Written Answers Nos. 370-389
370. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has satisfied himself regarding the submitted observation in respect of the foreshore lease planning application (details supplied) on Galway Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33322/17]
View answerForeshore licensing issues are a matter for the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government under the Foreshore Acts.
The case as referred to by the Deputy relates to an application by the Marine Institute to that Minister for the renewal of a lease for the Marine and Renewable Energy test site at Galway Bay, not for the construction of an electricity generating station. Details of the lease application are available on the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government website.
As Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, I have no role in relation to the preparation of submissions by consultees under the Foreshore Acts, including submissions by statutory bodies under the aegis of my Department.
371. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has satisfied himself regarding the submitted observation in respect of the foreshore lease planning application (details supplied) on Galway Bay given that the Commission had no comment to make; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33324/17]
View answerForeshore licensing issues are a matter for the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government under the Foreshore Acts.
The case as referred to by the Deputy relates to an application by the Marine Institute to that Minister for the renewal of a lease for the Marine and Renewable Energy test site at Galway Bay, not for the construction of an electricity generating station. Details of the lease application are available on the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government website.
As Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, I have no role in relation to the preparation of submissions by consultees under the Foreshore Acts, including submissions by statutory bodies and independent regulators under the aegis of my Department.
372. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding the development of sectorial response plans to Brexit; the publication date of these plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33335/17]
View answerOn 2 May, the Government published a comprehensive document on Ireland and the negotiations on the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. Following publication, work is underway across departments to prepare adaptive Sectoral Response Plans to mitigate emerging sectoral challenges.
These plans will build on ongoing cross-Government research, analysis and consultations with stakeholders, and will encompass the following five cross government themes:
- Sustainable fiscal policies to ensure capacity to absorb and respond to economic shocks, not least from Brexit;
- Policies to make Irish enterprise more diverse and resilient, to diversify trade and investment patterns, and to strengthen competitiveness;
- Prioritising policy measures and dedicating resources to protect jobs and businesses in the sectors and regions most affected by Brexit;
- Realising economic opportunities arising from Brexit, and helping businesses adjust to any new logistical or trade barriers arising;
- Making a strong case at EU level that Ireland will require support that recognises where Brexit represents a serious disturbance to the Irish economy.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department has a broad remit including telecommunications, energy, climate, broadcasting and environment.
My Department has identified energy as the highest priority sector and has published on its website a summary of Brexit energy priorities. Principal amongst these are maintenance of secure energy trading between the UK and EU Member States and maintaining the Single Electricity Market across the island of Ireland. The on-going work in my Department identifies potential impacts across each sector, defines specific priorities for the Brexit process and examines policy recommendations
My Department is working across the policy areas for which it is responsible to continue to develop our analysis in order to prepare for Brexit and minimise the potential impacts on Ireland.
373. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will reverse the proposal that the provision of a green, black and brown bin is to be restricted to areas with a population density of greater than 500 in view of the fact that it is discriminating against rural dwellers that wish to recycle and manage the cost of their waste disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33419/17]
View answerHousehold kerbside waste collectors are required by a condition in their waste collection permit to provide a separate receptacle for each waste fraction namely, residual, recyclables and where appropriate, food and bio-waste.
In line with the objectives of the national waste policy, A Resource Opportunity - Waste Management Policy in Ireland, in terms of maximising the resource potential and minimising the disposal of our waste, the European Union (Household Food Waste and Bio-waste) Regulations 2015 are designed to promote the segregation and recovery of household food waste. The Regulations impose obligations on both waste collectors and householders.
Under articles 4 and 5 of the Regulations, household waste collectors are required to provide, or arrange for the provision of, a separate collection service for food waste from households for population agglomerations greater than 500 persons. This started out as agglomerations of greater than 25,000 persons and has been reduced on a phased basis.
A food waste collection service is now being provided in every county across all local authority areas. The provision of this service to more remote areas with agglomerations less than 500 persons, where it is technically and environmentally practical to do so, continues to be monitored by my Department, together with the regulatory authorities.
374. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to roll out an information awareness campaign to inform persons of plans to ban flat rate bin charges in the future; and if so, when he plans on doing so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33439/17]
View answerThe Regional Waste Management Planning Offices commenced a programme of education and awareness funded by my Department in March 2017 with radio advertisements encouraging the use of brown bin and focusing on food waste prevention which ran from throughout March 2017. This was backed up with social media campaigns to further encourage the use of the brown bin.
