Written Answers Nos. 214-233
  Ports Policy
  Public Transport Subsidies
  Rail Network Expansion
  Light Rail Projects
  Transport Policy
  Ports Policy
  Road Network
  Public Transport Expenditure
  Road Projects Expenditure
  Road Projects Status
  Rail Services
  Rail Network Maintenance
  Road Projects
  Tourism Promotion

Thursday, 19 October 2017

Dáil Éireann Debate
Vol. 960 No. 6
Unrevised

Written Answers Nos. 214-233

Ports Policy

 214. Deputy Robert Troy   asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport   his views on whether there is a risk that some regional ports could be building up significant infrastructure deficits due to the directive advanced in the national ports policy 2013 that no further Exchequer funding will be provided for port infrastructure development; and if his Department has undertaken reviews that show there is an adequate level of maintenance investment in national and regional ports. [44390/17]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross):   As the Deputy has referred to, in line with National Ports Policy published in 2013, no Exchequer funding is provided to any commercial port company.

Irish ports have operated on a commercial basis without recourse to State funding since their corporatisation in the 1990s. Ports are expected to fund their activities, including all maintenance works and capital infrastructure investment from their own resources.

In keeping with National Ports Policy, the provision of adequate and efficient capacity into the future is a crucial strategic objective. However, the planning and development of large-scale infrastructure such as commercial port development requires significant organisational, operational and financial resources. It is important that bodies bringing forward significant port capacity projects have the resources required. Therefore, Government expects the Ports of National Significance to lead the response of the State commercial ports sector to future national port capacity requirements.

All three of the Tier 1 Ports of National Significance, Dublin, Cork and Shannon Foynes, have Masterplans (i.e. long term planning) in play and are currently engaged in major infrastructural projects to increase draft, berth size and capacity. These developments are funded by the ports themselves.

There is no short-term pressure on national port capacity. In fact, some ports are currently operating under capacity.

In relation to the five Ports of Regional Significance, Drogheda, Dún Laoghaire, Galway, New Ross and Wicklow, National Ports Policy recommends that these are transferred to more appropriate local authority-led governance structures. The longer term development of these ports is best placed within their regional and local communities to allow both develop in a manner that is mutually beneficial. Two of these five ports, Wicklow and Drogheda, have already transferred to the control of the relevant local authority.

Public Transport Subsidies

 215. Deputy Robert Troy   asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport   the amount by which he will increase the PSO to each of the CIÉ companies in view of his allocation under budget 2018. [44391/17]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross):   Throughout the year I committed publicly to further increasing Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding levels in the future as resources allowed.  In Budget 2018 I secured an 8% increase in the overall Exchequer funding available for PSO services throughout the country. This means that in 2018 over €285 million will be allocated via the National Transport Authority (NTA) to support the continued delivery of these socially necessary but financially unviable services that have grown in recent years. 

The Deputy has asked about the proposed 2018 PSO allocations to individual companies.  As is normal, the precise allocations to the companies will be decided by the NTA in exercise of its statutory mandate and in accordance with the various contract arrangements that it has in place with PSO service providers.

Rail Network Expansion

 216. Deputy Robert Troy   asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport   the estimated cost of the electrification of both the northern rail line to Balbriggan and the Maynooth line; when he anticipates this project will go to planning; and when it will begin construction. [44392/17]

 224. Deputy Robert Troy   asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport   the progress and spend to date on the DART expansion programme; the stage it is currently at; and when the project will finish planning stage and begin construction phase. [44400/17]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross):   I propose to take Questions Nos. 216 and 224 together.

As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority's (NTA) Transport Strategy for the GDA 2016-2035 proposes implementation of the overall DART Expansion Programme involving electrification of the Northern line as far as Drogheda, the Kildare Line to Hazelhatch, the Sligo line to Maynooth in the west and to the M3 Parkway and construction of the DART Underground Tunnel. The original cost of the overall DART Expansion Programme (including the tunnel element) was estimated at €4 billion, of which €3 billion was in respect of the tunnel as originally designed.  

The Government decided in September 2015 that the original proposal for the tunnel should be redesigned to provide a lower cost solution.  There are ongoing deliberations on this issue which I expect to be completed soon. 

Building on the Government’s budgetary framework set out in Building on Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2016-2021 published in September 2015, Government's recently announved Budget 2018 provides for an increase in the multi-annual capital investment for public transport with a four-year capital envelope of €2.7 billion over the period 2018-2021.  The additional funding over this 4 year period will, amongst other projects, enable acceleration of the initial stages of the DART Expansion programme, focussing on additional fleet and extending the electrified DART system. It will allow further progress to be made on the electrification of both the Northern rail line to Balbriggan and the Maynooth line.  

