Written Answers
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
9 July 2019 Written Answers. The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised]. 9/07/2019WRA00300 Questions Nos. 1 to 7, inclusive, answered orally. Questions Nos. 8 to 52, inclusive, resubmitted. Questions Nos. 53 to 60, inclusive, answered orally. 09/07/2019WRA00700Trans European Transport Network Programme 09/07/2019WRA0080061. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason his Department has not applied to the EU for the revision of the TEN-T core network, including applying for the reinstatement of the cross-Border Western Arc and the western rail corridor as stated in the programme for a partnership Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22913/19] 09/07/2019WRA00900Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): Under the Programme for Partnership Government, the Government committed to applying to the European Commis- sion for the revision of the TEN-T Core Network, including in relation to the Western Arc. A submission is currently being prepared in this regard, which would seek to facilitate consider- ation of transport-related project proposals for funding under the Connecting Europe Facility for transport in the Western Arc region. Importantly, the submission will also take into account national developments since the TEN-T Network was established, including the publication of our National Development Plan (NDP) and National Planning Framework (NPF) in 2018, as well as consideration of the im- plications for Ireland, including on western and north-west regions, stemming from the UK exiting the EU. The TEN-T Regulation explicitly states that the European Commission should take into account national implementation plans when carrying out the review of the TEN-T Network. In Ireland’s case, these would include both the NDP and the NPF. Both of these Government documents will shape the future development of Irish planning and infrastructure across a range of sectors, including transport. Additionally, the UK’s Withdrawal from the EU has been an evolving process over the last number of years, both in terms of the negotiations between the EU and the UK and in terms of contingency planning for a range of possible Brexit scenarios, which has been a whole-of-gov- ernment effort coordinated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The preparation and making of a submission calling for a review of the TEN-T network should be strengthened by the proposals under the NDP and the NPF and by the added urgency of the implications of 1 Questions - Written Answers Brexit. Separately, in late February 2019, my Department received correspondence from European Commissioner for Transport, Violeta Bulc, which stated that the European Commission is con- sidering advancing the review of the TEN-T Network, which is due to take place no later than the end of 2023, as stipulated in the TEN-T Regulation. The Commission’s review process will include: an evaluation study, which will conclude in spring 2020; a public stakeholder consul- tation process, which will conclude on 17 July 2019; and targeted consultation with Member States and a wide range of stakeholders, to commence in the coming months. My Department intends to be fully engaged as part of this review process. With regard to the Western Rail Corridor, both the Programme for a Partnership Govern- ment and Project Ireland 2040 commit to an independent review of the costings for a proposal to extend the existing Corridor. Iarnród Éireann has appointed consultants to prepare a financial and economic appraisal, which will involve all relevant stakeholders, and the public consulta- tion phase is underway. Upon completion, the review will itself be subject to a verification process by my Department to ensure requirements are met and in particular, that a wide consul- tation has taken place. I expect the findings of the review, which will advise as to the business case for an extension of the Corridor, in the Autumn. It is my intention to bring the findings to Government for consideration at that point. Finally, I recently met with Minister of State Seán Canney, in his capacity as Chair the Atlantic Economic Corridor Forum to discuss the review of the Core TEN-T Network and the potential for EU funding in this regard. I am committed to working with the Taskforce and Minister of State Canney on this matter and will be sharing a copy of my draft submission with the Department of Department of Rural and Community Development and the Taskforce in advance if its submission to Commissioner Bulc. Questions Nos. 62 to 64, inclusive, answered orally. 09/07/2019WRA01100Road Network 09/07/2019WRA0120065. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to invest in the national road network in County Meath. [29514/19] 09/07/2019WRA01300Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): Firstly, I would like to explain that, as Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. However, under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, development and construction of individual national road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. The National Development Plan (NDP) provides the strategic and financial framework for Tll’s national roads programme from 2018-2027. The focus of Tll’s activities over the coming years is, accordingly, directed towards the major national road improvement schemes listed in the NDP. Following consultation with TII, I can provide the following information and update to the Deputy on investment in the national road network in County Meath: N2 Slane Bypass The proposed N2 Slane Bypass is included amongst a number of major national road 2 9 July 2019 schemes that are identified for development during the period of the NDP. The scheme is also contained in the NTA Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area. An N2 bypass of Slane is required to alleviate traffic congestion in the village and to reduce the potential for serious incidents due to the steep approaches to the very narrow Slane Bridge and the high commercial vehicle content in the traffic flow. Current Status The project is currently at route selection stage. This process is well advanced. Once the preferred route is identified, the scheme will be progressed through planning and design. A Business case will then be prepared for the approval of both my Department and the Depart- ment of Public Expenditure & Reform. In addition, statutory documentation will be prepared, including the environmental impact assessment. Meath County Council has confirmed that the scheme will be lodged with An Bord Pleanála in 2020, after adoption of the new County De- velopment Plan. TII has provided €1m to Meath County Council for planning work on the scheme this year. N2 Rath to Kilmoon scheme The proposed N2 Rath Roundabout to Kilmoon Cross scheme is among a number of major national road schemes identified in the NDP for progression through pre-appraisal and early planning. In this regard, Pre-Appraisal for the proposed scheme has been approved. This 6 km Dual Carriageway scheme will address existing operational and safety problems on the N2, which has an annual average daily traffic of around 16,000 vehicles per day and experiences considerable peak time congestion. Current Status TII has issued approval to Meath County Council to procure technical advisors to com- mence design of the scheme. These Tenders have been received and are currently being as- sessed. Once that contract is awarded, it typically takes three to five years from this point through Phases 1 to 4 of the Project Management Guidelines, to have a scheme ready to submit to An Bord Pleanála for planning approval. This year, TII has provided an allocation to Meath County Council of €250,000 to allow the scheme to progress to planning and design. Curragha Junction Traffic problems at Curragha are exacerbated by traffic trying to avoid the delays at Prima- testown and also traffic heading to Tayto Park. The Ashbourne Municipal District Engineer has been installing and maintaining signage at the junction as well as hedge-cutting. Meath County Council has also prepared a preliminary design to calm traffic and improve definition at the junction and safety on the approaches, -in cluding the R155 as it passes through the village of Curragh itself. 09/07/2019WRA01400Road Projects Status 09/07/2019WRA0150066. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the Bonagee link road project in County Donegal; when the project will commence; 3 Questions - Written Answers and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29429/19] 09/07/2019WRA01600Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Shane Ross): Firstly, I would like to explain that, as Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design, construction and development stages of individual road projects is a matter for (a) the relevant road authority (i.e. local authorities) in relation to local and regional roads, or (b) Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities con- cerned, in relation to national roads. Overview The National Development Plan (NDP) provides the strategic and financial framework for the national roads programme for the period from 2018 to 2027. In the ten years, over €11 bil- lion will be invested in the overall road network. The National Development Plan (NDP) identifies two categories of national road improve- ment project. The first covers projects to advance to construction, subject to the satisfactory outcome of project appraisal and development consent.