The Regional Waste Management Planning Offices will continue to roll out waste awareness and education initiatives in the second half of this year, re-focussing on the use of the brown bin, but also concentrating on improving and increasing recycling, waste prevention and the correct use of the kerbside collection system. In terms of the timing of a campaign to inform people about the phase out of flat rate fees, it is intended that this will begin before the end of July 2017.
376. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the waste which can lawfully be disposed of in a black bin, a green bin and a brown bin, respectively. [33531/17]
View answerThe European Union (Household Food Waste and Bio-waste) Regulations 2015, (S.I. 430 of 2015) are designed to promote the segregation and recovery of household food waste. Regulations 6 and 7 impose obligations on householders, which inter alia, require householders who avail of a household waste collection service, and are supplied with a food waste bin in line with the Regulations, to place food waste in the food waste bin. Alternatively, a householder may subject the food waste to a home composting process or bring the food to an appropriate authorised waste facility. A collector may also offer a service to collect garden and/or other suitable bio-waste in the food waste bin. Further information is available to download at http://www.brownbin.ie/.
The Seventh Schedule to the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007, (S.I. 820 of 2007) as amended, requires kerbside household waste collectors to accept a minimum list of recyclable household waste materials. Collectors also may accept additional mixed dry recyclable household waste items.
Residual household kerbside waste, as defined in the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007, (S.I. 820 of 2007) as amended, which is not food waste or recyclable household waste, should be placed in the residual bin.
A campaign developed by the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices focusing on reducing food waste generation and also encouraging the use of brown bin was run in March 2017, comprising of radio and cinema advertisements and backed up by a social media campaign. Further campaigns will be rolled out over the second half of 2017 addressing issues such as food waste, waste prevention, how per lift and weight based charging models work and increasing and improving recycling.
378. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has met with representatives of shipping lines in the context of Brexit; the potential for disruption of goods transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33293/17]
View answer392. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has undertaken a study of the need for additional roll-on, roll-off ferry services in the context of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33295/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 378 and 392 together.
As part of my Department's preparation for Brexit, there has been wide engagement with sectoral stakeholders, including the shipping sector, at the All Ireland Transport Sectoral Meeting held on 23 January and at a specific workshop hosted by my officials in April on the possible impacts of Brexit on maritime transport.
I am aware that a significant proportion of goods destined for EU markets use the UK land-bridge to access these markets. The efficiency of these routes could be affected by Brexit, particularly if there were increased border and custom procedures and delays, or if the UK applied differing standards, road charging or regulatory regimes. The impact of Brexit on shipping will be dependent upon the outcome of EU-UK negotiations.
My Department, in liaison with the Irish Maritime Development Office, is commencing research into the use of the UK land-bridge by Irish importers and exporters. The purpose of the research is to establish the volume of traffic using the UK land-bridge, the likely consequences that Brexit will have on land-bridge usage, and the various options that may be available.
All shipping companies servicing routes to and from Ireland operate as independent commercial companies. Shipping services are market driven. In the past, ferry operators have responded to economic developments and increased or reduced capacity in response to market demands. I expect ferry services to adapt to changing market demands and conditions following Britain's exit from the EU but I will continue to monitor the situation.
379. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has investigated the impact of Brexit on the use of the United Kingdom as a land-bridge for goods to other markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33294/17]
View answerMy Department in liaison with the Irish Maritime Development Office is commencing a study/research into the use of the UK Land-bridge by Irish importers and exporters. The purpose of the research is to establish the nature and scale of traffic using the UK Land-bridge currently, the potential consequences that Brexit will have on future land-bridge usage and the various alternative options that may be viable. I expect the Study to commence shortly.
380. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when funding will be made available for the construction of the western distributor road which is needed to provide essential high quality access to a site (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33136/17]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (such as the Western Distributor Road) is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority (in this case Sligo County Council), in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the local authority's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
Decisions on the transport elements of the Capital Plan 2016-2021 were framed by the conclusions reached in my Department’s Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport. Based on the findings in that report it is envisaged that maintenance and renewal of the road network will continue to be the main priority over the next period and the bulk of the roads capital budget, approximately €4.4 billion, is earmarked for such essential work with a further €600 million allocated for implementation of the PPP road programme which is already underway. In this context it was not possible to include a range of projects (including the Western Distributor Road) in the Plan given the overall funding envelope available.