In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the Authority for further information on the issues raised.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Light Rail Projects

 217. Deputy Robert Troy   asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport   when the NTA will complete the business case appraisal for the revised metro north; and if funding for the project will be contingent on the cost benefit and wider economic benefit ratios contained in the plan. [44393/17]

 218. Deputy Robert Troy   asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport   if he will publish the business case appraisal for the revised metro north including unredacted estimates of the cost benefit ratios for the project. [44394/17]

 219. Deputy Robert Troy   asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport   the planned capacity of the revised metro north in terms of passenger per hour per direction and maximum future scalability; and if, due to the revision of the platform length, the revised metro project will only be able to handle capacities (details supplied). [44395/17]

 227. Deputy Robert Troy   asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport   if local authorities are now taking into consideration benefits from the metro north when determining development levies; and if not, when he anticipates they will begin to do this. [44403/17]

 228. Deputy Robert Troy   asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport   the amount of the €140 million prior expenditure that has been lost from the revision of the design of the metro north project. [44404/17]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross):   I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 to 219, inclusive, 227 and 228 together.

The Capital Plan, Building on Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2016-2021, was published in September 2015 and set out the Government’s budgetary framework for public capital investment in Ireland over the period 2016-2021. The Capital plan confirmed a €9.6 billion capital envelope for transport over seven years and that provided funding to progress for the construction of a metro link between the City Centre, Dublin Airport and Swords that will commence in 2021.Following the mid-term review of the Capital Plan, Government’s recently announced allocation of additional capital expenditure in Estimates 2018 and a 4-year capital envelope over the period 2018-2021 confirms further progress of Metro North by the National Transport Authority; construction work on this project will start in 2021, with passenger services starting in 2027.  The 10-year capital plan to be published in the coming months will include the funding for the period to complete this significant addition to public transport. As required by the Public Spending Code, the NTA in due course will also progress the relevant appraisal processes and value for money tests before Exchequer resources are finally committed. 

In relation to the planned capacity of the new Metro North scheme, the 2015 Final/North Dublin Study, which recommended new Metro North as the optimum transport solution on the Swords/Airport/City Centre corridor, identified that the scheme “has significant capacity to allow for potential future growth”.  It is noted also that the Central Statistics Office’s results from the 2016 census align with the population growth projections used in the Final/North Dublin Study. 

The design and planning work being undertaken at present on the new Metro North project, will continue to use the most up-to-date information available on population and employment projections to ensure that the final design and service pattern is correctly calibrated to fully meet the transport needs of the corridor. 

I am advised that there is no active development levy scheme currently in place for new Metro North at this time. 

Of the previous expenditure incurred on the original Metro North scheme, it is anticipated that a significant proportion of this investment will be of value in the finalisation of the new Metro North project; however, the extent of that will only be determined when the current option analysis and selection work have been progressed.

Transport Policy

 220. Deputy Robert Troy   asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport   if he and the NTA will reconsider the Clongriffin spur to Dublin Airport or another heavy rail connection to the airport, in view of the ambition in the draft national planning framework to enable growth for Dublin (details supplied). [44396/17]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross):   As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority's (NTA) Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2016-2035 provides the overarching framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the GDA over the next two decades.  The strategy proposes the new Metro North project as the optimum long term public transport solution on the Swords/airport/city centre corridor.  It does not include the Clongriffin spur to Dublin airport or another heavy rail connection to the airport.  There are no plans to reconsider this issue at this time.

My Department continues to engage with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government on the development of the draft National Planning Framework to strengthen the levels of integration between spatial planning and transport planning across the country.

Ports Policy

 221. Deputy Robert Troy   asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport   if his Department or a body under its aegis has explored proposals to relocate services, facilities and capacities from Dublin Port to another national port or port of regional significance as a means of reducing congestion and other issues in Dublin city; and if so, the study and-or conclusions it reached. [44397/17]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross):   The Government published a National Ports Policy (NPP) in March 2013. Its core objective is to facilitate a competitive and effective market for maritime transport services. In keeping with National Ports Policy, the provision of adequate and efficient capacity into the future is a crucial strategic objective.  A copy of is available on my Department’s website at http://www.dttas.ie/maritime/english/national-ports-policy-0

  The planning and development of large-scale infrastructure such as commercial port development requires significant organisational, operational and financial resources. It is important that bodies bringing forward significant port capacity projects have the resources required. Therefore, Government, as outlined in National Ports Policy, requires Tier 1 and Tier 2 ports of national significance to lead the response in meeting Ireland’s future port capacity requirements. At present in line with this policy there are major redevelopment projects taking place at Tier 1 ports across the country, at Dublin Port and two ports outside of Dublin, the Port of Cork and Shannon-Foynes Port.

  The Dublin Port Company Masterplan 2012 – 2040, which was published in 2012, sets out a vision for the development and operation of Dublin Port for the 30 years up to 2040. The Masterplan identifies specific uses for land within the port estate. While the key focus of the Masterplan is on the infrastructural development of the port and the delivery of the capacity required to service the import and export needs of the Irish economy it also contains a strong commitment to rebuild the linkages between the Port and the City.

