lights are a matter for the relevant local authority. The safe operation of traffic lights and the potential for energy savings are also a matter for each local authority

Regarding the potential for energy savings on national roads, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.

The Gathering launch – 16th february 2012,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the gathering will be formally launched; the mechanisms for community groups; and members of the public to get involved.

Reply

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

I presented proposals for “The Gathering 2013″ at the Global Irish Economic Forum last October. Fáilte Ireland is the lead agency for the implementation of the initiative while Tourism Ireland Limited will have specific responsibility for promoting “The Gathering 2013″ in overseas markets.

The event is intended to be the biggest tourism initiative ever staged in Ireland and will consist of a year-long programme of festivals, events and other gatherings throughout the country, all of which will aim to attract overseas visitors.

The initiative is being overseen by a small, tightly-focused Project Board. This project board brings together representatives of the tourism bodies and my Department and includes other members with relevant expertise. The Chair of the Board is Ann Riordan (formerly Chair of Tourism Ireland and of Dublin Tourism, as well as previously working as Country Manager for Microsoft in Ireland) and the Board will oversee planning and delivery of the Gathering, supported by a small executive team drawn mainly from the tourism agencies alongside graduates under the JobsBridge programme.

They will be supported by a Council of Champions, which will act as a forum to engage the wider community at home and abroad. Tim O’Connor, former Secretary-General to the President, will act as Chair of the Council of Champions and is also a member of the Project Board. The Project Board is currently finalising the Business Plan for “The Gathering 2013″ which will cover the scope of the event and detail how interested parties can participate in it. It is planned that the event will be formally launched internationally over the course of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities next month. It will be launched domestically in April at which point a mechanism will be put in place to allow communities and members of the public to contribute to The Gathering.

An additional €5m is being provided to Fáilte Ireland this year and is being ring-fenced for preparations for The Gathering. This additional allocation will more than reverse the original planned cut in Fáilte Ireland’s current expenditure budget for 2012.

The national speed limit audit – 19th February 2012,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide further details about proposals for a national audit of speed limits; the way the audit will be conducted; and the way he plans to implement its proposals.

Reply

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

My Department will shortly engage with the National Roads Authority and local authorities throughout the country with a view to ensuring that a nationwide audit of speed limits takes place. The aim of this audit is to examine and improve, where appropriate, the application by local authorities of speed limits and speed limit signage throughout the country, in accordance with my Department’s “Guidelines for the Application of Special Speed Limits” issued last year.

As this work will involve extensive input from and engagement with the NRA and road authorities to reduce inconsistencies and the potential for driver confusion, it will take some time, but it is my intention to complete this project during the course of this year. I am determined that the necessary improvements should be implemented as soon as possible so as to further enhance road safety, saving lives and reducing serious injuries.

Electric vehicle access to bus lanes - 18th April 2012,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider granting access to bus lanes for electric vehicles, as has happened in Norway, as a means of effectively promoting the purchase and use of electric vehicles on Irish roads.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

The primary purpose of providing bus lanes is to facilitate and promote bus based public transport. The regulations generally limit the use of bus lanes to buses and, in the case of with-flow bus lanes, to cyclists. Having regard to the role of taxis in providing on-street immediate hire services, an exemption is allowed in respect of taxis when they are being used in the course of business.

There have over the years been a number of requests to my Department to consider amending the legislation to allow other categories of vehicle to use bus lanes. These include hackneys, limousines, multi-occupancy cars, and motorbikes, among others. I have received a number of such requests since becoming Minister. The overriding concern in considering these applications is the carrying capacity of bus lanes, and the potential that their primary role to provide bus priority could be undermined if other vehicles were allowed access. As a result, I have taken the view that the current restrictions on use of bus lanes should be maintained. These lanes were introduced at some expense to the taxpayer in order to provide priority on our roads for public transport. This is in line with our aim of making public transport more efficient and attractive, and so reducing congestion and pollution.

I do, of course, support the development and promotion of electric cars as an environmentally friendly means of transport, a policy which is within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. However, changes to the bus lane legislation in regard to electric cars, or other modes of transport, are not in my view the appropriate way to promote them.

The Minister’s views on The Smarter Transport Bill - 19th November 2011,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views regarding the Smarter Transport Bill 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

I welcome the Smarter Transport Bill 2011 which the Deputy recently published. The Bill makes provision for local authorities to make bye laws for the provision and use of charging bays on public roads for electrically powered and plug-in hybrid vehicles and for the control and regulation of parking by car club vehicles on public roads.

I believe the Deputy’s bill is important as it will, if enacted, provide the legislative basis to encourage greater and more widespread use of electric cars as well as making car clubs a more viable option for members of the public. Therefore, I look forward to the Bill being debated in the House in the coming months, and giving general support to the proposals contained within the Bill.

How much will the department spend on consultancy fees - 6th October 2011,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount the Government intends to spend on consultancy fees in 2011, in particular those contracted to identify value for money in Government Departments.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

The latest estimate of expenditure by my Departement on consultancy fees for 2011 is €463,000. Much of the expenditure is related to policy reviews which are broadly oriented towards the objective of achieving improved economic outcomes in the transport, tourism and sport sectors. Expenditure on specific studies under the value for money review programme for the year is €2,800.

A safe place to park bikes – 6th October 2011,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered opening bike parks in the city centre to provide commuters with a safe place to leave their bikes, thus encouraging more persons to cycle to work.

The Minister of State for Public and Commuter Transport (Alan Kelly):

The provision of public bike parking is a matter in the first instance for the local authority concerned utilising either their own resources or financial assistance that may be available from either my Department or the National Transport Authority. A good example of local authority provided city centre bike parking is the secure bike parking made available by Dublin City Council on the ground floor of Drury Street multi-story car park in Dublin 2.

Airport bus services stops at midnight – 19th July 2011

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that public bus services operating to and from Dublin airport terminate at midnight, hence there is no public mode of transport available after that time for those with bus passes depending on a public service.

The Minister of State for Public and Commuter Transport (Alan Kelly):

The issues raised are operational matters for Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann. 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.

Reappointment of the DAA board - 7th July 2011,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will be reappointing the board of the Dublin Airport Authority after it expires in 2011.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

I appoint directors to the board of the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the State Airports Act 2004 and Section 22 of the Air Navigation and Transport (Amendment) Act 1998, as amended by paragraph 9 of the Schedule to the Act of 2004, as the need arises.

There are thirteen director positions on the board of the DAA, four of whom are Worker Directors. Currently the position of Chairperson is vacant and six director posts fall due to be filled before the end of the year. I will be appointing a new Chairperson in the near future and will make the other appointments as the vacancies arise.

The Olympics and the effect on tourism in Ireland - 21st April 2011,

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will expand on plans by the tourism agencies to target tourists from London who may wish to leave the city during the Olympic games in 2012; the amount of money being invested in these plans including marketing campaigns and, the expected tourist numbers and revenue.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Leo Varadkar):

The matter raised is an operational one for Tourism Ireland Limited, in the first instance, as the body responsible for promoting the island of Ireland as a visitor destination overseas, working together with Fáilte Ireland where appropriate. I have referred the Deputy’s Question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

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