As regards the possibility of additional funding within the Plan period, the Capital Plan Review process is underway. My Department is making a strong case for additional funding, including the development of a project pipeline for road schemes. The final decisions on allocations are, however, matters for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and Government as a whole.
Notwithstanding the above, my Department has been facilitating the development of the project for a number of years and has provided an allocation of €100k to Sligo County Council in 2017 to progress the detailed design of the project.
381. Deputy Maria Bailey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take to alleviate the inconvenience and sleep disturbance being caused by the use of south Dublin as the flight path for flights to Dublin Airport from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33182/17]
View answerThe issue of the direction or re-direction of flight paths for Dublin Airport is an operational matter for the Irish Aviation Authority, so I shall immediately refer the Deputy's question to the authority for direct reply.
However, please advise my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
382. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the research and investigations undertaken which led to the observation submitted by the Coast Guard in its role as a named external consultee advising the Minister for Housing, Planning Community and Local Government in relation to the foreshore lease planning application (details supplied) on Galway Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33191/17]
View answer383. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has satisfied himself regarding the submitted observation in respect of the foreshore lease planning application (details supplied) on Galway Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33192/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 382 and 383 together.
The Department of Housing, Planning Community and Local Government sought the Irish Coast Guard's views on the Application by the Marine Institute in respect of prototype wind, wave and tidal energy devices at the Galway Bay Marine and Renewable Energy Test Site Spiddal, Co Galway on 10 March 2016. It was conveyed in my Department's response on 22 March 2016 that the Coast Guard had no objection or comments to make in relation to the project at this juncture, but would retain its view to make some operational points closer to the completion date on matters such as Navigational Warnings, oil spillage etc.
384. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the research and investigations undertaken which led to the observation submitted by the Commissioners of Irish Lights in its role as a named external consultee advising the Minister for Housing, Planning Community and Local Government on the foreshore lease planning application (details supplied) on Galway Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33193/17]
View answer385. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has satisfied himself regarding the submitted observation in respect of the foreshore lease planning application (details supplied) on Galway Bay in view of the fact that the Commissioners of Irish Lights held that as the site is within the current wave energy test site, Irish lights have no objections to the proposed developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33194/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 384 and 385 together.
The matter raised is the responsibility of the Commissioners of Irish Lights, and I have no role in the matter.
386. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the planned automation of Greystones DART station; the impact on staff and passengers, including those with disabilities and tourists that often look to staff for help and information; the health and safety implications; his plans to lease Greystones station for commercial use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33198/17]
View answerThe 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.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
387. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to make public transport more accessible for wheelchair users; the extent of the public transport network which is wheelchair accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33226/17]
View answer388. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the initiatives in place to encourage transport providers to make their services as accessible as possible to wheelchair users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33227/17]
View answer389. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to alleviate the fact that persons with mobility and sensory impairments must give at least 24 hours notice before journeying with railway transport services; the further steps he is taking to reduce this notice time; and the way in which the target time may be reduced or indeed be replaced by fully accessible carriages. [33228/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 387 to 389, inclusive, together.
Accessibility features are built into all new public transport infrastructure projects and vehicles from the design stage and new systems such as the Luas are fully accessible. In addition, 100% of the Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann city fleets are wheelchair accessible, as well as approximately 80% of the Bus Éireann coach fleet.
With regard to existing infrastructure, there is an ongoing Accessibility Grants Programme to upgrade public transport infrastructure and facilities to help improve transport accessibility across the country. The programme is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) on behalf of my Department.
Funding is being provided to the NTA in 2017 for accessibility upgrade works at a number of rail stations; for accessible bus stops and bus stations; and for a Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Grant Scheme. Funding is also provided via the NTA for the Travel Assistance Scheme which is run by Dublin Bus. Under the scheme an assistant can accompany people who need help using public transport and to plan a journey on Dublin Bus, Luas and the DART.
The issue of staffing levels at train stations is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I understand that Iarnród Éireann plans to confirm new pilot arrangements for mobility-impaired customers shortly, which will dramatically reduce the current advance notification period and ensure a better response when customers requiring assistance cannot give notice.
In light of both the NTA's and Iarnród Éireann's responsibilities in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to both organisations for direct reply on the issues raised. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