  The core principles of the Masterplan were endorsed by the Government in the National Ports Policy and the continued commercial development of Dublin Port Company is a key strategic objective of this Policy. Earlier this year, Dublin Port Company carried out a first review of the Masterplan. The results the public consulatation held as part of this review will help inform the revised Masterplan which is due to be published later in 2017. The Masterplan and the review are available to view on the Company’s website at http://www.dublinport.ie/masterplan/masterplan/

Road Network

 222. Deputy Robert Troy   asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport   the options his Department and-or TII are considering to achieve the objective of key future growth enablers for County Cork under the national planning framework draft with regard to enhanced regional connectivity through improved average journey times by road. [44398/17]

 223. Deputy Robert Troy   asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport   the options his Department and TII are considering to achieve the objective of key future growth enablers for County Limerick under the national planning framework draft with regard to enhanced regional connectivity through improved average journey times by road to counties Cork and Waterford. [44399/17]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross):   I propose to take Questions Nos. 222 and 223 together.

The draft National Planning Framework which is the subject of public consultation at present looks at planning policy over the time horizon to 2040.  Once the Framework is finalised, it is envisaged that the proposed 10 year investment plan will set out the projects/programmes which can be undertaken over the next capital planning period.  In the interim, the extra allocations being made available as a result of the Capital Plan Review will allow TII to re-activate preparatory work on a pipeline of future upgrade projects.

Question No. 224 answered with Question No. 216.

Public Transport Expenditure

 225. Deputy Robert Troy   asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport   the amount of funding that has been spent on public transport projects (details supplied) to date. [44401/17]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross):   The Capital Plan ‘Building on Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2016-2021’ published in September 2015, confirmed a €9.6 billion capital envelope for transport over seven years and provided the following funding to progress key public transport projects included in the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) ‘Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035’:

- €700 million for planning, design and initial construction of new Metro North;

- €70m for the first phase of the DART Expansion Programme to include the extension to Balbriggan, the design and planning of DART services to Maynooth and Hazelhatch and for work on the redesign of the underground tunnel;

- €800 million for bus programmes including fleet replacement and enlargement programmes, bus network infrastructure development and bus rapid transit programmes;

- €200 million to allow for completion of the Luas Cross City project.  Funding for the development of the project was also provided under the previous Capital Plan; 

- €120 million to complete the City Centre Re-signalling Programme to improve speeds on mainline rail and a new rail Central Traffic Control Centre.

The Phoenix Park Tunnel Link opened in November 2016 and the total capital cost of the project was €13.5 million. 

Iarnród Éireann has responsibility for the maintenance and operation of the heavy rail network. In accordance with the requirements of EU law, my Department provides annual capital funding to Iarnród Éireann for the maintenance and renewal of the network under the Infrastructure Manager Multi-Annual Contract (IMMAC). The Capital Plan provided €1.3 billion for this purpose.

Following the mid-term review of the Capital Plan, Budget 2018 provides for an increase in the multi-annual capital investment for public transport with a four-year capital envelope of €2.7 billion over the period 2018-2021.  The increased funding will allow rollout of a number of key programmes to address congestion and emerging capacity constraints on our public transport system across our cities.  I expect to include a number of other significant major investments in the forthcoming 10-year plan to be published in the coming months.  The 10-year capital plan will also include funding to complete new Metro North, with construction starting in 2021 and passenger services commencing in 2027.

Noting the responsibilities of the NTA and Iarnród Éireann, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to both organisations for further information in relation to expenditure on the specific projects referred to by the Deputy.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Road Projects Expenditure

 226. Deputy Robert Troy   asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport   the amount of funding that has been spent on road projects (details supplied) to date. [44402/17]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross):   As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects  is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.  Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.

Questions Nos. 227 and 228 answered with Question No. 217.

Road Projects Status

 229. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe   asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport   the position regarding the realignment of the N73 at Clogher Cross to Waterdyke, Shanballymore, Mallow, County Cork; when the ground works will commence; and the timeframe for this work. [44405/17]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross):   As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects  is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.  Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.

Rail Services

 230. Deputy Seamus Healy   asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport   if the frequent unannounced cancellation of trains on the Waterford to Limerick line will be stopped in view of the fact this is undermining the credibility of the service and is being used by Iarnród Éireann as a reason for proposing the closure of this railway line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44413/17]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross):   The issue raised is a matter for Irish Rail and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Company for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

Rail Network Maintenance

 231. Deputy Ruth Coppinger   asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport   if the residents along the railway line near Ashtown (details supplied) will be given adequate notice of works being done at weekends and at night; and the level of community liaison that takes place in these circumstances. [44428/17]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross):   The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Company for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Road Projects

 232. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív   asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport   if Transport Infrastructure Ireland has informed him of the projects on national primary and secondary routes that will be going to construction in 2018 based on the funding provided for TII in the budget; if it has the details of these projects; if not, when it is likely that TII will inform him of the projects going to construction in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44458/17]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross):   As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme and in this context my Department is liaising with TII in relation to the outcome of Budget 2018 and the Capital Plan Review. 

Within its budget, it is a matter for TII for decide on individual allocations, with the approval of its Board. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.

Tourism Promotion

 233. Deputy Robert Troy   asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport   if he will examine the level of funding allocated through Fáilte Ireland to County Longford for the purpose of promoting tourism within the county in view of the fact County Longford has been allocated just €2,000 for the promotion of tourism in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44511/17]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross):   This is an operational matter for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland.  Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to the agency for further information and direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.